Keyamo Assures Aviation Unions Of Inclusion In Discussions, Workers Rights in Airport Concession
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has assured unions in the aviation industry that they would be actively involved in discussions concerning the concession of airports in the country and that the process would be transparent.
A statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Tunde Moshood and Aerospace Development, quoted the minister to have reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the Nigerian aviation sector through strategic policies that prioritise local economic growth, workers’ rights, and infrastructural development when he spoke at the Aviation Stakeholders’ Forum yesterday in Lagos.
The minister directed the NCAA to open discussions with airlines to allow union members to exercise their rights within the workplace.
He assured union representatives that they would be actively involved in discussions concerning the concession of airports, emphasising on transparency in the process.
Keyamo promised to instruct his Special Assistant on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to engage union leaders and keep them updated on the concession plans.
He also disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finalised plans for the reconstruction of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, alongside potential concessions for some smaller airports to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery.
The Stakeholders’ Forum provided an opportunity for open dialogue between the government, aviation agencies, and industry players, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to collaborative decision-making for a more sustainable and competitive aviation sector.
The Minister, during the engagement addressed issues of concerns raised by unions in the aviation industry who complained that airlines were giving unions access to reach workers in airlines, thereby restricting union activities within their organisations.
The event was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Abubakar Kana and heads of aviation agencies, including , Director-General, NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, Managing Director/CEO, FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Director General NiMET, Prof. Charles Anosike, Managing Director, NAMA, Engr. Farouk Umar(represented by Mr. John Tayo, Director of Air Travel Services), Registrar, African Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU), Mustapha Sheik Abdullahi, as well as Directors across aviation agencies.
