By Chidi Ugwu
The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has addressed the planned protest by aviation sector unions set for September 18, 2024, urging the unions to reconsider their protest, advocating for constructive engagement to reach a mutually beneficial resolution.
The unions are protesting the government’s decision to deduct 50% of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from aviation agencies, which they argue hampers their ability to meet safety and operational needs.
In a press statement, Keyamo acknowledged the unions’ concerns and assured stakeholders that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is actively considering the issues raised.
He emphasized the government’s commitment to maintaining an efficient and safe aviation sector.
To facilitate dialogue, a meeting has been scheduled for September 17, 2024, between the ministry and union leaders.
Keyamo urged the unions to reconsider their protest, advocating for constructive engagement to reach a mutually beneficial resolution.
The unions have expressed that the revenue cuts have severely impacted their operations, prompting their call for the reversal of the deduction policy.
The minister thanked the unions for their patience and reiterated that their voices are being heard.
“The attention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, FCIArb(UK), has been drawn to the notice of a planned protest by the Aviation workers’ union scheduled for the 18th of September, 2024.
“While he acknowledges the concerns raised by the unions within the aviation sector regarding the deduction of 50% of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) at source by the Government, he wants to assure all stakeholders that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is looking into the concerns raised. We understand the strain this has placed on the sector’s ability to address critical safety and operational needs, and we take these concerns very seriously.
“We wish to assure the unions and all stakeholders that, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and His Excellency, Mr. President, are fully aware of the situation and are working diligently to find a resolution. The Government is committed to ensuring that the aviation sector continues to operate efficiently and safely.
“In response to the concerns, the Ministry has scheduled a meeting with the leadership of the unions on September 17, 2024. This meeting will provide a platform to openly discuss the issues at hand and allow His Excellency, Mr. President, sufficient time to intervene and address the unions’ concerns comprehensively.
“In light of this, we appeal to the unions to reconsider their planned peaceful protest on September 18, 2024, and allow for dialogue to take place. We believe that through constructive engagement, a mutually beneficial solution can be reached, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the aviation sector.
“We thank the unions for their patience and understanding and assure them that their voices are being heard and their concerns are being addressed” reads the statement in part.
