UPDATED: NCAA begs aviation unions to suspend strike

The Director-General, NCAA, Chris Najomo. Photo: NCAA

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has appealed to aviation unions to suspend their ongoing industrial action, saying a peace meeting called by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, could not be held after airline operators failed to attend.

The appeal came as the labour action continued to disrupt flight operations and leave passengers and other travellers bearing the brunt of the lingering dispute.

In a statement signed by the Director-General, NCAA, Chris Najomo, on Tuesday, the NCAA acknowledged the impact of the industrial action, saying it was “aware of the ongoing industrial action by aviation unions and its impact on passengers and other stakeholders.”

The NCAA boss, however, appealed to unions to, “sheathe their swords and exercise restraint” pending the return of Keyamo, who, according to the NCAA, has been actively working to resolve the dispute.

The aviation regulator said there had been an opportunity to address the grievances at a meeting convened by the minister last week, but the effort collapsed when airline operators failed to honour the invitation.

“The matter would have been addressed at the meeting convened by the Honourable Minister last week, but the meeting could not be held as the airline operators failed to honour the invitation,” the NCAA said.

The unions had shut down operations of the largest airline in Nigeria, Air Peace, as part of efforts to drive home their demands, worsening disruptions for passengers who had already been caught in the crisis between labour and airline operators.

While passengers have remained either on their feet or on seats at the airport, the NCAA appealed to all sides to return to the negotiating table.

Najomo said, “We appeal to all parties to embrace dialogue and cooperation. We are confident that the matter will be resolved shortly and normal flight operations will resume as soon as practicable.”

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The authority also sought to reassure passengers that the industrial action had not compromised aviation safety, saying it remained fully committed to its regulatory responsibilities.

He added, “The NCAA assures the travelling public that flight safety remains uncompromised, and that the Authority continues to exercise its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.

“The NCAA, however, regrets the inconvenience caused to passengers and appreciates their patience and understanding.”

Reacting, Air Peace, in a statement on Tuesday, described the disruption as temporary, apologising to passengers whose travel plans have been disrupted.

The airline assured passengers of a timely update as events unfold.

The statement partly reads,” Air Peace sincerely apologises to all affected and stranded passengers for the disruption and inconvenience caused by circumstances beyond the airline’s control.

“Passengers scheduled to travel later today are being contacted and provided with relevant updates as the situation evolves.

“Air Peace continues to closely monitor developments and will provide further updates as necessary. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers as we navigate this situation.”