Proposed strike by aviation unions suspended, says Keyamo

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced the suspension of a nationwide strike earlier scheduled by aviation unions to begin on Monday, August 11, 2025.

Keyamo, in a statement via his official X account on Sunday, said the action was shelved following successful negotiations.

“After our intervention, the planned strike by the Aviation Unions due to commence tomorrow has been shelved,” he wrote, adding that his longstanding ties with labour leaders contributed to the breakthrough.

The striking unions — the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE) — had issued a directive for an indefinite withdrawal of services, citing delays in implementing a revised salary structure.

The planned strike, which would have grounded air navigation and traffic management nationwide, stemmed from growing frustration over stalled wage adjustments despite rising operational costs.

In a joint statement dated August 8, 2025, the unions said the decision to suspend the action was based on “positive developments” after discussions with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), the minister, and other senior officials.

They highlighted the release of a “no objection” letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission, and assurances from NAMA management that new wages would be paid alongside August salaries.

“Based on the above, and in order to demonstrate good faith, our unions have taken the decision to defer the strike action scheduled to commence on Monday, August 11, 2025, pending the state of affairs at the end of August 2025,” the statement read.

The unions urged NAMA staff to remain optimistic as discussions continue to resolve the matter permanently.