The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), has called on aviation unions to prioritize constructive dialogue and problem-solving in addressing sectoral challenges, commending the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) for its role in advancing professional standards.
Keyamo emphasised that effective unionism could serve as a stabilizing force, particularly in a struggling economy, as he addressed the National Administrative Council (NAC)/National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of NAAPE, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
Represented by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Keyamo highlighted the importance of unions like NAAPE pursuing professional development, fostering safety standards, and engaging positively with regulatory bodies, airline operators, and government agencies.
“The Ministry of Aviation recognises the critical role of this sector and remains steadfast in its commitment to address the challenges that impact its growth and sustainability,” he noted, adding that training initiatives meeting global standards will be supported.
Underscoring the safety mandate for pilots and engineers, Keyamo noted, “Safety is a non-negotiable element of the aviation industry, and it must always be at the forefront of our operations.
By working closely with regulatory authorities, unions can advocate for aircraft maintenance and the highest safety standards, regardless of economic conditions.”
Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by airlines, Keyamo encouraged unions to adopt a pragmatic approach, proposing that unions and management collaborate on innovative solutions to mitigate job losses and sustain business operations.
“By working together to find innovative solutions, such as flexible work arrangements, cost-saving initiatives, and shared revenue incentives unions can help prevent layoffs and business closures,” he said, urging unions to view challenges as opportunities for collaboration.
Keyamo also shared the ministry’s ongoing efforts to foster an enabling environment for investment and growth within the aviation sector.
Plans include enhancing airport infrastructure, improving navigation systems, and streamlining regulatory processes to support airline operations.
The event’s theme, “The Imperative of Unionism in a Struggling Economy,” provided a platform for key industry players to discuss the sector’s current challenges and explore solutions. Capt. Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), also addressed the meeting.
Represented by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Najomo reiterated the importance of union involvement for balanced industrial relations, commending NAAPE’s commitment to representing its members. “If absolute powers were given to employers, we would be in chaos by now,” Najomo said, affirming NCAA’s solidarity with unions.
NAAPE President, Comrade Galadima Abednego, welcomed attendees with a message encouraging open management-worker communication.
He stressed that the current economic challenges are global, marked by inflation and job insecurity, and emphasized that “social dialogue should be topmost in the list of management and employees… Productivity is increased, there is synergy, and profit is maximized when there is social dialogue.”
He also identified industry challenges such as the high cost of aviation fuel and the impact of climate change, including desert encroachment, which require strategic focus and collaborative problem-solving.
The event was well attended by representatives from key aviation associations, including the Nigeria Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), led by Mr. Abayomi Agoro; the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), represented by Adedayo Alele; and the Nigerian Aviation Fire and Safety Association (NAFSA), represented by Sunday Ugbeikwu, among others.
The gathering underscored the shared commitment across unions and management to safeguard the future of the aviation sector and navigate the complexities of a challenging economic landscape.
