Aviation Workers Suspend Planned Strike Amid Progress in Pay Negotiations

Aviation unions under the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have suspended their planned strike action following what they described as “positive developments” in ongoing negotiations for improved remuneration.

The strike, initially scheduled to begin on Monday, August 11, was called off after key stakeholders, including the Budget Office and the Ministry of Aviation, took steps to address the workers’ demands.

In a joint statement released on Friday, union leaders cited recent advancements, including the issuance of a “no objection” letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission, and assurances from NAMA management that efforts are underway to begin payment of the new remuneration package with August salaries.

“Yesterday, we were compelled by unfavourable circumstances surrounding our quest for improved remunerations to reinforce our earlier notice of withdrawal of services to the effect of issuing clear directive to commence the action on Monday 11th August, 2025,” the statement read.

“Now, however, due to the hard work of the management of NAMA and the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and other senior officials of the ministry, we are happy to report that there have been some positive developments around the issue.”

Union leaders acknowledged two key actions: the release of the “no objection” letter on August 7, and NAMA’s internal communication to staff indicating its commitment to ensuring that the new salary structure is implemented with the August payroll.

“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 11th August, 2025, pending the state of affairs on the subject matter at the end of August, 2025,” the statement concluded.

The joint statement was signed by AbdulRasaq Saidu, Secretary General of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals; Odinaka Igbokwe, Deputy General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees; Frances Akinjole, Principal Deputy General Secretary of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria; and Alo Lawrence, General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees.

The unions urged all NAMA staff to remain hopeful and monitor the situation closely as it progresses toward the end of the month.