FG Appeals to Aviation Unions to Prioritise Dialogue Over Strike Action

The Federal Government has called on aviation unions to embrace dialogue and refrain from strike actions in the resolution of disputes, warning that such disruptions hinder economic growth and development in the sector.

Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the 12th Aviation Workers Week organised by the Joint Consultative and Negotiating Council (JCNC), the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Yakubu Kofarmata, urged workers to adopt consultation, cooperation, and collaboration as essential tools for achieving progress.

“Please, I want us to know that the question or thought of even going on strike in this sector should not exist. We should not even think about it. Thinking about it is devilish. It’s evil,” Kofarmata stated.

He reminded workers that the aviation industry serves millions of Nigerians, including families, colleagues, and communities, and that industrial action would send a negative signal about safety and reliability.

“Our parents, ourselves, our children, brothers, neighbours, friends, they all use this sector. So if we go on strike, what message are we sending? That they are not safe?” he queried.

The permanent secretary also emphasised that staff welfare must remain a top priority for leadership at all levels, asserting that no administrator could succeed without prioritising the well-being of workers.

“The welfare of the workers is what makes us what we are. If you are a minister or a permanent secretary and you think you are the only human being, you’d better think twice,” he added.

Kofarmata further cautioned against internal discord, describing civil servants as their own worst enemies when they engage in counterproductive practices such as writing petitions against one another.

“The greatest enemy of civil servants is the civil servants themselves. Civil servants are fond of writing petitions against themselves. In any relationship, office or personal, the three C’s should apply: consultation, cooperation, and collaboration. War doesn’t solve any problem. Why do we need to destroy it?” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the JCNC, Comrade Hector Nnadi, called for job security and the protection of workers’ interests, particularly as the government proceeds with the concessioning of some airports.

Nnadi stressed the need for strengthened collaboration between labour unions and the ministry to safeguard workers’ rights while maintaining the sector’s appeal to both current and prospective investors.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), and called for continued partnership to ensure that industrial harmony and investor confidence are sustained.