FRI AUG 14 2026-theGBJournal| Nigeria’s aviation minister has convened an emergency meeting with unions and airline operators after industrial action disrupted flights, reaching a series of measures aimed at easing tensions and preventing further disruption in the sector.
The meeting, held on Thursday, followed the temporary suspension of industrial action by aviation unions on Tuesday after the walkout disrupted air travel and raised concerns over escalating tensions between workers and airlines.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development said Minister Festus Keyamo chaired the meeting with the Aviation Sector Unions and Airline Operators of Nigeria to resolve outstanding issues and promote stability in the industry.
Under the agreement, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other aviation agencies will obtain payment schedules from airlines for outstanding obligations, taking into account their operating costs and prevailing economic conditions.
Finance and accounts directors of aviation agencies will also meet individual airlines within a week to agree on realistic repayment plans.
The ministry said Keyamo recognised workers’ right to choose whether or not to belong to a union, and directed the NCAA to ensure unions have direct access to workers of all airlines to distribute forms allowing employees to indicate whether they wish to unionise.
Airlines that prevent such access will face sanctions from the NCAA, the statement said.
The parties agreed to reconvene after one month to review progress and assess the situation.
The agreement comes after the unions’ industrial action caused flight disruptions on Tuesday, adding to concerns about the impact of labour disputes on Nigeria’s already strained aviation industry.
The ministry said the resolutions were collectively agreed by all parties and reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient and sustainable aviation sector.
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