30 Years After, Nigeria Airways Staff Yet To Get Entitlements

The workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways are yet to be paid their full entitlement 30 years after liquidation, chairman, Joint Consultative and Negotiating Council (JCNC), Hector Nnadi has said.

Nnadi, who called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the lingering situation, noted that the significant contributions of aviation trade unions in shaping the landscape of the industry can not be overemphasised.
Speaking at the 11th edition of aviation workers week and award night, Nnadi said, “I would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our aviation workers, who strive day and night to ensure the safety, security, and efficiency of our aviation industry. Among these great veterans are the workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways, who gave their patriotic service to this nation but are still struggling to get their full entitlement after 30 years of liquidation. We are sending an SOS to Mr. President for his further intervention to conclude this over years challenge and become ‘Aviation Workers Hero’ the above is without prejudice to several efforts of the minister of aviation.

“As we gather today, we are reminded of the significant contributions of aviation trade unions in shaping the landscape of our industry. These unions have not only been at the forefront of advocating for the welfare of workers, but have also played a vital role in fostering collaboration and ensuring that the aviation sector continues to evolve in line with both national and global standards.”
Speaking on the theme of the event, “The Role of Aviation Trade Unions in Galvanising Workers’ Support for Attainment of Ministerial Mandates”, the JCNC chairman said “it highlights a crucial aspect of our industry: the powerful connections between trade unions, the workforce and the successful implementation of key governmental and ministerial policies.

“We recognise that the aviation industry is a dynamic sector. This implies that it directly impacts our economy, safety and national development. It is, therefore, vital that we foster collaboration and strengthen partnerships to ensure that the goals of our Ministry are achieved effectively and efficiently.”

He also said the event will critically explore ways of further enhancing this collaboration—”how we can strengthen the unity between trade unions and the ministry, and ultimately, how we can ensure that our workforce remains motivated, engaged, and aligned with the strategic objectives that will propel our sector to greater heights.”

Also speaking at the event, the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, represented by the permanent secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana pledged continued support of the trade unions in the aviation sector.