THE Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has confirmed that a nationwide strike planned by aviation unions for today has been put on hold.
Keyamo announced the development yesterday via his official X account, attributing the breakthrough to the ministry’s intervention and his longstanding relationship with labour leaders.
The strike had been called by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE).
The unions were protesting delays in implementing a revised salary structure for staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).
In a joint statement dated August 8, 2025, the unions explained that they had initially directed members to begin an indefinite strike from 5 a.m. on August 11, citing stalled negotiations over improved pay.
The planned industrial action threatened to halt air navigation and traffic management services across Nigeria, grounding both domestic and international flights.
However, the unions said fresh progress had been made after discussions involving NAMA management, Keyamo, and other senior ministry officials.
Notably, the Budget Office issued a “no objection” letter to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission on August 7, clearing the way for the new remuneration to be implemented.
NAMA management also assured staff that it expected to pay the revised salaries alongside August wages.
“In light of these developments and to demonstrate good faith, we have decided to defer the strike until the end of August, pending the outcome of these commitments,” the unions said, urging NAMA staff to remain optimistic as the situation unfolds.
Keyamo reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to resolving outstanding labour issues in the aviation sector, stating that the process would continue “one by one” until all concerns were addressed.