June 3, (THEWILL)- Air passengers were left stranded at Abuja and Lagos airports in the early hours of Monday, following the industrial action declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), over the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
Four major aviation unions — the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), on Sunday, directed their members to join the strike after the meeting the leadership of the NLC and NUC had with the National Assembly to reach a resolution ended in a deadlock.
In compliance with the directive from NLC and TUC at the centre, the unions embarked on the planned strike, making frantic efforts to ensure that no flight took off or arrived at both Lagos and Abuja airports.
At the General Aviation Terminal otherwise known as Murtala Muhammed Airport 1, the union members were seen disrupting any form of business activity. The entrance gate was locked, making it impossible for those who had come to catch their early morning flights to travel.
The unions also blocked the arrival area of the GAT by setting up a canopy right inside the terminal. This is just as they continue to sing solidarity songs while they dance.
The situation is same at Murtala Muhammed Airport 2, where the union members also blocked the entrance to the terminal. Consequently, those who had earlier booked their flights for Monday morning could not travel. In fact, many passengers were forced to return to their various homes as they could not travel.
A traveller, Mrs Beatrice Ukem, told THEWILL that she was to travel to Abuja this morning and that she came to the airport as early as 7:00 am but has been stopped from travelling.
She said, “I have a very important thing to do in Abuja this morning and here I am. I came to catch my flight as early as 7:00am but see what is happening now”.
Another passenger, John Aderogba, said: “As I speak, I am supposed to be in Abuja for an urgent appointment but just look at, everyone is standing outside the terminal building and no one is being allowed to enter. I do not know their reason but they should not make us suffer for what we don’t know about.
There are indications, however, that the strike action may escalate to the International Terminals by tomorrow if the issues at hand are not settled.
One of the domestic airlines, Ibom Air, had already addressed its numerous passengers, urging them to bear with the airline until the strike is called off.
The airline in a circular made available to THEWILL stated “Ibom Air regrets to inform our esteemed passengers that, due to the ongoing nationwide labor strike, we are unable to dispatch any of our scheduled flights to your various destinations.
“The safety and well-being of our passengers and staff remain our highest priority. Consequently, our flight operations have been suspended until further notice. We regret the inconvenience we know this situation has caused and sincerely apologise.
“Please be assured that we are fully committed to resuming normal operations once the strike is called off.
“For the latest updates on flight status and further information, please visit our website, monitor our social media channels, or contact our customer service team. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period”, the airline stated.
Stranded Passengers in front of GAT at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on Monday
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