The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said the government is committed to tackling the financial difficulties faced by Nigerian airlines, stating on Wednesday that these challenges cannot be ignored.
Keyamo highlighted that financial constraints are impacting airlines’ operational budgets, hiring capacity, and salary structures, requiring both practical policies and union collaboration.
Speaking at the National Executive Council event of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers in Abuja, Keyamo represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Emmanuel Meribole, in his statement, called for a cooperative approach between unions and management.
“He encouraged initiatives like flexible work setups and cost-saving measures to preserve jobs and enhance sector stability.”
Keyamo highlighted the ministry’s continued efforts to create an enabling environment for investment, infrastructure growth and workforce training, including improving airports, upgrading navigation systems and simplifying regulations for airline operators.
Keyamo praised NAAPE members and urged unions to prioritise safety and maintain strong communication with authorities in order to maintain the aviation industry’s top safety standards.
He said, “By working closely with regulatory authorities, unions can advocate for the maintenance of aircraft and the highest safety standards, regardless of economic conditions. Safety is a non-negotiable element of the aviation industry, and it must always be at the forefront of our operations.”
Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Captain Chris Najomo, represented by the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said: “I commend you for the awesome jobs you have done for your members. I assure you that, under Najomo’s watch, the NCAA is experiencing a whole new trajectory.
“The level of his collaboration with the unions has been exemplary. I assure you reiterated this attitude and emphasised the NCAA’s commitment to collaborating with unions. We know the value of what you do. The management is with you all the time. Do not lose your aluta spirit or sell your members out.”
NAAPE President Galadima Abednego emphasised the importance of social communication in fostering synergy and increasing efficiency between management and employees.
Galadima stated, “Social dialogue should be topmost in the list of management and employees. It is very good because it provides opportunities and creates an avenue to resolve issues in a roundtable manner. Productivity is increased, there is synergy, and profit is maximised when there is social dialogue.”
