The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has responded to growing unrest within Nigeria’s aviation sector following a call to action by aviation workers’ unions, assuring them that the government is taking steps to ease their concerns.
The unions are protesting the Federal Government’s recent policy to deduct 50% of the internally generated revenue (IGR) from aviation agencies at the source.
In a press statement issued on Friday, Keyamo acknowledged the concerns raised by the unions, particularly regarding how these deductions may negatively impact investment, infrastructure maintenance, and overall operations within the sector. He emphasised that the Ministry is fully aware of the critical role played by the aviation workforce in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth functioning of the industry.
“We understand the significance of the issues raised and recognize the vital role that our aviation workforce plays in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth operation of the industry,” the Minister stated.
Keyamo then assured the workers and stakeholders that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is equally committed to improving the aviation sector and will carefully consider the demands presented by the unions. The aim, according to the Minister, is to find a solution that meets both the fiscal needs of the government and the operational requirements of the aviation agencies.
He said, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is very concerned about the improvement of the aviation sector and will give their demands due consideration with the goal of finding a lasting solution.”
In his statement, the Minister also appealed for calm and patience among workers, urging them to maintain industrial peace while the government works towards an amicable resolution.
He expressed the Ministry’s appreciation for their dedication and reassured them of the government’s commitment to ensuring a conducive work environment as he said, “We appeal to all workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the Government is working assiduously towards amicably resolving the matter.”
Ozioma Samuel-Ugwuezi
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