The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), alongside other major aviation unions, has escalated its dispute with the Nigerian government by issuing a notice of complete withdrawal of services, effective Monday, August 11, 2025, at 05:00 hours.
This decision threatens to ground air travel and disrupt economic activities across Nigeria, as all airport workers under the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) are directed to halt operations.
The unions, including the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), issued a joint seven-day ultimatum on July 31, 2025, to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The ultimatum, set to expire today, August 7, demanded the implementation of a revised salary structure for NAMA workers, which was agreed upon over eight months ago but remains unimplemented.
In a letter signed by the general secretaries of the unions, they expressed frustration over the government’s failure to act despite repeated appeals and official communications.
“Recognizing that notice of ultimatum has already been issued and served by our branches, which our national unions have adopted, a seven-day notice of withdrawal of services from Thursday, the 31st of July, 2025, is hereby issued,” the letter stated.
The unions warned that failure to resolve the issue by the deadline would lead to a nationwide cessation of services, a move that could paralyze Nigeria’s aviation sector.
