Earlier in the week, the coalition of aviation unions had directed all NAMA staff to withdraw services indefinitely from Monday, August 11, over unresolved demands for better pay and conditions. The move threatened to ground flight operations nationwide.
However, in a joint statement issued on Friday, union leaders said the industrial action would be deferred in light of new developments. These include the release of a “no objection” letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission, paving the way for the approval of revised pay structures, and written assurances from NAMA management that the new remuneration would be implemented alongside August salaries.
The statement, signed by AbdulRasaq Saidu (Secretary General, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals), Odinaka Igbokwe (Deputy General Secretary, National Union of Air Transport Employees), Frances Akinjole (Principal Deputy General Secretary, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria), and Alo Lawrence (General Secretary, Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees), credited both the agency’s management and the Minister of Aviation for their interventions.
“Due to the hard work of NAMA’s management and the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and other senior officials, we are happy to report positive developments,” the unions stated. “In good faith, we have decided to defer the strike action scheduled to commence on Monday 11th August, 2025, pending the state of affairs at the end of August.”
While urging NAMA staff to remain patient and united, the unions emphasised that the suspension was conditional and dependent on the timely implementation of the promised pay adjustments. The situation will be reviewed at the close of August to determine the next course of action.