The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has raised serious concerns about the potential collapse of Nigerian aviation agencies due to the ongoing 50% deduction of their Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs) by the Federal Government. The union highlighted that these deductions, which have intensified under the current administration since late 2023, are severely hindering the agencies’ ability to fulfill their safety-critical roles and meet staff remuneration obligations.
In a communiqué issued after their 2024 Post May Day Conference in Owerri, Imo State, NUATE’s leadership—Comrades Ben Nnabue and Ocheme Aba—emphasized that the deductions are disproportionately impacting the aviation sector, which operates on a cost-recovery basis rather than generating profits. The union warned that without exemption from these deductions, the collapse of these agencies is imminent.
NUATE also called for collaboration with other industry unions to lobby for the exemption of aviation agencies from the 50% revenue deduction. They argued that the agencies’ ability to ensure aviation safety and security is at risk due to the reduced financial resources available.
Additionally, the union urged the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to reconsider the closure of the NAHCO junction gate at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, suggesting its reopening as an exit gate to alleviate the strain on airport workers and businesses affected by the recent road reconfiguration.
The communiqué also addressed the need for better coordination between FAAN’s aviation security personnel and private security providers to reduce friction and improve the overall working environment. NUATE further called on aviation employers to implement the new National Minimum Wage Act promptly and prioritize the training and retraining of employees to maintain high safety and security standards in the industry.
