Nigerian airports shut down as aviation unions join nationwide strike over minimum wage dispute, grounding all flight activities indefinitely.
Nigeria’s airports are at a standstill due to a nationwide strike, with all flights halted and terminals locked down. Passengers, staff, and workers are trapped inside Lagos’ airport terminals, unable to enter or exit, while protesters play loud music and block access with canopies and closed gates.
Union members are demonstrating their discontent through music and song, dancing and singing solidarity anthems in protest of the Federal government’s refusal to meet their minimum wage demands, expressing their unity and frustration through joyful yet defiant expressions.
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) have instructed members to continue servicing international flights until Tuesday, then join the strike.
Aviation offices are shuttered, and security personnel, primarily police officers, are deployed to maintain order and prevent any potential disturbances in the area.
The strike’s impact on international flights will be delayed until Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, as many flights are already en route to Nigeria. As stated, “Being not oblivious of the fact that many international flights to Nigeria are already airborne, the strike action will commence at international terminals on Tuesday 4th of June, 2024”.
Related News: From Mushin To Bermingham: Daniel Akintola Makes African History In U.K
Meanwhile, domestic airlines are notifying passengers of the situation and advising them to monitor their social media accounts for updates on when normal flight operations will resume.
