Unions Demand Worker Protections in Airport Concession

Unions representing aviation workers are pushing for the protection of employee rights during the ongoing airport concession program in Nigeria. They seek significant improvements in airport infrastructure through private sector investment while ensuring that workers' welfare is not neglected.

The protests, particularly at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, were sparked by concerns over the concession agreement with Aero Alliance, which lacked explicit clauses regarding future worker welfare. The Nigerian Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) expressed dissatisfaction with the federal government's handling of labor relations, stating that issues were not adequately addressed before the concession agreement was signed.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, emphasized a transparent approach to the concession process, assuring that no jobs would be lost and that workers' rights would be preserved. A meeting is scheduled to address concerns raised by the unions, with the next steps in the concession process to be discussed.