TUC Supports Aviation Strike, Calls For Action On Insecurity, Economy And Workers’ Rights

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has backed the ongoing industrial action by aviation workers, saying employees should be free to join trade unions without facing intimidation or victimisation from their employers.

The TUC President, Festus Osifo, made the position known on Tuesday during a briefing on the state of the nation in Abuja, where he also addressed concerns surrounding insecurity, the economy, policing, the energy sector and workers’ welfare.

TUC Backs Aviation Workers’ Strike

Osifo said the Congress fully supports the aviation workers’ industrial action, which disrupted flight operations at major airports in Lagos and Abuja.

He maintained that workers have a legal right to organise and belong to trade unions, warning employers against taking punitive measures against employees who exercise that right.

The TUC president said the Congress would resist any attempt to victimise workers because of their union membership or participation in legitimate labour activities.

The industrial action involves the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the TUC.

The unions are protesting issues surrounding the unionisation of workers in domestic airlines and the remittance of statutory charges to the aviation regulator.

The action resulted in the disruption of several scheduled flights, leaving passengers stranded at airports in Lagos and Abuja.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appealed to the aviation unions to suspend the industrial action and allow room for further discussions.

The authority asked the unions to exercise restraint pending “the return” of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who has been working to resolve the disagreements between the unions and airline operators.

The NCAA had also assured passengers that the industrial action had not compromised aviation safety and that its statutory safety oversight responsibilities remained in place.

Beyond the aviation dispute, the TUC called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

The Congress said improved security was necessary to enable farmers to safely return to their farms and help address challenges affecting food production and supply.

According to the labour body, insecurity continues to have serious consequences for both livelihoods and the wider economy.

The TUC also renewed its call for the establishment of state police.

Osifo urged the National Assembly to accelerate consideration of the relevant legislation, arguing that the country needs stronger and more effective policing structures to address its security challenges.

The Congress also advocated greater use of technology as part of efforts to combat insecurity and improve policing across Nigeria.

On the economy, the TUC said there were some indications of stabilisation at the microeconomic level but expressed continued concern about broader macroeconomic conditions.

Osifo also argued that the naira remained undervalued and said this continued to have implications for the cost of living.

The Congress called for sustained government action to ease economic hardship and improve the welfare of Nigerian workers.

The labour organisation also spoke against the outright sale of government-owned refineries.

Rather than disposing of the facilities, the TUC advocated retaining government equity and ensuring that the refineries are properly managed.

The position comes amid continuing debate over the management, rehabilitation and ownership of Nigeria’s government-owned refining assets.

The TUC also raised concerns about the remittance of the five per cent charge and issues affecting workers’ welfare.

At the same time, the Congress commended the Federal Government for the recent salary increase approved for military personnel.

The labour body said it would continue discussions with the government until concrete steps are taken to address economic hardship, insecurity and concerns affecting workers.

The aviation dispute remains unresolved, with the unions maintaining their position while the NCAA continues to call for restraint and dialogue.

For the TUC, however, the aviation strike is part of a wider concern about workers’ rights, particularly the freedom of employees to unionise without fear of retaliation.

The Congress said it would continue engaging the Federal Government on the broader economic and security challenges while pressing for measures that improve workers’ welfare and living conditions.