Global Rating: International Workers’ Federation Congratulates Nigeria As Keyamo Honours NUATE In Morocco

The International Transport Workers’ Federation has congratulated Nigeria for its impressive achievement in the aviation sector. The ITF General Secretary made this known in an official email to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) at the closing session of the 46th ITF Congress.

ITF congratulates Nigeria on its recent attainment of a global compliance score of 75.5% under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Cape Town Convention. According to the message, the international Transport Workers’ forum lauded Nigeria’s efforts and underscored the significance of this milestone for the country’s aviation industry and its regional influence. “We congratulate Nigeria for attaining a 75.5% compliance score under the International Civil Aviation Organization-ICAO Convention. This achievement offers Nigeria the platform to further develop a robust regional aviation industry based on the principles of decent work, economic development, and environmental sustainability.”

The forum also acknowledged the leadership and hard work of the Nigerian government, particularly commending the Minister.

“We thank the Nigerian government and Honourable Minister Festus Keyamo for his unwavering commitment to driving this progress. We were honoured by his presence at the 46th ITF Congress and look forward to continued collaboration in advancing aviation standards globally,” he added.

In a remarkable display of solidarity and support for Nigerian aviation and transport sector unions, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) was in  Marrakesh, Morocco, for the 2024 International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) Congress. His attendance as a special guest highlights the Federal Government’s recognition of the essential role transport workers play in stabilizing the aviation sector and the economy as a whole.

The ITF Congress, which is one of the largest global gatherings of transport unions, brings together representatives from over 150 countries to discuss key issues, share best practices, and formulate strategies to advance workers’ rights across various transport sectors. The Congress is a prominent global gathering of transportation workers and stakeholders, addressing critical issues facing the transport industry worldwide. Nigeria’s high compliance score under the Cape Town Convention is a testament to the country’s growing prominence and commitment to international aviation standards.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the foremost and largest industrial union in Nigeria’s aviation sector, was prominently represented at the event, alongside other transport unions from Nigeria.

Speaking on his participation at the Congress, the Minister lauded the unwavering commitment of aviation workers, recognizing their invaluable contributions to the continuous growth, safety, and stability of the sector in Nigeria.

“The success of our aviation industry is deeply rooted in the dedication and resilience of our workers. It is imperative that we support and engage with them as partners in our mission to drive the sector forward. My presence here in Marrakesh is a testament to that commitment,” said Keyamo.

A statement signed by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development says the Minister’s presence at the ITF Congress also signifies the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to foster stronger collaborations between industry stakeholders, unions, and the government in addressing key challenges, such as workers’ welfare, infrastructural development, and policy reforms that benefit the transport sector.

In addition to supporting NUATE and other transport unions, the Minister used the opportunity to engage with global leaders and experts in the transport and aviation sectors, sharing Nigeria’s vision for a more sustainable and innovative aviation ecosystem. He reiterated the Ministry’s resolve to improve workers’ conditions, streamline operations, and ensure the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry aligns with international standards.