Aviation Unions’ Planned September 18 Protest: Ministry Schedules Meeting For September 17

In response to the planned protest for September 18, 2024 by aviation workers’ unions against the deduction of 50% of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) at source from aviation agencies by government, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN) has  scheduled a meeting with leadership of the unions for September 17, 2024.

A statement signed by the Minister “acknowledges the concerns raised by the unions within the aviation sector regarding the deduction of 50% of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) at source by the Government” stating that the Minister “wants to assure all stakeholders that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is looking into the concerns raised. We understand the strain this has placed on the sector’s ability to address critical safety and operational needs, and we take these concerns very seriously.

We wish to assure the unions and all stakeholders that the Minister of Aviation and His Excellency, Mr. President, are fully aware of the situation and are working diligently to find a resolution. The Government is committed to ensuring that the aviation sector continues to operate efficiently and safely.”

“This meeting will provide a platform to openly discuss the issues at hand and allow His Excellency, Mr. President, sufficient time to intervene and address the unions’ concerns comprehensively. In light of this, we appeal to the unions to reconsider their planned peaceful protest on September 18, 2024, and allow for dialogue to take place. We believe that through constructive engagement, a mutually beneficial solution can be reached, ensuring the safety and sustainability of the aviation sector.We thank the unions for their patience and understanding and assure them that their voices are being heard and their concerns are being addressed,” the statement reads.