Aviation Minister Convenes Emergency Meeting to Address Industrial Challenges

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, has convened an emergency meeting with key stakeholders in the aviation sector as efforts intensify to resolve ongoing industrial challenges and promote harmony within the industry.

The meeting followed previous engagements between the Ministry, aviation sector unions and airline operators over the temporary suspension of industrial action by the unions on Tuesday, 11 August 2026.

According to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, the meeting was convened to address the issues at the centre of the dispute and foster greater understanding, cooperation and progress within Nigeria's aviation sector.

Following what the Ministry described as extensive and fruitful deliberations, the stakeholders reached several resolutions.

Payment plans for airlines

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the heads of other aviation agencies are to obtain payment schedules from airlines, with the payments to be spread over a reasonable timeframe.

The payment arrangements are expected to take into consideration airlines' operating costs and prevailing economic realities.

In addition, the Directors of Finance and Accounts of all aviation agencies are to meet individually with airlines to agree on realistic repayment plans within one week.

Unions to have direct access to airline workers

The Minister also reaffirmed workers' right to choose whether or not to belong to a union.

As part of the resolution, the NCAA is expected to ensure that aviation unions have direct access to workers across all airlines to distribute membership forms, allowing workers to independently indicate whether they wish to unionise.

The statement said any airline that prevents such direct interaction would face sanctions from the NCAA.

Review meeting in one month

The stakeholders further agreed to reconvene after one month to assess progress and review the state of the situation.

The Ministry said the resolutions reached at the meeting represent the collective decisions of all parties involved.

Government reiterates commitment to aviation sector

The Minister assured aviation stakeholders of the government's commitment to maintaining a safe and viable aviation sector.

He also reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to maintaining a safe, efficient, peaceful and sustainable aviation industry.

The latest resolutions come as the Nigerian aviation industry seeks to resolve the issues that triggered industrial action while minimising further disruption to passengers and aviation operations.