Aviation unions under the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have suspended their planned industrial action following what they described as encouraging progress in ongoing discussions for improved wages.
Earlier in the week, a coalition of unions had instructed all NAMA staff to withdraw services indefinitely beginning Monday, August 11, over unresolved concerns related to better remuneration.
However, in a new directive issued Friday, the unions announced a deferral of the strike, citing recent developments such as the release of a “no objection” letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission, as well as assurances from NAMA’s management regarding efforts to implement the new salary structure with August’s payroll.
The decision was conveyed in a joint statement signed by key union leaders, including AbdulRasaq Saidu, Secretary General of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and Odinaka Igbokwe, Deputy General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees.
Other signatories included Frances Akinjole, Principal Deputy General Secretary of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and Alo Lawrence, General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees.
According to the statement, the unions had previously been “compelled by unfavourable circumstances” to reinforce their earlier strike notice, setting Monday, August 11, 2025, as the commencement date.
They added, “Now, however, due to the hard work of NAMA’s management and the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and other senior ministry officials, we are pleased to report some positive developments on the matter.”
Specifically mentioned were the Budget Office’s recent correspondence clearing the path for salary adjustments and a formal communication from NAMA management expressing commitment to ensuring the new pay structure is implemented with August salaries.
“In view of this, and as a gesture of good faith, we have decided to put the planned strike on hold until the end of August 2025, pending further developments,” the statement said.
The unions also urged all NAMA staff to remain optimistic and vigilant as events continue to unfold.
