ASRTI condemns airport picketing
Lagos, Aug. 2026 (TBL Africa) The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) has condemned the ongoing industrial action by aviation labour unions, describing the picketing of airport terminals as disruptive.
In a statement on Tuesday, ASRTI President, Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju (rtd), criticised the unions’ actions in spite of government intervention efforts.
Onitiju said the initiative was “deeply appalled” by what it termed a selective strike action amid mediation by Aviation Minister, Mr Festus Keyamo.
He faulted the picketing of airport terminals over the non-remittance of Ticket Sales Charges and Cargo Sales Charges to the NCAA.
While recognising workers’ rights, Onitiju stressed that unions were entitled to advocate for members’ welfare through lawful and appropriate channels.
According to him, recovering debts owed to regulatory agencies and enforcing statutory penalties remain responsibilities of government institutions.
He argued that the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliates exceeded their mandate by disrupting airport operations over regulatory debt recovery issues.
“The rules of engagement and understanding of issues must drive how unions fight or advocate for a cause,” Onitiju stated.
He added that advocacy should not involve “coercion, intimidation, or disruption” capable of affecting critical national infrastructure and public services.
Citing the Civil Aviation Act and Trade Disputes Act, Onitiju maintained that essential aviation services should remain uninterrupted during disputes.
He said services linked to safe flight operations, passenger movement and cargo handling should not be subjected to strikes or blockades.
He noted that industrial action should not continue while disputes are undergoing mediation or before statutory dispute-resolution procedures are exhausted.
Onitiju warned that continued disruptions could have serious consequences for Nigeria’s aviation industry and public confidence.
He said passengers who paid for travel were being inconvenienced while the country’s aviation reputation risked significant damage.
“We unequivocally stand against picketing at airport terminals and their immediate environs,” he said.
ASRTI also criticised reported threats to picket airlines over outstanding Ticket Sales Charges and Cargo Sales Charges.
The initiative further opposed actions linked to allegations that some airlines prevented employees from participating in union activities.
It argued that internal corporate disputes and staff unionisation matters should be addressed through legal channels or company headquarters.
Onitiju specifically cited the alleged targeting of Air Peace, describing it as evidence of bias by a labour organisation.
He urged unions to immediately halt airport blockades and allow the ministerial mediation process to proceed unhindered.
The ASRTI president also called for regulatory debt recovery to be handled through established administrative and legal mechanisms.
Meanwhile, the industrial action has begun affecting airline operations across the domestic aviation sector.
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) announced a temporary suspension of operations because of the ongoing strike by labour unions.
The airline said the decision was necessary to protect passengers and crew amid disruptions affecting airport activities.
It stressed that safety would not be compromised in any attempt to maintain flight schedules during the industrial action.
“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your understanding,” the airline stated.
The carrier said it was monitoring developments closely and would resume operations once normal conditions were restored.
UNA added that affected passengers would receive revised flight schedules while customer service teams remained available for assistance.
The disruption has heightened concerns across the industry, with stakeholders urging dialogue and negotiated solutions to avoid further operational setbacks.
