Several unions reportedly took to the streets in major cities to protest against the recently passed Aviation Act, 2022.

The General Secretary of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, FRANCES AKINJOLE, says the workers are kicking against an Essential Service clause in the Aviation Law which categorized aviation workers as essential service providers.

The provision means that the Minister of Aviation will have the legal powers to stop aviation unions from holding congresses, from organizing protests, as well as going on strike.

FRANCES AKINJOLE noted that the aviation workers had given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to reverse the law, failure of which to do so will trigger a full-blown strike action.

The aviation unions protesting the decision include the National Union of Air Transport Employees; the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria; the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals; the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, among others.

Meanwhile, flight operations at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano state, were suspended over a dispute between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA).

The crisis started last Friday when FAAN disconnected power supply to all NAMA staff accommodations due to non-payment of electricity bills.

This led to Air Traffic Controllers at the airport angrily suspending their operations which affected the landing and take-off of flights, with several passengers left stranded.