All flights to Owerri, Imo State, originating from airports across Nigeria, have been blacklisted by aviation industry unions. This drastic measure follows a joint directive issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in response to the recent brutalization of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Owerri, Imo State capital.
The joint statement issued by key aviation unions, including the National Union Of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers (NAAPE), confirms this decision.
The unions’ General-Secretaries, representing NUATE, ATSSSAN, ANAP, and NAAPE, have declared Governor Hope Uzodimma persona non grata in all airports, emphasizing their strong stance against the government’s actions.
According to the statement, the unions have directed all aviation workers, both public and private, to cease all services related to Owerri flights (both arrivals and departures) from any airport in Nigeria, effective from midnight on 8th November 2023. Additionally, Governor Hope Uzodinma has been barred from all airports in Nigeria until he addresses the concerns raised by the unions.
The unions have further emphasized their determination to take international action, intending to blacklist Governor Hope Uzodinma on a global scale. In response to this directive, aviation workers at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, have been instructed to stay at home, starting from midnight on the same day.
To coordinate their efforts, State Councils and union branches are scheduled to convene meetings in Lagos and Abuja at 5 pm on the same day. During these meetings, modalities for implementing the directive will be discussed and established. The strike action, as indicated, is of an indefinite nature and will continue until further directives are issued by the NLC and TUC.
The airports’ managements, airlines operating into and out of Owerri, intending passengers, and the general public have been duly advised to take note of this situation and plan their travels accordingly. The unions’ resolute action underscores their commitment to addressing the issues at hand and ensuring the welfare and rights of workers in the aviation industry.
IMAGE: Platform Times
