Senate chides aviation unions’ incessant pickering of airports

The Senate has frowned at the incessant industrial actions by aviation unions that most times paralyzes flight activities at the airports leading to huge economic losses. 

Senator Abiodun Olujimi, the Chairperson, Senate Committee on Aviation, stated this on Monday at the annual Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) National Aviation Conference held in Abuja.

The 3-Day conference had the theme, “Sustainability of the Aviation Industry in Nigeria.”

She also said the airlines operating in Nigeria are charging exhortant fares.

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“I think this is an opportunity for them to be able to address that because the industry will suffer if there is this astronomical increase in air fares. Yes, there are reasons why the air fares go up, but there is also a need for us to have a balance for many people to embrace the aviation industry and that is key to the development of the sector” she stated

Speaking to the constant strike actions she said: “Picketing is what I find very unnerving in all of this, because there should be a way whereby the NLC and workers associations can settle all their grievances without bringing it to the fore. And most of the issues that were put on the front burner were already settled and sealed by the various agencies.”

“There was no reason to stop the aviation industry to put them in a very bad stand with their counterparts abroad by ensuring that people did the work of flight didn’t take off. I think the time is right for the NLC and the work unions to know that there are certain industries where picketing cannot be allowed and aviation is one” she stated. 

While welcoming participants, the Managing Director, FAAN, Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu, said the conference is an opportunity to proffer solutions in the aviation industry.

“This conference would continue to serve as an open market, or meeting point for the private sector to tap into a world of opportunities to invest and generate incredible returns on their investments.”