The Federal Government has urged aviation unions to postpone their planned protest against the deduction of 50% of the internal revenue of aviation agencies.
In a statement on Friday, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, reassured the unions and sector stakeholders that President Bola Tinubu is committed to improving the aviation sector.
Keyamo emphasized that the president is prepared to consider the unions’ demands carefully to achieve a solution that addresses both the government’s fiscal needs and the operational needs of the aviation agencies.
Keyamo said: “We appeal to all workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the Government works diligently to resolve the matter amicably.
The Ministry values their patience and understanding and is dedicated to ensuring a conducive work environment for all.”
The full press statement reads:
“Friday, 16th August 2024
Press Statement by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Regarding the Call to Action by Aviation Unions over the Deduction of 50% of the Internal Revenue of Aviation Agencies
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development acknowledges the call for protest by aviation sector workers’ unions concerning the Federal Government’s deduction of 50% of all internally generated revenue from aviation agencies.
The concerns about the impact of these deductions on investment, infrastructure maintenance, and overall agency operations have been noted.
The Ministry recognizes the importance of the issues raised and the crucial role of the aviation workforce in ensuring the sector’s safety and efficiency.
We are committed to addressing these challenges to ensure the sector’s sustainability and high standards of service delivery.
The Honourable Minister assures workers’ unions and stakeholders that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is deeply concerned about the sector’s improvement and will carefully consider their demands to find a lasting solution that balances the government’s fiscal needs with the operational requirements of the aviation agencies.
We urge all workers to remain calm and preserve industrial peace while the Government seeks an amicable resolution.
We appreciate their patience and remain dedicated to creating a supportive work environment.
Thank you,
Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK)
Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
Federal Republic of Nigeria”
