LAGOS:The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called on industry unions to embrace dialogue and seek peaceful resolution with the Federal Government over the planned concession of some key airports in the country.

The unions, however, have continued to express strong opposition to the government’s proposal, raising concerns over the potential implications for workers’ jobs and the management of the airports.

The unions involved include the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE).

These unions have raised doubts about the government’s plan, particularly following assurances from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who promised that no jobs would be lost during the concession process

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Despite these assurances, the unions have remained unconvinced, arguing that they have not been adequately consulted throughout the process.

Last week, during their congress at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, the unions made their discontent clear. They criticized the concession documents issued by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, which, according to the unions, excluded their representatives an action that contradicted earlier agreements.

As a result, the unions issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding a reversal of the concession plan.

In response to these concerns, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, issued a statement addressing the unions’ grievances.

The statement acknowledged that the unions had raised significant concerns during their congress, including the exclusion of their members from the ongoing concession deliberations and the delay in the implementation of the agreed-upon adjustments to the new minimum wage.

These issues were reportedly presented to Minister Keyamo during an interactive meeting with the aviation unions the previous week.

Mrs. Orah explained that Minister Keyamo had directed the immediate inclusion of union representatives in the concession committee to ensure transparency in the process. The minister also reassured the unions that he would personally ensure the prompt implementation of the new salary review for FAAN staff.

FAAN, in the statement, reiterated its commitment to upholding its core values and maintaining a positive relationship with the aviation unions. The authority emphasized that continuous dialogue and mutual understanding would be key to resolving industrial issues and preventing any disruptions in the sector.

The unions, however, remain resolute in their stance. During last week’s congress, union members locked all FAAN offices and gates, preventing workers from entering the agency. NUATE President, Ben Nnabue, addressed the workers, informing them that the unions had learned that the government was proceeding with the concession of some airports in a manner that was not communicated to them.

He expressed their surprise and frustration, pointing out that Minister Keyamo had previously assured the unions that no concession would take place. However, the unions were taken aback when they received documents related to the concession plan from the Ministry of Aviation.

The situation remains tense as the unions await further developments and responses from the Federal Government. The 14-day ultimatum is expected to draw significant attention to the issue, with both FAAN and the government under pressure to address the unions’ concerns and prevent any escalation of the dispute.