February 25, (THEWILL) — The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, CON, on Wednesday, convened a high-level meeting with key aviation unions, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), to address outstanding concerns surrounding the concession of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
The crucial engagement, held in the spirit of transparency and collaboration, provided a platform for frank discussions on workers’ welfare, job security, and the long-term sustainability of the airport under the proposed concession arrangement.
Following extensive and constructive dialogue facilitated by the Honourable Minister, all parties reached a mutually beneficial agreement that safeguards the interests of aviation workers while advancing the Federal Government’s infrastructure development objectives.
As a major outcome of the meeting, the unions and the concessionaire formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) guaranteeing job security and the preservation of staff status for all employees affected by the concession process. The agreement ensures that no worker will be unjustly displaced and that existing conditions of service will be respected in line with agreed terms.
The Honourable Minister commended the leadership of ATSSSAN, NUATE, and ANAP for their maturity, patriotism, and commitment to constructive engagement. He reiterated that the Federal Government remains resolute in pursuing reforms that modernize aviation infrastructure without compromising the welfare and dignity of Nigerian workers.
“This administration believes strongly in dialogue, fairness, and inclusivity. Infrastructure development and workers’ welfare are not mutually exclusive. We will continue to ensure that every reform process is guided by compassion, equity, and national interest”, the Minister stated.
The resolution of the concerns surrounding the Akanu Ibiam International Airport concession marks a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Nigeria’s aviation sector. It underscores the Ministry’s dedication to balancing private sector participation with the protection of public sector workers and national assets.
The Ministry reaffirms its commitment to continuous engagement with stakeholders as it works to build a globally competitive, efficient, and sustainable aviation industry for Nigeria.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
