Keyamo to aviation workers: Don’t go on strike, your demands will be considered

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development says the demands made by aviation workers will be given due consideration.

Aviation union workers, in a memo on Tuesday, had called on the federal government to discontinue the 50 percent of internally generated revenue (IGR) of agencies in the aviation sector.

The workers had threatened to embark on a one-day strike to protest, adding that agencies are “cost recovery, and not profit making organisations,” hence “cannot survive on half revenue”.

Responding to their agitation, Keyamo in a statement on Friday, said the demands of the aviation workers have been “duly noted”.

He said the federal government is committed to addressing these challenges in a manner that ensures the continued viability and sustainability of the sector.

​”The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has been made aware of the call to action by the workers’ unions within the aviation sector to protest the Federal Government’s deduction of 50% of all internally generated revenue of Aviation Agencies at source,” Keyamo said.

“The concerns of the workers, especially regarding the negative impact these deductions have on investment, maintenance of critical infrastructure, and overall operations of the Agencies, have been duly noted.

“We understand the significance of the issues raised and recognize the vital role that our aviation workforce plays in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and smooth operation of the industry. 

“The Ministry is committed to addressing these challenges in a manner that ensures the continued viability and sustainability of the sector while maintaining the highest standards of service delivery.

“The Honourable Minister wishes to assure the workers’ Unions and other stakeholders that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very concerned about improvement of the Aviation sector and will give their demands due consideration with the goal of finding a lasting solution that balances both the fiscal needs of the government and the operational requirements of the Aviation Agencies.

“We appeal to all workers to remain calm and maintain industrial peace while the government is working assiduously towards amicably resolving the matter.”

The minister also appreciated the workers for their patience and understanding, adding that he is committed to ensuring a conducive work environment for all.