Nigeria’s aviation unions marked worker’s day 2026 with a unified warning on industry sustainability. They linked worker welfare directly to operational safety and sector survival. Therefore, both unions urged urgent reforms as economic pressure deepens across aviation.
In separate May Day addresses, Comrade Ogbe John, National President of the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association (ATSSSAN), and Comrade Adedayo Alale, President General of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), stressed growing hardship. Meanwhile, both leaders said workers face mounting pressure alongside systemic industry risks.
Framing the worker’s day message around labour value, Comrade Ogbe John highlighted the human backbone of aviation. “You all are the Airport. Without you, there is no aviation. No takeoff. No landing. No connection!” he said. In addition, he stressed that every safe landing reflects unseen effort across the system.
However, he quickly shifted to economic realities affecting workers nationwide. “Our Naira is still sick. Food goes up. But salaries too, is not flying,” he said. He added, “The aviators are suffering in silence,” calling for “a living wage” aligned with risks and inflation.
Comrade Adedayo Alale echoed similar concerns during the worker’s day address, focusing on policy delays. He described the situation as “an extremely sad narrative.” He noted that “only the NCAA has had its reviewed Conditions of Service processed and released.”
He warned that patience among workers is thinning across agencies. “We ask all workers… to stand ready for a fight,” he said. Therefore, ANAP signalled possible industrial action if conditions remain unresolved.
Worker’s Day Focus: Fuel Crisis Threatens Aviation Survival
A dominant theme in both worker’s day statements was the aviation fuel crisis. Comrade Adedayo Alale described it as “a present danger to the survival of the airlines.” He added that it “poses a direct threat… especially job security.”
He questioned pricing inconsistencies in the petroleum sector. “Why is the cost of Jet A1 increased by 300%?” he asked. Furthermore, he queried why Europe avoids such spikes despite Nigerian exports.
Comrade Ogbe John reinforced the urgency with a broader industry warning. He said aviation risks becoming “a potentially endangered species.” This, he explained, stems from the “perennial crisis” of fuel scarcity and rising costs.
He urged government intervention without delay. “Engage stakeholders… to fashion out a credible intervention,” he said. Consequently, both unions tied fuel costs directly to operational stability and employment security.
Both unions also aligned on justice for former Nigeria Airways workers. Comrade Ogbe John lamented delays in settling approved benefits. “Our senior citizens continue to die… without receiving their benefits,” he said.
He criticised bureaucratic delays holding back ₦36 billion in payments. The funds, he noted, remain “unconscionably locked” within government processes. Therefore, ATSSSAN renewed pressure on authorities to act immediately.
Meanwhile, ANAP focused on broader labour rights within the worker’s day message. Comrade Adedayo Alale condemned anti-union practices by some airlines. He warned that such actions could trigger “negative repercussions sooner than later.”
ATSSSAN also challenged casualisation trends within the sector. Comrade Ogbe John insisted aviation must uphold dignity and safety standards. “The airport should be a no-go area for casual workers experimentation,” he said.
Despite firm criticisms, both unions promoted dialogue and cooperation. Comrade Adedayo Alale called for “honest and open engagement” among stakeholders. Similarly, Comrade Ogbe John stressed collaboration for industry growth.
Their positions align with the national worker’s day theme on insecurity and poverty. Both unions argued that poor welfare undermines decent work standards. Therefore, they linked economic hardship directly to safety risks.
As Comrade Ogbe John concluded, “when an airport worker is tired… every passenger is at risk.” This statement captures the shared concern across both unions. Ultimately, the worker’s day message is clear: worker welfare and aviation safety are inseparable.
