Aviation workers will launch a peaceful protest on August 21, demanding that the Government ends the 50% deduction from IGR. The unions argue that this revenue deduction severely hampers agency performance. Moreover, they emphasize that these agencies operate on a cost-recovery basis, not as profit-making entities. They cannot function effectively with half of their income removed.
In a statement titled “Save Aviation from Collapse – Notice of Nationwide Protest,” the unions emphasized how the deduction impacts critical operations. Additionally, Comrade Ocheme Aba, General Secretary of NUATE, and Comrade Abdul Rasaq Saidu, Secretary General of ANAP, signed the notice.
Comrade Sikiru Waheed, General Secretary of AUPCTRE, also signed the notice, supporting the unions’ call to protest the 50% deduction. Furthermore, Comrade Frances Akinjole, Deputy General Secretary of ATSSSAN, and Comrade Olayinka Abloye, General Secretary of NAAPE, endorsed the action.
The unions directed all workers from NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, NiMet, NCAT, and NSIB to join the protest at airports nationwide. They specifically aim to secure an exemption from the 50% deduction from IGR, which has jeopardized safety-related activities.
The unions’ statement reads, “On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, workers will peacefully protest to demand the discontinuation of the 50% deduction from agency revenue. The unions have directed workers of NCAA, FAAN, NAMA, NiMet, NCAT, and NSIB to protest at airports nationwide. This protest has the full support of aviation workers, who are united in their demand for exemption from the internally generated revenue deduction.
The unions warned that financial constraints caused by these deductions could render the aviation industry dysfunctional. Despite this, multiple efforts to engage the Federal Government have not succeeded. The unions claim that aviation workers refuse to accept responsibility for the potential collapse of the industry due to inadequate funding. Consequently, State Councils, Women Committees, Youths, and Branches of the unions nationwide were instructed to mobilize fully for successful protests.
NAMA, FAAN, and the NCAA have voiced concerns over their inability to carry out essential functions due to limited funds. This goes far back as when the deductions stood at 25%. On May 29, Farouk Umar, Managing Director of NAMA, stated that the 50% revenue deduction hindered the agency’s ability to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure.
Umar also said the deduction is detrimental to airspace safety, adding that it was ‘unsustainable’.
He said the model had severely impacted its revenue, cutting it by more than half at a time the need for infrastructural and personnel development was on the rise.
“The safety of our airspace is paramount, and the current financial model is unsustainable,” Umar said.
“The 50% revenue deduction hinders our ability to maintain and upgrade critical infrastructure, including obsolete surveillance systems. These systems are over a decade old and urgently need replacement, which requires adequate funding and investment.
“Without proper funding, we cannot afford the high costs of procuring and maintaining essential equipment necessary for aviation safety. Additionally, we struggle to ensure the continuous training of our technical staff, which is vital for maintaining industry standards.”
The NCAA has faced similar challenges, especially after the deduction increased from 25% to 40% in 2023. Currently, the situation has worsened with the 50% deduction, significantly affecting technical personnel training and development.
An anonymous source informed NigerianFLIGHTDECK that the CAA requires these training sessions to keep pace with global industry standards. Furthermore, the deductions, along with difficulties in securing presidential approval for travel, set the CAA back.
