He advocated for continuous dialogue, stating, “Jaw-jaw is always better than war-war.”
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reiterated his commitment to aviation workers’ welfare and unionism. He made this known during the 11th Aviation Workers’ Week and Award Night on February 25, 2025, at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
The event, themed “The Role of Aviation Trade Unions in Galvanizing Workers’ Support for the Attainment of Ministerial Mandates,” brought together key stakeholders, including agency heads, aviation professionals, and airline operators.
Represented by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, Keyamo emphasized that unionism should foster progress rather than hinder it. He advocated for continuous dialogue, stating, “Jaw-jaw is always better than war-war.”
Receiving an award for his proactive approach in transforming Nigeria’s aviation sector, Keyamo affirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on prompt salary payments is fully implemented. He urged staff to embrace the Civil Service Implementation Plan to modernize operations. He assured them of his unwavering support in advancing the industry.
Director of Human Resources Management, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Bello Sani Torankawa, commended the resilience of Chairman, Joint Consultative Negotiating Council (JCNC), highlighting unions’ vital role in ensuring workers’ welfare. He reaffirmed management’s support for the annual Aviation Workers’ Week initiative.
In his goodwill message, President, Aviation Round Table, Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju, praised JCNC’s consistent efforts in uniting aviation professionals to drive industry progress.
Chairman, Joint Consultative Negotiating Council (JCNC), Comrade Hector Nnadi, in his welcome address, called for stronger collaboration between aviation trade unions and the ministry to ensure the successful implementation of ministerial mandates. He emphasized the critical role of unions in aligning workers’ interests with government policies for a sustainable aviation sector.
According to him, veteran workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways, should get their full entitlement. Nnadi decried the struggle for their entitlement after 30 years of liquidation.
“We are sending an SOS to Mr. President for his further intervention to conclude this over years challenge and become ‘Aviation Workers Hero’ the above is without prejudice to several efforts of the Honourable Minister of Aviation. ”
The event featured panel discussions on enhancing social dialogue, union-management collaboration, and capacity building through soft skills training.
The highlight of the 11th Aviation Workers’ Week was the awards ceremony, where individuals and organizations, including Arik Air and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, were recognized for excellence, dedication, and integrity in the aviation sector.
