Air Peace Chairman, Allen Onyema, has thrown down the gauntlet to aviation unions, declaring that Nigerian airlines “will not be intimidated” by picketing threats over alleged outstanding debts.
In a fiery response to picketing threat plans by aviation unions to airlines, Onyema insisted carriers have no dispute with the unions and accused unnamed interests of using organised labour to pressure airlines already struggling under severe operating conditions.
“If they want to shut down the industry, we are waiting for them,” Onyema declared. “If they want to picket any airline, let them bring it on. We are not intimidated.”
Speaking passionately on the growing row, Onyema insisted airlines have no dispute with any union. Instead, he maintained that their engagement is strictly with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, whose directives they continue to obey despite the severe challenges facing the industry.
Picketing Threat an Aberration
Onyema described the picketing threat and planned action as an unprecedented move that could set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s aviation industry. He argued that labour unions should not be deployed to settle financial disagreements involving airlines.
“We don’t have any problem with any union. We have business with NCAA, and we’ve been complying with what NCAA has directed us to be doing.”
He added that if anyone believes airlines can be intimidated through picketing threats, they are mistaken.
The Air Peace Chairman said airlines are already operating under extremely difficult conditions. Therefore, additional pressure from unions would only worsen an already fragile sector.
Onyema argued that the airline picketing threats ignore the operational realities confronting Nigerian carriers. He said airlines continue to absorb heavy financial losses caused by infrastructure failures while still meeting their regulatory obligations. Therefore, targeting operators instead of addressing the root causes would only deepen the industry’s problems.
Citing one example, the Air Peace Chairman said some airlines suffered as many as 56 bird strikes within a single year despite paying statutory charges that should support critical airport infrastructure and wildlife hazard management. According to him, every bird strike grounds aircraft, disrupts schedules and drains airline finances.
“Some of us have had 56 bird strikes in one year, yet we pay for the machines to be provided. Part of the money we pay is for the infrastructure to be provided. If the infrastructure is not provided, airlines keep on losing revenue.”
Onyema said those losses eventually affect airlines’ ability to settle obligations to service providers, including fuel suppliers and catering companies. However, he questioned why unions would choose to target airlines instead of addressing the underlying operational deficiencies that continue to undermine the industry.
“If they want to shut down the industry, they can go ahead and shut down the industry. If they picket any airline, others will go because there’s no need for that. That’s an aberration.”
Picketing Threat Reveal Broader Industry Issues
He maintained that nowhere else in the world would government agencies rely on unions to recover commercial debts from airlines using picketing threats. Instead, he argued, the focus should be on fixing the infrastructure challenges that continue to increase airline costs and weaken the sector.
Meanwhile, Onyema referenced concerns previously raised by the International Air Transport Association over the harsh operating environment confronting Nigerian airlines. He said the industry’s high mortality rate should prompt serious reflection instead of further confrontation.
He pointed out that more than 50 airlines have collapsed in Nigeria over the years. According to him, many of their owners succeeded in other businesses but failed in aviation because of the country’s challenging operating environment.
The Air Peace boss also questioned the role of the unions in the dispute. He alleged that some interests were using organised labour to exert pressure on airlines, warning that such actions could have unintended consequences for aviation safety.
“If they want to breach safety in this country, then the world is watching. We are calling on the world to watch what is happening here.”
In addition, Onyema warned that any successful shutdown of airline operations would have devastating economic consequences. He said thousands of aviation workers could lose their jobs if airlines are forced to suspend operations.
“If they come and destroy the airlines, we all go home. We unleash hundreds of thousands of staff to the public. Let all of them become jobless if that is the best solution.”
Despite his criticism, Onyema maintained that airlines have continued to cooperate with aviation authorities. He said operators have consistently responded to meetings convened by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Director-General of NCAA while doing their best under extremely difficult circumstances.
He concluded by insisting that airlines remain committed to complying with regulators, not yielding to intimidation from any other group.
“If anybody feels that unions should be used to intimidate airlines, we wish them well. Let them come. Let them bring it on.”
