Aviation workers have rejected the federal government’s recent decision to reduce deductions from aviation agencies’ revenue from 50% to 20%, insisting that no deductions should be made. In a memo, the unions called for an end to the 50% deduction, arguing that aviation agencies are cost-recovery organizations, not profit-making entities, and cannot survive on half their revenue.
Despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the reduction, the unions have yet to receive a circular implementing the directive. Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), stated that a letter was sent to the minister, requesting intervention by the end of the month.
Abioye emphasized that aviation agencies are critical safety and security organizations, not profit-driven companies. He argued that the 50% deduction has caused significant trauma for workers and that the industry is “in comatose.” The union believes that no deductions should be made, as aviation funds should be reinvested in the sector for maintenance, infrastructure, training, and retraining.
The unions are cautiously optimistic, having heard the minister’s appeal to remain calm, but are expecting a positive outcome by the end of the month.
