In a heartfelt appeal, unions representing aviation workers have called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in the grounding of Arik Air’s fleet, which they say is causing severe disruption to Nigeria’s air travel and economic stability.
The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), National Union of Air Transport Employees NUATE and Air Transport services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, say, they had earlier sent a letter on February 20, 2024, to the President’s office, titled “Save our Souls Request for urgent and compassionate intervention on Arik Air Nigeria Limited (in receivership) over indebtedness between Engr. Prince Arthur Eze and Sir Johnson Arumemi.”
In another letter dated August 1, 2024, and signed by the unions Secretaries general, comrades Ocheme Aba, Olayinka Abioye and Frances Akinjole addressed to the President and copied the Aviation Minister and Aerospace development and heads of aviation agencies, they outlined the financial dispute that has led to Arik Air’s current crisis.
On July 30, 2024, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) grounded Arik Air’s fleet of four aircraft, citing the ongoing financial issues.
This action according to them, has left thousands of passengers stranded and has exacerbated Nigeria’s existing air travel challenges.
They added that, many passengers, including those with long-term and group bookings, are now unable to afford alternative flights, leading to widespread frustration and distress.
The unions emphasized the dire consequences for the airline’s workforce, highlighting that approximately 2,000 workers and their 16,000 dependents are now facing economic uncertainty.
They also pointed out the broader impact on various third-party vendors and service providers, including airports, aviation agencies, ground handlers, fuel suppliers, and caterers.
This disruption threatens to significantly reduce the earnings of key aviation agencies such as FAAN, NAMA, NIMET, NSIB, and NCAA.
Reflecting on the similar grounding of Dana Air, which resulted in substantial industry losses, the unions expressed their concern over the avoidable nature of the current situation.
They stressed that while they respect judicial decisions, they believe the aircraft in question should not be subject to attachment orders, as they belong to secured creditors, not Arik Air itself.
The unions are appealing to President Tinubu to use his esteemed office to mediate between the involved parties, particularly government agencies, and to allow Arik Air to continue operations while the issues are being resolved.
They argue that this course of action is in the national interest, especially given a court order directing all parties to maintain the status quo.
The unions concluded their appeal by expressing hope in the President’s ability to provide relief to the nation and urged his administration to consider the unions’ perspectives in future aviation industry matters.
