Aviation unions have issued a warning to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) management, threatening a complete withdrawal of labour from all Nigerian airports by March 31, 2025, if immediate action is not taken to address the ongoing assaults on FAAN staff by customs officers at Lagos airport.
The unions, in a recent statement, tagged “Enough of Customs Officers’ Assault on FAAN Staff at MMIA”, expressed deep dissatisfaction with the lack of response to their initial letter dated March 7, 2025, which detailed numerous incidents of physical and psychological assault on FAAN personnel.
The unions; Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals ANAP, National Union of Air Transport Employees NUATE and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN say, the ultimatum given in that letter addressed to the Managing Director FAAN expired on March 21, 2025, with no visible remedial action taken.
“Considering the enormity and frequency of physical and psychological assault on the staff and management personnel of FAAN, of which there is no end in sight, we are compelled to inform the Management of the unwavering determination of our Unions to cause the establishment of a clear framework of mutual respect among FAAN staff and the security agencies operating at the airports,” the unions stated.
The recent assault on the Director of Aviation Security of FAAN was cited as a particularly egregious incident, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
The unions are demanding the implementation of clear work protocols, aligned with global best practices, that include consequential sanctions for violations and guarantee the safety and human rights of FAAN staff.
Failure to establish these protocols will result in a nationwide strike, commencing on March 31, 2025.
“Unless clear work protocols that are in tandem with global best practices and with consequential sanctions are in place which guarantees the safety and human rights of FAAN staff, we shall direct all the workers to withdraw from the airports with effect from 31st March, 2025 pending when such protocols are established,” the statement read.
The unions have also directed their branches and state councils across Nigeria to begin immediate mobilization of all staff in preparation for the potential industrial action.
They are urging FAAN management to address their demands promptly to avert a significant disruption to air travel.
