Unions in the aviation Industry in their joint efforts to stop the Federal Government from concessioning the 5 major airports in the country have met with the joint committee on aviation of the National Assembly.
The unions had earlier given a 15 day ultimatum to government to stop the on- going concession process or face the total shut down of the industry.
At the invitation of the National Assembly committee, the unions deliberated on a number of issues.
In a statement, the unions said,”Earlier today aviation unions held a fruitful brain-storming session under a very friendly and serene atmosphere with the joint session of parliament drawn from the Senate and House of Representatives committee on Aviation aimed to take a unilateral position over the proposed concession of four International airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Kano.
We deliberated on an array of thought-provoking issues, ranging from compromising the nation’s security, as airports remain borders to our country, the place of workers (both active and pensioners), the exact part of the airport to be concessioned, the process that led to the emergence of the Technical Advisers, history of failed concessions (using MMA2-Sanderton puzzle, CCECC terminals, the newly commissioned ultra-modern multi-level car park that has bagged 30years in concession already, the DISCOS and GENCOS that were concessioned and yet looking for bailout from government as case studies.
In response, the parliamentarians who took turns to speak, thanked us for honouring their invitation. The reminded us that we elected them to represent us and the share our joy and pain.
In their words, “We will investigate the process that led to the emergence of the Technical Advisers, we will not subscribe to any process whatsoever that will jeopardise the security of our country, we will ensure Nigerians are not short-changed. Bi-Courtney concessioning shall be revisited, we assure you of justice in the end.”
