Oluwatobi Adu 
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo
ABUJA, Nigeria – The aviation industrial agreement moves Nigeria’s aviation sector closer to stability after the government, regulators and labour unions agree on measures to settle outstanding debts, protect workers’ union rights and prevent further industrial action.
The agreement was reached during an emergency meeting convened on Thursday by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, following the temporary suspension of planned industrial action by aviation unions earlier in the week.
Permanent Secretary Mahmud Adam Kambari says the meeting produces key resolutions focused on resolving disputes through structured dialogue.
“The outcome places payment negotiations, workers’ unionisation rights and continued dialogue at the centre of efforts to restore industrial harmony.”
Under the agreement, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and heads of aviation agencies will obtain realistic debt repayment schedules from airlines with outstanding financial obligations, taking into account operational costs and prevailing economic conditions.
Directors of Finance and Accounts are directed to meet affected airlines within one week to finalise workable repayment plans.
Keyamo reiterates that workers have the exclusive right to determine whether to join labour unions.
“The decision should come directly from workers rather than through management.”
He adds that the NCAA will ensure unions have direct access to airline employees to distribute membership forms, warning that airlines obstructing the process will face sanctions.
All parties agree to reconvene within one month to assess implementation of the resolutions.
Keyamo says the Federal Government remains committed to building a safe, efficient, peaceful and sustainable aviation industry under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stressing that effective implementation of the agreement will determine its long-term success.
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