The Nigerian aviation sector is bracing for possible industrial action as three major unions have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government, demanding representation in the concession committee overseeing the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The unions—the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)—are also calling for the immediate approval of FAAN’s revised Conditions of Service and an urgent salary review.
In a joint communiqué signed by Comrade Ogbe John (ATSSSAN Branch Secretary), Comrade Agbor John D. (NUATE Lagos Branch Secretary), and Comrade Emmanuel Okon (ANAP Branch Secretary), the unions warned that failure to meet their demands would lead to industrial unrest that could cripple the aviation sector.
“FAAN workers, in an emergency congress held on February 25, 2025, resolved to issue a 14-day ultimatum to the government to include union representatives in the concession committee,” the statement read.
“The congress further demands the approval and implementation of FAAN’s revised Conditions of Service within the next two months and the negotiated salary review by March 2025.”
“Failure to meet these demands will result in an immediate industrial action, as the unions will no longer guarantee industrial peace at FAAN. Workers are hereby placed on red alert for further directives.”
The ultimatum comes amid mounting tensions over a controversial directive issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to relocate FAAN’s procurement department to the Directorate of Corporate Services. Stakeholders within FAAN have strongly resisted the move, alleging that it is a ploy to manipulate contracts and gain unfettered access to FAAN’s finances.
According to an October 7, 2024, memo from Dr. Luqman D. Emiola, Director of Human Resources and Administration, to FAAN’s Managing Director and 11 directors, the relocation order was to take immediate effect.
The memo, titled “Re: Reassignment of Procurement Department to the Directorate of Corporate Services,” stated:
“Following the directive of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the procurement department of FAAN is now placed under the Directorate of Corporate Services, with immediate effect.”
This decision has been met with widespread backlash, with aviation stakeholders and FAAN officials accusing Keyamo of replicating the controversial procurement control tactics used by former Minister Hadi Sirika. Sources allege that under Sirika’s tenure, procurement functions were manipulated to favor political allies, allowing the misappropriation of funds through inflated contracts and kickbacks.
“They want unrestricted access to FAAN’s finances so they can decide who gets contracts and how much is paid as kickbacks,” an insider told SaharaReporters.
“Keyamo is trying to establish the same procurement monopoly that Sirika used to award contracts to his cronies.”
BPP Declares Minister’s Move Illegal
Amid the uproar, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has intervened, branding the directive an “anomaly” and a clear violation of Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act of 2007.
In a memo dated August 6, 2024, addressed to FAAN’s Managing Director, the BPP insisted that procurement functions must remain independent and report directly to the Accounting Officer, rather than being controlled by another department.
The memo stated:
> “The Procurement Department must remain a full-fledged entity, directly under the Office of the Accounting Officer, as stipulated in the Procurement Act, 2007.”
“Restricting procurement functions under another department contradicts the Procurement Act, the Procurement Procedural Manual, and SGF Extant Circular.”
The BPP urged FAAN to:
Restore the Procurement Department’s independence as outlined by law.
Ensure compliance with procurement regulations to prevent financial mismanagement.
Conduct internal training on procurement principles to safeguard accountability.
With tensions escalating, aviation stakeholders are now calling for the immediate establishment of a governing board for FAAN to prevent ministerial overreach and ensure proper checks and balances.
> “If a board were in place, unilateral decisions like this wouldn’t happen,” said a senior FAAN official.
“The procurement department must be restored to its rightful place to prevent corruption and secrecy in awarding contracts.”
As the March 2025 deadline looms, all eyes are on the Nigerian government. Will it heed the aviation unions’ demands and address the FAAN procurement controversy, or will the sector face disruptions that could cripple air travel? The next few weeks will be critical in determining the fate of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
PIONEER NEWS 