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By Lizzy Chirkpi
Air travelers across Nigeria may face massive disruptions starting Monday, August 11, 2025, as four major aviation unions have announced an indefinite withdrawal of services. The strike action, which takes effect from 5:00 a.m. on Monday, could bring the country’s airspace operations to a halt.
The unions, in a joint communique released on Friday, confirmed that their earlier notice issued on July 30th expires at the end of today, paving the way for a total shutdown of operations by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). NAMA is responsible for critical functions such as air traffic control, communication, and navigation without which flight operations cannot proceed.
“We are all aware, the notice of withdrawal of services given on 30th July, 2025 expires at the end of today,” the notice states. “Therefore, all workers of NAMA are hereby directed to stop all services with effect from Monday 11th August, 2025 at 05hrs indefinitely.”
The strike is led by four unions: the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE).
While the specific grievances were not detailed in the latest notice, past actions have revolved around issues of unpaid salaries, poor welfare conditions, and policy disputes with the federal government.
Passengers with scheduled flights next week are being urged to seek alternative travel plans. The unions’ message to the public and airlines is clear: prepare for delays and cancellations.
“Airlines and the flying public are hereby advised to make alternative travel arrangements,” the communique stated. “Only joint communication from the National Secretariats of the above-named Unions shall be heeded to with regard to further directives on this matter.”
The announcement was signed by Comrade O. J. Igbokwe, Deputy General Secretary of NUATE, and Comrade Ale-Lawrence O., General Secretary of AUCPTRE. Although efforts to obtain further comments from the union leaders were unsuccessful, the statement ends with a familiar labour slogan: “Solidarity forever!!!”
The notice was sent to top government and aviation officials, including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Managing Director/CEO of NAMA, and the Commissioner of Police, Airports Command. This move signals a strong push by the unions to compel high-level engagement from the government to prevent a full-blown crisis in the aviation sector.
Aviation remains a vital artery of Nigeria’s economy and logistics. A prolonged strike would not only ground domestic and international flights but also significantly impact business operations, emergency travel, and tourism.
At the time of filing this report, neither the Ministry of Aviation nor airline operators had issued formal statements in response.