The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) has strongly criticised the disruption of airport operations by labour unions over the non-remittance of Ticket Sales Charges (TSC) and Cargo Sales Charges (CSC) to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), describing the action as unlawful and detrimental to the aviation industry.
In a statement issued on August 11, 2026, the aviation advocacy group expressed disappointment over what it described as a selective and disruptive strike carried out despite the ongoing intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
While acknowledging the right of workers and trade unions to pursue the welfare of their members, ASRTI maintained that picketing airport terminals over disputes involving regulatory charges was inappropriate and outside the scope of organised labour’s responsibilities.
According to the group, the enforcement of statutory penalties and the recovery of debts owed to government agencies remain the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government and its authorised institutions.
ASRTI argued that labour advocacy should be guided by established procedures and dialogue rather than coercion, intimidation or actions capable of disrupting aviation operations.
The organisation further cited provisions of the Civil Aviation Act, noting that services connected to flight operations, passenger movement and cargo handling within airport environments are classified as essential services and are therefore protected from strikes, blockades and other forms of disruption.
It also referred to the Trade Disputes Act, which prohibits strike actions while disputes are undergoing mediation or before all legally recognised dispute-resolution procedures have been exhausted.
According to ASRTI, labour union membership in Nigeria is voluntary, making any attempt to compel workers to participate in industrial actions contrary to the principles of freedom of association.
The group reiterated its long-standing position that aggressive labour activism has no place in the aviation industry because of the sector’s highly regulated, safety-sensitive and economically strategic nature.
It warned that disruptions at airport terminals negatively affect passengers, undermine investor confidence and damage Nigeria’s reputation within the global aviation community.
ASRTI also criticised threats by labour unions to extend picketing to airlines accused of failing to remit statutory charges or those allegedly discouraging employees from participating in union activities.
The organisation argued that any grievances against airlines should be addressed through their corporate headquarters rather than within airport facilities, where industrial actions could disrupt other businesses and compromise airport operations.
It specifically questioned the decision to single out Air Peace for picketing, describing the move as evidence of bias by groups claiming to champion fairness.
To safeguard the country’s aviation industry, ASRTI called on all parties to embrace dialogue and allow the mediation process initiated by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to continue without interference.
The group urged labour unions to immediately suspend all forms of blockade and pursue their grievances through established legal and administrative channels.
It also maintained that the recovery of debts owed to regulatory agencies should remain strictly between the regulators and the affected airlines through recognised legal mechanisms.
ASRTI appealed to all stakeholders to exercise restraint and allow the appropriate authorities to resolve the dispute through due process rather than through disruptive actions capable of affecting the travelling public and other industry operators.