New executive pledges constructive engagement with management, pushes for improved revenue allocation, implementation of revised Conditions of Service
Outgoing Chairman Comrade Wole Dada (left) handing over to Comrade Ekip Ekip Eso
The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) Branch of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has pledged to strengthen industrial harmony, prioritise workers’ welfare and promote constructive engagement with management to enhance the agency’s operational effectiveness.
The commitment was made during the inauguration of the branch’s newly elected executive at the NAMA headquarters annex in Lagos.
In his inaugural address, the new Chairman of ATSSSAN, NAMA Branch, Comrade Ekip Ekip Eso, said the executive was committed to responsible unionism, constructive dialogue and policies that would improve members’ welfare while contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He assured members that the new leadership recognised the responsibility entrusted to it and would discharge its mandate with dedication, fairness and accountability.
Eso expressed appreciation to members and stakeholders who supported the branch during the delegate conference in Jos. He particularly acknowledged the ATSSSAN National President, Comrade John Ogbe, for promoting dialogue and reconciliation, which he said helped restore peace and mutual understanding within the union.
He urged members to sustain the renewed spirit of unity, noting that collective progress depended on mutual respect, cooperation and a shared commitment to the association’s objectives.
On the agency’s funding, the chairman declared the branch’s support for management’s efforts to secure an improved allocation of the Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) and Aviation Height Clearance revenues to NAMA.
He stressed that the agency’s critical responsibility for managing Nigeria’s airspace required adequate and sustainable funding to maintain essential infrastructure, strengthen operational capacity and fulfil its statutory obligations.
According to him, the branch would pursue constructive advocacy and engage relevant authorities and stakeholders, in collaboration with sister unions, to advance a common position on the revenue allocation issue.
On workers’ welfare, Eso reaffirmed the executive’s commitment to protecting members’ interests, including the timely payment of entitlements, equitable career advancement, professional training and safe working conditions.
He also pledged to maintain constructive engagement with management as a means of sustaining industrial harmony and resolving issues through dialogue.
The chairman, however, urged NAMA management to intensify engagements with relevant authorities to secure the urgent approval and implementation of the agency’s new Conditions of Service, describing the matter as important to the welfare and professional advancement of employees.
He assured members that the new executive would remain focused on promoting their interests while supporting initiatives that strengthen NAMA’s capacity to deliver on its mandate.
Pearl Ngwama is a prominent Nigerian media professional, an advocate of Nigeria Transport Sector development and Managing Director of JustAlive Communications Ltd, publishers of JustNet News.
She is the convener of the annual Nigeria Transport Summit.
