Tension is brewing at the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) as four major aviation unions have issued a fourteen-day ultimatum to Management over its failure to conclude a long-pending review of workers’ Conditions of Service (CoS).
In a joint notice signed by the leadership of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the unions accused the Management of indecision, lack of commitment, and disregard for staff welfare.
In the notice addressed to the Rector of NCAT, the unions expressed “grave concern and indignation” over what they described as Management’s continued unseriousness in addressing issues affecting workers’ wellbeing and industrial harmony within the College.
They noted that despite alleged discourteous treatment of union and branch officers, organised labour had remained committed to supporting the growth of the institution, given its strategic role in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
According to the statement, the Management has continued to pay “lip service” to improving employees’ conditions, making the College the only agency within the aviation sector yet to conclude a review of its CoS.
The unions warned that failure to conclude the review within 14 days from the date of the notice would leave them with no option but to direct their members to withdraw their services.
“Enough is enough,” the unions declared, stressing that while they remain committed to assisting the College in achieving its objectives, they would no longer tolerate delays on issues affecting staff welfare.
The notice was jointly signed by the general secretaries of NAAPE, ATSSSAN, ANAP, and NUATE, Comrades Olayinka Abioye, Francis Akinjole, AbdulRasaq Saidu, and Waheed Sikiru, respectively.
The ultimatum raised concerns over possible disruption to academic and aviation-related activities at the College if the impasse is not resolved within the stipulated timeframe.