Flight operations resume after suspension of strike at Lagos Airport

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After the Union of Trade Unions suspended its nationwide strike over the new minimum wage and increase in electricity prices on Tuesday, local airlines have resumed operations at Muritala Muhammed Airport in Lagos.

The resumption of operations took place following a temporary agreement reached on Monday evening between the federal government and the unions on the new nationwide minimum wage.

At the meeting held at the instigation of the Federal Government with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), it was decided to continue to engage daily at the Tripartite Committee level on the national minimum wage over the next week until a final agreement is reached.
LEADERSHIP reports that the NLC and TUC suspended the strike after the federal government promised to pay a new minimum wage of over 60,000 naira.
However, the striking aviation unions reopened the closed airport terminals, allowing the airlines, particularly Ibom, Arik and Air Peace, to resume operations.

The managements of Air Peace and Ibom Air have announced the resumption of flight operations in their notices to passengers.

“We are pleased to inform you that the nationwide NLC and TUC strike has been suspended and our flight operations have now resumed.

“We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused during the disruption and thank you for your patience and understanding,” Air Peace Airlines said.

Arik Air, in turn, asked passengers who wish to rebook their flight to contact the organization.

“Arik Air has announced the immediate resumption of flight operations following the suspension of the national strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

“NLC and TUC on Tuesday afternoon suspended the strike that began on Monday, June 3, 2024. Customers wishing to rebook/re-schedule their flights are advised to contact Arik Air,” the airline said.

Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the Air Traffic Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN), Francis Akinjole, said the strike had been relaxed by one week to allow the unions to continue talks with the government on a new minimum wage.

Akinjole said all blocked access points at Terminals I (General Aviation Terminal) and II (Murtala Muhammed Airport II, Lagos) of the domestic airport and others had been opened.

Similarly, the President of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Alale Adedayo, stated that the unions had accepted the federal government’s offer for further negotiations.

Adedayo also said that flight operations had resumed at the domestic wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja.