Public affairs analyst and civil society advocate Mohammed Kudu has urged the Nigerian government to prioritize safety and collaboration in resolving the ongoing labour crisis in the country’s aviation sector.
In a statement released Friday, Kudu responded to last week’s disruption at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where striking workers halted operations and forced the cancellation of passenger flights. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, through its Director-General, Captain Chris Ona Najomo, intervened with an appeal for dialogue among all parties. Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, also convened a meeting aimed at resolving the dispute.
Kudu acknowledged the administration’s efforts to reform the sector, citing progress in safety oversight, consumer protection, regulatory predictability and moves to attract investment in aircraft acquisition. He argued that these gains risk being undermined if industrial actions escalate without constructive engagement.
“The aviation industry needs a collaborative approach at this stage,” Kudu said. “Stakeholders have every right to raise concerns and demand accountability, but such engagement should be constructive and directed towards solutions.”
He emphasized that the reforms being pursued serve the travelling public and the long-term development of Nigerian aviation, which he said must remain “greater than individual or institutional disagreements.”
“We call on all stakeholders to sheath their swords and allow the positive steps being taken by the administration to cascade into meaningful gains for the country,” Kudu added. “Nigeria needs an aviation sector that is safe, efficient, competitive and capable of supporting economic growth.”
The crisis underscores the fragility of Nigeria’s aviation recovery as authorities work to restore confidence after years of operational challenges. With peak travel seasons approaching, the pressure to maintain uninterrupted services while addressing workers’ grievances remains high. Both the NCAA and the ministry have signalled commitment to dialogue, but a timeline for resolution has not been announced. Industry observers warn that prolonged instability could deter investment and erode recent safety improvements.
