The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has appealed to aviation unions to suspend their ongoing industrial action and allow dialogue to continue toward resolving the dispute.
The appeal followed disruptions to flight operations across some major airports, leaving passengers stranded and causing delays and cancellations.
In a statement on Tuesday, the NCAA urged the unions to exercise restraint pending the return of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who is working to address the issues in contention.
The regulatory authority said it was aware of the impact of the industrial action on passengers, airlines and other stakeholders in the aviation sector.
The NCAA stressed the need for all parties to embrace dialogue and pursue a peaceful resolution rather than allow the dispute to further disrupt air travel.
The industrial action has affected operations of Air Peace, with passengers reportedly stranded at airports in Lagos and Abuja. The airline apologised to affected passengers and said those scheduled to travel later in the day were being contacted and provided with updates.
The unions’ action is linked to an ongoing dispute involving the aviation sector and the implementation of agreements concerning workers and airlines.
The NCAA Director-General, Captain Chris Najomo, appealed to the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) to suspend the action in order to reduce the disruption being experienced by passengers and other industry stakeholders.
The authority urged the unions and other parties involved to return to the negotiating table, expressing its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at resolving the disagreement.
The development has raised concerns within the aviation industry, with stakeholders warning that prolonged industrial action could have wider consequences for airlines, passengers and the economy.
The NCAA therefore called for calm and cooperation as discussions continue, while assuring passengers and other stakeholders that efforts are being made to restore normal operations in the sector.
