May Day: Aviation workers demand living wage

On this year's Workers' Day, aviation workers across Nigeria are highlighting the severe economic hardships and operational challenges that continue to plague the sector. Ogbe John, the National President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), articulated these grievances, emphasizing that despite their crucial role in keeping the industry afloat, their compensation has not kept pace with the escalating cost of living.

“

Our naira is still weak. Food prices rise daily, but salaries are not keeping up. Aviators are suffering in silence. We demand a living wage that reflects the risks we take and the cost of living in 2026.

John's address underscored the sacrifices made by aviation personnel, from air traffic controllers ensuring safety to baggage handlers facilitating operations. He passionately argued for a 'living wage' that acknowledges the risks involved and the current economic realities in Nigeria, where the naira's weakness and rampant inflation erode purchasing power. The call for dignity of labor is further amplified by criticism of the increasing reliance on contract and casual employment, which is seen as a threat to both safety standards and workers' rights.

“

The airport should not be a testing ground for casual labour. Contract staffing must be systematically phased out. If there must be safety in the sky, there must be dignity of labour in the industry.

Beyond wages and employment conditions, the union leader also drew attention to systemic issues plaguing the aviation industry. The persistent crisis surrounding the cost and availability of Jet-A1 fuel, exacerbated by global tensions, poses a significant threat to the sector's stability. Furthermore, the long-delayed payment of entitlements to retirees of the defunct Nigeria Airways remains a painful point of contention, with many former employees reportedly dying while awaiting their benefits.

“

The approved N36 billion remains trapped in bureaucratic delays. We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure the immediate implementation of the approval granted.

The union's demands, including the immediate release of N36 billion approved for these entitlements, reflect a deep-seated frustration with bureaucratic delays and a call for decisive action from the Federal Government. The message from Nigeria's aviation workers is clear: their contributions are vital, and they deserve fair compensation, job security, and timely resolution of long-standing grievances.

“

When passengers sleep on the aircraft, the air traffic controller is awake. When families reunite at arrivals, it is because baggage handlers, cleaners and check-in staff did their job.