By Theresa Donatus, Uyo
Workers at the Victor Attah International Airport (VAIA), Uyo, under the Joint Action Committee of aviation unions, have threatened to shut down operations if management fails to address lingering welfare concerns within 14 days.
The unions under the aegis of National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) issued the ultimatum after an emergency congress held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the airport’s Emergency Operations Centre.
In a communique jointly signed by Comrade Ukeme M. Utul, Chairman of NUATE, Comrade Ukeme Isaac, Chairman of ANAP, Comrade Ubong S. Chairman ATSSSAN, and made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Friday, 5th September 2025 stated that workers accused the Ibom Airport Development Company Limited (IADCL) of neglecting staff welfare, failing to implement revised conditions of service, and allowing systemic decay in the state-owned aviation company.
The unions listed several unresolved issues, including: Staff Training, they stated that there was No company-sponsored industry training conducted since 2009, despite aviation standards requiring personnel licensing and recurrent retraining, especially for fire and safety staff.
Secondly, they complained non terminal Benefits, saying that None of the four employees who retired from IADCL have received pension or gratuity, despite these being included in the government-approved Conditions of Service (COS).
About Death and Burial Benefits, the communique stated that Families of deceased workers have been denied death benefits, while burial grants for staff who lost parents have not been paid since 2020. And under Salary Structure, The unions rejected IADCL’s salary table, describing it as the lowest in both Akwa Ibom State’s public service and Nigeria’s aviation sector. They demanded alignment with the aviation industry structure used by agencies such as FAAN, NAMA, and NCAA.
According to the statement, Staff promoted since 2018 or previously transferred to the civil service and later reinstated are yet to be properly placed on the salary scale, leading to financial shortfalls and Workers alleged they were deliberately shortchanged in the implementation of the national minimum wage, with reduced salaries and inflated PAYE deductions.
Concerning Delayed Promotions, Unlike the state civil service, which has completed its 2025 promotion exercise, it was stated that IADCL is yet to begin appraisals, citing lack of funds.
Other complaints include poor staff transportation vehicles (last procured in 2009), the high cost of revised staff conditions documents, and management’s refusal to pay financial obligations outlined in the 2024 COS.
Following deliberations, the congress resolved that: The embargo on staff training be lifted immediately; IADCL must fully implement pension, gratuity, and all financial obligations under the 2024 COS; Death benefits and burial grants must be released without delay; Wrongful placements must be corrected with arrears paid; Salary structure must be reviewed in line with aviation industry standards and the 2025 promotion exercise should be completed without further delay.
The unions also called on Government for the replacement of staff buses and a reduction in the cost of the staff COS manual from ₦5,000 to ₦2,000, noting that the larger State Public Service Rules costs only ₦3,000.
The communique warned that if within 21 days management fails to take “significant steps” to address the concerns, the unions would mobilize workers for an industrial action that could cripple airport operations.
“Mobilization has commenced immediately,” the unions declared, insisting that any disruption of flight activities at Victor Attah International Airport would be the responsibility of IADCL management.
While acknowledging Governor Umo Eno’s release of ₦1.19 billion for airport infrastructure development and the Head of Civil Service’s role in revising the Conditions of Service, the workers lamented that staff welfare had been ignored in the funding priorities.
The ultimatum raises fresh concerns for passengers, airlines, and stakeholders as the unions brace for possible strike action that could paralyze aviation services in Akwa Ibom State.
