The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has appealed to the Labour unions to call off their nationwide strike and resume dialogue with the government.
He said the aviation sector should not be used as a tool for political agitation, as it is vital for the economic development of the country.
Keyamo made this statement on Thursday, while addressing the media in Abuja. He said he was saddened by the attack on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and other Labour leaders in Imo State last week. He described the incident as a “barbaric act” and a “violation of human rights”.
He said the Federal Government was investigating the incident and would ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. He also said the government was committed to addressing the grievances of the workers, such as the payment of salary arrears, the implementation of the minimum wage, and the regularization of pensioners.
He urged the Labour unions to desist from politics in the name of Labour movement, and to embrace dialogue and negotiation as the best way to resolve industrial disputes. He said the aviation sector was crucial for the movement of people and goods across the country, and that any disruption would have negative consequences for the economy and the security of the nation.
He said the government was working hard to improve the infrastructure and the safety of the aviation industry, and to attract more investments and create more jobs. He said the government was also supportive of the establishment of the African Aviation and Aerospace University in collaboration with the Nile University of Nigeria.
He appealed to the Labour unions to consider the interest of the nation and the welfare of the citizens, and to call off their strike and return to work. He said the government was ready to listen to their demands and to find amicable solutions.
