Abuja, Nigeria –August 8, 2025
Tension is escalating in Nigeria’s aviation industry as four major unions representing staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have jointly announced an indefinite nationwide strike scheduled to commence at 5:00 AM on Monday, August 11, 2025.
The strike action is being led by:
National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE)
Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN)
Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)
Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE)
In a joint statement signed by their respective General Secretaries, the unions expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s failure to implement a new salary structure for NAMA workers—eight months after a successful negotiation process concluded with agency management.
“It is unconscionable that after extensive dialogue and formal agreement, our members continue to operate under outdated and inequitable salary conditions,” the statement read. “We have exhausted every diplomatic channel. The strike action is now inevitable.”
The unions had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum on July 31, 2025, addressed to the Honourable Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, urging immediate implementation of the new pay structure. With the ultimatum expiring on August 7 and no formal response from the government, union leaders have now directed all NAMA personnel to withdraw services across the country.
The strike is expected to severely disrupt:
Air traffic control and navigation services
Surveillance and airspace coordination
Domestic and international flight operations
As NAMA is Nigeria’s sole provider of air navigation services, this development threatens to paralyze the aviation sector, potentially grounding flights, delaying cargo shipments, and compromising airspace safety.
⚠ Advisory
Airlines, airport authorities, logistics companies, and the traveling public are strongly advised to make alternative arrangements and closely monitor official updates.
At the time of this release, the Federal Ministry of Aviation has not issued a formal statement.