Air Transport Workers Threatens to Embark on Solidarity Strike if FG fails to Resolve ASUU Issues
Leaders of air transport workers and aviation unions in Nigeria have issued a warning that they may join national labour support actions in solidarity with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) if the Federal Government does not take urgent steps to resolve the lingering crisis affecting the nation’s tertiary education system.
The threat comes against the backdrop of continuing nationwide labour agitation over the unresolved demands of ASUU, which include funding of public universities, implementation of collective bargaining agreements, salary arrears and improved welfare for academic staff.
According to aviation union leadership, the prolonged ASUU strike has a broader impact beyond education, affecting socio‑economic stability, youth engagement, and general national productivity. In a previous related warning, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) signalled that aviation sector workers could shut down operations if the Federal Government failed to resolve the ASUU dispute — highlighting rising unions’ solidarity with affected workers and citizens.
Although the air transport workers’ current statement does not yet outline official dates, the union leaders have made it clear that solidarity action could include suspension of services or supportive labour strikes should the government ignore repeated calls to honour existing agreements and ensure uninterrupted academic activities across public universities. This stance is viewed as part of a wider labour movement’s willingness to back ASUU in pressuring the government to implement negotiated agreements.
The Broader Context
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has already issued ultimatums to the Federal Government in recent months, warning of intensified labour actions if negotiations with tertiary unions remain stalled. Additionally, national student bodies such as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) have also called on the government and ASUU to resolve their dispute promptly or face repercussions from organized student action.
The combined pressure from labour unions, professional bodies, and student organizations underscores the growing public concern over the crippling effects of prolonged ASUU strikes on education, employment, and national development.
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FAQs — Air Transport Workers, ASUU and Solidarity Strike Threat
Why are air transport workers threatening a solidarity strike?
They want to show support for ASUU’s demands and urge the Federal Government to resolve the unresolved issues causing the prolonged strike that has impacted students and the education sector nationwide.
Which unions represent air transport workers in Nigeria?
Main unions in the aviation sector include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP). These groups have coordinated in the past around welfare and industrial matters.
When could the solidarity strike happen?
No specific date has been announced yet; the threat is contingent on the Federal Government’s response and progress in resolving the ASUU dispute.
What actions could be taken in a solidarity strike?
Possible actions may include withdrawal of aviation services, suspension of operations, or coordinated labour actions in airports and related facilities in support of ASUU. Similar past threats have signalled shutdowns if demands were unmet.
How does this affect the general public?
A solidarity strike by air transport workers could disrupt flights, travel schedules, cargo movement and related aviation services, further worsening economic and social disruptions already influenced by the extended ASUU strike.
