Aviation Labour Leader Warns: Address Workers’ Gratuity and Entitlements Before Airport Concession to Avoid Crisis

AbdulRazaq Seidu, a prominent labour leader and Secretary General of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), has issued a stern warning regarding the potential fallout from the proposed airport concessions in Nigeria. Seidu emphasizes that failing to fully address workers’ gratuities, entitlements, and pensions before moving forward with the privatization process will create severe risks for both the country and the aviation sector.

Seidu’s remarks come in the wake of the Nigerian government’s push to concession the nation’s airports, citing the need for increased investment in vital infrastructure. However, Seidu argues that the process must not overlook the concerns of the workers, particularly those employed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), who fear job insecurity and the potential erosion of their benefits.

The aviation industry is rife with apprehension, with many workers skeptical about the consequences of privatization. Seidu shared that the lingering uncertainty has led to widespread disengagement among the workforce. He pointed out that the aviation labour unions have long opposed the airport concession plan, voicing concerns about its implications for national security and sovereignty.

“We have seen this issue debated extensively in the National Assembly, both in the House of Representatives and the Senate,” Seidu stated. “We have consistently argued that airport concessioning is not in the country’s best interest. It exposes us to risks, including potential security threats and the vulnerability of our critical infrastructure.”

Seidu further cautioned Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, about the influence of individuals pushing for swift concessions without addressing the key concerns of the workers. “The Minister must be careful not to fall into the same trap as former Minister Hadi Sirika. He must ensure that the process is transparent and that all labour-related issues are thoroughly discussed and resolved before any action is taken,” Seidu emphasized.

Drawing from past experiences, Seidu highlighted the collapse of previous attempts at airport concessioning, which were marred by lack of consultation with workers and inadequate protection of their interests. “The unions must be involved from the very start. Without their input, the entire process will fail, just like the previous attempt under Sirika,” he remarked.

Seidu, a strong advocate for workers’ rights, underscored the critical role that union secretariats play in protecting the interests of aviation workers. “The secretariats of the unions are the backbone of unionism. You cannot wait until late in the process to involve them—it will only lead to failure. The unions must be at the table from the outset.”

The ANAP leader also raised concerns about the governance of aviation agencies, noting the absence of an updated board of directors and the lack of formalized conditions of service for workers. He urged Keyamo to ensure that any committee formed to oversee the concession process includes representatives from the FAAN union, given that it is the agency most directly affected by the proposed changes.

“The workers’ gratuities, entitlements, and pensions must be addressed in detail before any concession is carried out. It is critical that the Minister ensures workers’ rights are safeguarded and that there is no risk of mass job loss or exploitation,” Seidu stressed.

In his closing remarks, Seidu appealed to Keyamo to be cautious of sycophants advising him to bypass the workers’ concerns. He expressed hope that the Minister would prioritize a fair and inclusive process, thereby ensuring a successful and lasting legacy in the aviation sector. “Mr. Minister, you’ve done well so far, and I hope you finish strong, ensuring the welfare of aviation workers and the nation’s interest are upheld. This is your chance to cement your place in history,” Seidu concluded.

Several experts in the aviation and labour fields have echoed Seidu’s sentiments, arguing that airport privatization should not occur without thorough consultations with affected workers and unions. A case study of the UK’s airport privatization in the 1980s highlighted the importance of addressing workers’ rights and job security prior to privatization. In that instance, the absence of clear agreements on worker protections led to significant strikes and unrest, ultimately delaying the full benefits of privatization.

Similarly, lessons from Kenya’s recent airport concession efforts suggest that transparency, engagement with unions, and clear agreements on pensions and entitlements are crucial for the successful privatization of critical infrastructure. Without these safeguards, the process risks alienating the workforce and undermining the long-term sustainability of the sector.

Experts agree that Nigeria’s aviation sector is at a pivotal crossroads, and balancing investment opportunities with the protection of workers’ rights will be essential for the success of any airport concession plan.