Workers’ Rights: NUATE Hands Aviation Logistics a 7-Day Ultimatum

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to Aviation Logistics and Management Limited, accusing the company of persistent violation of labour laws, suppression of union activities, and refusal to implement standard welfare benefits for its workers.

In a strongly worded letter dated December 3, 2025, NUATE expressed deep frustration over what it described as a “deliberate attempt” by the management of Aviation Logistics and Management Ltd to avoid meaningful dialogue on the welfare of its workforce. The ultimatum comes after several unsuccessful efforts by the union to engage with the company, including a prior letter dated November 24, 2025, and multiple follow-up calls.

Signed by Odinala J. Igbokwe, Deputy General Secretary, NUATE said the company’s actions undermine both national labour regulations and international best practices in industrial relations.

Management Accused of Blocking Union Access and Avoiding Negotiations

According to NUATE, the Managing Director of the company allegedly ignored scheduled calls meant to confirm a meeting date. Attempts by union officials to visit the company’s office reportedly resulted in increased security deployment, preventing them from engaging with staff or management.

The union denounced this behaviour as a direct attack on workers’ rights and a violation of Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which guarantees employees the freedom to associate and participate in trade union activities.

NUATE said that workers of the company have been systematically denied the right to belong to the union or serve as union executives—an action the union described as “illegal, backward, and contrary to all known labour standards.”

Key Violations Highlighted by NUATE

The union listed several grounds for the ultimatum:

1. Denial of Workers’ Right to Unionization

Workers are reportedly intimidated or prevented from joining the union or participating in union leadership, leaving them without representation during negotiations with management.

2. Breakdown of Collective Bargaining

NUATE accused the company of completely shutting out dialogue with workers, making collective bargaining impossible and undermining the foundation of industrial harmony.

3. Failure to Implement Industry-Standard Benefits

The union insists that the 13th month salary, widely recognized as standard in the aviation sector, has not been implemented, despite repeated demands.

4. Lack of Transparency in Deduction of Union Dues

NUATE said it receives union dues from the company, but management has failed to provide the list of workers from whom deductions are made—raising concerns about financial transparency and accountability.

Ultimatum and Potential Industrial Actions

The union has demanded that the management resolve all outstanding issues within seven days. Failure to comply, NUATE warned, will result in decisive industrial actions aimed at correcting what it called “long-standing anomalies.”

“In seven days, you must address all the issues raised above or, in default, take responsibility for any action which we will take. You have been warned,”
— Odinala J. Igbokwe, Deputy General Secretary, NUATE.

The union also cited the popular cautionary phrase, “A stitch in time saves nine,” urging the company to act promptly to avoid further escalation.

Relevant Authorities Notified

The union forwarded copies of the letter to key security and airport authorities, including:

• Airport Commandant, Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA)
• Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, MMIA
• Director, Department of State Services (DSS), MMIA
• Airport Manager, MMIA
• Assistant Commissioner of Security (ACOS), MMIA Ikeja

This, according to NUATE, is to ensure transparency and guarantee security readiness should tensions escalate.

NUATE’s Leadership Structure Reaffirmed

The letter also highlighted the union’s robust national executive leadership, led by:

• National President: Ben Konye Nnabue
• Deputy Presidents: Yusuf Ismail Abdullahi, Salisu Lawal, Samuel Oluchi Uzor
• Vice Presidents: Lucy Iveren Ukpen, Anthony Chinweoke Ijeh, Emmanuel Chinedu Onyeulwil, Nanbol Danbana Dauda, Moses Olion Unansowo, Michael Ezeugo
• National Treasurer: Safiya Araga
• National Social Secretary: Ezekwesili Isaac Enyili
• National Trustees and Auditors, including Eucharia Chukwuma-Osode, Hycent Ugiagbe Okunbor, Ettah Charles Ettah, Abubakar Isah, Yakubu Abubakar, and Abubakar Mohammed Gumau.

NUATE emphasized that its national executive remains fully committed to protecting aviation workers from exploitation and ensuring the enforcement of constitutional and labour rights.

What This Means for the Aviation Sector

Labour tensions in Nigeria’s aviation industry have been rising in recent years, with unions repeatedly demanding improved welfare, stronger job protection, and respect for labour laws. The ultimatum issued to Aviation Logistics and Management Ltd may signal the beginning of another standoff—one that could disrupt operations if not properly addressed.

Aviation analysts warn that ignoring union demands could trigger shutdowns, protests, or picketing at airports, potentially affecting logistics operations and passenger services.

With NUATE’s seven-day countdown now in motion, all eyes are on the company’s management to see whether it will engage in dialogue or risk industrial confrontation.

NUATE has issued a 7-day ultimatum to Aviation Logistics and Management Ltd over alleged violations of workers’ rights, denial of union representation, and failure to implement standard welfare benefits. Read the full details of the union’s accusations and potential industrial actions.