By Emmanuel Obisue
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to unionism and the welfare of aviation workers.
The minister made this statement while delivering a keynote address on Tuesday night at the 11th Edition of Aviation Workers’ Week and Award Night at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja.
The event, with the theme: “The Role of Aviation Trade Unions in Galvanizing Workers’ Support for the Attainment of Ministerial Mandates,” brought together key stakeholders, including heads of agencies under the ministry, various aviation sector professionals, and airlines operators.
Represented by Dr. Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Keyamo emphasized that unionism should not be antagonistic to progress but a protagonist for it. He urged that a culture of dialogue is always better. “JAW-JAW is always better than WAR-WAR,” he said.
Shortly after receiving an award in recognition of his efforts in changing the narrative in the Nigerian Aviation sector, Keyamo said the directive of President Bola Tinubu on prompt payment of workers salary, is effectively in place.
He encouraged staff to embrace the Civil Service Implementation Plan, which is aimed at modernizing the Service, and assured them of his unwavering support in fostering growth and development within the ministry and the aviation industry.
In his welcome address, Chairman, Joint Consultative and Negotiating Council, JCNC, Comrade, Hector Nnadi, called on aviation trade unions to strengthen collaboration with the aviation ministry to drive the successful implementation of ministerial mandates. He highlighted the critical role of trade unions in aligning workers’ interests with government policies to ensure the growth and sustainability of the aviation sector.
Hector commended the dedication of aviation workers who work tirelessly to maintain the safety, security, and efficiency of the sector. The event also featured panel discussions centered on the theme “The Role of Aviation Trade Unions in Galvanizing Workers’ Support for Attainment of Ministerial Mandates,” highlighting the critical need for social dialogue, collaboration between unions and management, and enhanced capacity building through soft skills training.
