Striking workers yesterday temporarily disrupted flight operations at Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu to press home their demand for job security.
Issues at stake
The bone of contention was the 30-year concession of the airport signed last month which they feared would affect job security. Government signed the concession agreement with Aero Alliance Limited. The unions also questioned the hush-hush actions which led experts to conclude that it failed due process tests.
Government denied the charge of lack of transparency in the process.
The workers suspended the action when Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo agreed to meet with union leaders on Monday.
The protesting unions
The three main unions in the aviation industry, from NUATE and ATSSSAN to ANAP joined the strike. They temporarily shut down operations thereby disrupting the plans of over 300 passengers that were ready for takeoff.
The agreement, they said, lacked transparency and also excluded them from the final stages of the deal.
Impact on Travel
The shutdown left over 300 passengers stranded as workers blocked access to the terminal and evacuated the building.
The disruption led to cancellation of flights to and from the airport’s major routes, Lagos and Abuja, and subsequent delays for incoming flights.
The truce
Flights resumed at the airport following interventions from the Ministry of Aviation. Although airlines like Enugu Air resumed operations, it nevertheless cautioned passengers about potential rescheduling as they attempt to clear the backlog.
What happens next?
Federal officials said Government will meet to iron out issues with labor unions on Monday, 9 February 2026. The unions however warned that further strike action will follow if government fails to meet their demands.
The demands centre mainly on staff welfare which the unions insist must be met before government physically hand over the airport to the new operators.
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