Flight operations have resumed at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport as unions have opened closed airport terminals following the suspension of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress’ indefinite strike.
Mr. Francis Akinjole, General Secretary of the Air Traffic Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, stated that the strike was relaxed’ for a week to allow unions to continue negotiations with the Federal Government on a new minimum salary.
Akinjole stated that all previously prohibited entry points at domestic airport terminals I (General Aviation Terminal) and II (Murtala Muhammed Airport II, Lagos) and others had been reopened.
Similarly, Mr. Alale Adedayo, President General of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), stated that organised labour had accepted the Federal Government’s offer of further negotiations.
According to Adedayo, flight operations have resumed on the domestic wing of Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the domestic wing is fully operational.
Passengers were observed boarding Value Jet, Ibom Air, Arik Air, and United Nigeria Airlines at Murtala Mohammed Airport II, which is managed by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.
Muyioluwa Maraiyese, a Value Jet passenger travelling to Abuja, said he expected labour unions to barricade highways during the strike to prevent road transport because it hampered aviation operations.
However, at the Air Peace Lagos-to-Abuja check-in booth, it was announced that flights were rescheduled. Monalisa Phillip, an unhappy airline passenger, said that the airline provided no explanation for the flight rescheduling.
The NLC and TUC reportedly paused the indefinite strike on Tuesday for a week to allow for more negotiations with the Federal Government on a new minimum wage.
The unions went on strike on Monday, following the inconclusiveness of negotiations on a new minimum wage.
