Four aviation unions in Nigeria have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the management of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Zaria, warning of a total shutdown if the institution fails to conclude a long-delayed review of staff conditions of service.
The unions the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, National Union of Air Transport Employees, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers announced the decision in a joint statement released on Saturday.
They said the ultimatum was driven by what they described as management’s prolonged indecision and lack of commitment to staff welfare, despite repeated engagements and assurances over several years.
The warning comes days after the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) said it had approved a revised conditions-of-service framework following a comprehensive internal review, highlighting disparities in welfare across aviation agencies.
Workers at NCAT have long complained that their conditions lag behind those enjoyed by staff of other aviation bodies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
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In the statement, the unions said NCAT management had consistently failed to conclude the review process despite numerous meetings and pledges.
“We have noted with grave concern and indignation management’s continued act of indecision and unseriousness regarding matters bordering on staff well-being and the promotion of industrial harmony within the College,” the unions said.
They added that despite what they described as management’s “discourteous disposition” towards union officials, workers had remained patient in the interest of institutional stability.
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The unions said their restraint was based on the strategic role NCAT plays in Nigeria’s aviation sector, describing the college as a centre of excellence for aviation training in the country.
“Given its status as the centre of aviation excellence in Nigeria, we have consistently supported management as partners in progress,” the statement said.
However, the unions accused management of paying “lip service” to staff welfare and said NCAT had become the only aviation agency yet to complete a conditions-of-service review.
“It has become obvious that management has been paying lip service to improving the conditions of employment of our members,” the statement said.
The unions warned that failure to conclude the review within 14 days would trigger an immediate withdrawal of services across the institution.
“If management fails to conclude this review of Conditions of Service within fourteen days from now, our unions shall have no alternative than to direct our members to withdraw their services forthwith,” the statement said.
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“Enough is enough.”
Contacted for comment, NCAT spokesperson Jude Amadi said he was not immediately aware of the ultimatum but would verify the development.
“I’m not aware of the move, but now that I have been informed, I will speak with our union members and get back to you,” Amadi said.
He had not responded further at the time of publication.
