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The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, is facing the prospect of industrial action following a fourteen-day ultimatum issued by four aviation unions over the prolonged failure to conclude a review of staff Conditions of Service.
In a joint notice dated 14 January 2025 and addressed to the Rector and Chief Executive Officer of the College, the unions accused NCAT management of indecision, lack of commitment and insensitivity to staff welfare, warning that continued delays could jeopardise industrial harmony at the nation’s foremost aviation training institution.
The ultimatum was issued by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), the Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE).
The unions said they were left with no choice after what they described as management’s persistent failure to conclude a review process that had dragged on long after similar agencies in the aviation sector had resolved theirs.
According to the unions, management’s posture towards labour matters had been marked by what they termed “unseriousness” and a dismissive attitude towards union leadership, despite repeated engagements aimed at resolving outstanding issues. They stressed that organised labour at NCAT had continued to prioritise stability and productivity in recognition of the College’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The unions noted that NCAT occupies a critical position as a centre of excellence for aviation training, producing skilled manpower for airlines, regulatory agencies and service providers within Nigeria and across the West African sub-region. They said this status had informed their long-standing restraint and willingness to cooperate with management as “partners in progress”.
However, the unions expressed frustration that, in spite of this cooperation, the welfare of staff had not received the attention it deserved. They described the failure to conclude the Conditions of Service review as a clear indication that management was merely paying lip service to the concerns of employees.
In the notice, the unions warned that NCAT had now become the only agency within the aviation sector yet to finalise its Conditions of Service, a situation they said was breeding discontent among workers and undermining morale.
“Should management fail to conclude the review of the Conditions of Service within fourteen days from the date of this notice, the unions shall have no alternative than to direct their members to withdraw their services forthwith,” the statement warned.
The prospect of a strike at NCAT has raised concerns within the aviation community, given the College’s central role in training pilots, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals.
Industry stakeholders fear that any disruption to activities at the institution could delay training programmes and impact manpower development across the sector.
Despite the stern warning, the unions reiterated their commitment to the growth and success of the College, stressing that their demand was not intended to disrupt operations but to compel management to act in the best interest of staff and the institution.
The ultimatum was jointly signed by Comrade Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary of NAAPE; Comrade Frances Akinjole, General Secretary of ATSSSAN; Comrade AbdulRasaq Saidu, Secretary General of ANAP; and Comrade Waheed Sikiru, General Secretary of NUATE. Copies of the notice were also circulated to branch chairmen and secretaries of the unions.
As at the time of filing this report, NCAT management had not issued any formal response to the unions’ demands.
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