Aviation unions in Nigeria have issued a stern warning that they will shut down all airports nationwide from March 31, 2025, if their demands over the recent assault of a senior aviation security official are not met.
The unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), expressed outrage over the alleged attack on the Director of Aviation Security at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by a customs officer.
In a joint statement, the unions outlined their key demands, which include:
• The immediate removal of the customs officer involved in the assault
• A reduction in the number of customs officers operating within airports, and
• The implementation of strict protocols to prevent future incidents
The unions argue that FAAN staff have faced repeated physical and psychological assaults from security personnel and that the situation can no longer be tolerated. They insist that unless their demands are met, aviation workers will withdraw their services, effectively grounding flights across the country.
In response, Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada downplayed the incident, describing it as a “miscommunication” regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements. However, aviation workers remain adamant, insisting that concrete action must be taken to protect FAAN personnel from future attacks.
