Nigerian aviation workers have activated a final seven-day ultimatum against airline operators, threatening a nationwide airport shutdown over billions of naira in unremitted statutory fees. The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) issued the ultimatum on July 28, following an initial 14-day notice that expired on July 23 without compliance.
Core dispute: the 5% Ticket Sales Charge
At the heart of the conflict is the 5% Ticket Sales Charge (TSC), a mandatory levy collected by airlines on every passenger ticket sold in Nigeria. By law, these funds must be remitted to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which distributes them among regulatory and safety agencies such as the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
According to union leaders, several indigenous carriers and related service organisations have accumulated billions of naira in unremitted deductions. The withheld funds have strained the operational liquidity of civil aviation agencies, creating what union executives describe as a direct threat to flight safety and aviation security.
Escalation timeline and potential impact
The unions served an initial 14-day notice on July 8, which expired on July 23. When airlines failed to address the arrears, a final seven-day ultimatum was activated on July 28. If the defaulting operators do not clear their outstanding debts before the notice period ends, union members have warned they will immediately begin picketing airline offices and operational premises nationwide.
Air travellers are advised to monitor flight schedules closely, allow extra time at terminals, and review rescheduling and refund policies. A full-scale strike date has not been formally declared, but direct action is imminent, raising concerns of major disruption to domestic air travel across the country.
Background: recurring aviation sector crises
This is the latest industrial dispute to rock the Nigerian aviation industry in recent months. Earlier, airline operators had threatened to shut down services over an exponential hike in jet fuel prices, following the energy crisis sparked by the US-Iran conflict. That strike was averted after the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, intervened. The aviation unions are now hoping the federal government will step in again to resolve the TSC remittance issue.
How passengers can prepare for a potential shutdown
With the threat of disruption looming, travellers should take proactive measures to minimise inconvenience:
- Reconfirm Flight Schedules: Check directly with your operating airline 24 to 48 hours before departure to verify flight status and departure gates.
- Monitor Official Notices: Stay updated via union releases, NCAA announcements, and reputable aviation news outlets for real-time changes to airport access.
- Arrive Early: Allow extra time at terminal checkpoints, as union picketing at check-in desks or service counters can cause sudden ground delays.
- Review Refund Policies: Familiarise yourself with airline rescheduling options and refund procedures in the event of industrial action-related cancellations.
The unions have made it clear that they are prepared to enforce the ultimatum unless the airlines remit the collected TSC funds immediately. The coming days will be critical for Nigerian air travellers and the aviation industry as a whole.
