Aviation Workers Halt Operations at Enugu Airport Over Concession Concerns
Flight operations at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu experienced significant disruption on Friday, February 6, as aviation workers initiated an industrial action. The protest directly targets the Federal Government's decision to concession the airport, with workers expressing deep concerns about the lack of transparency and safeguards for their employment.
Workers Voice Dissatisfaction with Concession Process
According to multiple reports, the industrial action stems from growing dissatisfaction among airport staff regarding the handling of the concession process. Workers have raised alarms about the potential implications for their welfare, alleging that the airport has been concessioned to a South-East governor and a prominent businessman from Anambra State without clear guarantees about the fate of existing employees.
A source familiar with the situation revealed to Sahara Reporters: "The airport has been concessioned without taking into consideration the welfare of the workers. All we know is that they said full concessioning will come into effect in two years' time, but nothing was said about the future of the workers when the new owners take over."
Failed Engagement Attempts and Union Directive
The source further explained that aviation unions have made repeated attempts to engage both the alleged concessionaires and government officials. However, these efforts have failed to yield any concrete commitments regarding worker protections or future employment arrangements.
"Aviation unions have made several efforts to engage them, including one of the South-East governors and a popular billionaire investor from Anambra State, but they are not forthcoming on their plans for the workers," the source added.
This morning, workers received a directive from the national offices of aviation unions to shut down flight operations, which they promptly implemented, bringing all airport activities to a standstill.
Passengers Left Stranded Amid Airport Shutdown
The protest has resulted in significant inconvenience for travelers, with passengers forced out of the terminal building and left stranded as all flight operations were suspended. Videos circulating online show frustrated passengers milling around the airport premises, expressing anger over the sudden shutdown and the lack of clear information from authorities.
The situation has created chaos at the airport, with many travelers uncertain about when normal operations might resume or how to proceed with their travel plans.
Official Response Awaited
As of now, neither the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) nor the aviation unions have issued official statements regarding this development. The silence from relevant authorities has only heightened tensions at the airport and left both workers and passengers in limbo.
The protest highlights broader concerns about privatization and concession processes in Nigeria's aviation sector, particularly regarding worker protections and transparent implementation. The situation at Akanu Ibiam International Airport serves as a critical test case for how such transitions are managed and whether employee welfare receives adequate consideration in government concession agreements.
