The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has accused Turkish Airlines of illegally terminating the employment of some Nigerian staff members without following due process. In a May Day address delivered in Lagos to commemorate the 2026 Workers' Day celebration, NUATE President Ben Nnabue condemned the airline's actions, describing them as a violation of Nigerian labour laws and international conventions.
Violation of Workers' Rights
Nnabue stated that the affected employees were dismissed without a fair hearing or adequate compensation, leaving many in prolonged hardship amid ongoing litigation that has lasted six years. He demanded immediate reinstatement or payment of full negotiated entitlements for the affected workers, despite the ongoing legal proceedings.
Call for Investigation
The union called on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to investigate and sanction Turkish Airlines for its actions. Nnabue emphasized that no foreign carrier should earn billions from the Nigerian market while discarding Nigerian citizens.
He warned that persistent violations of labour laws, particularly by foreign operators, could undermine industrial harmony and threaten safety standards. NUATE maintained that the right to fair treatment and due process is non-negotiable, regardless of the employer's nationality.
Disruption of Operations
In March, the union disrupted Turkish Airlines' operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos over the sack of seven Nigerian staff members for union-related activities. According to NUATE, the airline dismissed union members in 2020, and the affected workers have not yet received their benefits six years after termination.
Nnabue insisted that the continued operation of any airline accused of violating workers' rights sends a dangerous signal within the industry. He urged the government to act decisively to prevent other operators from sidestepping established labour protections.
