Workers’ strike: Nigerians need safe aviation sector amid crisis – Kudu to NCAA

Mohammed Kudu, a public affairs analyst and civil society advocate, has emphasized the need for a safe aviation sector in Nigeria amid the ongoing workers' crisis. This assertion was made in a statement on Friday, following the disruption of operations at the Abuja Airport last week, which resulted in the cancellation of passenger flights.

In response to the crisis, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Director-General, Capt Chris Ona Najomo, called for dialogue among all parties involved. Additionally, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, convened a meeting to address the issue.

Kudu urged the Federal Government to facilitate collaboration among all stakeholders in the aviation industry to find a mutually agreeable solution to the ongoing crisis. He highlighted the clear indications that the administration is working to enhance the operating environment in various aspects, including safety oversight, consumer protection, regulatory predictability, and efforts to attract investments for aircraft acquisition.

Kudu stressed that while stakeholders have the right to express their concerns and demand accountability, such engagement should be constructive and focused on finding solutions. He believes that the reforms being pursued by the administration are in the best interest of the traveling public and that the long-term development of the Nigerian aviation sector must take precedence over individual or institutional disagreements.

Kudu called on all stakeholders to refrain from escalating the conflict and to allow the positive steps being taken by the administration to lead to meaningful gains for the country. He emphasized that Nigeria needs an aviation sector that is safe, efficient, competitive, and capable of supporting economic growth.