Aviation unions petition Presidency over Air Peace airside invasion

A group of aviation unions has lodged a petition with the presidency concerning an alleged intrusion by Air Peace Airlines at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on August 11, 2026, requesting a prompt security inquiry and prosecution of those responsible. The unions alleged that Air Peace management and staff drove five company buses onto the airport's taxiway and manoeuvring area following a union picketing activity, causing flight disruptions and endangering aviation safety.

Signed by Frances Akinjole, Igene P.I.A, and Umoho Otonime, the petition described the incident as a national security matter, warning that unauthorized obstruction of vital aviation infrastructure could jeopardize passengers, crew, and personnel. The unions had earlier delivered lawful picketing notices to numerous domestic airlines over alleged breaches of union rights and failure to remit the Ticket Sales Charge to workers.

They accused the airlines of obstructing unionization in violation of constitutional and labor laws. The unions warned that mounting worker discontent could disrupt industrial harmony and aviation safety. Despite claiming the picketing was peaceful and lawful, the unions accused some Air Peace staff of physically assaulting unarmed union members and inciting passengers against them.

The unions stated they halted the exercise upon the Minister of Aviation's intervention and the arrival of security agencies. They urged the NSA to investigate potential breaches of terrorism and aviation laws, urging the formation of a joint security team to identify and prosecute those responsible.