Following the decision by aviation unions to embark on a peaceful protest on September 18 over the deduction of 50 per cent of agencies’ internally generated revenue, IGR, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has scheduled a meeting with the unions.
Keyamo, who said President Bola Tinubu was looking into the concerns raised, added that the meeting would provide a platform to discuss the issues and allow the President time to intervene and address the issue, reports Vanguard.
A statement by the minister said government was committed to ensuring that the aviation sector continued to operate efficiently and safely.
The statement read: “The attention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has been drawn to the notice of a planned protest by the aviation workers’ union scheduled for September 18, 2024.
”While he acknowledges the concerns raised by the unions within the aviation sector regarding the deduction of 50 per cent IGR at source by government, he wants to assure all stakeholders that President Bola Tinubu is looking into the concerns raised.
”We understand the strain this has placed on the sector’s ability to address critical safety and operational needs, and we take these concerns very seriously.
“We wish to assure the unions and all stakeholders that the Minister of Aviation and Mr President are fully aware of the situation and are working diligently to find a resolution. Government is committed to ensuring that the aviation sector continues to operate efficiently and safely.
“In response to the concerns, the Ministry has scheduled a meeting with the leadership of the unions on September 17, 2024.
”This meeting will provide a platform to openly discuss the issues at hand and allow the President sufficient time to intervene and address the unions’ concerns comprehensively.
“In light of this, we appeal to the unions to reconsider their planned peaceful protest on September 18, 2024, and allow for dialogue to take place.”
