The Joint Aviation Trade Unions Forum (JATUF) has highlighted the critical importance of improving worker welfare to ensure safety in Nigeria's aviation sector. During the third edition of their leadership conference in Lagos, the chairman, Comrade Ben Nnabue, emphasized that poor worker conditions pose a security and safety threat, citing inadequate pay and denied entitlements as factors impairing passenger and cargo safety.
He explained that labour issues must be resolved before airport concessions can proceed legally, referencing international standards. Nnabue also expressed concern over delays in paying severance benefits to Nigerian Airways employees, urging government action. The secretary, Hector Nnamdi, reinforced that happy and well-compensated workers are essential for safe skies, calling for expedited conditions of service and increased allowances to address Nigeria's high cost of living.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Dr. Yakunu Kofarmata, underlined the importance of safety, leadership, and welfare in driving aviation growth. Aviation expert Dr. Richard Aisuebeogun advocated for stronger labour-management cooperation to secure Nigeria's aviation future. Overall, the conference underscored worker welfare as a non-negotiable element of aviation safety and sector development.
