Travelers were left stranded on Monday morning as all entry points into the domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos was shut by workers participating in the ongoing labour union strike.
In a video which surfaced online early Monday, intending passengers could be heard lamenting over their inability to access the airport.
Aviation workers had, in a statement, vowed to join the strike and shut down services nationwide. The statement jointly signed by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN); Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), said Nigerian local airports will be shut by 00:00hrs on Monday, June 3, 2024, while strike action at the international airports will commence on Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
According to the statement signed by the general secretary of NUATE, Com. Abba Ocheme; deputy general secretary, ATSSSAN, Com. Frances Akinjole; secretary general, ANAP, Com. Abdul Rasaq Saidu, and general secretary, NAAPE, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, the withdrawal of services by the Unions will be indefinite.
“In compliance with the directive from our labour centers, NLC and TUC, we, hereby, inform the general public, aviation service providers, airline operators. aviation businesses and all aviation workers nationwide that starting from 0000hrs of June 3, 2024 all services at all Nigerian airports shall be fully withdrawn till further notice.
“Being not oblivious of the fact that many international flights to Nigeria are already airborne, the strike action will commence at international terminals on 4th of June, 2024.
“All aviation workers should recognize the seriousness of this struggle and comply unfailingly. All Branch officers of our unions shall ensure full compliance at all airports,” they stated.
