The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria are the unions involved.

Other organisations include the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation Civil Service Technical and Recreation Services Employees and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).

In a memo signed on Friday, the five unions said an indefinite strike would commence if the government failed to address the approval and implementation of the Condition of Service (CoS), the new salary structure for the workers, and the planned demolition of the offices of the aviation agencies.

On Monday, however, all entrances to Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport were blocked by the aviation unions, completely halting all vehicular movements.

Additionally, a large number of passengers who arrived at the airport to catch flights to different locations were seen trekking after the blockade, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) its head office was under chain and lock.

The unions organised their members, who took control of the key entrances to the airport from the Ikeja, Mafoluku, and Beesam axis, as well as the Oshodi/Isolo to the tollgate from the international airport, as early as 4 am.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport chapter of FAAN has in the meantime advised passengers and stakeholders to prepare contingency plans in order to keep their appointment.

In a statement on Monday in Abuja, the management of the agency expressed regret over any inconvenience that passengers may face.

The agency said the management of NAIA would open the airport for operation as usual, but warned that passengers may experience “disruptions in flight operations as a result of the planned strike action”.

The statement reads: “The management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, wishes to inform the general public of the aviation union’s planned two-day warning strike scheduled to start Monday, April 17, 2023.

“Intending passengers and stakeholders are kindly advised and noted so as to make contingency plans in order to avoid missing their flights and appointments. Any inconvenience experienced is highly regretted.”