Air Traffic Controllers Suspend Indefinite Strike

Nigeria air traffic controllers have announced the suspension of the indefinite strike that had grounded all domestic flights on Thursday but warned that a more severe shutdown would be launched next week if their demands were not met.

Announcing the suspension of the industrial action on Friday, Yakubu Dati of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) in a chat with AFP said “The strike was a warning strike.”

The work stoppage by the National Association of Air Traffic Controllers caused chaos and frustration at airports across the country.

Union chief Victor Eyaru was quoted widely in local media on Friday as saying that a more protracted strike would be launched on April 20 if their calls for better pay and improved working conditions were not answered.

Domestic air travel is a crucial means of transport across Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, given the poor conditions of many roads and relatively limited train network.

Attacks by roadside bandits who target motorists have also led to an increased reliance on domestic flights.

International carriers were not affected by Thursday’s strike.