NAAPE decries gagging of workers on union matters by airlines

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has condmned the attitude of some airlines preventing their workers from joining unions saying it is clearly against their constitutional rights and the laws of the land.

Speaking at the unveiling of NAAPE’s 40th anniversary logo at its secretariat in Ikeja, NAAPE President, Engr Galadima Abednego said, it is also regrettable that in year 2025 some airlines still have misunderstanding of Unions and what they do in terms of balancing protection of workers welfare, their rights and the profitability of the enterprise.

“It is also curious that while the same airlines enjoys their freedom of association through AON, we find it difficult to understand why they deny their staff their rights to associate and belong to a Union of their choice”.

“As an Association, we have grown with the industry from having only one branch in the defunct Nigeria Airways to now having over ten branches with some going down with the moribund airlines.

Abednego said under the leadership of Twelve presidents before him, the last eight years have been the most transformative, under his administration adding that they have strengthened the governing structure through appropriate amendments of the constitution following due process and ensuring that everything is properly gazetted with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

On his eight years as the president of NAAPE, Abednego said “We were able to acquire a standard office accommodation four years ago that now serves as our National secretariat from being perpetual tenants over the years we are now landlords. This is significant because what we inherited was rents being owed by the Association and we cleared all the debts and never to pay or owe rent again”.

He announced that NAAPE has two classrooms for rentals and for use by PEN Aviation Institute which is an ATO undergoing certification and owned by the Association adding that the ATO certificate will soon be issued in a matter of days.

“We also have part of our property under renovation to serve as travelers lodge with capacity of eight rooms. All these are geared towards financial dependence and sustainability of the Association to enable it contribute more to the growth and development of the industry and the welfare of our members”.

Abednego disclosed that members welfare in all branches have robust and negotiated conditions of services that are fair and reflective of current realities.

He said NAAPE has relentlessly protected members rights and their jobs adding that collaboration with other industry they have advocated and made presentations both at the Ministerial and National Assembly levels on matters of interest to the industry.

According to Abednego, in order to encourage excellence and selfless service NAAPE originated a compendium of 50 outstanding Pilots and Aircraft Engineers using very strict criteria and saw to the release of well detailed profiles of our fore bearers and recognizing their service and sacrifices thereby providing a reference material and opportunities for direct and indirect mentoring.

He said NAAPE ensured relevant and regular training of its leadership every year thereby developing their capacities adding that these and more were achieved because of his predecessors were able to handover to NAAPE an Association in piece and with great potentials.

“To mark this 40 years milestone, we have earmarked series of events. Today’s unveiling marks the beginning of a month long programe that will end 27th September, 2025.

According to NAAPE boss, activities at delegates conference will include a Golf Tournament to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State or Lagos with a Trophy to be won, a Young Aviator Foundation to be launched with a view to providing support fund in scholarships and grants for young and intending aviation in professionals in line with ICAO next generation of Aviation Professional programme (NGAP).

He said the director general of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority will unveiling activities of the event adding that there will be a dinner lecture with the theme “40 Years of Working for Aviation Safety” and Awards to well deserving individuals and organizations.