LAGOS – The National President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), John Ogala Ogbe, has identified rising operational costs, inadequate investment in local manpower development and unresolved labour issues as major obstacles to the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Ogbe made the remarks during the Ask the Expert segment of Breakfast Business Briefing on Trade FM, where he discussed the challenges confronting pilots, aircraft engineers and other aviation professionals, as well as measures needed to strengthen the country’s aviation workforce.
According to him, although Nigeria’s aviation sector has continued to recover from the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines are still grappling with several economic challenges that have increased the cost of operations.
He identified the high cost of aviation fuel, difficulties in acquiring and leasing aircraft, expensive overseas aircraft maintenance, and rising operational expenses as some of the major factors affecting airline operations and limiting the industry’s growth.
Speaking on the concerns of pilots and aircraft engineers, Ogbe said one of their biggest challenges is the high cost of training and recurrent certification, much of which is conducted abroad.
He acknowledged the role of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in training aviation professionals but stressed that the institution requires greater government funding to expand its capacity and produce more qualified personnel locally. According to him, strengthening local training institutions would reduce dependence on foreign training and lower costs for both professionals and airline operators.
Ogbe also commented on the recent industrial action at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, saying the action was driven by concerns over workers’ welfare and aviation safety.
He alleged that some airline operators have continued to prevent employees from joining trade unions despite constitutional provisions and international labour conventions guaranteeing workers the right to freedom of association.
According to him, workers who are denied negotiated conditions of service and adequate welfare packages are more likely to experience poor working conditions, which could ultimately affect operational efficiency and safety.
The ATSSSAN president also accused some airlines of failing to remit statutory charges collected from passengers on behalf of aviation agencies. He explained that the funds are essential for regulatory oversight, personnel training, equipment maintenance and other responsibilities necessary to maintain internationally accepted aviation safety standards.
He warned that withholding such funds could weaken the capacity of aviation agencies to effectively carry out their regulatory functions.
Ogbe commended the Federal Ministry of Labour for supporting workers’ rights, noting that the ministry has consistently directed airline operators to respect employees’ right to join recognised trade unions. However, he expressed concern that some operators have continued to resist unionisation despite repeated government interventions.
Describing unionisation as a fundamental labour right protected under Nigerian law and International Labour Organization conventions, he urged airline operators to embrace dialogue rather than confrontation in resolving industrial disputes.
On the migration of experienced aviation professionals abroad, Ogbe said the trend reflects the broader economic challenges facing Nigeria rather than being unique to the aviation sector.
While maintaining that airlines generally do not intentionally compromise safety, he cautioned that poor working conditions and unresolved labour issues could negatively affect employee morale and productivity if not addressed.
He called for stronger collaboration among airlines, labour unions and government regulators, saying continuous engagement would help resolve disputes, improve workers’ welfare and promote industrial harmony.
Ogbe expressed confidence that greater cooperation among stakeholders would strengthen safety standards, improve the welfare of aviation workers and support the long-term growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
