Workers of the Ibom Air Development Company Limited (IADCL) on Monday, January 5, 2025, sealed the main gate of Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to protest what they described as unfair wages and poor working conditions.
The peaceful protest, which temporarily disrupted activities at the airport, was led by the chairman of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Ukeme Macaulay, who voiced deep concerns over the welfare and future of IADCL staff.
Addressing journalists at the scene, Macaulay lamented the non-implementation of pension and gratuity, noting that although these benefits are clearly provided for in Chapter 12 of our Conditions of Service, they remain unimplemented, creating serious uncertainty about workers retirement security.
He also condemned the continued embargo on staff training and retraining, stating that the restriction has seriously hindered capacity development, professional growth, and operational efficiency, and called for its immediate removal.
Another major grievance highlighted during the protest was the non-implementation of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly resolution, which directed the restoration of ranks, seniority, and full remuneration for reabsorbed staff. According to Macaulay, the failure to implement the resolution has subjected affected workers to unfair disadvantage and continued hardship.
The NUATE chairman further decried the partial implementation of the Conditions of Service (COS) and Scheme of Service (SOS), stressing that full enforcement is necessary to ensure fairness, staff motivation, and improved welfare across the board.
On manpower issues, Macaulay warned that IADCLs workforce strength is far below acceptable aviation standards, a situation he said negatively affects efficiency, safety, and service delivery.
There is an urgent need for adequate staffing in line with industry standards, he emphasized.
The union also used the protest to demand an urgent review of the salary structure, calling on the management and the Akwa Ibom State Government led by Pastor Umo Eno to ensure alignment with current aviation industry standards.
Macaulay was flanked during the protest by Comrade Ubong Samuel, chairman of the Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Ukeme Isaac, chairman of the National Association of Air Pilots and Engineers (ANAP), as well as other union leaders and members of IADCL.
The protesting workers appealed to the state government to intervene promptly, warning that continued neglect of their demands could further affect industrial harmony and aviation operations at the state-owned airport.
