IN what appears to be the aviation sector regulatory agency’s acceding to workers’ demand, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday agreed to increase staff allowances and claims for workers in the organisation.
This was contained in a communiqué signed by leaders of three aviation unions and the management team of FAAN at the end of their meeting in Lagos yesterday.
Kehinde Rotimi signed for Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Olayinka Abioye for National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Emeka Njoku, National Union of Pensioners (NUP); while FAAN was represented by M. C. Abraham Inajoh and B.J. Adeyemi for Director and Manager, Human Resources respectively.
With this development, FAAN has accepted to commence the payment of furniture grants by January 2016 with modalities for the payment of 27% salary arrears to be worked out before Monday December 7, 2015.
On the issue of promotion, FAAN management promised to conclude all issues relating to promotion by December 17 2015, while every qualified employee of the agency will be given opportunity to participate in the promotion exercise to be strictly done in accordance with the condition of service by involving the unions.
The meeting also resolved to evolve modalities for the payment of the accrued pension benefits from Pencom while the unions will partner FAAN to recover all debts owed the organization.
The communiqué also stated that the management of FAAN and NCAA confirmed that Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited has not been given approval for regional operations.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Aeronautical Division, has called on the Minister for Transport, Rotimi Amaechi and the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika to support activities that would lead to increased indigenous participation and local content capacity building in the aviation industry.
The society made this known yesterday in separate letters to both ministers signed by National Chairman, Engineer Bola Akinribido and National Secretary, Engineer Patrick Achurefe while offering congratulatory messages on their appointments. The duo asked them not to rest on their oars by ensuring the total growth of the industry.
In the letters made available to the press, the NSE hailed the choice of President Muhammadu Buhari, stressing that there had been no debate on their choice, since the President has belief in the abilities of the ministers to move the aviation industry forward.
The letter reads in part: ”We are convinced that your appointment is a testimony to your managerial competence and the president’s belief in your ability to move forward the aviation industry in this critical era.”
“We acknowledge your commitment towards promoting a safe, vibrant and efficient aviation industry in Nigeria with your uncompromising attitude on good governance. We therefore commit you to the hands of the Almighty God to strengthen and guide you to success amidst the challenges in your high office.”
