The suspension will remain in effect until May 13, 2025, as the minister works to address the unions’ concerns.

Comrade Aba Ocheme, National Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), confirmed the development after a meeting with Keyamo and union leaders.

“We have resolved to suspend the ongoing strike till May 13, 2025, in recognition of the Honourable Minister’s timely and sincere intervention. We await the progress of the actions he has committed to take,” Ocheme said.

Comrade Alale Adedayo, National President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), echoed the sentiment, saying, “As a mark of respect for the Honourable Minister’s intervention and assurance, we have decided to temporarily call off the strike while the process of resolution is ongoing.”

The unions had embarked on the strike to protest poor working conditions, including salary disparities with other aviation agencies, unpaid minimum wage arrears, and demands for salary increases and other benefits.

Minister Keyamo, in response, expressed empathy with the workers and pledged swift action. He noted that many of the grievances stemmed from delays under past administrations.

He outlined steps to address the concerns, including consultations with the president and minister of finance, as well as the formation of a ministerial committee to engage relevant bodies on issues like subsistence allowances.

Commending the unions for their maturity and patience, Keyamo emphasized that their cooperation was crucial to the aviation sector’s progress. He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining industrial harmony and addressing workers’ legitimate demands.

The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, also voiced optimism about a resolution before the May deadline, urging all stakeholders to remain cooperative in efforts to improve staff welfare across the aviation industry.