…NCAA urged to drop sanctions against ValueJet pilots
By Charles Ebi
Aviation unions have deferred their planned strike action, citing “positive developments” in ongoing talks over improved remuneration for workers.
The strike, which was scheduled to begin Monday, August 11, was put on hold following the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and senior ministry officials, as well as efforts by the management of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency ,NAMA.
In a joint notice, the unions under NAMA said they had earlier been “compelled by unfavourable circumstances” to reinforce their strike notice but have now resolved to suspend the action pending further developments.
“Importantly, due to the hard work of the Management of NAMA and the intervention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and other senior officials of the Ministry, we are happy to report that there have been some positive developments around the issue”, the statement read.
The notice was signed by AbdulRasaq Saidu, Secretary General of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals ,ANAP; Odinaka Igbokwe, Deputy General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees ,NUATE; Frances Akinjole, Principal Deputy General Secretary of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria ,ATSSSAN; and Alo Lawrence, General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees ,AUPCTRE.
The unions highlighted the release of a “no objection” letter from the Budget Office to the National Incomes, Salaries and Wages Commission on August 7, and a follow-up letter from NAMA management to its staff outlining ongoing efforts to ensure payment of the new remuneration along with August salaries.
“Based on the above, and in order to demonstrate good faith, our unions have taken the decision to defer the strike action scheduled to commence on today, August 11, 2025 pending the state of affairs on the subject matter at the end of August, 2025″, the statement added.
Meanwhile, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers ,NAAPE, has urged the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority ,NCAA, to reconsider its sanction on ValueJet pilot, Oluranti Ogoyi and her co-pilot, Ivan Oloba.
The NAAPE made the request in a statement on Saturday, August 9, signed by its National President, Galadima Abednego.
“While we note the captain’s less than optimal discretion, we totally condemn KWAM 1’s crude, unruly behaviour and arrogant display.
“NAAPE calls on the authorities to lay the blame on KWAM 1 and make him face the full wrath of the law to prevent future incidents”, it urged.
The association stressed that while it was not against investigation, it demanded that the probe be open, transparent, and unbiased.
The pilots were suspended following an incident on August 5 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for breaching security protocol.
The NCAA had to withdraw the operating licences of the two pilots with immediate effect for leaving the airport with their aircraft without clearance, after a passenger, a famous musician, Ayinde Wasiu, fondly called KWAM I and K1 De Ultimate attempted to block the aircraft from taxiing.
The NCAA also subsequently penalised the musician, banning him from flying on aircraft anywhere in the world for six months.
Acknowledging that the ValueJet captain should have acted with optimal discretion, NAAPE condemned the musician’s unruly behaviour.
It noted that aviation operations rested on two pillars safety and security and as a frontline professional association, NAAPE said it placed the highest premium on these principles.
The association commended the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who intervened and ordered a “no-fly list” on the musician and also the NCAA for its prompt decisions. It, however, insisted that KWAM 1 be held culpable for his actions.
It urged the aviation authority to reconsider and review its decision against the ValueJet pilots to restore their licences.
“The intense provocation caused by KWAM 1’s actions stretched the tolerance of seasoned pilots with unblemished records.
It urged the aviation authority to reconsider and review its decision against the ValueJet pilots to restore their licences.
“Passengers should always exercise restraint, knowing safety is aviation’s top priority. Let us cooperate with airlines to help them serve us better”, the association added.
The musician was not allowed to board the aircraft after he refused to hand over a flask suspended to contain alcohol to the airline officials at the point of boarding.
