Unions caution against criticisms on aviation policy issues

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Unions caution against criticisms on aviation policy issues 



......Welcome  constructive industry discourse 








Aviation unions in the country under the umbrella of Joint Council in Session have unanimously disagreed with  recent policy and administrative criticisms made by retired Group Captain John Ojikutu, a former Military Commandant of Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The three unions, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) said the Council at a meeting held 24 February, 2026, viewed his statements as misleading, provocative, and deliberately calculated to cast aspersions on a management team of FAAN that is demonstrably repositioning the aviation sector in line with international standards.

According to the chairmen of the Committee, they noted that while constructive industry discourse is both legitimate and welcome, certain recent comments, particularly those questioning the operational decision to temporarily divert flights despite the existence of two runways, and remarks dismissive of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), do not fully reflect established aviation safety protocols.

According to them , "In emergency situations, decisions regarding airspace closure, runway usage, and flight diversion are guided strictly by safety, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation considerations, not merely by the physical availability of infrastructure. Aviation standards require a holistic assessment of operational safety, including air traffic control functionality, emergency access corridors, and overall situational stability."

The unions said they categorically affirm total satisfaction and unwavering confidence in the leadership style, administrative direction, and reform-driven policies of FAAN management leadership under Mrs Olubunmi Kuku.

According to them, her stewardship reflects professionalism, transparency, and compliance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as well as globally accepted best practices.

"Under the present management, measurable progress has been recorded in operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, institutional discipline, and staff engagement. These achievements are evident and verifiable. They cannot be dismissed by speculative commentary."

They noted that constructive engagement through proper institutional channels were welcome but warned that persistent public attacks intended to undermine the stability of the industry will be firmly resisted stressing that the aviation workforce remained united and resolute in defending the integrity of the sector and the credibility of its leadership. 

"We call on all stakeholders and members of the public to disregard attempts to create avoidable tension and to continue supporting the ongoing reforms strengthening our aviation industry" .

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