Aviation Unionists have appealed to the federal government to prioritise labour’s affairs in its plan to concession airports in the country.

They made the call on Wednesday during their joint congress at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Abdul Ahmed, chairman of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Abuja chapter, called for clarity in the airport concession.

Specifically, he said workers’ conditions of service should not be neglected.

According to him, the concession of airports without considering the needs of more than 8,000 workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria will pose a significant challenge.

“It is a government policy; we don’t have to stop the government from executing its policy. However, all we need is for labour issues to be resolved before moving ahead to do anything. That is why we are here today to say, we are not against concession,” he said

Desmond Agoro, the chairman of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, outrightly condemned the federal government’s move to concession any nation’s airports.

Mr Agoro, however, said if the government must concession the airports, due process should be followed.

Ukpen Lucy, NUATE women leader, urged the federal government to prioritise labour-related issues while embarking on airport concessions.

Also speaking, Iwatuje Obafemi, chairman, Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals of Nigeria, Abuja chapter, said the federal government should be sensitive to workers’ welfare in the concession process

He advised the government to prioritise the security and safety of travellers at the nation’s airports.

(NAN)