Aviation Workers Announce Date to Shut Down Nigerian Airports Over Customs, FAAN Dispute

Aviation workers in Nigeria have announced plans to shut down airports nationwide from March 31, 2025, in protest against the alleged assault of a senior official of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by a customs officer.

The decision was disclosed in a joint statement by three major aviation unions: the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP). The statement, signed by union leaders Ocheme Aba, Frances Akinjole, and Abdul Rasaq Saidu, condemned the repeated attacks on FAAN personnel and called for immediate action.

The unions demanded the removal of the customs officer involved in the incident and urged the government to reduce the number of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) officers operating in civil aviation, aligning with international standards. They stressed the need for a clear framework to ensure mutual respect between FAAN staff and security agencies at airports.

Citing the persistent threats to the safety and rights of FAAN employees, the unions warned that unless corrective measures are put in place, all aviation workers would withdraw their services from March 31.

In response to the controversy, Customs spokesperson Abdullahi Maiwada attributed the clash to a miscommunication over equipment movement and seating arrangements. However, the unions remain firm in their stance, signaling a potential disruption to air travel in the coming weeks.