Workers in the aviation industry under the auspices of the National Union of Employees (NUATE) and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) have grounded operations at the Lagos headquarters of Arik Air over a N12.5 billion debt allegedly owed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The development led to abrupt cancellation of flights with stranded passengers flocking the Murtala Muhammed Airport General Aviation Terminal (GAT) Terminal 1.
As early as 6:30 a.m. yesterday, the angry workers, chanting solidarity songs, were seen displaying placards with various inscription like: ‘If Arik Air alone is owing FAAN N12.5 billion how does it want FAAN to survive?’, ‘Arik pay your debt, enough is enough’, ‘Arik Air Must pay its debt to FAAN for peace to reign, Arik Pay Your 12.4 billion Debt! FAAN can no longer pay salaries, pension, staff claims due to your debt!! Debtors pay all you owe FAAN now!!! Arik if you can’t pay don’t fly!!! Arik pay your debt 12.5billon is too much”.
ATSSSAN president, Comrade Benjamin Okewu, commented that the unions and FAAN workers had not embarked on industrial action against the airline, but only withdrew the services they render to the airline as a result of the ‘massive debts.’
NUATE’s acting General Secretary, Comrade Olayinka Abioye, also said “we are engaged in picketing exercise against Arik Air over its indebtedness to FAAN in the sum of N12.5 billion”.
