Air travelers at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja are urging the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Labour Congress (TUC) to rethink their proposed nationwide strike scheduled for November 14.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja, passengers expressed concerns about the far-reaching impact such a strike could have on various sectors of the national economy.
The NLC and TUC announced the nationwide strike in response to the alleged brutalization of NLC National President Joe Ajaero, during a workers’ protest by the police in Imo State.
One passenger, Mr. Frank Olishe, appealed to the unions to consider alternative means of expressing their grievances, emphasizing that a nationwide strike would be detrimental to the nation’s fragile economy.
He cited recent disruptions at NAIA, where flights were delayed and economic activities were severely affected by union protests.
Another traveler, Mrs. Margret Madueke, waiting for her scheduled flight from Abuja to Kano, emphasized that the airport is not an appropriate venue for protests or any form of violence.
She stressed the need for prioritizing safety and security in such busy environments.
Providing an update on the situation, Mr. Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Federal Airport Authority Authority (FAAN), assured that normalcy has been restored at the airport.
He mentioned that discussions and appeals were made to the unions, and efforts are being doubled to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of all airport users.