The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) protesters disrupted the operations at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by blocking both entry and exit points on Thursday.
The attempt by protesters to enter the airport was halted at the checkpoint by the military, leading to heightened tensions.
Expressing their dissatisfaction, the protesters took action by obstructing the airport’s entry and exit, causing significant traffic congestion on both sides.
Travellers were compelled to navigate their way into the airport on foot, facing inconvenience due to the protest.
This protest is part of the nationwide strike declared by the NLC and TUC in response to the recent brutalization of NLC President Joe Ajaero in Imo State.
As a result of the NLC’s directive, aviation unions, including the National Union Of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers (NAAPE), had previously ordered the withdrawal of all flights to Owerri from airports across the country.
The unrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport underscores the widespread impact of the labor unions’ strike, disrupting both air travel and vehicular movement in the area.
The situation remains tense as the unions continue to push for their demands and protest against the reported brutality towards their leaders.