Air Peace says it lost more than N2 billion after aviation unions staged protests at its facilities, a disruption that forced the airline to halt flights nationwide and left travelers stranded in Lagos and Abuja.
The carrier explained that union members picketed its outlets over two issues: the alleged failure by airlines to remit the 5 percent Ticket Service Charge (TSC) to aviation agencies, and demands for unionisation of airline workers.
The protest shut down access to terminals at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Domestic carriers suspended operations as a result. The action was later called off after Chris Najomo, Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), urged the unions to embrace dialogue.
Speaking after flights resumed, Air Peace spokesperson Osifo-Whiskey Efe said the airline runs about 70 regional and international flights daily. By Tuesday afternoon, 29 flights had been cancelled, with more likely.
At a press briefing on Wednesday, Chief Operating Officer Oluwatoyin Olajide described the incident as “disturbing.” She said staff, passengers and operations were subjected to intimidation and disruption.
Olajide questioned why Air Peace was targeted when the TSC matter affects the entire industry. She cited Najomo’s public statement that compliance applies to airlines generally, not to Air Peace alone.
On unionisation, she noted that more than 98 percent of Nigerian airlines do not have unions. According to her, Air Peace employees have said they do not want to join one, a choice protected by the constitution.
“It is quite disturbing and curious that the same union members were seen in the videos urging passengers and the flying public not to be flying Air Peace again but the other airlines,” Olajide said.
She also alleged that some Air Peace workers were assaulted for opposing unionisation, including a female staff member who was reportedly left bleeding and bruised. “How can workers’ rights be defended by violently attacking workers exercising their own constitutional rights?” she asked.
The COO further raised concerns about airport security, asking how protesters gained access to a restricted area and disrupted operations. She said airports are critical national assets and such actions should have consequences.
Olajide referenced a Federal High Court judgment from April 26, 2024, obtained by Air Peace staff against the NLC, TUC, NUATE, the Inspector-General of Police and other unions. The court ruled it unlawful to threaten or coerce Air Peace employees into joining unions against their will, and issued a perpetual injunction barring harassment. The police were also directed to enforce the order nationwide. She described the latest picketing as a breach of that subsisting order.
She added that the disruption could raise issues under International Civil Aviation Organisation standards and Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations on aviation security and unlawful interference. Individuals who violated the law, she said, could face action if authorities pursue the matter.
Air Peace is now calling on the federal government, security agencies, airport authorities and aviation regulators to launch an independent investigation into the incident.
