From Suleiman Idris, Lagos
Thousands of workers in three agencies of the aviation industry defied the early morning rain in Lagos to march against the federal government decision to lump the regulatory and service providers together.
Government had in recent time drew condemnation from majority of the workforce over what many describe as ‘inimical to the development of the country’s aviation’.
Staff of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Nigeria Airspace Management Agency and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency thronged the MMA2, GAT and the international wings of the Lagos airport chanting solidarity slogans against the merger.
Placard and posters bearing “Merger is against ICAO regulations”, “proposed merger of NAMA, Nimet and NCAA is inimical to the development of the aviation industry in Nigeria” among others were on display.
John Chukwu, an activist describe government action as against international civil conventions saying “the defunct Nigeria Airways was similarly dealt a blow its victims are yet to recover from, Nigerians must not allow the present talk see the light of day” he told reporters.
For Ekanem Ekanem, ATSSAN chairman, FAAN branch, the federal government decision will amount to a clog in the wheel of progress.
“We give kudos to government for the equipment provided for NAMA and Nimet especially, those two agencies has register their marks across the globe in the last two years positively, then why disrupt this progress in the name of merger” he queried.
An official of Airlines Operators of Nigeria AON disclosed that a former Managing Director of one of the agencies had sold the idea to merge the agencies to the federal government.
“ It is a good thing Nigerians has found their voice to rise against the ignominious and selfish suggestion of certain persons who thought they will be made to head such agency when bridged.
“ Nigeria risk isolation and the loss of Category One if government goes ahead with the implementation, a regulator and service providers don,t have in common”. He said.
