The President of the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), John Ogbe, has called on management of government agencies, companies, and organisations in Nigeria’s aviation sector to collaborate with unions to prevent disruptions in operations.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by ATSSSAN’s National Executive to the management of the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (Nahco), Ogbe highlighted the role of senior management staff as social partners and critical stakeholders in ensuring smooth business operations.
“We are your social partners, so the apprehension that unions always come for disruptions will not suffice with adequate collaborations between the unions and companies in the industry,” Ogbe said. He urged management to improve staff welfare, noting that global economic challenges and currency depreciation are affecting workers’ livelihoods.
Ogbe commended Nahco for its investment in equipment, staff training, and overall welfare policies, emphasizing that such initiatives reduce workplace pressures and encourage staff retention. “It is very important, when you have efficient work tools, it reduces pressures on the workers, and the investment in this is something that we commend Nahco on,” he said.
Echoing Ogbe’s remarks, Dr. Peter Olusola Obabori, Nahco’s Group Executive Director, Corporate Services, said the company has scheduled a meeting with unions on April 1 to discuss staff welfare. He assured that the organisation is committed to fair wages, performance-based incentives, and protective measures to mitigate the impact of global economic turmoil on employees.
Obabori also highlighted Nahco’s investments in safety and equipment, valued at over $20 million, which have contributed to growth in revenue and profitability. He noted that proper training has enabled staff to progress in their careers, with some moving to international opportunities such as Qatar Airways.
He further encouraged staff to participate in company share ownership programs, citing that shares purchased four years ago at N4 have risen to N170 today. “There are opportunities within the company to be rich if you open your eyes well and do the right investment. Please even as it is now start investing in your company, you cannot lose money,” Obabori advised.
The visit underscored the importance of partnership between management and unions, prioritizing staff welfare, training, and investments in operational efficiency as key drivers of a thriving aviation sector in Nigeria.
