A fresh industrial dispute is looming in Nigeria’s aviation sector after two major aviation unions issued a seven-day ultimatum to airlines and other organisations owing outstanding 5 percent Ticket Sales Charges (TSC), warning that failure to comply would trigger industrial action.
Gatekeepers News reports thay the ultimatum was jointly issued by the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) following the expiration of an earlier 14-day notice served on defaulting operators. The unions said the previous deadline elapsed on July 23 without compliance.
In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the unions said the continued failure to remit the statutory charges has deprived aviation agencies of funds needed to sustain safe flight operations and negatively affected the welfare of workers. They described the situation as a threat to the safety and security of Nigeria’s airspace.
The 5 percent Ticket Sales Charge is a statutory levy collected on every airline ticket sold in Nigeria and is expected to be remitted to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for distribution to aviation agencies.
The unions alleged that while airlines deduct the charge from passengers, several operators have failed to remit the funds as required by law.
ATSSSAN General Secretary, Frances Akinjole, and NUATE Deputy General Secretary, Odinaka Igbokwe, warned that the unions could no longer remain passive while aviation agencies were being deprived of critical revenue.
They said if the outstanding debts are not settled within seven days, the unions would embark on “concrete actions” at the premises of the defaulting organisations, including nationwide picketing.
The unions maintained that prompt remittance of the Ticket Sales Charges is essential to maintaining regulatory oversight, aviation safety and the efficient operation of the country’s air transport sector.
