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Unions plead with Tinubu over Arik’s crisis

Unions in the aviation industry have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing crisis at Arik Air following the seizure of one of its aircraft after the Supreme Court granted judgment to businessman, Chief Arthur Eze.

In implementing the judgment, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) grounded the airline’s aircraft last week for indebtedness following the execution of a court judgment.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has denied that the airline’s operations were suspended or grounded following a court order/attachment.

Union leaders in action

It noted that grounding one of the airline’s aircraft does not include the suspension of Arik Air’s overall operations by either the NCAA or the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development as claimed in some quarters.

“The NCAA is duty-bound to comply with the court order attaching Arik Air’s aircraft (5NMJF; 5NMJQ; 5NBKX) following the determination of its case at the Supreme Court and to ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards.”


The unions in a joint letter dated first August 2024 signed by their secretaries general and addressed to President Tinubu said the grounding of the aircraft has caused anguish and frustration among passengers, with many left stranded and unable to make alternative travel arrangements.

The unions; the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) National Union of Air Transport Employees NUATE and Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN noted that, in a letter dated February 20, 2024, they had requested the President’s urgent and compassionate intervention in the matter, which has now led to the grounding of Arik Air’s fleet of four aircraft.


The scribes estimate that over 2000 workers and their 16,000 dependents are affected by the crisis, which could exacerbate the country’s socio-economic challenges.

According to them, the grounding will hurt third-party vendors and service providers, including airports, aviation agencies, ground handlers, fuelers, and caterers.

They warned that the crisis could have significant negative consequences for the earnings of the aviation agencies.

The unions appealed to the President to use his office to call all parties involved in the matter, including government agencies, to order and allow Arik Air to continue its operations while the issues are being resolved.

They also urged the President to consider the national interest and the order of the court directing all parties to maintain the status quo ante.


“We trust in your renewed hope agenda to bring succour to our troubled dear nation, and we hope that your administration will always carry our unions along in matters connected with the aviation industry”.

The union’s appeal comes as the aviation industry is still reeling from the effects of the grounding of Dana Air, which had a significant impact on the industry.

Arik Air’s aircraft

He expressed concern that the current situation is avoidable and could have severe consequences for the industry and the economy.

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