NAMA Workers Threaten Nationwide Airspace Shutdown Over Unpaid Salary Adjustments

Air travel in Nigeria could face serious disruption as aviation workers have vowed to down tools starting Monday, August 11, 2025, over the federal government’s delay in implementing their salary upgrades.

The planned strike will affect operations at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and may ground flight activities across the country.

Four aviation unions, NUATE, ATSSSAN, ANAP, and AUPCTRE, issued a joint statement declaring an indefinite withdrawal of services, citing the government’s failure to act on a salary structure that was agreed upon months ago.

“The ultimatum we issued on July 30 has expired. Starting from 5 a.m. on August 11, all NAMA workers are directed to stop work indefinitely,” the statement read.

The unions say the strike will continue until further notice, and only directives from their national secretariats will be obeyed.

Despite a prior warning to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, the workers say there has been no response or action from the government.

Airlines, airport authorities, and travelers are now bracing for the possible halt of air navigation services if the strike goes ahead as planned.