A nationwide indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has grounded activities at major airports in Nigeria.
The strike, which began on June 3, 2024, is a protest against the lack of consensus on the new minimum wage and the hike in electricity tariff.
At the Murtala Mohammed Airport II in Lagos, passengers were stranded with luggage in hand as aviation unions locked the gate, denying staff and passengers access to the terminal.
The situation was similar at the Port Harcourt Airport, where workers under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) blocked vehicular access, forcing passengers to walk into the airport.
In Abuja, the airport terminal was empty, with no staff in sight and airline stands abandoned. The few passengers present were stranded at one of the entrances, unable to access the terminal due to the locked doors.
Despite the strike, flights have not been disrupted, and security presence is heavy at the airports. However, checking-in and boarding have been suspended, leaving passengers in limbo.
The strike has caused chaos and inconvenience for travelers, with many stranded at the airports. The labour unions’ action is a cry for attention from the government to address their demands, and the situation may worsen if the strike continues.
