Below is the communiqué issued at the end of the 2024 national executive council meeting/symposium of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) held in Abuja.
After an exhaustive and critical appraisal of activities of our Union the aviation sector and the Nigerian economic situation as a whole, we wish to avail the general public of the following resolutions:
- The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) condoles with the families, colleagues and associates of all victims of the ill – fated Helicopter crash of 24th October 2024, as we pray that God Almighty comforts all.
- NEC unequivocally agreed and hereby requests that NAAPE be given participatory right as observer in the ongoing official investigation into the cause of this unfortunate occurrence.
- NEC commends the search and rescue efforts by the relevant organisations thus far and wish to call on the government for investment in critical infrastructure for search and rescue in the country in order to optimize their performance with the view to mitigate loss of lives and properties in the event of an accident or emergency.
- NEC calls for thorough investigation into the circumstances of this accident with the view to preventing the reoccurrence in the future.
- NEC calls on the Federal Government to support the lead agency (NSIB) with the necessary tools and funding in order to reach a timely conclusion, giving the intricate nature and the international interest that this occurrence has generated.
- In order to mitigate the avoidable loss of lives and enhance safety in the event of aircraft ditching, NEC demands that NCAA enforce the strict use of life jackets fitted with oxygen and emergency breathing system (EBS). Also, to ensure that other emergency equipment e.g. floatation system are at all times serviceable.
- As a matter of utmost necessity and importance, NEC request that the NCAA mandates all airline operators to incorporate the “Rights Frame of Mind” policy in their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- In line with the economic reality of the country and considering the critical role aviation plays in the nation’s economy, NEC appeals to all employers of labour (Government and airlines) to provide better conditions of service to their employees.
- NEC calls on the honourable minister of aviation and aerospace development to intervene and ensure that management of DANA Air Ltd. urgently settles all outstanding salaries, allowances and other pending financial ob Vice Chairman of PCNGi, said in his statement ligations being owed its members since April, 2024.
- NEC calls for multi — stakeholders’ participation, including the union’s national organs in the ongoing Conditions of Service review meeting of the NSIB in line with International best practices and collective bargaining principles
- Given the consequential impact of Climate change on the society especially aviation, NEC hereby urges the Federal Government through the Ministry of Aviation to urgently set up a Climate Change Committee for the aviation industry where relevant stakeholders and Union representatives shall come up with industrial mitigation strategies;
- NEC acknowledges the enormous impact posed by Climate Change on aviation jobs and hereby demands that government set the machinery in motion to amend the Climate Change Act to include representatives of workers (Unions) and Employers organization in the Governing Structures of the National Council on Climate Change;
- NEC in sessions demands that social dialogue on Climate Change and Environmental sustainability finds very clear and unambiguous mandates in our Collective Bargaining Agreements;
- NEC considered and recognized the importance of capacity building in improving competencies of professionals and thereby call on all stakeholders in the aviation industry to pay serious attention to training and retraining of their personnel in the interest of safety.
- NEC in session recommends strengthening of social dialogue and collective bargaining processes for the achievement of Climate related Decent Work objectives including the expansion of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) to include Environmental sustainability (OESH);
- NEC acknowledges the immense contributions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency essentially in aviation and seeks a robust relationship in future engagements whereby as forecasts are being exchanged, Pilots may endeavor to share experiences on weather situations as a feedback to the agency;
- Trade unionism should be seen as more than a demand for better wages and or improved working conditions but it involves a shared responsibility to maintain stability and growth within the sector while advocating for workers welfare. It is also about partnership and collaboration towards the creation of mutual prosperity for workers, employers and the nation at large; it serves to stabilize through constructive engagement with stakeholders, advancing professional development and enhancing safety standards.
- NEC in session empathizes with the management and staff of Eastwind Aviation on the unfortunate accident involving one of their helicopters and loss of lives of passengers and our unions vice president and his co-pilot; NEC prayed for the repose of the souls of the departed and comfort for their families. (Sic)
Mr Abednego Galadima – National President
