Aviation workers at Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State, staged a solidarity march on Wednesday, protesting an alleged plan by the Federal Government to concession the airport without their input.
The demonstration, led by members of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), saw workers carrying placards demanding inclusion in the concession process.
ATSSSAN Chairman, Razaq Animashaun, explained that the protest was aimed at raising awareness about what he described as a “secret proposed concession” of the airport.
“We are trying to let the Federal Government know that we are not part of this process. We should be involved in any concession arrangement,” Animashaun stated.
He further alleged that recent government activities, including data collection on revenue and staff numbers, suggest that plans for the concession are already underway.
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While acknowledging that the unions are not against concessions, he insisted that any process lacking transparency and stakeholder involvement is unacceptable.
“We want to know what happens to our staff after the concession—will they be paid off? What’s their future? The union must be involved,” he added.
On his part, ANAP Chairman Akagha Emmanuel questioned why the government was proceeding with the plan despite an ongoing court case on the matter.
“They should carry the union, staff, and pensioners along. We are not opposing the concession, but we demand transparency,” Emmanuel said.
Last October, the Federal Government announced plans to concession five major airports, including those in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Enugu.
However, workers insist that their concerns must be addressed before any agreement is finalized.