The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, on Monday joined the aviation Union to protest against the federal government plans to concession four Nigerian Airports.
The Federal Government on June 23, 2020, commenced the concession process for four new International Airport Terminals selected across the country. They are airports in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano.
Also, the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, on Sunday hinted that Akanu Ibiam airport Enugu would be among the Airports that may be put up for concession. He spoke at the commissioning of the remodeled Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu at the weekend.
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Speaking at the Abuja protest, the President of the Congress Ayuba Wabba, described the plan to concession the airports as a “shameful and greedy act” which he said would put the lives of Nigerian workers in jeopardy.
“Why do you want to privatise something that is already viable? Lagos, Port Harcourt, and Abuja Airports are all viable. You can make it more efficient, by putting competent people that can bring about efficiency. , don’t privatise it because you have calculated how much will enter your pockets”
“We say no to such an attempt to take over our common Asset. We are aware that Lagos airport alone can service the whole Airports in Nigeria with the revenue they are generating. Government after governments have come with the idea to appropriate our commonwealth to themselves but we say shame to shame to such an approach.”
Going further, Wabba lamented that the concession which has no interest in the common man would eventually affect workers well-fare especially after retirement
“If Private investors want to invest, they should build new airports. It is our taxes and sweat that was used to build the airports. They have calculated how much they would make when they privatise it. They want the profit all in their pockets
“Our leaders must think out of the box, not just about themselves. Anytime they concession, no security cover.
“In Nigeria and Africa, only 20% of our work have Social security cover. it is a shame workers can’t take care of themselves and their family. After retirement, they become a liability to themselves and family.”, Wabba said.
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