The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has threatened to call its members out for protests over the reluctance of the Federal Government to remove the aviation agencies from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).
The union said that aviation is a cost-recovery industry, rather than revenue revenue-generating sector, arguing that as a result of this, the agencies included in the direct deductions of their 40% revenues should be removed from the scheme.
The President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Ben Nnabue, stated these on Thursday at the ongoing 11th Quadrennial National Delegates with the theme: ‘A New Partnership For Aviation Development,’ in Benin City, Edo State.
Nnabue emphasised that the continuous deduction of the sum was unhealthy to the industry.
He decried that this is further worsened by instances of multiple deductions.
He also drew the attention of the Federal Government to the present precarious financial state of affairs of the aviation agencies brought about by the implementation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Besides, the President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Engr. Abednego Galadima said the association aligned with NUATE on the call for the removal of the aviation agencies from TSA.
He explained that it was very pertinent for the government to have a rethink of its policy on the TSA
Besides, Nnabue called for a forensic audit on the failed national carrier project, Nigeria Air.
He insisted that it was important for the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development to investigate the activities of the botched national carrier, stressing that it should not be swept under the carpet.
Nnabue, further emphasised that the national carrier was good for the country.
Also, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu, the immediate past Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), called for partnership between the industry unions and employers.
He explained that this would further inspire confidence between the employers and prospective inspectors on one hand and the unions.
Besides, he cautioned the unions against picketing organisations in a bid to press home their demands, saying that this act had become archaic.
