There is growing tension in Nigeria’s aviation industry as four major aviation unions have issued a fresh warning to the Federal Government, announcing plans to begin a full withdrawal of services from Monday, August 11, 2025. This move, if not addressed urgently, could paralyse flight operations across the country and cause widespread disruption for travellers and the economy. The unions involved are the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE). In a joint statement signed by their General Secretaries, the unions accused the Federal Government of failing to implement a revised salary structure for workers under the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). According to the statement released on Thursday, July 31, 2025, the unions stated that negotiations on the new salary structure had been concluded with the management of NAMA since eight months ago. However, the implementation has been delayed without any clear explanation, leading to frustration among workers. The unions said, “Recognising that notice of ultimatum has already been issued and served by our branches, which our national unions have adopted, a seven-day notice of withdrawal of services from today, Thursday, the 31st day of July 2025, is hereby issued.” This latest action is expected to culminate in a complete shutdown of operations in the aviation sector by 5:00 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025, unless the government takes immediate steps to resolve the matter. The unions have directed all NAMA staff to comply fully with the service withdrawal order, which is to continue indefinitely until a joint decision is issued by the leadership of the unions. They further advised all airlines, aviation-related businesses, and members of the public intending to travel, to make alternative travel arrangements to avoid being stranded. “All Airlines and allied companies, as well as the flying public, are hereby informed of the above-stated action and advised to make alternative travel arrangements. All staff shall comply with this directive, and only joint communication from the National Secretariats of the above-named Unions shall be heeded with regard to further directives on this matter,” the notice read. The letter was addressed to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and copied to several high-level stakeholders, including the Managing Director/CEO of NAMA, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Commissioner of Police in charge of Airports Command, Directors of State Security at all airports, and the Airline Operators of Nigeria. The unions said the protest is not only about delayed salary but about the general welfare and motivation of workers who play a critical role in keeping Nigeria’s aviation industry running. They insisted that the failure to implement the agreed salary adjustment amounts to unfair labour practice and a breach of trust. Aviation industry observers say the planned strike, if carried out, would affect operations at major airports like Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Port Harcourt International Airport, and other key domestic and international terminals. Flight delays, cancellations, and possible closure of airspace are some of the expected consequences. So far, there has been no official response from the Ministry of Aviation or the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency regarding the strike threat. Attempts to reach NAMA officials and the Minister’s media team were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report. Passengers and airline operators are expressing concern over the looming disruption. Many have called on the Federal Government to immediately engage with union leaders and resolve the crisis before the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum. In recent years, labour disputes in the aviation sector have led to several shutdowns and partial closures of Nigerian airports, often affecting both local and international flights. With the current economic challenges and high cost of living, travellers are hoping this latest disagreement will not lead to a full-scale shutdown. As the Monday deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Federal Government and aviation authorities to see whether they will take action to prevent another disruption in the already fragile aviation industry.