LAGOS—The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has denied allegations that the country is closing its airspace to flight operations with effect from Sunday midnight.
Denying the allegation, the Acting General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, said the issue NCAA had with its workers’ union is being resolved with a peace meeting slated for today, adding that there was no basis for airspace closure.
He said there was no time the closure of the airspace was contemplated, adding that the union had suspended actions that could warrant closure.
Responding to insinuation that some nations had concluded plan to restrict movement of their citizens to Nigeria over closure of her airspace, Adurogboye said: “It is not true.”
He further revealed that the aviation regulatory body was investigating the source of e-mails being used to circulate the rumour.
His words: “We learned that the union has circulated an e-mail, alleging a travel ban to Nigeria with effect from Sunday (yesterday) midnight.
“It is not true. Nigeria’s airspace is open to flight operations. NCAA cannot be closing airspace it is meant to guard.”
Labour’s ultimatum
Early this month, National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, and Air Transport Senior Staff Services of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, gave NCAA a 14-day ultimatum to promote their members, who were eligible, or risk industrial action.
The unions accused NCAA management of nonchalance to the promotion of their members which they claimed had been due since January.
They urged NCAA to res-pect the terms and conditions of employment as contained in the condition of service entered into by all parties.
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