Follow Us on Google
By Caryn Oseghale
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and the Ditector General of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, are among the dignitaries expected at the events marking the 40th anniversary celebration of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).
At a press conference held at NAAPE’s secretariat in Lagos on Thursday, the union’s President, Abednego Galadima said that the union has come a long way and survived challenges, hence, the need to celebrate the progress it has made so far. He said NAAPE has its presence in many aviation companies and has over the years worked assiduously to protect the interest and welfare of its members.
Galadima said; “Today we celebrate our unity, service and resilience. We celebrate the safety of our industry and our fore bearers. To mark this 40 years milestone, we have earmarked series of events. Today’s unveiling marks the beginning of a month-long programe that will end on 27th September, 2025.
“A golf tournament will take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State or Lagos with a trophy to be won. A Young Aviator Foundation will be launched with a view to providing support fund in scholarships and grants for young and intending aviation professionals in line with ICAO’s next generation of aviation professional programme.
Other News
“The DG, NCAA will do us the honour of unveiling it and there will be a dinner lecture with the theme “40 Years of Working for Aviation Safety” and awards to well deserving individuals and organizations. The events will be chaired by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman, Sifax Group and Dr. Sam Iwuajoku, Chairman, Quits Aviation on 25th September, 2025. It will run simultaneously with our 16th National Delegates Conference that ends up in an election of new executive for the association on the 26th September, 2025.
“We expect the Governor of Akwa Ibom State and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. Other dignitaries will include airline CEO’s and their counterparts in the aviation government agencies. I want to use this medium to thank the Minister for the tremendous support he has given us towards the success of this once in a life time event.”
On the issue of its membership, Galadima expressed disappointment that despite the fact that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees everyone the freedom of association, many younger airlines have refused to allow their staff take part in union activities despite the same airlines enjoying the same freedom through Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON).
He said; “While we can admit that with the advent of democracy in Nigeria protection of workers’ rights have significantly improved, it is also very unfortunate that till this day some airlines are still not allowing their workers to unionize which is clearly against their constitutional rights and the laws of the land.It is also regrettable that in year 2025 some airlines still have misunderstanding of unions and what we do in terms of balancing protection of workers welfare, their rights and the profitability of the enterprise. It is also curious that while the same airlines enjoys their freedom of association through AON, we find it difficult to understand why they deny their staff their rights to associate and belong to a union of their choice.”
