Aviation Workers Protest Sacking Of Colleagues, Shut Down Lagos Airport

Aviation workers, yesterday, paralysed business activities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos following a protest.
The protesting aviation workers shut down the Lagos Terminal Two.
It was gathered that the protesting aviation workers shut down the terminal over the sacking of 34 of their colleagues by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.
The protest left air passengers stranded as flight operations have to be put on hold due to the protest.
Meanwhile, some airlines hadto be forced to cancel or delay flight operations following the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) action at the early hours of yesterday.
The union alleged that its members working with the operators of the MMA2, Bi- Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), were sacked without due process over the weekend.
The union barricaded the entity at about 2am in the early hours of the in solidarity for their fellow comrades.
A source from the airport said that efforts to resolve the issues at several meetings in the past had proved abortive as BASL was not ready to address the matter.
Also, an Abuja-bound passenger disclosed that most passengerswere stranded outside and the unions had blocked every entrance and even cars coming in could not.
The situation was said to have createdserious gridlock in the area, triggering panic and anxiety among travellers.
He said: “Currently, I cannot access the terminal, already my flight time has passed. Some people are not allowing anyone in, this is sad, I fear I will miss my flight, and also my meeting in Abuja.”
A statement signed by the management of Ibom Airlines Limited, reads: “This is to bring to the attention of our esteemed passengers and the public, that our operating terminal out of Lagos, the Murtala Mohamed Airport 2, operated by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited has been completely closed off to workers and passengers alike by the labour union, very early this morning.
“Efforts are currently being made to resolve the situation; however, please note that this action will greatly impact our flights scheduled in and out of Lagos, today.
“We greatly regret the impact of this unexpected action on your day’s plans as we urge you to kindly stay close to all our communication channels for subsequent updates.”