Four major aviation unions have given the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) management a 14-day ultimatum to address staff welfare and working conditions, or they will shut down the institution.
In a joint statement, the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Union of Air Transport Employees, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers said they are frustrated with what they called a lack of progress on improving staff conditions of service.
The unions represent a large proportion of NCAT’s skilled workforce and said management has repeatedly failed to conclude reviews of staff conditions despite many meetings and assurances.
“This stalemate threatens our commitment to the growth of the college,” the unions said, adding that frustration was growing among workers across several departments.
NCAT, based in Zaria, Kaduna State, is Nigeria’s main training institution for pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals. The unions warned that a shutdown could disrupt training schedules, technical operations and administrative functions, and could worsen existing skills shortages in the aviation sector.
The unions said they remain willing to continue talks with management, but stressed that goodwill alone will not resolve the dispute without concrete action to implement agreed welfare frameworks.
If the issue is not resolved within the two-week deadline, the unions said they will instruct members to withdraw their services. This could affect airlines, regulators and private operators that depend on NCAT for certified aviation personnel.
