Air Peace has leveled serious allegations against aviation unions, accusing them of orchestrating a violent industrial action that resulted in significant financial losses and the physical assault of staff. The airline claims the disruption, which took place this week, caused damages exceeding two billion naira and left several employees injured, including one female staff member who sustained bleeding injuries.
During a press briefing held in Lagos, the Chief Operating Officer of the airline, Oluwatoyin Olajide, described the incident as a blatant act of intimidation. She argued that the actions of the unions directly violated a standing court injunction. According to the airline, a Federal High Court ruling from April 2024 already declared it unconstitutional for these unions to force airline employees into membership against their will, while also issuing a perpetual injunction against harassing staff at their workplace.
The airline leadership expressed deep frustration, noting that the grievances cited by the unions—such as ticket sales charge debts and lack of unionization—are industry-wide issues. They pointed out that if these problems exist across the board, it is highly questionable why they were singled out for such aggressive picketing. The management maintained that their employees have consistently exercised their constitutional right to reject union membership, a choice they feel is being unfairly challenged through violence.
Beyond the financial impact, the airline highlighted a troubling security lapse at the airport. Management raised concerns about how protesters managed to gain access to, and disrupt operations within, a highly controlled and sensitive national asset. The disruption not only grounded thousands of passengers but has also caught the attention of international partners and aircraft lessors, potentially harming the reputation of the Nigerian aviation industry.
Zoyols News has learned that the airline is now in possession of video evidence identifying the individuals involved in the confrontation. Management is formally calling on the government, security agencies, and industry regulators to conduct an independent investigation into the breach. They emphasized that airport security must remain a top priority to ensure that the aviation sector operates without fear of impunity or unlawful interference.
