A delegation of aviation unions under the Joint Aviation Trade Union Forum (JATUF) on Wednesday presented the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) position paper to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN ahead of the forthcoming ICAO Worldwide Air Transport Conference.
During the visit in Abuja, the unions also appointed Keyamo as Grand Patron of the Renewed Hope Aviation Support Group (RHASG), in recognition of his leadership and commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
In a statement, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Honourable Minister, Tunde Moshood, said the delegation, led by JATUF Chairman, Comrade Ben Nnabue, included executives of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), and Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP).
The unions, who are affiliates of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), presented the Minister with the ITF position paper ahead of the Seventh Worldwide Air Transport Conference (ATConf7) of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The conference is scheduled to be held in Montreal, Canada, from November 16 to 20, 2026.
The paper seeks government support for a motion calling for the integration of social sustainability, decent work, and meaningful workers’ engagement into the global civil aviation structure.
It argues that the long-term success of civil aviation goes beyond infrastructure, technology, and economic growth, to include the welfare, rights, and professional development of workers.
The unions said the future of aviation must balance economic competitiveness with social responsibility, recognising workers as key stakeholders in the safety and efficiency of the industry.
Keyamo’s reception of the paper, they noted, shows Nigeria’s commitment to engaging organised labour and promoting policies that strengthen the sector while protecting workers’ interests.
In a related development, the delegation invited Keyamo to serve as Grand Patron of the Renewed Hope Aviation Support Group (RHASG), under the Strategic Collaboration for the Re-Election of President Bola Tinubu.
The nomination was made on behalf of the Board of Trustees, National Executive Council, and entire membership of the group, in recognition of the Minister’s leadership and capacity for strategic coordination.
The group also congratulated Keyamo on his recent appointment as Director of the Directorate of Air Transport Mobilisation for the All Progressives Congress (APC) re-election campaign, describing it as a testament to the confidence reposed in him.
According to the group, his experience and understanding of the aviation industry position him to provide political leadership and direction to the organisation.
The appointment is expected to strengthen the group’s strategic direction and consolidate support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and his re-election bid.
