Workers at Chinua Achebe International Airport Cry Out Against Poor Conditions, Seek Urgent Intervention
The workers at Chinua Achebe International Airport, located in Umueri, Anambra State, have raised serious concerns over their working conditions, calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and human rights organizations to intervene. They described the policies of the airport’s management as modern-day slavery, alleging poor safety measures, lack of training, non-payment of statutory allowances, and the absence of job security.
Despite multiple letters addressed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, including a recent reminder dated March 13, 2025, the workers claim their pleas have been ignored. They have now escalated their complaints to the NLC in hopes of receiving urgent attention.
Years of Neglect and Poor Working Conditions
The employees of Chinua Achebe International Airport allege that they have endured nearly four years of casualization without any formal employment letters, leaving them uncertain about their job security. According to the petition, the workers are treated as “floating staff with no root,” meaning they have no clear employment status or guarantees about their future at the airport.
The letter describes a lack of statutory allowances, such as:
| Allowance Type | Status at Chinua Achebe Airport | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Hazard Allowance | Not provided | Mandatory in aviation jobs |
| Shift Allowance | Not provided | Standard practice worldwide |
| Health Insurance | Not provided | Compulsory for aviation workers |
| Housing Allowance | Not provided | Typically included in salaries |
This absence of basic benefits places the workers in an extremely difficult financial situation, forcing many of them to resort to corporate begging to make ends meet.
Alarming Safety Risks at the Airport
The petition also raises concerns about the poor safety standards at the airport. Employees report that fire outbreaks have become a regular occurrence, threatening both lives and infrastructure. One tragic incident occurred on December 1, 2024, when a CITA fuel dump fire resulted in the death of a staff member. According to the petition, this tragedy could have been avoided if the emergency response system had been efficient.
| Safety Concern | Reported Issues |
|---|---|
| Fire Outbreaks | Frequent fires threaten airport facilities |
| Lack of Emergency Response | Slow response time during incidents |
| Absence of Maintenance Equipment | Spare parts for electrical and plumbing systems are unavailable |
| Security Risks | Inadequate safety protocols for workers |
These safety lapses do not only endanger employees but also pose a serious threat to passengers and airline operators using the airport.
Lack of Training and Career Development
Another major grievance raised by the workers is the complete lack of training opportunities since the airport’s inception. Aside from an initial induction program before operations commenced, no staff members have been sent for further training.
In the aviation industry, continuous learning is crucial due to technological advancements, evolving safety protocols, and global best practices. The refusal of the management to invest in training means that employees are not equipped to handle modern airport operations, creating a risky and inefficient work environment.
| Training Type | Status at Chinua Achebe Airport | Industry Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Induction Training | Conducted once before opening | Regular refreshers recommended |
| Safety and Emergency Training | Not provided | Essential for all aviation staff |
| Operational Training | Not provided | Mandatory to maintain standards |
| International Certifications | Not provided | Encouraged in most airports |
Without proper training, Anambra’s airport workers remain far behind their counterparts in other states and internationally.
Lowest Paid Airport Workers in Nigeria?
According to the letter, employees of Chinua Achebe International Airport receive the lowest salaries among all airport workers in Nigeria. Their pay is reportedly “almost twice less than what our nearest neighbor pays”, making it nearly impossible for workers to sustain themselves and their families.
Additionally, workers claim that their salaries are deducted at the slightest provocation, further worsening their financial struggles. This practice of unjust deductions leaves many employees in a state of perpetual hardship.
For a state government that prides itself on economic growth and job creation, these labor conditions paint a contradictory picture.
The Call for Urgent Government Intervention
The workers have now reached out to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and human rights organizations, demanding immediate intervention. In their words:
“We, the staff of the above-named airport, cry for urgent help to the hard-working government of Prof. Chukwuma C. Soludo and every well-meaning Anambrarians.”
They are seeking:
- Immediate issuance of formal employment letters to confirm their job status.
- Implementation of statutory allowances such as hazard pay, shift allowances, and health insurance.
- Regular training opportunities to ensure they meet modern aviation standards.
- Improved safety measures to prevent future disasters at the airport.
- A review of salary structures to align with industry standards.
If the state government fails to respond, the employees might resort to industrial action, which could disrupt flight operations and tarnish the image of Chinua Achebe International Airport.
A Test for Governor Soludo’s Administration
The plight of workers at Chinua Achebe International Airport highlights a serious labor crisis that requires immediate government action. As a key facility named after one of Nigeria’s most celebrated literary figures, the airport should stand as a symbol of excellence, not neglect.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has a responsibility to address these grievances, not only for the well-being of airport workers but also for the safety and efficiency of the entire aviation sector in Anambra State.
The question now is: Will the Anambra State Government listen to these cries for help, or will it allow this critical issue to escalate further?
