The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE, has called on the Federal Government, through the Minister of Aviation to involve all stakeholders in important aviation policy decisions, particularly, ongoing processes to foster a National Carrier and the Aerotropolis project. NAAPE said is making itself available in this regard, adding that this is the only way to guarantee success of the ventures. NAAPE cited the experience of Ethiopian Airline whereby the involvement of all stakeholders at its conception is given as a principal ingredient for its success story today. In a communique issued at the 13th national delegates conference of National Association Of Aircraft Pilots And Engineers on the theme, “Safety and the Balance Sheet – Striking a Balance”, which held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, the association frowned at those aviation companies including Arik Air, IRS Airlines, Med-view Airlines, Dana Air, Chanchangi Airline, etc that have disallowed their workers from being members of the Union, contrary to the provisions of Labour Law. NAAPE affirmed that the non-unionization hinders human capacity development and holds back NAAPE’s effort to place Nigerian aviation industry on the global stage. ‘’Therefore, the conference mandates the National Administrative Council (NAC) to use all lawful means to ensure that all working Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are fully unionized. It should, however, be clearly stated that the notion which depicts Union as a foe is a misconception. As a matter of fact, NAAPE has been, and remains a worthy partner committed to the progress of aviation companies’’, NAAPE said in the communiqué. It also mandated the National Administration Council to immediately set the machinery in motion to stamp out all abuses in the expatriate quota regime to ensure that Nigerian Pilots and Engineers are gainfully employed and also to enhance human capacity growth in the sector. The Association commended the Aviation Roadmap, new airport terminals (delivered and to be delivered), the Aerotropolis concept, aviation policy review, airside development and expressed hope that the effort will be sustained. It called for urgent and definite action to be taken to upgrade the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria in other for it to regain its world-class statute. NAAPE noted that the college’s post-graduate programme should be expanded and also extended to PHD level. The Conference called for the need to build the capacity of NCAT instructors to Doctorate cadre, as well as providing for professorship in the institution. This will serve the double purpose of upgrading the quality of products and attracting quality teaching personnel as well, it said.
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