Air Peace: Police Investigate ATSSSAN Petition in Nigeria Aviation Dispute

• Air Peace has filed a police petition accusing aviation unions, FAAN, NCAA, and the Nigeria Civil Police Airport Command of various wrongdoings.
• The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) honored a police invitation regarding the petition, calling it "ridiculous."
• The petition follows an August 11 industrial action by unions over Air Peace's alleged failure to remit the statutory five percent Ticket Sales Charge to the NCAA.
• The industrial action grounded Air Peace operations at Lagos and Abuja airports, disrupting passenger travel.
• Police are engaging all parties to resolve the dispute, emphasizing the strategic importance of the aviation industry.

Air Peace's petition extends beyond the unions, leveling accusations of various wrongdoings against the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and even the Airport Command of the Nigeria Civil Police.

The Nigeria Police have initiated an investigation following a comprehensive petition filed by Air Peace, which targets not only aviation unions but also key regulatory and operational bodies within the Nigerian aviation sector. The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) confirmed its members honored a police invitation regarding the petition, which they have publicly dismissed as "ridiculous." This development underscores a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the airline and various industry stakeholders.

Air Peace's petition extends beyond the unions, leveling accusations of various wrongdoings against the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and even the Airport Command of the Nigeria Civil Police. ATSSSAN communicated its position to aviation workers nationwide via a statement issued after its representatives met with law enforcement officials on a Wednesday. The police have indicated their intention to engage with all parties named in the petition, including Air Peace itself, to gather a complete understanding of the allegations.

The airline's petition to the police was prompted by an industrial action orchestrated by aviation unions on August 11. This action, which led to the grounding of Air Peace operations at both Lagos and Abuja airports, caused widespread disruption for travelers who were forced to seek alternative transportation. At the heart of the unions' protest was Air Peace’s alleged failure to remit the legally mandated five percent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, a statutory requirement for airlines operating in the country.

Adding another layer to the complex situation, the industrial action followed an earlier incident where five Air Peace buses were impounded and towed into police custody by FAAN. These vehicles were reportedly found parked in a manner that could impede airport operations, contributing to the escalating tensions that ultimately led to the unions' industrial action and Air Peace's subsequent police petition. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority Ticket Sales Charge remains a central point of contention, highlighting compliance risks for airlines in the region.

Francis Akinjole, the General Secretary of ATSSSAN, confirmed the union's compliance with the Nigeria Police invitation, stating that they presented their perspective on the August 11 events. Akinjole reiterated the union's stance that the accusations made by Air Peace against multiple industry entities, including unions, FAAN, NCAA, and the police airport command, were "ridiculous." He emphasized that ATSSSAN had fulfilled its responsibility as an organization by engaging with the authorities.

The police, recognizing the strategic and sensitive nature of the Nigeria aviation industrial action, have expressed their commitment to fostering a permanent resolution. They have appealed to all involved parties to maintain peace and indicated that a joint meeting might be convened to facilitate comprehensive Nigeria Police aviation dispute resolution. Akinjole commended the workers for their steadfast commitment to justice and solidarity throughout the dispute, underscoring the collective resolve within the union.

This ongoing police investigation into Air Peace's petition against aviation unions and regulators highlights potential compliance risks for airlines regarding statutory remittances like the Ticket Sales Charge. Lawyers and compliance officers in the Nigerian aviation sector should closely monitor the investigation's outcome, as it could lead to enforcement actions, clarify regulatory interpretations, or influence future industrial relations strategies.

Source: Original reporting via The PUNCH