FG Wades Into Aero Contractors Financial Crisis

                                                                                                                                                                             

The Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has said the primary purpose of government is to encourage existing businesses and to provide jobs for the populace.

The minister stated this in Lagos at the headquarters of Aero Contractors where he paid an unscheduled visit and met worker demonstrating.

The workers were protesting the suspension of the services of the company and their being sent home compulsorily.

Sirika, however, appealed to the workers to disperse till Monday when he promised to return with a feedback after his meeting with the Assets Management Company of Nigeria, the management of Aero Contractors and other critical stakeholders.

“We will look into your demands and come out with solutions that are mutually beneficial to the staff, management and the Government,” he added.

Speaking further, Sirika said that the All Progressives Congress-led Government was committed to creating jobs and improving the general wellbeing of Nigerians as enshrined in its manifesto.

The workers unanimously agreed to the minister’s request to suspend the demonstration and disperse tillMonday.

The Minister, who arrived amidst the demonstration, also joined the workers in a show of solidarity.

The workers earlier paid glowing tributes to Sirika for not only intervening, but coming in person in a rare show of humility.

Sirika was accompanied by Captain Usman Muktar, the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority; Engr. Oluwafemi Ogunode, the Director of Maintenance and Engineering of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria; and Dr. Ibrahim Idris from the Minister’s office.

 

The interaction also attracted Benjamin Okewu, the President of National Union of Air Transport Employees; Noggie Meggisson, the Chairman of Airline Operators of Nigeria; and other critical stakeholders.