The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has warned that air operations across the country could be disrupted if the police detain its officials and members beyond what the union considers necessary.
The warning followed an invitation by the Nigeria Police Force over a picketing action carried out by aviation-sector unions against Air Peace on August 11, 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday, Frances Akinjole, ATSSSAN secretary, said the union had been invited to appear at the police headquarters in Abuja over complaints allegedly lodged by Air Peace regarding the picketing.
Akinjole said the allegations included conspiracy, threatening violence, inciting disturbance of public peace, assault occasioning harm and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.
According to him, ATSSSAN is expected to appear before the police at 11am on September 2.
He said the union had decided to honour the invitation and would be accompanied by a “sizable number” of its officers and members to ensure that its account of the August 11 incident was properly presented.
“We have decided to honour the invitation together with a sizable number of our officers and members, principally in order to enable us to put the occurrence in the correct perspective,” the statement reads.
ATSSSAN said it was prepared to challenge any attempt to intimidate its members or present the circumstances surrounding the picketing without its side of the story.
The union, however, warned that prolonged detention of its officials could affect airport operations nationwide.
“However, if we are held by the police for a time longer than necessary, we may no longer be able to guarantee continuation of air operations in the various airports across the country immediately,” it said.
The latest development follows the August 11 picketing of Air Peace by aviation-sector unions over labour-related grievances.
The dispute has now shifted from the workplace and airport environment to a police investigation following the airline’s complaint.
An aviation industry expert, Samuel Caulcrik, said the constitution protects the rights of both the police and trade unions to carry out their respective functions.
He, however, called for legal provisions restricting labour disputes and confrontations from passenger areas at airports.
“The Nigerian Constitution bestows rights on both sides. In my opinion, there should be an amendment to restrict their confrontations from passenger areas, including roads leading to the airport, terminals, airside facilities, and similar spaces,” he said.
Caulcrik said the rights of one party should not interfere with the rights and safety of others.
“The freedom for you to swing your fist ends where my nose begins. That is the axiom,” he added.
