Airforce, others drafted to airport access gate

The faceoff between aviation unions and concessionaire handing the access gate at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport has taken a new twist as security personnel have taken over the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Access Gate.

The access gate was thrown open allowing for free vehicular movement and causing revenue loss to both parties.

Yesterday that unions dislodged of Integrated intelligence Imaging ( I-Cube) West Africa from the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) Lagos Access Gate following the expiration of a concession agreement 12months ago.

Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria ( ATSSSAN), National Union of Air Transport Employee ( NUATE) and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals ( ANAP) had carried out yesterday’s dislodgement stating that apart from the contractual expiration, I -Cube was not remitting funds collected, an allegation the latter dismissed as false.

I-Cube in its reaction told that not only that it was indebted to FAAN, it had I it’s an agreement, a right of first refusal clause, something that was not invoked as they were not called for any discussion before the unions pounced.

However, the story seems to have changed as security personnel have taken over at the behest if I-Cube West Africa.

Meanwhile, the unions have gone to mobilize with their parents body the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress ( TUC) whom it is assumed is on its way for the showdown.

As it stands both Union members and I-Cube are sitting on either side of the access gate unable to interfere as vehicles move in freely.

Armed policemen, operation mesa and other security agencies were seen keeping the peace at the access gate while the unions are still chanting solidarity songs.

It was learnt that there were moves by the high echelon of FAAN to resolve the matter as they are currently meeting on sundry issues which may also mean a resolution of the current impasse.