CHUKS OKOH
A frontline aviation labour leader, Comrade Ocheme Abah has joined the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) as the deputy secretary general.
Comrade Abah is to deputise for Comrade AbdulRasaq Saidu, the Doyen of Aviation Unions.
Before moving to ANAP, Comrade Abah worked in different unions, including, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, National Union of Air Transport Employees among others, where he contributed to the development of unionism in the aviation sector.
Speaking on behalf of ANAP’s NAC and the association while introducing Comrade Abah, Secretary General of ANAP, Comrade AbdulRasaq Saidu, said they have watched Abah’s activities and contributions to the development of unionism in the industry and and expressed the hope that his wealth of experience was greatly needed in ANAP
According to Comrade Saidu, Abah’s engagement was approved by principal officers of ANAP after being briefed about the development adding his coming will improve the union and expand ANAP
He revealed that the decision to bring Abah on board followed a long search for a capable ally who could share the burden of leadership and contribute meaningfully to the union’s growth.
“For a long time, I had insisted that not just anyone should come in. But over time, I observed Comrade Aba’s contributions in public engagements and management meetings, even while he was on a different platform”.
“Eventually, we discussed, and I reached out to our principal officers, including the former president, current president, and others and everyone welcomed the idea. After further discussions and a formal offer, today marks his official assumption of duty.”
According to Comrade Saidu, the engagement of Abah was part of the drive to expand its reach, professionalise its engagement with the aviation sector, and step up the fight for the rights and welfare of aviation workers.
National Woman Leader of ANAP, Comrade Ogochukwu Ibegbunam, while welcoming Abah, was optimistic that the union would reach new heights with Abah joining the leadership.
“Comrade Saidu has carried the load alone for so long. Now that you are here, we are confident we will go even farther. You are welcome, and we hope you bring your wealth of knowledge and experience to enrich ANAP.”
For Comrade Queen Ajayi, the union’s treasurer, described ANAP as a family and expressed hope that Abah’s presence would further strengthen the union.
“Even though we may have differences sometimes, we always resolve them and stay united. Your coming will no doubt add value to our work and help grow our membership base. We welcome you warmly,” she said.
Responding, Comrade Ocheme Abah, pledged to reposition the union as the foremost voice for aviation workers in Nigeria, describing the occasion as modest but symbolic a beginning, he said, of something truly significant in the life of aviation unionism.
“I like humble beginnings, such as this. But I have no doubt that today marks the start of something great for the trade union movement in the aviation sector,” he stated.
Abah praised ANAP as an organisation strategically placed by its constitution and jurisdiction to occupy the front row of labour representation in the aviation industry.
He noted that nearly every worker in the sector rightly falls within the union’s scope.
“In fact, those who fall outside ANAP’s jurisdiction in the entire aviation sector may not exceed 100 persons. This means the overwhelming majority of aviation workers are meant to belong to ANAP. And our task is to ensure that this natural alignment happens lawfully, purposefully, and without conflict.”
He revealed that in the weeks ahead, ANAP will roll out new programmes and strategies following internal consultations and engagements.
These activities, Abah said, will be geared toward strengthening worker protection, redefining labour-management relations, and expanding the union’s reach through legitimacy rather than rivalry.
“Our actions will be felt across the industry not in confrontation with other unions, but in a way that positively impacts workers and asserts ANAP’s rightful place. We aim to create a more organized, collaborative structure for worker representation, and we’ll do that in partnership with stakeholders.”
Comrade Abah also emphasized the need for internal reforms, promising a forward-looking, inclusive structure within ANAP to accommodate all eligible members and meet emerging challenges.
“We must be expansive in our thinking and restructure ourselves from within to be more responsive and effective. That journey starts now.”
Reflecting on his departure from the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Abah expressed deep appreciation for the experiences and collaborations he had there, saying they shaped him for this new role.
“I am grateful to NUATE for the platform it provided me, and to all the officers and members I had the privilege of working with. I bring with me the same energy and perhaps even more to ANAP.”
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that ANAP can become not just a frontline union in aviation, but a model for trade unionism in Nigeria.
He said the union’s growth would come through strategic, lawful action not by poaching members, but by simply occupying its natural space.
“We will not be dragged into unnecessary turf battles. Those housing ANAP members unlawfully will be addressed through legal and structured approaches. Our goal is unity and rightful representation.”
Abah assured members of his unwavering dedication to the union’s mission.
“This is the third union I have had the honour to serve in, and my commitment remains total. I will be faithful to the cause, and together, we shall succeed in building a stronger, better ANAP.”
Comrade Ngozi Tochi Igbokwe, Women Leader, Lagos branch, in her vote of thanks, emphasized the need for members to work together in achieving the goals of the union.
