CHUKS OKOH
An Air Traffic Controller and Deputy General Manager (Operations) with the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Comrade Oluwole Dada, has officially declared his intention to contest for the position of National President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), pledging constructive engagement in all union matters, a comprehensive review of the union’s constitution, and leadership anchored on equity, fairness, and inclusiveness.
Declaring his ambition in Lagos over the weekend, Comrade Dada promised a solution-oriented approach to resolving all issues between management and the union through mutual respect, open communication, and cooperation rather than confrontation.
He emphasized that the ATSSSAN constitution was long overdue for review to ensure inclusiveness and balanced representation among all members and affiliates.
According to him, members from the private sector have continued to agitate for greater participation and leadership opportunities, adding that his administration would promote unity, fairness, and a sense of belonging across all segments of the union.
“The private sector arms of our union have been yearning for an opportunity to contribute to leadership. We must make inclusiveness a reality and give everyone a sense of BELONGING” Dada said.
The ATSSSAN presidential hopeful, who currently serves as Branch Chairman of ATSSSAN NAMA, also pledged to uphold members’ dignity, enhance welfare packages, and ensure that the Secretariat staff are well motivated and adequately remunerated.
He further emphasized the importance of continuous engagement with affiliate bodies on welfare matters, adding that his leadership would be committed to improving members’ conditions of service across all branches.
“As a thoroughbred professional in the aviation industry, I will drive the union to greater heights for the benefit of all branches. We must unite and resolve internal differences for the collective good of our members “he affirmed.
On post-election unity, Dada stressed that his administration would prioritize reconciliation, teamwork, and inclusiveness, noting that elections should strengthen rather than divide the union.”The greatest problem about elections is what happens afterward. If elected, I will ensure genuine engagement with all parties to promote peace and progress within the union” he assured.
Dada also condemned the trend where presidents of the three major aviation unions emerge from a single organization, describing it as unfair and detrimental to industrial harmony. “Must all union presidents come from one organization, as if others lack capable leaders? It is not healthy, not fair, and not good for the industry” he cautioned.
On the airport concession policy, Dada revealed that he had participated in several stakeholder meetings and reaffirmed that workers’ welfare must remain the top priority.
“We will not allow the airport concession process to go the way of the defunct Nigeria Airways, where workers were left to suffer without their entitlements. All staff issues and liabilities must be fully resolved before any concession takes place” he stated.
He acknowledged that welfare remains a major challenge in many organizations, particularly within the private aviation sector, and pledged to engage managements through constructive dialogue to improve members’ welfare and working conditions.
On the issue of casualization, Dada assured that the practice would be decisively addressed, citing the success recorded in NAMA where casual staff were absorbed into full employment through sustained engagement.
He also expressed readiness to unionize non-member organizations through peaceful and continuous dialogue with their managements, with the goal of strengthening the union’s presence and influence across the aviation industry.
Concluding, Comrade Dada assured all ATSSSAN members of equitable treatment, discipline, and transparent leadership, vowing to steer the union with integrity, inclusiveness, and accountability.
He declared “Every member of ATSSSAN will be treated equally. My administration will be anchored on integrity, fairness, and discipline for the good of all”
