The staff of the Akwa Ibom International airport have been assured that their interests are always paramount in the scheme of the Government of Chief Godswill Akpabio, and as such they need not embark on an illegitimate means in their quest for improved welfare. 

The board Chairman of Ibom Airport Development Company(IADC),  Otuekong Idongesit Nkanga stated this during a meeting between the board and  the airport staff at the airport.

He said the management of the airport was appreciative of the sacrifices made by the staff of the airport but advised that they should refrain from actions that are capable of jeopardizing the security and safety of the airport.

Otuekong Nkanga maintained that the staff owe the state government a level of responsibility, even in their agitations for improved welfare, by imbibing discipline and humility.

He said that labour leaders in any organization are accountable to both the employers and their employees and should accept to dialogue peacefully with the State Bureau of Labour and Productivity to arrive at a standard and acceptable workers’ condition of service. 

The board chairman insisted that without a standard condition of service, the workers will have no legal backing to buttress their claims for welfare improvement.

Nkanga maintained that the Akwa Ibom International Airport had the highest staff population within the region, and this is because of the long term intention of the State Government to have ready hands when the second phase expansion programme of the airport is completed; and this include the Maintenance Repairs and Overhall facility and the new International Terminal and the new taxiway which are currently under construction.

Also Speaking, the commissioner for Special Duties Barr Austin Mbeh  condemned the intention of the airport labour union to bring in external labour leaders from Lagos in the negotiation process, and advised them to be judged by their conscience. 

Commissioner Mbeh urged them to follow due process so that their grievances could be effectively met, maintaining that failure to reach an understanding could result in undesirable consequences.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Technical Matters, Engr. Etido Inyang informed the aviation workers that the condition of service was ready, but insisted on the need for them to apply caution while dialoguing with the Bureau of Labour, so that the issues could be acceptably addressed.

Engr Inyang warned against blowing trivial issues out of proportion through the press especially in areas that could be amicably resolved with dialogue.

Among issues which the airport staff highlighted at the meeting, were increase in salary and other welfare packages.