Arik Air named labour friendly Airline of the Year 2024

Arik Air, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, has been recognized as the Labour Friendly Airline of the Year 2024 by the Joint Consultative and Negotiating Council (JCNC), a coalition of four trade unions within the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The prestigious award was presented at the 11th edition of the Aviation Workers Week, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on February 25, 2025.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, who represented the Minister, formally handed over the award to the airline in recognition of its outstanding commitment to labour relations and workers’ welfare.

Receiving the award on behalf of the airline, Engineer Mudi Muhammad, Chairman of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Arik Air chapter, expressed gratitude to JCNC for the recognition.

Muhammad, who stood in for Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, reaffirmed the airline’s dedication to strengthening its relationship with employees and labour unions.

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“We are truly honoured to receive this great award from JCNC. This recognition underscores the efforts of Arik Air’s management to maintain a positive and productive working relationship with our workforce. We remain committed to fostering a lasting bond with our employees and unions to ensure a harmonious working environment,” Muhammad stated.

Reacting to the honour, Arik Air’s CEO, Captain Roy Ilegbodu, emphasized the airline’s dedication to employee welfare, particularly under its Receivership management, which has been in place since 2017.

“We are honoured to have received the Labour Friendly Airline of the Year award from JCNC of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The Receivership team has always prioritized the welfare of Arik Air workers since taking over in 2017. This award is a testament to the positive relationship we have built with our employees over the years,” Captain Ilegbodu said.

This marks the second time Arik Air has been honoured by JCNC, reinforcing its reputation as a labour-conscious airline.

The recognition highlights the airline’s ongoing commitment to fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes employee well-being and harmonious labour relations.

With this award, Arik Air continues to solidify its position not only as a leading carrier in Nigeria’s aviation industry but also as a model employer within the sector.

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