Comrade Dada
Lagos – Oluwole Dada, Air Traffic Controller and Deputy General Manager (Operations) at the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has declared his intention to run for National President of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN).
Speaking at a gathering in Lagos over the weekend, Dada outlined a platform centred on constructive engagement, constitutional reform, and inclusive leadership.
Key Elements of Dada’s Vision
- Constructive Dialogue – He pledged to resolve disputes between management and the union through mutual respect, open communication and cooperation rather than confrontation.
- Constitutional Review – Dada said the ATSSSAN constitution is overdue for revision to guarantee balanced representation for all members, especially those from the private sector who have been calling for greater participation.
- Equity and Inclusiveness – “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,” he said.
Leadership Commitments
Dada, who also serves as Branch Chairman of ATSSSAN NAMA, promised to: - Uphold the dignity of every member.
- Enhance welfare packages and ensure that secretariat staff are well motivated and adequately remunerated.
- Maintain continuous engagement with affiliate bodies on welfare matters.
- Drive the union to greater heights for the benefit of all branches, while uniting members to resolve internal differences.
Post‑Election Unity
Emphasising reconciliation after the vote, Dada stated: “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 added that his administration would prioritise teamwork and inclusiveness, aiming to strengthen rather than divide the union.
Critique of Current Union Leadership
Dada criticised the pattern of all three major aviation union presidents emerging from a single organisation, describing it as unfair and harmful 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 warned.
Airport Concession Policy
Having participated in several stakeholder meetings on the airport concession process, Dada affirmed 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 declared.
Casualisation and Union Expansion
On casualisation, Dada noted the success achieved at NAMA where casual staff were absorbed into full employment through sustained engagement, and pledged to address the practice decisively across the sector. He also expressed readiness to unionise non‑member organisations through peaceful dialogue, aiming to broaden the union’s presence and influence.
Closing Assurance
In his concluding remarks, Comrade Dada assured ATSSSAN members of equitable treatment, discipline and transparent leadership: “Every member of ATSSSAN will be treated equally. My administration will be anchored on integrity, fairness and discipline for the good of all.”
