By Adadainfo
Nigerian airline operators Monday lamented that they suffered losses in their operations following the blockage of the road leading to Muritala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), by protesting National Association of Nigeria Students, (NANS), over the lingering strike that has crippled academic activities across universities nationwide.
The action of the protesting Students did not stop scheduled flight operations, however, flights were delayed due to the blockage as airport and airlines staff trekked long distance to get to their officers.
None of the airlines cancelled it’s flight but did not cancel any flight but, it impacted on them negatively, as passengers were not able to access the airport while some flights were delayed.
However, Arik Air, in a notice to air passengers explained that there may be disruption of flights due to the ongoing protest.
It reads, “please be informed that you may experience disruptions to your flights, especially out of Lagos, due to the protest by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). The students this morning blocked the access roads to both the International and Domestic Terminals of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
“We are doing all within our capacity to mitigate the effects of the protest on our valued customers.”
It was gathered that the blockage lasted for several hours as they chanted solidarity songs, insisting that they would continue until the strike is called off.
The students, who defied the heavy downpour, caused gridlock on the road leading to the airport leaving many travellers stranded.
The students who were, however, blocked by security operatives from gaining access to the airport took over the road, preventing traffic flow both inward and outward from the facility.
The protesters, it was gathered were led by NANS National Taskforce Chairman, Olumide Ojo; Vice President, External Affairs, Akinteye Babatunde; Public Relations Officer, Giwa Yisa Temitope; Zone D Coordinator, Adegboye Emmanuel Olatunji; Deputy Senate President, Ekundina Elvis; Ondo JCC Chairman, Omotosho Surprise; Lagos JCC Chairman, Olusesi Tolulope Samson; Ogun JCC Chairman, Kehinde Damilola Simeon and Oyo JCC Chairman, Adeleke Quadri Abidemi.
“We have taken over the road already despite the rainfall, they mobilised lots of security operatives to tame us but nothing shall shake us until our students resume back to class,” NANS Zone D coordinator, Adegboye told reporters.
