Flight operations were significantly disrupted across Nigeria on Wednesday as employees of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) staged protests at major airports in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano.
In Lagos, some airlines, including XEJET, Aero Contractors, and Ibom Air, operated as scheduled, while Air Peace halted its flights due to the strike. Air Peace announced on its official social media handle that the suspension was due to the unavailability of crucial hazardous weather reports (CNH) necessary for safe landings.
Ejike Ndiulo, the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, reassured passengers, stating, “Due to the ongoing NiMet strike and the unavailability of CNH (hazardous weather) reports required for safe landings, Air Peace has suspended all flight operations nationwide until the strike is over. Your safety is our top priority.”
In response, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, called for a meeting with the protesting unions, scheduled for today (Thursday). The ongoing dispute primarily revolves around the non-implementation of the newly approved national minimum wage for NiMet staff.
The strike began at 7:00 AM on Wednesday at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, with NiMet staff seen walking the premises. Some staff had even camped overnight at the agency’s facilities to ensure the strike was fully enforced.
At Kano’s Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, travelers faced long delays as the protest affected several scheduled flights. A staff member at the airport, speaking anonymously, explained, “Flights are determined by weather, and NiMet is the agency providing weather information to pilots. Though some flights are still operating, many are delayed or canceled due to the strike.”
The Northwest Zonal Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical, and Recreational Employees, Timothy Meshelia, confirmed that the protest had caused widespread disruption at Kano’s airport. “The protesting staff are accusing the management of NiMet of failing to implement the N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wage, non-payment of staff allowances, and neglecting important training programs,” Meshelia stated.
Despite these grievances, a senior NiMet management staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration at the unions’ decision to proceed with the strike, noting that many of the issues raised had already been addressed or were in the process of resolution. “It is surprising that the unions resorted to strike action because they recently thanked management for its labour-friendly policies. This raises questions about the motives behind this sudden escalation.”
NiMet management remains committed to resolving the situation, with an optimistic outlook as Minister Keyamo continues to engage all parties involved. “We are hopeful that the unions will listen to reason. No one bites off his nose to spite his face,” a NiMet management source said.
On the unions’ side, the National Deputy President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Uzor Oluchi, criticized NiMet’s treatment of its staff, claiming that their working conditions were far below par. “The welfare of NiMet staff is very poor. A level 4 NiMet staff earns N31,000, which is far below the minimum wage stipulated by the Federal Government,” Oluchi said.
As both parties prepare for today’s critical meeting, all eyes are on the outcome, with the aviation sector and countless passengers anxiously awaiting a resolution.
