After two days of grounded flights and widespread disruption across Nigeria’s airports, workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) have officially ended their strike.
The industrial action, which began earlier this week, brought local flight operations to a halt, leaving countless passengers stranded at key airports including Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The strike stemmed from a series of unresolved grievances, including poor working conditions, the delayed implementation of the new national minimum wage, exclusion of certain staff from previously disbursed allowances, and neglect of critical training programs. These long-standing issues prompted NiMET staff to down tools, citing frustration over the government’s inaction.
However, a crucial turning point came after a high-level meeting in Abuja involving the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
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The meeting brought together key stakeholders such as the Director General of NiMET, officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and representatives from various aviation unions — including the National Union of Transport Employees, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, and the National Union of Air Transport Employees.
Following the discussions, the strike was called off, much to the relief of both airline operators and stranded passengers.
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The impact of the strike was immediately felt across the aviation sector. One of the most notable responses came from Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, which took swift action in the name of safety. On Wednesday, Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema issued a directive halting all nationwide flights by the carrier.
“If NiMET has not called off the strike, cancel every Air Peace flight now with immediate effect,” Onyema stated.
“People’s lives, the safety of our crew, and our equipment come first. I don’t care if other airlines are flying — suspend every flight. Just look at the thunderstorm conditions we’re facing, and NiMET, the agency responsible for providing weather updates, is unavailable. It’s a no-brainer. Safety must come first.”
The strike action served as a stark reminder of the crucial role NiMET plays in ensuring the safety and efficiency of aviation operations in Nigeria. With the strike now over and negotiations underway to address the concerns raised by the workers, normalcy is gradually returning to the nation’s skies.
As flights begin to resume, passengers and stakeholders alike will be hoping for lasting solutions to prevent such disruptions in the future.
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