Abuja, Nigeria — The staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) don call off their indefinite strike after Federal Government intervention on April 24, 2025. The workers staged the strike to protest over poor working conditions, causing major disruptions in air travel.
For two tense days, Nigeria’s airports experience heavy frustrations as passengers face grounded flights and airlines suffer operational setbacks. The strike was triggered by NiMET staff downing tools due to unfulfilled agreements on financial allowances and frustrations over the implementation of the national minimum wage.
Following a high-stakes meeting with Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the workers reached an agreement that led to the suspension of the strike. Keyamo emphasized that he understood the workers’ grievances, noting that many stemmed from delays and miscommunication regarding previously approved reforms.
“We identified with their struggles. These are legitimate demands, and there was really no contention on most of them,” Keyamo stated. “Our workers at NiMET have been patient, and they deserve better. We’ve resolved to take immediate action.”
The strike had significant impacts on critical operations at major airports including the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where delays and cancellations put a strain on both passengers and airlines.
Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, took a strong position during the strike, grounding all domestic flights to prioritize safety. The airline’s CEO, Allen Onyema, emphasized the importance of real-time weather data for flight operations.
“If NiMET is not operational, we are not flying. No compromise when it comes to human lives, the safety of our aircraft, and our crew. Thunderstorms are raging. It’s madness to proceed without meteorological updates,” Onyema declared.
Flight operations are now resuming as NiMET staff return to work, restoring essential meteorological services crucial for safe air travel. This incident serves as a reminder of the vital role NiMET plays in Nigeria’s aviation sector. The hope is that this resolution will foster an environment for better investment in the welfare of the workers and safety in the skies.
