NiMet Strike, Flights Grounded: What’s Next And How Are You Affected

The ongoing strike by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), which began on April 22, 2025, has now caused significant disruptions to flight operations across the country, with Air Peace, the country’s largest domestic carrier, suspending all flights.

The strike, backed by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), stems from unresolved grievances over poor salaries, non-implementation of the new national minimum wage, unpaid allowances, and lack of training programs.

Mr. Awotu, Chairman of the National Joint Union (NJAC), spoke passionately to LN247 News in a chat on the ongoing strike action, highlighting the dire situation faced by NiMet workers.

Has the Government Addressed Your Issues , and What Is the Next Plan of Action?

The strike action has drawn attention from the federal government, with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, scheduling a critical meeting with union representatives on April 24, 2025, to resolve the crisis.

Mr. Awotu, in his interview with LN247 expressed hope for a positive outcome, stating,

“The next line of action is that the government has called for a meeting today 24 April 2025, which we are going to honor.

After the meeting, what is concluded will be made known to the public”.
“From there, we will know our next line of action.”

He emphasized the union’s determination, saying, “We are still on strike, we are still pushing for the betterment of NiMet. We have suffered, we are tired, we are dying.”

The unions have issued a one-month ultimatum to NiMet management to implement the N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wage, threatening further industrial action if demands are unmet.

But a senior NiMet official, speaking anonymously, expressed frustration at the unions’ actions, noting that some demands have been addressed and others are in progress, but the management remains committed to an amicable resolution following the minister’s intervention.

What’s Happening with Air Peace?

The strike has severely impacted flight operations, particularly as Airpeace suspends operations at Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports, where NiMet workers have halted services, including the provision of Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports critical for safe landings during Nigeria’s rainy season.

Air Peace announced the suspension of all its flights nationwide on April 23, 2025, citing safety concerns due to the unavailability of these reports.

In a statement signed by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace explained, “Due to the ongoing NiMet strike and the unavailability of CNH reports required for safe landings, Air Peace has suspended all flight operations nationwide until the strike is over.

“Your safety is our top priority.”

The suspension left numerous passengers stranded, with the airline promising to provide updates and rescheduling options.

While Air Peace grounded its fleet, other airlines, including XEJET, Aero Contractors, Ibom Air, and United Nigeria Airlines, continued operations, relying on alternative weather data sources such as real-time satellite monitoring, global aviation meteorology systems, and pilot reports.

United Nigeria Airlines issued a statement on April 24, 2025, affirming that its operations remain “safe, reliable, and compliant with regulatory standards” despite the strike.

However, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, the strike caused significant delays and cancellations, with an airport staff member noting, “The protest has affected many flights.”

The Northwest Zonal Chairman of AUPCTRE, Timothy Meshelia, confirmed the disruptions, stating that the protest halted several scheduled flights, leaving passengers stranded.

A Call for Change Amid Hardship

The union chairman, Mr. Awotu’s remarks to LN247 underscores the human toll of the crisis, particularly the meager salaries paid to NiMet workers.

“As I’m telling you, level four of our staff collects 31,000, it’s very bad. They need to work towards that,” he said., highlighting the union’s demand for a better salary structure.

The unions have accused NiMet management of breaching agreements made since January 29, 2025, to improve conditions, prompting the resumption of the strike after an expired ultimatum.

Despite the disruptions, NiMet management insists it is working toward a resolution, with a senior official stating, “No one bites off his nose to spite his face. We are hopeful that the unions will listen to reason.”

As the nation awaits the outcome of the April 24 meeting, the NiMet strike continues to expose deep-seated issues within Nigeria’s aviation sector, with workers and passengers caught in the crossfire.

The resolution of this crisis will determine whether normalcy returns to the skies or if further industrial action looms.