Flight operations were disrupted on Wednesday at major Nigerian airports in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano following a strike by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet). The protests led to flight delays, cancellations, and widespread passenger frustration.
At the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, some airlines such as XEJET, Aero Contractors, and Ibom Air managed to maintain operations, while others, including Air Peace, suspended all flights. In a statement posted on its X handle, Air Peace announced the suspension due to the strike and the unavailability of CNH (hazardous weather) reports critical for safe landings. The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo, emphasized safety concerns and assured customers of updates.
In response to the situation, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, called for a meeting with leaders of the striking unions. The meeting is scheduled for today, Thursday, April 24, 2025.
The strike began at 7:00 a.m. at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, with union members and NiMet staff protesting within the premises. Reports also indicated that some staff spent the night at the office to ensure total enforcement of the strike.
At the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano, flight disruptions left many passengers stranded. An anonymous airport staff member explained that the lack of weather data from NiMet significantly impacted flight schedules. “Though some flights continued, many were delayed or canceled,” the source said.
Timothy Meshelia, Northwest Zonal Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees, confirmed the disruptions. He outlined the workers' grievances, which include failure to implement the N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wage, unpaid staff allowances, exclusion of some employees from previous payments, and neglect of key training programs. He noted that the union has given the agency one month to meet these demands or risk continued industrial action.
A senior NiMet official, speaking anonymously, expressed disappointment over the strike, noting that several issues raised by the unions were already being addressed. “Management has communicated the progress on these issues to the unions, and it’s surprising they still proceeded with the strike,” the official said, citing a recent letter of appreciation from the unions for management’s labour-friendly policies.
Despite the current deadlock, NiMet management says it remains committed to resolving the crisis. “The Minister has been supportive and has scheduled a meeting with all parties involved. We believe reason will prevail,” the official added.
Meanwhile, Uzor Oluchi, National Deputy President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, condemned the poor working conditions of NiMet staff. She highlighted salary disparities within the aviation sector, stating that some NiMet employees, such as level 4 staff, earn as little as N31,000—far below the federally approved minimum wage.
The strike has thrown flight schedules into disarray, but all parties are hopeful that today's meeting will lead to a resolution and a return to normal operations.
