NiMet Strike Disrupts Flights; FG to Meet Unions Amid Crisis

An indefinite strike by Nigerian Meteorological Agency workers disrupted flight operations at major airports on Wednesday. While XEJET, Aero Contractors, and Ibom Air flights operated at Lagos airport, Air Peace suspended all flights nationwide, citing safety concerns due to lack of weather updates. Air Peace’s corporate communications head, Ejike Ndiulo, stated, “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”.

The strike began at 7:00 am at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, with staff picketing and some spending the night to enforce a shutdown. Kano airport experienced flight delays and cancellations, stranding passengers. An airport staff member said, “Flights are determined by weather, and NiMet is the agency providing weather information to pilots… the protest has affected many flights”.

The unions accuse NiMet management of ignoring the new minimum wage and other welfare issues. Timothy Meshelia, union chairman, said, “The association has given the management one month to implement the new minimum wage or face industrial action”.

NiMet management expressed disappointment, noting partial resolutions and recent union praise for management policies. A source said, “It is surprising that the unions resorted to strike action… This makes you wonder if there are other motives or if there are people bent on sabotaging management”.

Minister Festus Keyamo will meet the unions today to resolve the dispute.