Nigeria’s aviation sector faces potential widespread disruptions today as workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) commenced an indefinite strike over unresolved issues of poor wages and the non-implementation of their Conditions of Service (CoS).
The industrial action, announced by aviation unions, is set to halt critical weather observation and reporting services essential for flight operations across the country.
NiMet’s role in providing real-time weather information, forecasts, and meteorological briefings is crucial for aviation safety, serving pilots, airlines, airports, and Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs).
The strike’s impact could ground these services, posing significant risks to both domestic and international flights.
Sources indicate that professional bodies, including ATCs and other aviation unions, may join NiMet workers in solidarity, amplifying the disruption.
A notice dated October 17, 2025, and titled “Non-Implementation of Agreement – Withdrawal of Services,” obtained by The Guardian, detailed the unions’ decision to down tools after repeated unsuccessful appeals to NiMet management.
The document, jointly signed by Comrade Odinaka Igbokwe, General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); Comrade Alo Lawrence of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE); and Comrade Abdulrazaq Saidu of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), was also copied to Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo and NiMet Director General Prof. Charles Anosike.
The notice stated, “Considering the extremely poor remuneration of NiMet workers compared to their counterparts in other aviation agencies, we are compelled to heed the cries of the workers for relief.”
It highlighted a joint congress decision on October 16, 2025, in Abuja, directing all NiMet staff to withdraw services effective today, October 21, 2025, unless an amicable resolution is reached.
The unions’ demands include salary relativity, implementation of the new minimum wage, payment of nine months’ arrears of consequential adjustment, and a 25–35 per cent wage award with peculiar allowances.
Additional grievances encompass subsistence benefits, annual staff training, contract staffing, the engagement of special advisers and assistants within NiMet, and a comprehensive review of the agency’s salary structure and CoS.
Despite earlier interventions by Minister Festus Keyamo, which led to temporary resolutions nearly a year ago, the unions allege that none of the agreed terms have been fulfilled.
This strike marks a critical escalation, potentially paralyzing aviation operations and underscoring deep-seated issues within Nigeria’s meteorological and aviation workforce.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com