Air travel across Nigeria may face significant delays and cancellations as employees of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) began an indefinite strike on Wednesday.
According to the Daily Post, the industrial action, backed by several aviation workers’ unions—including the Union of Air Transport Employees, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees—follows accusations that NiMet’s leadership has failed to uphold agreements aimed at resolving longstanding salary-related grievances.
Union leaders expressed deep frustration over what they described as NiMet’s consistent disregard for a partial agreement.
The agreement, reached on January 28, 2025, was meant to address the agency’s harsh wage conditions. They said the accord has been largely ignored.
“All flight departures rely on weather clearance from NiMet, and the absence of this service could paralyze air operations,” a statement from the unions warned.
“Despite our persistent efforts over the years to address poor remuneration that has plunged NiMet staff into severe hardship, little progress has been made.”
As of press time, officials from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, including spokespersons Michael Achimugu and Tunde Moshood, had yet to issue any response.
Aero Contractors’ Managing Director, Ado Sanusi, acknowledged the crucial role NiMet plays in flight safety.
“Without weather updates, aircraft cannot take off or land. That is standard procedure. However, I cannot confirm whether flights will operate tomorrow,” he said.
At major airports like Nnamdi Azikiwe International in Abuja and Murtala Muhammed in Lagos, passengers are growing increasingly anxious about the impending disruption.
“My flight is scheduled for tomorrow. I hope the government steps in quickly to prevent any interruptions,” said Ireti Idowu, a concerned traveller.
Isaiah Manuel, another passenger planning to fly from Abuja to Lagos, also voiced concerns about a possible cancellation due to the looming strike.