BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Flight operations across Nigeria have been severely disrupted as airline operators suspend services in response to an indefinite strike by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), whose services are critical for aviation safety.
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest domestic carrier, announced the immediate suspension of all flights nationwide on Wednesday, citing the absence of essential weather updates required for safe navigation and landings.
In a notice to passengers, the airline emphasized that without the Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports issued by NiMet, it cannot guarantee flight safety, especially during the current season of intense rainfall and thunderstorms.
“We regret to inform you that due to the ongoing strike by NiMet staff, Air Peace is suspending all flight operations across the country. NiMet’s CNH reports are vital to safe aircraft landings. In line with our commitment to safety, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to halt operations until NiMet resumes full service,” the statement read.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, NiMet workers were seen protesting on Tuesday with placards bearing messages such as “No weather, no flights” and “Fly at your own risk.” Their action follows the breakdown of negotiations between the agency’s management and aviation labor unions over unresolved financial entitlements.
In a joint letter issued by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical, and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), the unions accused NiMet of reneging on previously agreed wage awards and allowances.
They also cited the exclusion of eligible staff from payment disbursements and the agency’s alleged prioritization of executive retreats over essential staff training.
The unions said that the indefinite withdrawal of services, effective April 22, was prompted by the agency’s failure to honor a January 28, 2025 agreement intended to partially address wage disparities and poor working conditions.
“For years, we have made efforts to correct the unjust remuneration structure that has impoverished NiMet staff. Sadly, these efforts have yielded little progress.
Despite signing an agreement with management in January 2025, most of the commitments remain unfulfilled,” the unions stated.
“Given the expiration of the latest ultimatum, and the growing hardship faced by our members due to wage disparities and unmet promises, we are left with no option but to resume the suspended strike action.”
With no indication of a swift resolution, airline passengers are advised to expect continued disruptions across the country until the industrial action is resolved.
