By Laolu Thomas
In April 2025, Nigeria’s aviation sector encountered turbulence, not in the skies, but on the ground.
That was when the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) commenced an industrial action, halting its critical weather services.
In the face of the disruption, Air Peace, the country’s largest airline, made a difficult but principled call: it suspended all flight operations nationwide, citing safety concerns.
Though inconvenient for passengers and costly for the airline, the decision reflected a firm commitment to safety, one that adheres to both national and international aviation protocols.
NiMet’s role in flight operations cannot be overstated.
The agency provides vital meteorological data, real-time weather forecasts, wind speeds, visibility levels, and storm alerts, that form the bedrock of safe flight planning. In a country prone to intense weather fluctuations, especially during the rainy season, flying without these data inputs is akin to flying blind.
“This improvement in our net reserves is not accidental; it is the outcome of deliberate policy choices aimed at rebuilding confidence, reducing vulnerabilities, and laying the foundation for long-term stability,” said CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, in a parallel nod to the importance of structure and safety across sectors.
Reinforcing the necessity of NiMet’s role, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was unequivocal: “The services NiMet provides are indispensable in aviation… it is unsafe to fly without their services.”
This acknowledgment from the nation’s top aviation official underscores the gravity of the situation and validates Air Peace’s tough call.
Globally, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) mandates the provision of certified meteorological services for flight operations. Its Annex 3 clearly defines weather data as central to the safety, efficiency, and regularity of air navigation.
Operating flights without such services violates international safety benchmarks and exposes both passengers and airlines to unnecessary risks.
While some domestic airlines chose to continue flying during the NiMet shutdown—reportedly using alternative or unofficial weather sources—this raised alarms within the aviation community.
The Association of Professional Meteorologists of Nigeria condemned such practices, warning of the dangers of relying on unverified data.
Additionally, such deviations could potentially void insurance coverage, given that most aviation policies require strict adherence to official data channels and flight safety regulations.
Despite incurring losses estimated at N3 billion during the suspension, Air Peace stood firm.
Its decision drew commendation from global aviation bodies, aircraft lessors, and insurers who lauded the airline for choosing principle over profit.
In the high-stakes world of aviation, where safety is non-negotiable and trust is paramount, Air Peace’s response stands as a commendable example of leadership and responsibility. It is a reminder that in aviation, as in life, doing the right thing is not always easy, but it is always essential.
…..Mr. Thomas is an aviation Public Relations practitioner, writing from Lagos.
