The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) workers have called off their two-day strike, which grounded flights across the country, following the Federal Government’s intervention. The industrial action, which began on Wednesday, disrupted operations at major airports, including Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, leaving passengers stranded.
The strike was triggered by grievances over poor working conditions, including the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage, exclusion of some staff from past allowances, and the neglect of critical training programs. The decision to suspend the strike came after a productive meeting in Abuja with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, alongside key stakeholders.
In attendance were NiMET’s Director General, representatives from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the National Union of Transport Employees, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, and the National Union of Air Transport Employees.
The strike had prompted safety concerns, with Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, cancelling all flights nationwide. On Wednesday, Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema ordered the suspension of operations, citing hazardous weather conditions and the absence of critical meteorological services due to the strike. “People’s lives and the safety of our equipment and crew are foremost,” Onyema stated, emphasizing the airline’s prioritization of safety.
