NiMet workers begins indefinite strike

Nigeria’s aviation industry may experience major disruptions starting Thursday, as workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have embarked on an indefinite strike to protest poor wages and the government’s failure to implement their Conditions of Service (CoS).

The industrial action, jointly declared by three aviation unions, threatens to ground critical weather observation and reporting services essential to flight operations across the country.

NiMet, which provides vital meteorological information and forecasts for airlines, pilots, airports, and Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs), plays a central role in ensuring flight safety. With the strike now in effect, air travel operations could face significant delays and cancellations nationwide.

According to reports, some professional groups within the aviation industry including ATCs and sister unions are considering joining the strike in solidarity with NiMet workers.

A strike notice dated October 17, 2025, titled “Non-Implementation of Agreement – Withdrawal of Services” and obtained by our correspondent, confirmed that the decision to down tools followed months of unheeded appeals to NiMet management.

The letter was jointly signed by Odinaka Igbokwe, General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); Alo Lawrence of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE); and Abdulrazaq Saidu of the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP).

Copies of the notice were also sent to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and NiMet’s Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike.

“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,” the unions stated.

They added that the decision was reached after a joint congress of NiMet workers and national secretaries of the unions held on October 16, 2025, in Abuja. “Accordingly, all NiMet workers are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective Thursday, October 23, 2025, unless otherwise directed by the unions following an amicable resolution of the issues,” the notice read.

The unions are demanding the implementation of salary relativity, payment of nine months’ arrears of consequential adjustment, a 25–35 percent wage award, and peculiar allowances. They are also seeking improved subsistence benefits, annual staff training, better contract staffing policies, and a review of NiMet’s salary structure and CoS.

Although Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo had previously intervened in the dispute and facilitated an agreement between both parties, the unions claim that nearly a year later, none of the resolutions have been implemented, leaving workers frustrated and determined to press ahead with the strike.