Aviation operations across Nigeria may face severe disruptions as workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on Tuesday night, citing failed agreements and persistent poor remuneration.
The strike, declared by a coalition of aviation unions—including 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)—took effect from midnight, April 22, 2025.
In a joint statement, the unions accused NiMet’s management of reneging on a partial agreement signed on January 28, 2025, aimed at alleviating the financial hardship endured by workers. They described the continued delay in implementing the terms as a betrayal of trust and a prolongation of staff suffering.
“Our members have been subjected to years of unjust remuneration and worsening economic conditions,” the unions said. “Despite our consistent engagement with management, the promises made in January have not been fulfilled. We are left with no option but to withdraw our services.”
The indefinite strike has raised alarm across the aviation sector, as NiMet provides critical weather data required for flight take-offs and landings. Without these updates, flight operations nationwide could be grounded.
Reacting to the situation, Managing Director of Aero Contractors, Ado Sanusi, confirmed that weather reports are mandatory for flight safety and compliance. “If there is no weather report, an aircraft cannot legally take off or land,” he stated, although he declined to confirm if flights would proceed on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, key aviation authorities including the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Ministry of Aviation have yet to issue official responses. Passengers at major airports such as Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja expressed growing concern over potential delays and cancellations.
The unions have called for nationwide solidarity among aviation workers to enforce the strike and ensure NiMet management is compelled to meet their demands.
