The ongoing industrial action by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has been temporarily suspended following a successful intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The resolution comes after a high-level engagement between the minister and representatives of key aviation unions in Abuja.
NiMet workers had embarked on a strike on Wednesday, grounding meteorological services essential for flight operations nationwide. The strike caused significant disruptions at airports, with flight delays and cancellations reported across the country.
In a bid to address the escalating crisis, Minister Keyamo convened an emergency meeting with leaders of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and officials of NiMet and other aviation agencies. After hours of deliberation, a consensus was reached to suspend the strike until May 13, 2025, to allow for the implementation of resolutions.
Speaking after the meeting, Keyamo acknowledged the concerns raised by the workers, especially over salary disparities, delayed allowances, and the full implementation of the national minimum wage. He described the discussions as productive and free of major disagreements.
“We have resolved all issues. What we had were largely administrative and implementation matters which have now been clarified. The government is committed to ensuring that NiMet staff receive equitable treatment in line with other aviation agencies,” the minister stated.
He further assured that formal steps are being taken to secure the necessary approvals from the Presidency and the Ministry of Finance for salary adjustments and pending financial obligations. A ministerial committee will also be constituted to monitor the progress of these implementations and to engage with relevant agencies to ensure timely delivery.
In response, the unions expressed satisfaction with the minister’s prompt engagement and pledged to give the government time to fulfill its commitments.
“As a mark of goodwill and in respect of the Honourable Minister’s intervention, we have agreed to suspend the strike temporarily while monitoring the progress of implementation,” said Comrade Aba Ocheme, National Secretary of NUATE.
Similarly, ANAP’s National President, Comrade Alale Adedayo, stated, “We appreciate the government’s response. Our action was never about disruption but about justice and fairness for our members. We hope all promises made will be honoured without delay.”
With the temporary suspension of the strike, normal operations are expected to resume at Nigerian airports, restoring critical weather services for aviation safety.
The federal government has reiterated its commitment to fostering a harmonious industrial environment in the aviation sector while ensuring that workers’ rights and welfare remain a top priority.
