Flight disruptions occurred at major Nigerian airports as Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) workers protested the non-implementation of the new minimum wage and poor working conditions, leaving passengers stranded

[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ir travel across Nigeria faced significant disruptions on Wednesday as workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) initiated protests at the Lagos, Abuja, and Kano airports.

Also read: NiMet warns of impending heat stress across Nigeria

The industrial action, stemming from grievances over the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage and unfavorable working conditions, led to flight delays and cancellations, leaving numerous passengers stranded.

In Lagos, while some airlines like XEJET, Aero Contractors, and Ibom Air continued operations, Air Peace announced a nationwide suspension of its flights due to the unavailability of critical weather reports provided by NiMet.

The airline emphasized that passenger safety was their top priority in a statement released on their X handle.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has responded to the unfolding crisis by scheduling an urgent meeting with the protesting NiMet unions for today, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in an effort to resolve the impasse.

At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, the strike commenced at 7:00 am on Wednesday, with NiMet staff and union members actively demonstrating at the airport premises.

Reports indicate that some employees even spent the night at the agency’s facilities to ensure a complete shutdown of operations.

The situation was similar at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano State, where many passengers found themselves stranded as NiMet workers protested the non-implementation of the new national minimum wage.

An anonymous airport staff member confirmed that numerous flights were either delayed or canceled due to the absence of essential weather information crucial for safe flight operations.

Due to the ongoing NiMet strike and the unavailability of CNH (hazardous weather) reports required for safe landings, Air Peace has suspended all flight operations nationwide until the strike is over,” – Air Peace statement on flight disruptions.

Timothy Meshelia, the Northwest Zonal Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees, corroborated the widespread flight disruptions in Kano.

He outlined the union’s demands, which include the implementation of the N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wage, payment of outstanding staff allowances, inclusion of omitted staff in past payments, and the reinstatement of key training programs.

Meshelia also noted that the union had previously issued a one-month ultimatum for these demands to be met.

A senior NiMet management official, speaking anonymously, expressed disappointment at the unions’ decision to strike, citing ongoing efforts to address their concerns.

The official highlighted that some issues had already been resolved, with others in progress. The management source also pointed to a recent letter from the unions thanking management for its labor-friendly policies, suggesting potential underlying motives behind the strike action.

Despite the disruptions, NiMet management affirmed its commitment to finding a resolution and restoring normal services.

The upcoming meeting with Minister Keyamo is viewed as a crucial step in this direction, with management expressing hope that the unions will engage constructively.

On the union’s side, Uzor Oluchi, the National Deputy President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, voiced concerns over the poor welfare of NiMet staff, claiming that they are among the lowest-paid workers in the aviation industry.

She cited the example of a level 4 NiMet staff member earning only N31,000, despite the federal government’s minimum wage directive.

Also read: NiMet predicts nationwide thunderstorms from September 23-25

The situation remains fluid, with air travelers advised to check with their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules as the meeting between the government and the unions takes place.