The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has flayed the unions’ decision to embark on a strike, disrupting Abuja airport weather services, despite appeals. The agency states that in spite of the standoff, it has addressed 70% of demands already, stating that the remaining 30% requires government approval.
Weather services were halted at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, as Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) staff protested. Union members carried placards demanding better welfare and timely promotions.
Banners like: we’re tired of failed promises; and chanting “No weather, no flight! Fly at your own risk!” The irate staff moved around the airport driving home their demands.
The protest involved members of National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP).
However, airlines continued normal operations by relying on alternative meteorological data sources.
Despite the disruption of NiMet’s forecasts—critical for flight planning— flights continued seamlessly. Airlines seamlessly switched to global weather feeds such as the World Area Forecast System (WAFS) and commercial providers, ensuring safety and punctuality were maintained.
A NiMet source, who criticised the unions’ decision said, “Management is disappointed with the hardline stance taken by the unions, especially as some issues have been resolved and others are at various stages of resolution. When the unions served notice of the strike, management outlined the status of each issue. It is surprising they proceeded with strike action, having recently commended our labour-friendly policies. One wonders if other motives or actors bent on sabotaging management are at play.
“Management remains committed to an amicable resolution so normal services can be restored. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo , has scheduled a meeting with all parties on Thursday, 24 April 2025. We are hopeful the unions will listen to reason—after all, no one bites off his nose to spite his face.”
Attempts to reach union leaders for comment were unsuccessful. Protest placards cited grievances over welfare agreements, unpaid allowances, and promotion delays.
NiMet in a response to unions’ strike threat dated April 12, 2025, said it has made great efforts addressing union demands, some of which require external approvals. The agency had also maintained that most issues raised in the January 28, 2025, agreement involved government agencies outside its full administrative control.
NiMet in that response announced it added allowances not discussed during negotiation to enrich the final Conditions of Service. Three copies of the revised document were handed to a union executive on April 9, 2025, in the Director’s office for distribution.
It also said approvals for the 25-35% wage award and 2019 minimum wage arrears have been received, but funding for payment is yet to arrive.
As for the peculiar allowance, NiMet noted that four new allowances were recently approved by the Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
In addition, NiMet highlighted that it secured an upward IGR cost recovery approval from NAMA, NCAA, and FAAN to improve welfare. Management also revealed that it has captured the Subsistence Benefit in the new Conditions of Service and gained ministerial approval.
What remains is a final confirmation from the Permanent Secretary to effect payments, NiMet explained in the letter.
