Nigeria’s aviation industry is set for major disruptions as workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) begin an indefinite strike today over poor remuneration and the non-implementation of their Conditions of Service (CoS).
The strike, jointly declared by aviation unions, is expected to paralyze key weather observation and reporting services essential for flight operations across the country. NiMet provides critical meteorological data, forecasts, and briefings that ensure aviation safety for airlines, pilots, airports, and Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs).
Sources revealed that some professional associations, including ATCs and allied unions, may join the strike in solidarity, raising fears of a nationwide shutdown in the aviation sector.
A notice to all NiMet workers dated October 17, 2025, titled “Non-Implementation of Agreement – Withdrawal of Services,” confirmed that the strike decision followed several unheeded appeals to the management.
The notice, signed by the General Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Odinaka Igbokwe; 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), was also copied 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 letter stated. “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 unions’ key demands include implementation of salary relativity, payment of nine months’ arrears from the consequential wage adjustment, application of the new minimum wage, a 25–35 percent wage award, and the inclusion of peculiar allowances.
They also cited grievances over poor staff welfare, lack of training, contract staffing, engagement of special advisers and assistants in NiMet, and the need to review the agency’s salary structure and Conditions of Service.
Although the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, had previously intervened in the dispute, leading to a set of resolutions between the parties, the unions alleged that nearly a year later, none of the agreed terms had been implemented, leaving workers frustrated and determined to push for action.
The industrial action, if prolonged, could disrupt flight schedules, weather forecasts, and other critical aviation operations nationwide, with ripple effects on airlines, logistics firms, and small businesses within the aviation ecosystem.
