The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) staff unions, comprising the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), recently extended their strike suspension following partial fulfillment of their demands by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The unions embarked on the industrial action in April 2025 due to NiMet’s failure to honour agreements reached in January 2025 concerning salary adjustments, improved working conditions, and the implementation of the 2019 minimum wage adjustments for approximately 30 employees. The strike significantly disrupted flight operations across the country, prompting the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Following Keyamo’s intervention and subsequent negotiations with the unions, some progress has been made in addressing the workers’ concerns. Union representatives confirmed that a meeting held with the minister provided positive feedback and demonstrated a commitment to resolving the outstanding issues. While the unions acknowledged the partial progress, they emphasized that the process of fully meeting their demands is gradual and requires continuous engagement. Therefore, they agreed to extend the strike suspension and continue bi-weekly meetings with the ministry to monitor progress and ensure the complete implementation of the agreed-upon measures. The next meeting is scheduled for June 11, 2025.
The unions highlighted the significance of the strike in prompting the government to address their long-standing grievances. They maintained that without the industrial action, their demands would likely have continued to be ignored. The initial strike significantly disrupted air travel, with major airlines like Air Peace forced to suspend services due to the unavailability of crucial weather reports from NiMet. This disruption underscored the vital role NiMet plays in ensuring safe and efficient air operations in Nigeria and emphasized the importance of addressing the concerns of its workforce. The unions expressed cautious optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations, reiterating their commitment to ensuring that all their demands are fully met.
The core issues at the heart of the dispute revolve around worker welfare and conditions of service. The unions are demanding the implementation of agreed-upon salary adjustments, improvements to working conditions within NiMet, and the implementation of the 2019 minimum wage adjustments for a group of employees who were previously excluded. These demands reflect a broader concern over fair compensation and equitable treatment of workers within the agency. The prolonged delay in implementing the January 2025 agreement further aggravated the situation, leading to the eventual strike action. The unions have emphasized that their primary objective is to secure a fair and just working environment for all NiMet employees.
The ongoing dialogue between the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the NiMet staff unions signifies a critical step towards resolving the impasse and restoring normalcy to the agency’s operations. While some progress has been reported, the unions remain vigilant and committed to ensuring that all their demands are fully implemented. They have adopted a strategy of continuous engagement with the ministry, scheduling bi-weekly meetings to review progress and maintain pressure for the complete fulfillment of the agreements. This approach demonstrates the unions’ determination to secure a lasting resolution to the dispute and safeguard the welfare of their members.
The situation at NiMet underscores the crucial role of effective communication and negotiation in resolving labour disputes. The initial strike highlighted the potential consequences of neglecting worker grievances, while the subsequent intervention by the Minister of Aviation and the ongoing dialogue demonstrate the importance of engagement and compromise in finding solutions. The unions’ decision to suspend the strike and continue negotiations in good faith reflects their commitment to reaching a mutually beneficial outcome. The continued progress in addressing the workers’ concerns is essential for ensuring the long-term stability and effectiveness of NiMet and the broader aviation sector in Nigeria. The outcome of these ongoing negotiations will likely have implications for other sectors and could influence future labour relations within the country.
