Operations at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) were disrupted on Tuesday night as employees commenced an indefinite strike over unresolved welfare concerns, including poor remuneration, unfulfilled allowances, and alleged neglect by management.
The industrial action was declared by three aviation unions — the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).
In a jointly signed statement, the unions said the strike was necessary following the agency’s failure to honour a memorandum of understanding signed on January 28, 2025, which addressed critical staff welfare issues.
“Our members have been patient for too long. The promises made earlier this year remain largely unfulfilled. We can no longer continue to work under these conditions,” the unions stated.
Key Grievances
Among the workers’ demands are the full implementation of the 2019 minimum wage consequential adjustments, inclusion of all staff in previously omitted payments, implementation of a 25–35% salary increase approved by the federal government, and disbursement of the 40% peculiar allowance promised months ago.
The unions also decried what they called “executive bias” — claiming that while top management routinely attends conferences and retreats, ordinary staff are denied basic training and capacity-building opportunities.
Sources within the agency alleged that while NiMet staff currently earn between ₦400,000 to ₦470,000 monthly, counterparts in similar government agencies earn significantly more — up to ₦1.2 million — for similar roles.
Operational Impact
The strike has already begun affecting meteorological operations nationwide, especially within aviation facilities where timely weather data is critical to flight planning and safety.
Several airports are reportedly operating without live weather updates, raising concerns over aviation safety and compliance.
Although NiMet management has yet to release an official statement, insiders say efforts are underway to engage the unions and mitigate the operational fallout.
What Next?
The unions have vowed not to return to work until all their demands are addressed. They called on the Ministry of Aviation and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to intervene immediately.
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“This strike is indefinite. It will continue until real action is taken. We are not asking for new benefits — only the implementation of what has already been approved,” the union leaders emphasized.
With NiMet playing a critical role in national weather forecasting and aviation safety, the strike is expected to draw swift government attention.
As the situation develops, stakeholders across the aviation and disaster management sectors are watching closely.
