The staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have suspended their indefinite strike until May 13, 2025, following an intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, just 48 hours after the industrial action began.
The announcement came from a statement issued by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister.
According to the statement, the strike was called off to give the government time to address the workers’ concerns.
The leadership of the two unions involved—the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)—met with Keyamo and agreed to pause the industrial action as a show of goodwill.
“The staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet) has suspended its indefinite strike, barely 48 hours after its commencement.
“A statement by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development said that the unions suspended the strike after intervention by the minister.
“The statement hinted that the workers suspended the strike until May 13, 2025, pending the outcome of the minister’s intervention on the issues raised,” a portion of a statement shared by Keyamo read.
Comrade Aba Ocheme, General Secretary of NUATE, explained that the decision to suspend the strike was a response to the minister’s genuine efforts to intervene in the matter. He added that the unions would closely monitor the implementation of the minister’s promised actions.
Similarly, Comrade Alale Adedayo, National President of ANAP, stated that the unions agreed to temporarily halt the industrial action as a gesture of respect for the minister’s commitment to dialogue and resolution.
The statement shared by the Minister explained that the strike was triggered by unresolved issues, including poor working conditions, salary disparities, and the exclusion of at least 30 NiMet staff from the 2019 minimum wage consequential adjustment. The unions also demanded a 25–35% salary increase, 40% hardship and peculiar allowances, and the resumption of regular staff training.
The suspension of the strike has brought relief to airlines and passengers. During the 48-hour stoppage, some airlines suspended flights due to the absence of NiMet’s weather monitoring services, while others increased fares, raising affordability and safety concerns. The temporary resolution now sets the stage for the gradual return of normal operations across Nigeria’s aviation sector.