NiMet Workers Begin Indefinite Strike, Shut Down Meteorological Services Nationwide

The industrial action officially commenced at 7am, with NiMet staff and members of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) seen staging peaceful demonstrations at various agency locations, including airports.

Operations at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) came to a standstill on Wednesday as workers embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike, halting all meteorological services across the country.

The industrial action officially commenced at 7am, with NiMet staff and members of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) seen staging peaceful demonstrations at various agency locations, including airports.

Some workers reportedly spent the night at agency premises to ensure a total shutdown.

“The situation is bad for us here in NiMet,” one worker lamented, according to PUNCH.

In terms of our welfare, the salary package and everything are very low compared to our sister agency.

“You can see a management staff member in NiMet collecting N470,000, while someone in the sister agency earns about N1.2million.”

According to the protesting staff, multiple pleas for improved conditions have been ignored despite their critical role in national safety and development.

“Any increment the Federal Government is making, we are not getting it. We provide more sensitive services than even our sister agency, but our welfare package is so poor that it cannot cover transportation, rent, or even our children’s school fees,” the worker added.

Highlighting the breadth of NiMet’s responsibilities, another employee stressed, “We provide services like agro-meteorology, marine, and transportation for all industries.

“We offer services to them, yet our welfare is too poor. So we are calling on the government to look into our case.”

Paul Ogohi, Secretary of AUPCTRE, criticised the reaction of some domestic airlines while emphasising the dire conditions faced by agency workers.

“Other international airlines have parked and are keeping strictly to the regulations of ICAO.

“British Airways has complied, and Qatar Airways has also suspended operations. But the problem we are facing is with Nigerian airlines and their pilots.

“These rules are meant to govern aviation operations, but we, the locals, are the ones violating these standards. It’s not right,” Ogohi said.

He further painted a grim picture of the toll the job has taken on NiMet staff.

“Unprecedented deaths are occurring in NiMet, as if we are chickens. Nearly 70 percent of our staff forecasters have high blood pressure. Ninety per cent no longer have good vision, because we are constantly working to observe the aerodrome.

“We have eye defects. It is unbearable. Some of us are taking loans to pay school fees, rent, and even to come to work,” he said.

Calling for urgent government intervention, Ogohi pleaded, “We are appealing to the Minister to please come to our aid. We are seeing changes, but those changes should extend to NiMet because we are suffering.”

In response to the strike, Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), assured the public that safety remains a priority and that dialogue with the unions is imminent.

“The NCAA is going into a meeting with the unions soon. However, NAMA is currently providing auxiliary services.

“You should know that in aviation, safety comes first. So, if there is any threat to operations at this moment, nobody will be allowed to fly. Rest assured,” Achimugu stated.

As the strike continues, the shutdown of meteorological services poses a significant challenge to sectors relying on accurate weather forecasting and aviation safety.

The outcome of the anticipated meeting between the NCAA and union leaders may determine the timeline for resolution.