NiMet Workers Launch Indefinite Strike, Halting Meteorological Services Across Nigeria.
Workers at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have embarked on an indefinite strike, effectively shutting down all meteorological services nationwide. The action, which began on 22 April 2025, stems from long-standing grievances over poor remuneration and unfulfilled agreements, raising concerns about potential disruptions to aviation operations.
The strike, led by three major unions—the Union of Air Transport Employees, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical, and Recreational Services Employees—follows the failure of NiMet’s management to honour a partial agreement reached on 28 January 2025. This agreement was intended to address severe financial hardships faced by workers, including disparities in pay compared to similar agencies. Reports indicate that a NiMet management staff member earns approximately ₦470,000, while a counterpart in a peer agency earns around ₦1.2 million.
Union representatives have outlined several demands, including the implementation of wage awards, peculiar allowances, and arrears from the 2019 minimum wage, alongside addressing omitted staff payments and neglected training programmes. The unions have accused NiMet’s management of prioritising executive retreats over essential staff welfare, further fuelling discontent. To ensure a complete shutdown, workers have reportedly stationed themselves at agency premises overnight, with some holding placards to underscore their resolve.
The impact of the strike is already being felt, particularly in the aviation sector, where meteorological services are critical for providing weather clearances essential for flight safety. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has acknowledged the potential for flight disruptions, with Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, stating that safety remains paramount. “No flight will operate if safety is compromised,” he affirmed, noting that the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) is providing auxiliary services to mitigate the impact. The NCAA is also engaged in discussions with the unions to seek a resolution.
NiMet’s management has yet to issue an official statement, a silence that has drawn criticism from union leaders who have called for urgent government intervention. The unions have appealed for fair compensation and the honouring of past agreements, warning that the strike will continue until their demands are met.
The indefinite action highlights broader challenges in Nigeria’s public sector, where labour disputes over pay and conditions are not uncommon. With no immediate resolution in sight, the strike threatens to disrupt air travel and other weather-dependent operations, placing pressure on both NiMet and the government to address the workers’ grievances swiftly.