NiMet Workers Protest Unmet Demands, Warn Nigerians: “Fly at Your Own Risk”

Operations at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) headquarters in Abuja were shut down for the second day on Thursday as staff continued their protest over poor welfare, unpaid entitlements, and stalled promotions.

The demonstration, led by the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE), saw workers block the agency’s entrance with placards and banners. The building remained closed throughout business hours.

The protest also extended to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, where striking workers chanted “No Weather, No Flight! Fly at Your Own Risk!” They called out the government for neglecting their demands and warned that operating flights without NiMet’s input violates international aviation safety standards.

In response to the growing concerns, Air Peace announced on Wednesday that it was suspending all flight operations nationwide. The airline said the decision followed ongoing disruptions caused by the protest.

In a statement, Air Peace noted that NiMet’s CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports are critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Without these updates from control towers, flight safety could not be assured.

“As a safety-first airline, we are acting responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service,” the airline said, adding that passengers would be contacted with updates and rescheduling options.

Other airlines, including Arik, Ibom Air, and United Nigeria Airlines, continued operations. However, protesting workers warned that flying without official weather reports from NiMet could void insurance coverage in the event of an incident.

The strike is backed by three unions; AUCPTRE, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP). In a joint circular, the unions said the government had failed to honour agreements reached in January and ignored calls to address poor staff remuneration.

They directed all NiMet workers nationwide to withdraw their services indefinitely from midnight on April 22, 2025, and vowed not to return until their demands are fully met.

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