Several Nigerian airlines have suspended flights because staff at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) are on strike. The workers downed tools on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, after years of poor pay and unfulfilled agreements.
NIMET workers play a big role in flight safety. They provide weather reports for flights in and out of Nigerian airports. Without them, airlines can’t fly safely.
“Some of our staff earn just ₦28,000 monthly. That’s not enough to take care of families or do their jobs properly,” said Mrs. Ibiam Aderonke. She works with NIMET’s Central Forecast Office.
She added, “NIMET is the only agency with Level 4 officers who aren’t getting the 2019 minimum wage, not to mention the proposed ₦70,000 one.”
Some Airlines Cancel Flights
Air Peace was one of the first airlines to ground all flights. A viral video showed the airline’s Chairman, Allen Onyema, giving the order over the phone.
“Cancel all the flights until this matter is resolved,” he said in the clip. His decision followed worries about safety without NIMET’s weather updates.
Air Peace later confirmed this on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “We’re monitoring the situation and working with stakeholders to reduce impact on travel.”
Passengers at the airport in Abuja shared their frustration. Some had already checked in before being told they couldn’t fly. One Air Peace plane that had already taxied for takeoff had to return.
An official from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) told BBC Pidgin that many Air Peace pilots—mostly foreigners—refused to fly. “They said it’s too risky to fly without NIMET reports,” the FAAN official said.
Other Airlines Still Flying
Despite the strike, United Nigeria Airlines said its flights are still operating. They claim to have other ways of getting weather updates.
A spokesperson for the airline, Chibuike Uloka, said in a statement on Thursday: “Our operations remain safe, reliable, and within regulations despite the strike.”
He said they use real-time satellite data, pilot reports, and work closely with air traffic control to stay safe.
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, flights from Ibom Air, Aero Contractors, Max Air, and Arik were still operating as of Wednesday.
However, the strike has clearly caused confusion. Some passengers could board, others were left stranded after being told their flights were cancelled.
The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has backed the strike. NUATE’s Deputy National President, Samuel Uzor, said NIMET management had ignored all agreements made since 28 January 2025.
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