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Skies Uncertain: NiMet Strike Threatens Aviation, Weather Services Nationwide

Published

3 weeks ago

Apr 23, 2025.

Nationwide Strike Begins: NiMet workers withdraw services indefinitely over poor pay and unmet agreements with management.
Aviation Unions Back Action: NUATE, ANAP, and AUPCTRE lead the protest, calling for full compliance across states.
Critical Services at Risk: Weather forecasting and aviation operations may be disrupted as strike takes full effect.

Workers at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have started an indefinite nationwide strike beginning from Tuesday night, April 22, 2025.

The strike, which is being led by major aviation unions, was called in protest of poor salaries, bad working conditions, and the failure of the agency’s management to keep promises made earlier this year.

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The strike was announced in a joint statement released by three key aviation workers’ unions: the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).

NiMet Forecasts

According to the statement, NiMet has not fulfilled the terms of an agreement reached with the unions on January 28, 2025. That agreement was supposed to bring some relief to workers who have been experiencing long-standing financial difficulties. The unions said the management has largely ignored the agreement, and workers’ living conditions have continued to worsen.

“For many years, our unions have been fighting to improve the poor pay and tough conditions NiMet workers are facing. Despite our efforts, we have not seen meaningful changes,” the unions said. “The January agreement, which was expected to ease the suffering, has been mostly ignored. This is a clear betrayal.”

As a result, the unions directed all NiMet workers across the country to stop work completely from midnight on April 22, 2025. They also called on all state branches and councils to mobilize other aviation workers to join the strike in solidarity.

“This strike is a necessary step,” the unions added. “We cannot allow our members to continue suffering while management fails to take their responsibilities seriously.”

The strike action could affect weather forecasting and aviation services across Nigeria, as NiMet plays a key role in providing weather information critical for air travel and safety.

The statement was signed by union leaders: Comrade Ocheme Aba (NUATE), Comrade Abdul Rasaq Saldu (ANAP), and Comrade Sikiru Waheed (AUPCTRE).

As of now, NiMet management has not released an official response, but there are reports that they may soon invite the unions to a dialogue to find a way forward.

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