Workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have commenced an indefinite strike, effectively halting meteorological services across the country. The industrial action, which began at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, is the culmination of prolonged grievances over welfare issues and unmet agreements with the agency’s management.
The strike is led by unions including 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). Among their major complaints:
Non-implementation of agreed financial allowances and entitlements, including wage awards and peculiar allowances.
Salary disparities, with NiMet staff reportedly earning far less than colleagues in sister agencies.
Non-payment of nine months’ arrears from the 2019 minimum wage adjustments.
Deteriorating working conditions and lack of training opportunities.
Rising health issues among staff, including high blood pressure and vision defects due to poor work environments.
One staff member said, “The situation is bad for us here in NiMet. 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 ₦470,000, while someone in the sister agency earns about ₦1.2 million.”
“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.”
Another worker added, “We are not asking for too much — just a good condition of service that would at least make life comfortable for us to concentrate on our job.”
Union Secretary Paul Ogohi stated, “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.”
He also highlighted the health toll on NiMet staff, saying,
“Nearly 70 per cent 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. It is unbearable. Some of us are taking loans to pay school fees, rent, and even to come to work.”
NiMet management has responded, stating that significant steps have been taken to address the issues. The agency noted that:
It facilitated the payment of 33 months of minimum wage arrears from 2019 to 2022.
A 25%-35% wage award was approved but awaits implementation.
Over 1,000 staff have been sponsored in training programs in the last year.
The agency has been engaging with unions and incorporating their input into service review plans.
Despite these efforts, the unions argue that progress is too slow and insufficient.
In response to the industrial action, Michael Achimugu, Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), assured the public,
“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.”
Labor analyst Abdullahi Musa urged dialogue, saying the strike may undermine the reforms already underway.
“NiMet has made progress in recent years. The unions should recognize this and continue to negotiate in good faith.”
