NiMet workers suspend strike as FG intervenes

Unions representing workers at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have agreed to suspend their strike, following a timely intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

The strike suspension will remain in effect until May 13, 2025, while Minister Keyamo works on addressing the unions’ concerns.

Comrade Aba Ocheme, the National Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), confirmed the decision after a productive meeting with the minister and union leaders. Ocheme acknowledged Keyamo’s genuine efforts, assuring that the unions would await the progress of the actions he had committed to taking.

“We have resolved to suspend the ongoing strike till May 13, 2025, in recognition of the Honourable Minister’s timely and sincere intervention. We await the progress of the actions he has committed to take,” Ocheme said.

Comrade Alale Adedayo, the National President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), also supported the decision, emphasizing the unions’ respect for the minister’s intervention. “As a mark of respect for the Honourable Minister’s intervention and assurance, we have decided to temporarily call off the strike while the process of resolution is ongoing,” Adedayo explained.

The strike was originally prompted by unresolved issues such as poor working conditions, salary disparities with other aviation agencies, unfulfilled minimum wage adjustments, and demands for salary increases and other benefits.

Minister Keyamo expressed understanding and sympathy for the workers, reaffirming his commitment to resolving the issues, many of which stemmed from delays in addressing past grievances. He outlined several measures, including engaging the president and the finance minister to expedite financial matters. He also revealed plans to establish a ministerial committee to address subsistence allowances and related concerns.

Keyamo praised the unions for their patience and maturity in handling the situation and emphasized the importance of their cooperation for the continued progress of the aviation sector. He assured the unions that the government’s top priority was to maintain industrial harmony while addressing their legitimate concerns.

Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, expressed optimism that a satisfactory resolution would be achieved before the deadline, encouraging all stakeholders to cooperate in improving the working conditions and welfare of NiMet staff and the broader aviation community.