Abuja, April 24, 2025
Operations at the headquarters of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) in Abuja were brought to a halt for the second consecutive day on Thursday, as protesting workers continued their picketing over poor welfare and delayed promotions.
The protest, organized under the banner of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUCPTRE), saw dozens of disgruntled staff occupy strategic positions outside the agency’s main gate, effectively shutting down official activities.
When visited by our correspondent around midday, no staff were seen working inside the complex. Instead, employees gathered outside, carrying placards and banners with various slogans, while union officials barred vehicles from entering the premises.
Some workers who spoke to this publication expressed frustration over their stagnant wages and poor working conditions. They demanded the full implementation of the newly approved national minimum wage and other enhanced welfare benefits.
“We’re not backing down until our demands are met,” one of the protesters said.
The ongoing demonstration already has ripple effects. On Wednesday, Air Peace suspended its operations, citing safety concerns due to the absence of NiMet’s critical weather updates. However, other airlines, including Ibom Air, Arik Air, and United Nigeria Airlines, have continued operations.
Union representatives warned that airlines flying without NiMet’s input are breaching international aviation safety protocols.
“We understand that some airlines are still flying, which is against the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements. This endangers passenger safety,” a union official stated. “In the unfortunate event of a mishap, insurance claims could be denied, as airlines knowingly neglected NiMet’s weather forecasts.”
Reacting to the protest, a senior NiMet official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the management was disappointed by the unions’ hardline stance.
“Some of the issues raised have already been resolved, while others are being addressed. It’s surprising that the unions resorted to a strike after recently commending the agency’s labor-friendly approach,” the official said, hinting at possible ulterior motives behind the protest.
The official added that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has scheduled a meeting with all parties involved in an effort to mediate and restore normal operations.
“We are hopeful that the unions will reconsider and allow for dialogue. Everyone loses when operations are disrupted,” he added.
NiMet has yet to release an official statement, but one is expected following the outcome of the minister’s meeting with stakeholders.
