In a significant development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, unions under the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have suspended their strike action until May 13, 2025, following the personal intervention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK).
The resolution was reached after a crucial meeting between the Minister and representatives of the aggrieved unions — the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP).
Confirming the decision, Comrade Aba Ocheme, National Secretary of NUATE, said:
“We have agreed to suspend the ongoing strike in recognition of the Honourable Minister’s timely and sincere intervention. We look forward to tangible outcomes from the actions he has pledged to take.”
Echoing this stance, Comrade Alale Adedayo, National President of ANAP, added:
“As a mark of respect for the Honourable Minister’s assurances, we are temporarily calling off the strike while the resolution process is underway.”
Background to the Strike
The strike action was triggered by a series of unresolved grievances including poor working conditions, delays in implementing the 2019 consequential adjustment to the national minimum wage for 30 affected staff, demands for a 25%–35% salary increment, 40% hardship and peculiar allowances, and annual staff training provisions.
Key Ministerial Commitments
In response, Minister Keyamo expressed empathy for NiMet workers and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns. Among immediate measures announced were:
Direct ministerial engagement with the President of Nigeria and the Minister of Finance to fast-track financial resolutions.
Establishment of a Ministerial Committee, led by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, to liaise with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on outstanding allowance and salary issues.
The Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining industrial peace within the aviation sector, commending union leaders for their maturity and patriotic commitment to national interest.
Assurance of Timely Action
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, assured stakeholders that concrete progress would be made before the May 13 deadline. He called for continued cooperation as efforts to improve welfare and working conditions for NiMet staff and aviation personnel advance.
