By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria’s airspace is facing unprecedented disruption following the commencement of an indefinite strike by staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), who have withdrawn services over unresolved grievances tied to low wages and deteriorating work conditions.
The industrial action, which kicked off on Wednesday, quickly rippled through the aviation sector, grounding flights and prompting airlines to halt operations in the interest of safety.
Notably, Air Peace announced the immediate suspension of all flights, citing the absence of critical weather intelligence required for safe takeoffs and landings.
In Abuja, demonstrators gathered at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, carrying signs and chanting warnings that underscored the seriousness of the situation.
Their message to travelers was blunt: without meteorological data, flying becomes a high-risk venture.
Though the airport remained accessible to passengers, the atmosphere was marked by confusion and concern. Some travelers voiced their support for the striking workers, while others urged for swift resolution to prevent further inconvenience and safety risks.
Behind the protest lies a deeper issue: systemic underinvestment in essential services.
Union leaders have criticized the government for failing to implement a revised wage structure and address economic pressures facing NiMet staff.
Reports indicate that some employees earn far below the national minimum wage, despite providing services deemed vital to national aviation safety.
In Kano, the protest intensified as union members shut down NiMet offices and locked out management staff. This action, according to union representatives, symbolizes the workers’ exhaustion with broken promises and unmet commitments from the agency’s leadership.
The strike has brought renewed attention to the importance of meteorological services in national infrastructure. Aviation experts warn that in a season characterized by heavy rainfall and volatile weather patterns, flying without up-to-date forecasts is a risk no airline should take.
As dialogue between the unions and government authorities remains stalled, industry stakeholders are calling for immediate intervention to restore services and prevent further escalation.
Until then, the skies above Nigeria remain uncertain both for planes and for the people responsible for keeping them safe.