In a significant development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, unions representing the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have announced the suspension of their industrial action following a crucial meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The strike, which was prompted by longstanding grievances over poor working conditions, salary disparities, and unfulfilled wage adjustments, will remain suspended until May 13, 2025. The decision reflects a gesture of goodwill toward the minister’s timely and sincere engagement with union leaders.
Comrade Aba Ocheme, National Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), confirmed the decision, stating that the unions were willing to give the government a window to act on its promises.
“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.
Supporting the move, Comrade Alale Adedayo, National President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), emphasized the unions’ trust in the minister’s assurances.
“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,” he noted.
At the heart of the unions’ demands are calls for salary parity with other aviation agencies, implementation of the new national minimum wage, and an upward review of benefits and allowances.
Minister Keyamo, who met directly with union leaders, acknowledged the validity of their concerns and expressed empathy over the delays that had triggered discontent.
“Much of what we are witnessing is a result of protracted bureaucratic lapses and neglect,” he admitted, outlining immediate steps including consultations with the presidency and the Ministry of Finance to fast-track financial commitments.
Keyamo also announced the creation of a ministerial committee to engage relevant agencies and resolve outstanding issues related to subsistence allowances and welfare packages.
He lauded the unions for their maturity and patience, noting that sustained collaboration between stakeholders was crucial to reforming the sector.
“We are committed to resolving these issues promptly. Industrial harmony remains a top priority for this administration,” the minister affirmed.
Echoing this sentiment, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, expressed optimism that all parties would reach a satisfactory agreement before the May 13 deadline.
“This is a shared responsibility. We must work together to improve the welfare of NiMet staff and ensure a more efficient aviation sector,” Dr. Kana said.
The temporary truce signals a potential turning point in government-labour relations within the aviation industry, and all eyes will be on the ministry in the coming weeks as it races against time to fulfill its commitments.
