NiMet workers begin indefinite strike

Weather-related services across Nigeria have come to a standstill as employees of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) embarked on an indefinite strike Wednesday morning, crippling operations at airports and other key sectors.

The industrial action, which officially commenced at 7:00 a.m., saw workers staging protests at airport premises with placards, while many reportedly spent the night at NiMet offices to ensure a complete shutdown of operations.

Aggrieved staff are demanding improved salaries and better welfare, lamenting the stark disparity between their pay and that of colleagues in a similar government agency. While NiMet staff reportedly earn around ₦470,000 monthly, their counterparts in the sister agency take home over ₦1.2 million, workers claimed.

“We provide critical services to aviation, agriculture, and marine sectors, yet our welfare is ignored,” one protesting employee said. “We can’t afford transport, rent, or school fees. Many of us are sinking into debt just to survive.”

In addition to poor remuneration, the workers highlighted dire working conditions, which they said have taken a toll on their health. According to them, nearly 70% of NiMet forecasters suffer from high blood pressure and deteriorating eyesight caused by constant exposure to harsh environments while monitoring airfields.

The secretary of the workers’ union, Paul Ogohi, also raised safety concerns, accusing some local airlines of disregarding international aviation standards. He commended foreign airlines like British Airways and Qatar Airways for suspending operations in solidarity with the strike and safety protocols.

Ogohi urged the Minister of Aviation to urgently intervene, saying, “Reforms are happening across other sectors, but NiMet continues to be neglected.”

In response, Michael Achimugu, spokesperson for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), assured the public that safety remains paramount. He revealed that discussions with union leaders are in the pipeline and that a backup agency is temporarily handling critical duties. However, he warned that flights would be grounded if any safety concerns arise.

The strike continues with no resolution in sight, raising concerns about disruptions in aviation, agriculture, and maritime operations in the coming days.