Flight operations, including those of Air Peace, are facing significant disruptions across major Nigerian airports as workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) continue their protests over poor working conditions.
The strike, now in its second day, has left passengers stranded at major airports, including Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Air Peace passengers were informed that the airline had suspended its flights due to safety concerns arising from the strike.
In a video obtained by The Telegraph on Wednesday, Air Peace’s CEO, Allen Onyema, was heard giving instructions to cancel flights nationwide.
“If NiMET has not called off the strike, cancel every Air Peace flight immediately. People’s lives and the safety of our crew and equipment are paramount,” Onyema said, visibly concerned. “I don’t care if other airlines are still flying. Suspend every flight nationwide. With the severe thunderstorms and adverse weather conditions, NiMET, which should be providing critical weather data, is on strike. Suspend all flights until further notice.”
Reports from Lagos Airport indicated that while Air Peace grounded its flights, airlines like XEJET, Aero Contractors, and Ibom Air continued operations as scheduled.
In a statement on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, Air Peace confirmed the suspension, citing the strike’s impact on critical weather reports necessary for safe flight operations.
“Due to the ongoing NiMET strike and the unavailability of hazard weather reports essential for safe landings, Air Peace has suspended all flight operations nationwide until further notice,” the statement read. “Your safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your understanding as we continue to monitor the situation.”
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has intervened and called for a meeting with representatives of the protesting NiMET unions. The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 24, 2025.
NiMET staff withdrew all meteorological services on Wednesday, including the shutdown of weather centers at airports nationwide. The strike, which began at 7:00 AM, has left staff members holding placards as they voiced their grievances about inadequate welfare.
One union member, identified as Mr. John, spoke to reporters, explaining the poor working conditions: “The salary package is incredibly low compared to our sister agencies. A NiMET management staff earns N470,000, while someone in a sister agency makes about N1.2 million. Despite our critical role in providing services like agro-meteorology and marine forecasts, our welfare is not enough to cover basic expenses like transportation or school fees for our children.”
Regarding the strike’s impact on aviation, Paul Ogohi, Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, criticized Nigerian airlines for not adhering to international safety regulations.
“International carriers like British Airways and Qatar Airways have suspended operations, following the ICAO regulations,” Ogohi said. “However, Nigerian airlines are continuing to fly, risking passenger safety. This is unacceptable, and we must condemn it. NiMET staff are working under extreme stress, with many suffering from hypertension and other health issues.”
Uzor Oluchi, National Deputy President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, also condemned the low wages and poor working conditions for NiMET staff. “A Level 4 NiMET staff is earning just N31,000, far below the national minimum wage,” she said.
Despite the ongoing crisis, NiMET management has expressed its commitment to resolving the issue. A statement from the agency assured that efforts are underway to reach an amicable solution with the unions.
“We are actively engaging with the unions to restore normal services as quickly as possible,” said a NiMET official. “The Minister of Aviation has been very supportive, and we remain hopeful that both sides can reach a resolution. A strike hurts everyone, and we hope the unions will act in the interest of public safety.”
