The strike action by unions in the Nigerian Meteorological Agency remains suspended, following renewed assurances and partial progress after intervention from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
According to The PUNCH, leaders of the unions involved confirmed that discussions are ongoing and efforts are being made to meet some of their long-standing demands.
The unions had initially embarked on a nationwide strike in April 2025, citing failure to implement agreements concerning improved welfare, salary adjustments, and the 2019 minimum wage adjustments for certain staff members.
Deputy President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees Uzor Oluchi, expressed cautious optimism about the developments so far.
“The minister has given us a positive response, and while it’s a gradual process, we believe the strike pushed them to start acting. Without it, our concerns would likely have remained unattended,” Oluchi said.
He added that biweekly meetings have been scheduled to monitor progress, with the next session expected to hold on June 11.
Similarly, Awotu Ayuba, Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, acknowledged that although only a few demands have been met, the government’s response is encouraging.
“We suspended the strike for two weeks and had a meeting with the minister. From the progress report, it’s clear that steps are being taken. We’ve achieved two or three of our demands so far, and discussions are still ongoing,” Ayuba explained.
The strike, which disrupted operations at airports and grounded major airlines including Air Peace, followed NiMet’s failure to implement resolutions reached with the unions in January 2025.
These included overdue salary reviews, improved working conditions, and adjustments for about 30 staff members left out of the 2019 minimum wage implementation.
Following the disruptions, Minister Keyamo convened emergency meetings with union leaders, leading to a temporary suspension of the strike until May 13.
With negotiations still in progress, the unions have opted to extend the suspension further.
Union leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continuing dialogue until all outstanding issues are addressed. “It’s a continuous engagement. We’re not relenting until everything agreed upon is implemented,” Ayuba noted.
The next review meeting is slated for mid-June, where union leaders expect to evaluate further government compliance.