Air Peace Grounds Flights Nationwide Amid NiMET Workers’ Strike: A Deep Dive into Aviation Safety and Labour Disputes in Nigeria
In a significant disruption to Nigeria’s aviation sector, Air Peace, the country’s largest airline, has suspended all flight operations nationwide. This decision, announced on April 24, 2025, stems from an ongoing strike by employees of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), who have withdrawn essential weather services over unresolved welfare issues.
Understanding the NiMET Strike
The strike commenced at 7:00 AM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, as NiMET workers shut down weather centres across Nigerian airports, effectively halting the provision of meteorological services. The workers, protesting poor working conditions and disparities in salary packages compared to sister agencies, have emphasized the critical nature of their services, which include agro-meteorology, marine, and transportation forecasts.
A union member, Mr. John, highlighted the severity of the situation:
“The situation is bad for us here in NiMET. In terms of our welfare, the salary package and everything are very low compared to our sister agency. You can see a management staff member in NiMET collecting N470,000, while someone in the sister agency earns about N1.2 million.”
The workers’ grievances also touch on the lack of implementation of the new national minimum wage, exclusion from past allowances, and neglect of key training programs.
Air Peace’s Proactive Safety Measures
In response to the strike, Air Peace’s CEO, Allen Onyema, made a decisive move to prioritize passenger and crew safety. In a video obtained by Channels Television, Onyema was heard instructing the immediate cancellation of all Air Peace flights nationwide:
“If NiMET has not called off the strike, cancel every Air Peace flight now with immediate effect. People’s lives and the safety of our equipment and our crew are foremost.”
The airline further clarified its position through a statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Ejike Ndiulo:
“Due to the ongoing NiMET strike and the unavailability of CNH (hazardous weather) reports required for safe landings, Air Peace has suspended all flight operations nationwide until the strike is over. Your safety is our top priority.”
While Air Peace grounded its operations, other domestic airlines like XEJET, Aero Contractors, and Ibom Air continued their flights, raising concerns about adherence to safety protocols in the absence of critical meteorological data.
Broader Implications for the Aviation Sector
The NiMET strike has not only disrupted flight schedules but also exposed vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure. The absence of meteorological services compromises flight safety, as pilots rely heavily on accurate weather data for navigation and landing.
Paul Ogohi, secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, criticized the continued operations of some domestic airlines:
“Other international airlines have parked and are keeping strictly to the regulations of ICAO. British Airways has complied, and Qatar Airways has also suspended operations. But the problem we are facing is with Nigerian airlines and their pilots. These rules are meant to govern aviation operations, but we, the locals, are the ones violating these standards.”
This situation underscores the need for stringent adherence to international aviation safety standards and the importance of supporting essential service providers like NiMET.
Government’s Response and the Path Forward
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, convened a meeting with NiMET union members, the agency’s Director General, officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and other stakeholders on April 24, 2025. The meeting aimed to address the workers’ concerns and find an amicable resolution to restore normalcy in the aviation sector.
NiMET management expressed commitment to resolving the crisis, stating:
“Management is not relenting in reaching an amicable resolution with the unions so that normal services will be restored.”
The outcome of this meeting is crucial, not only for the resumption of flight operations but also for setting a precedent in addressing labor disputes in critical sectors.
Conclusion
The ongoing NiMET strike and Air Peace’s subsequent suspension of flights highlight the intricate link between labor relations and operational safety in Nigeria’s aviation industry. As the nation grapples with these challenges, it becomes imperative for all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue, fair labor practices, and adherence to safety protocols to ensure the well-being of passengers and the integrity of the aviation sector.
