By Uriel Ihotu
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, has announced the immediate suspension of all its flight operations nationwide due to the ongoing strike by staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
In a statement issued, the airline said the decision was driven by safety concerns as NiMet’s services are essential for providing critical weather information used in flight operations, particularly during the current rainy season.
“We regret to inform the public that due to the ongoing industrial action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Air Peace is suspending all flight operations nationwide with immediate effect,” the airline said.
“NiMet is responsible for providing Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports which are vital for ensuring safe aircraft landings especially during this period of frequent thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. Without these updates from control towers, flight safety cannot be guaranteed.
“As a safety-first airline, we are compelled to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and assure affected passengers that they will be contacted with updates and rescheduling options.”
The strike, declared indefinite, is being led by three key industry unions: the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP).
In a joint circular issued to members, the unions expressed frustration over what they described as “exceedingly unjust remuneration” and a breach of agreements signed with management since January 29, 2025. They lamented the failure of NiMet management to implement improved conditions of service.
“In light of management’s inability to address our concerns, and with the expiration of our ultimatum, we are left with no choice but to resume the suspended strike,” the circular read.
“All NiMet staff nationwide are hereby directed to withdraw services indefinitely from midnight of Tuesday, April 22, 2025, until further notice.”
The impact of the strike has already begun to ripple across the aviation sector. NiMet’s inability to provide Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF), meteorological trend forecasts, and other critical data from its 56 synoptic stations means that airlines are now operating without the weather updates required under International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Aviation insiders confirmed that as of Friday morning, no weather briefings were being provided to flight crews. A source within the sector disclosed that NiMet operations are in total lockdown and hinted that other unions, including Air Traffic Controllers, may soon join the strike in solidarity.
“NiMet is completely shut down. All synoptic, agro, marine, and aeronautic stations across the country have been closed,” the source said.
The strike poses a significant threat to safe flight operations across Nigeria, and there are growing calls for urgent government intervention to resolve the impasse and restore services.
