NiMet, the federal agency tasked with providing critical weather forecasts and updates to airlines and pilots, embarked on a nationwide strike following unresolved grievances concerning staff welfare and remuneration. The industrial action, backed by key aviation unions—National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)—has led to the indefinite withdrawal of services by NiMet personnel across the country.
In a statement on Wednesday, Air Peace cited the lack of CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports as the primary reason for grounding its fleet. These weather reports, typically issued by NiMet, are considered vital to ensuring flight safety, particularly during Nigeria’s ongoing rainy season characterized by heavy thunderstorms.
“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service,” the airline stated. “We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologize. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling.”
In contrast, rival carriers have continued to operate flights within and outside Nigerian airspace, citing access to alternative weather monitoring systems. Real-time data from flight tracking platforms on Thursday morning revealed steady air traffic across key routes, including Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt. International flights were also recorded entering Nigerian airspace without reported disruptions.
Industry sources confirmed that airlines operating in Nigeria can leverage globally recognized aviation meteorological services, including satellite data, pilot weather reports, and information from air traffic control systems, to supplement or replace NiMet services during the strike.
United Nigeria Airlines, one of the domestic operators maintaining its flight schedules, reassured passengers of its commitment to safety and regulatory compliance. In a statement released Thursday and signed by Chibuike Uloka, the airline’s Public Relations Officer, United Nigeria emphasized that robust contingency plans had been activated.
“Our flight operations remain safe, reliable, and fully compliant with regulatory standards,” the statement read. “Our flight planning and dispatch teams are fully equipped and working round-the-clock to ensure that all safety protocols are strictly observed, and passenger comfort remains uninterrupted.”
The ongoing NiMet strike stems from longstanding labor issues. In a circular addressed to its members, the unions expressed frustration over the agency's failure to honor agreements made earlier in the year to improve working conditions and remuneration. The circular stated that prior efforts to resolve the situation had proven fruitless, forcing the unions to resume a previously suspended strike action.
“In the light of management’s inability to address our concerns and with the expiration of our ultimatum, we have no choice but to resume the suspended strike,” the unions declared. “All staff of NiMet nationwide are hereby directed to withdraw all services indefinitely from midnight of Tuesday, April 22, 2025.”
As the aviation sector adjusts to the effects of the strike, Air Peace’s decision has reignited discussions about the resilience of Nigeria’s air transport infrastructure and the need for diversified, reliable sources of critical flight data. For now, the airline remains grounded, pending a resolution of the labor impasse, while others press on with operations under modified protocols.