Keyamo Brokers Peace as NiMet Unions Suspend Strike Until May 13. By Raymond Enoch
The nationwide strike by unions within the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has been suspended until May 13, 2025, following a high-level intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. The unions, including the 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), had initiated the strike on April 22 over unresolved issues related to remuneration and working conditions..
Minister Keyamo convened a meeting with union leaders on April 24, where he pledged to address their concerns. He established a Ministerial Committee tasked with liaising with relevant agencies to expedite the resolution of financial and welfare issues affecting NiMet staff. The unions agreed to suspend the strike in recognition of the Minister’s intervention and commitment to resolving the issues.
Keyamo commended the unions for their maturity and patriotism, emphasizing the importance of industrial harmony in the aviation sector. The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, assured stakeholders that tangible progress would be made before the May 13 deadline. The unions have indicated that they will review the progress made before the deadline and decide on further action if necessary.
The suspension of the strike has brought temporary relief to the aviation sector, which had been facing disruptions due to the industrial action. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will determine the future course of action.
