Keyamo Intervenes as Nimet Unions Suspend Strike Until May 13
Oru Leonard
The strike action 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) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), had gone on strike over unresolved grievances related to poor working conditions in the Agency.
The Minister’s intervention led to a meeting with union leaders, where he pledged to find lasting solutions to their concerns.
The unions have agreed to suspend the strike pending the outcome of the Minister’s intervention.
Keyamo’s personal intervention and commitments led to a formal communications to the President and Minister of Finance to fast-track the resolution of pressing financial concerns.
He established a Ministerial Committee to interface with relevant agencies and clarify issues surrounding subsistence allowances and related matters.
The Honourable Minister reiterated the importance of industrial harmony in the aviation sector and commended the union leaders for their maturity, patriotism, and willingness to dialogue in the national interest.
The Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni assures all stakeholders that tangible progress will be made before the May 13 deadline, and calls for continued cooperation as it works to ensure improved welfare and working conditions for NIMET staff and all aviation personnel
In response, NUATE National Secretary, Comrade Aba Ocheme disclosed resolution to suspend the ongoing strike till May 13, 2025, in recognition of the Honourable Minister’s timely and sincere intervention.
“As a mark of respect for the Honourable Minister’s intervention and assurance, we have decided to temporarily call off the strike while the process of resolution is ongoing.”, ANAP National President, Comrade Alale Adedayo said.
Going forward, the Ministerial Committee will work to resolve the issues raised by the unions. The unions will review the progress made before May 13, 2025, and decide on further action.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (Nimet) workers commenced a strike on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at midnight, over prolonged remuneration issues and poor working conditions. The strike was backed by three industry unions: National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP). However, the strike was suspended on April 24, 2025, pending further negotiations with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and is set to resume on May 13, 2025, if the issues are not resolved.
