In a major disruption to Nigeria’s aviation sector, leading domestic carrier Air Peace has suspended all its flight operations across the country following an industrial strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The suspension, announced in an official statement released on Wednesday, takes immediate effect and will remain in place until NiMet resumes full operations. The airline said the decision was made in the best interest of passenger safety, as NiMet’s services—particularly the Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports—are crucial for safe flight operations, especially during Nigeria’s unpredictable rainy season.
NiMet Strike Grounds Aviation Sector
NiMet, the agency tasked with providing vital meteorological information to Nigeria’s aviation industry, began a nationwide industrial action on Wednesday. The agency’s staff, under the aegis of their union, are protesting prolonged delays in salary adjustments, promotion arrears, and improved welfare conditions.
The strike has effectively paralyzed weather reporting services at airports across Nigeria, creating uncertainty and raising safety concerns for airline operators.
Reacting to the development, Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s largest commercial airlines, issued a strongly worded statement informing the public of its decision to halt all scheduled flights.
Air Peace Cites Safety First
“We regret to inform you that due to the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Air Peace is suspending all flight operations nationwide with immediate effect,” the airline said in its statement.
“This decision is necessary because NiMet is the agency responsible for issuing CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports, which are critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Without these reports from the control tower, flight safety cannot be guaranteed.”
Reaffirming its commitment to passenger welfare, the airline emphasized that safety must come first, even at the cost of operational disruption.
“As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service. We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling,” the statement concluded.
Passengers Left Stranded, Travel Plans Disrupted
The abrupt suspension has left thousands of passengers stranded at various airports nationwide. Many travelers took to social media to express frustration, while others commended the airline for taking a responsible stance amid uncertain conditions.
“I had an important business meeting in Lagos today, but now I’m stuck in Abuja,” said Chidi Okafor, a traveler at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. “It’s disappointing, but I understand that safety comes first.”
Other travelers urged the government to urgently intervene in resolving the labor dispute affecting NiMet, noting that the aviation sector is critical to Nigeria’s economy.
NiMet Workers Demand Government Action
Meanwhile, NiMet staff have vowed to continue their industrial action until their demands are met. Speaking under anonymity, a senior NiMet official confirmed that negotiations with the government had broken down in recent weeks, prompting the workers to down tools.
“We’ve been patient for too long. Many of us haven’t been properly promoted or paid what we’re owed in years. The government needs to take our welfare seriously,” the official said.
Union leaders are calling on the Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Government to immediately address their grievances to restore normalcy.
Minister of Aviation Faces Criticism Amid Airport Launch
Ironically, the industrial action and its effects on aviation safety coincided with the official inauguration of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, on Wednesday.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, presided over the ceremony, drawing sharp criticism for celebrating a new airport while the nation’s meteorological backbone is in disarray.
“This is symbolic of the misplaced priorities in our aviation sector,” said a senior aviation analyst who preferred not to be named. “How can we launch a new airport when the very agency that guarantees flight safety is on strike? What’s the point of modern infrastructure if the system that supports it is broken?”
The Minister has yet to make a formal statement regarding the NiMet strike or Air Peace’s suspension of operations.
Industry Stakeholders React
Aviation experts and industry stakeholders have weighed in on the situation, warning that prolonged disruption in NiMet’s services could have far-reaching consequences on the entire aviation ecosystem.
“The absence of real-time hazardous weather updates poses serious safety risks to both domestic and international flights. This isn’t something to be taken lightly,” said Captain John Musa, a retired commercial pilot.
He praised Air Peace for prioritizing safety: “Their decision to ground flights under these circumstances is commendable. It shows they’re putting lives before profit, and that’s what professionalism looks like.”
Calls for Urgent Resolution
With the rainy season intensifying and air travel becoming increasingly risky without accurate weather updates, calls are growing louder for immediate government intervention.
“This crisis has exposed the fragility of our aviation support systems,” said Nkiru Osondu, a transport policy expert. “The government must treat NiMet’s concerns with urgency. A safe and reliable aviation sector begins with well-supported institutions.”
Until NiMet’s strike is resolved and meteorological services are restored, Air Peace’s grounded aircraft and stranded passengers remain visible reminders of how quickly industrial disputes can bring a nation’s airspace to a standstill.
