Strike: Air Peace suspends operations nationwide
Agency Report
Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace on Wednesday night announced its suspension of flight operations across airports in the country following the ongoing strike by the staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) over unresolved labour related issues.
Umbrella bodies of workers in the industry had in recent time warned of the industrial strike action severally citing their inability to reach agreement on gray areas regarding the welfare of staff of the NiMet.
In an electronic document, the management of Air Peace cited safety of its aircraft and passengers as reason for its action affirming that weather reports are critical to the operations, especially during the current season of heavy rainfall.
The document explained that “We regret to inform you that due to the Air Peace is suspending all flight operations nationwide with immediate effect.
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.
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 apologize. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling.” The airline told Aviation Correspondents in Lagos.
Meanwhile, NiMet maintained that the agency had already addressed 70% of the various demands by the various unions representing its workforce and affirmed that it required the approval of the government to carry out the remaining 30%.
The Met body described as unnecessary the action of the workers who embarked on a strike at the Abuja airport on Wednesday morning and disrupted operations at the aerodrome.
The provisions of weather-related services were said to have been temporarily put on hold at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, and NiMet staff protested carrying placards that demanded improvement in their working conditions.
The protesting workers carried banners bearing inscriptions “we’re tired of failed promises; and chanting “No weather, no flight! Fly at your own risk!” just as they moved round the airport.
However, a top management staff of NiMet said “Management is disappointed with the hardline stance taken by the unions, especially as some issues have been resolved and others are at various stages of resolution. When the unions served notice of the strike, management outlined the status of each issue.
It is surprising they proceeded with strike action, having recently commended our labour-friendly policies. One wonders if other motives or actors bent on sabotaging management are at play.
He said “Management remains committed to an amicable resolution so normal services can be restored. The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has scheduled a meeting with all parties on Thursday, 24 April 2025. We are hopeful the unions will listen to reason—after all, no one bites off his nose to spite his face.”
