JUST IN: Keyamo, striking NiMet workers in closed-door meeting
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is currently meeting the striking workers of Nigeria Meteorology Agency in Abuja to resolve the matter.
The workers’ strike which has almost brought the industry to its knees started at midnight on Tuesday, after the unions repeatedly warned the management of NiMet of failing to fulfill promises made to it to bridge some lapses bordering on their welfare.
Following the impact of the strike, on Wednesday, some airlines such as XEJET, Aero Contractors, and Ibom Air operated as scheduled, Air Peace operations were grounded by the strike.
In a statement posted on its X handle, Air Peace stated that following the strike by NiMet staff, it suspended its operations until the strike issue is resolved.
The statement which was signed by the Head of Corporate Communications of the airline, Ejike Ndiulo, read, “Due to the ongoing NiMet strike and the unavailability of CNH (hazardous weather) reports required for safe landings, Air Peace has suspended all flight operations nationwide until the strike is over.
“Your safety is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and will share updates as the situation unfolds.”
On Thursday, disruptions became more evident as passengers whose flights had been disrupted were seen sitting at different terminals of the Lagos airport waiting for aircraft to pick them up.
In a tweet on his X handle, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, announced around 1:30 pm on Thursday that the minister was meeting the staff members.
He said, “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is presently meeting with the striking unions, DG NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo and other stakeholders to resolve the issues.”
… More to come….
