Following Minister Festus Keyamo's intervention, unions at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have agreed to suspend their strike action until May 13, 2025. This decision comes after a series of meetings and reassurances from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development regarding their grievances. The unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), acknowledged Minister Keyamo’s efforts to address their concerns, which primarily revolve around salary issues, unfulfilled minimum wage adjustments, and disparities in pay compared to other aviation agencies.

Comrade Aba Ocheme, National Secretary of NUATE, confirmed the suspension, citing Minister Keyamo's sincere intervention and expressing hope for progress on the commitments made. Comrade Alale Adedayo, National President of ANAP, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the unions' respect for the minister's engagement. Deputy National President of NUATE, Samuel Oluchi Uzo, also confirmed the suspension, stating that it would allow time to monitor whether the federal government fulfills its promises.

Minister Keyamo has outlined several steps to address the unions' concerns, including engaging with the President and the Minister of Finance to expedite financial matters. A Ministerial Committee is also slated to be established to engage with relevant bodies for the resolution of subsistence allowances and related issues. He commended the unions for their patience and maturity and stressed the importance of their cooperation for the continued progress of the aviation sector.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, expressed optimism about reaching a satisfactory resolution by the deadline. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate in improving the working conditions and welfare of NiMet staff and the broader aviation community.

The strike had caused significant disruptions, including the grounding of Air Peace flights due to the unavailability of essential weather reports. However, with the suspension of the strike, Air Peace has announced the resumption of all flight operations, expressing gratitude to passengers for their patience during the disruption.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Minister Keyamo addressed the issues presented by the unions, attributing many grievances to miscommunication and delays in implementing previously approved reforms. He confirmed that the issue of salary disparity between NiMet and other aviation agencies had been agreed upon and that a fresh letter would be sent to the President to secure renewed approval for its implementation. He also stated that the agency has completed all internal processes for implementing the current national minimum wage and that documents have been forwarded to the Budget Office.

Regarding the 2019 minimum wage consequential adjustment, Keyamo assured that the nine-month shortfall and arrears owed to approximately 30 staff members would be addressed. A request for funds will be sent to the Minister of Finance for immediate disbursement. Issues surrounding the federal government’s 25-30% wage award and the 40% peculiar allowance are still under review, with a joint committee set to engage with the Salaries and Wages Commission for clarification and implementation.

Minister Keyamo also approved immediate payment of subsistence allowance to NiMET staff, with a commitment to increase the amount by May 2026. A committee will be established to review complaints of favoritism in annual training opportunities and ensure equitable access. Clear directives will be issued to define the roles of contract staff and special advisers within aviation agencies, and unions will be included in the condition of service review process.

Union leaders praised Minister Keyamo’s swift response and unprecedented engagement with workers, acknowledging that it was the first time a strike action drew such prompt attention. A follow-up meeting with the Minister is scheduled for May 12 to monitor implementation progress.