…Air Peace resumes flights
A nationwide strike by unions within the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has been temporarily called off following a high-level intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The suspension, effective immediately, will last until May 13, 2025, allowing time for the Minister to address the unions’ grievances.
The decision to suspend the industrial action came at the conclusion of a crucial meeting between Minister Keyamo and the leadership of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the unions spearheading the strike.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Comrade Aba Ocheme, National Secretary of NUATE, stated that the unions resolved to suspend the strike in recognition of the Minister’s timely and sincere intervention, adding that they await the progress of the actions he has committed to undertake.
This sentiment was echoed by Comrade Alale Adedayo, National President of ANAP, who noted that the temporary cessation of the strike was a mark of respect for the Minister’s assurances while the resolution process is underway.
The unions had initiated the strike to protest unresolved issues concerning poor working conditions.
These grievances include disparities in salary relativity with other aviation agencies, the non-implementation of the 2019 consequential adjustment to the national minimum wage for approximately 30 staff members, demands for a 25/35% salary increase, a 40% hardship/peculiar allowance, and the provision of annual staff trainings.
In response to the unions’ concerns, Keyamo expressed empathy for the affected workers and pledged his unwavering commitment to finding lasting solutions.
As immediate steps, the Minister announced his personal intervention through formal communication with the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Minister of Finance to expedite the resolution of pressing financial matters.
He also announced the establishment of a Ministerial Committee, to be headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, tasked with engaging the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to clarify issues surrounding subsistence allowances and other related matters.
Keyamo stressed the critical importance of industrial harmony within the aviation sector and commended the union leaders for their maturity, patriotism, and willingness to engage in dialogue in the national interest.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, reassured all stakeholders of the Ministry’s commitment to achieving tangible progress before the May 13 deadline.
He called for continued cooperation from all parties as the Ministry works towards ensuring improved welfare and working conditions for NiMet staff and all personnel within the aviation industry.
In a related development, Air Peace has resumed flight operations as the strike is called off.
In a statement, the airline says, “We sincerely thank you for your patience, understanding, and unwavering support throughout this challenging period. Your resilience and trust in our brand mean the world to us”.
“We commend the active and decisive intervention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Hon. Festus Keyamo, SAN, MON, whose leadership and commitment were pivotal in resolving the impasse and restoring normalcy within the aviation industry”.
According to the spokesman for the airline, Dr. Ejike, Ndiulo, “Hon. Keyamo’s swift engagement with all stakeholders, his transparent approach to dialogue, and his unwavering dedication to the stability and progress of the aviation sector reflect a deep understanding of the critical role aviation plays in national development”.
“His efforts not only facilitated the timely resolution of the strike but also underscored his broader vision for a safer, more efficient, and investor-friendly Nigerian aviation landscape”.
