Flight operations at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport were severely disrupted on Wednesday following a protest by staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.
The protesting workers staged a peaceful demonstration at the NiMet office, demanding the full implementation of the N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wage, payment of outstanding allowances, and improved access to training and development opportunities.
The early-morning protest brought activities at the airport to a halt, forcing many travellers to cancel or reschedule their flights, with some opting for road transport instead.
A source at the airport, who spoke anonymously, confirmed that the protest had a major impact on flight schedules. “Weather information is critical to flight operations, and since NiMet provides that data, the protest has caused significant disruptions, including delays and cancellations,” the source explained.
Passengers were seen stranded in the departure area as airlines struggled to adjust to the situation.
Timoty Meshelia, Northwest Zonal Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Employees (AUPCTRE), confirmed that flight operations were affected, adding that the protesting NiMet staff were frustrated by the management’s failure to address several long-standing demands.
“These include non-implementation of the new minimum wage, nonpayment of staff allowances, failure to include omitted staff in previous payments, and neglect of crucial training programmes,” Meshelia said.
He added that the union has issued a one-month ultimatum to NiMet management to meet their demands or risk a full-scale industrial action.
Edited by Nzubechukwu Eze.
