Flight operations across Nigeria could face disruption as workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on July 1 over the alleged failure of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to remit statutory funds owed to the agency.
The workers, under the umbrella of the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (NJAC), said the planned industrial action follows NAMA’s alleged refusal to comply with a directive issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, ordering the remittance of 10 per cent of en-route and overflight charges due to NiMet.
In a letter dated June 26, 2026, and addressed to members, the unions accused NAMA of disregarding the ministerial directive despite being given 48 hours to settle the outstanding remittances. Copies of the correspondence were also sent to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Director-General of NiMet.
The letter, jointly signed by the secretaries of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), stated that the prolonged non-remittance has negatively affected NiMet’s operations and staff welfare.
According to the unions, members resolved during a meeting held on June 15 to notify the minister of NAMA’s alleged non-compliance and issue a one-week ultimatum before embarking on a nationwide protest.
“In view of the above resolution, the NJAC hereby informs all our members of the planned protest scheduled to hold on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at all NiMet offices nationwide,” the letter stated.
The unions warned that the dispute could significantly affect aviation activities if left unresolved, noting that meteorological services are critical to flight planning, air navigation and safe aircraft operations.
NiMet provides weather forecasting and aeronautical meteorological services for Nigeria’s aviation industry, making its operations essential to the country’s air transport system. Any disruption to its services could have operational implications for airlines and airport activities nationwide.
The planned protest comes amid ongoing concerns within the aviation sector over inter-agency funding arrangements and the timely remittance of statutory revenues. At the time of filing this report, NAMA had not publicly responded to the unions’ allegations.
