Nigerian airports face disruption as NiMet workers protest NAMA's alleged non-remittance of funds
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Airport operations across Nigeria may face disruptions starting Wednesday due to a nationwide protest by workers of the Nigerian Airspace Meteorological Agency NiMet. The industrial action, announced by the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee, stems from the alleged failure of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA to remit 10 percent of statutory en-route and overflight charges to NiMet. NiMet staff provide essential weather reports for pilots. The unions claim NAMA has ignored a directive from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to remit the outstanding funds within 48 hours. The protest notice, signed by secretaries of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, and the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies, directs members to begin a peaceful protest at 6:00 am on Wednesday at all NiMet offices. The unions accuse NAMA of undermining worker welfare and disrupting NiMet's operations. This decision followed a Joint Union Congress meeting on June 15, where members resolved to escalate the matter if payment was not made within one week. The unions warned that workers had exhausted their patience. While described as peaceful, the protest could cripple the industry given NiMet's critical role in flight planning, aircraft dispatch, take-off, and landing. Copies of the protest notice were
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