Strike by weather forecasters grounds flights in Nigeria
A work stoppage by workers at Nigeria's weather forecasting
agency on Thursday grounded dozens of flights, leaving travellers stranded in
Africa's most populous country.
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) workers went on an "indefinite strike" earlier in the week, demanding better working conditions.
The strike action forced at least two domestic airlines, including the country's largest, Air Peace, to cancel all domestic flights scheduled for Thursday.
"We regret to inform you that due to the unresolved industrial action by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), all our domestic flight operations have been officially cancelled until further notice," Air Peace said in a post on X on Thursday, responding to a customer query.
Air Peace operates more than 20 domestic routes, 10 regional routes, and flies to several international routes, including to Europe, according to its website.
An official at the NG Eagle airline told AFP that there was no guarantee of operations resuming on Friday.
However, other local airlines were flying on Thursday morning.
A source who works at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos told AFP that international airlines were operating on Wednesday night.
Commercial law expert Ifeanyi Ejiofor blamed the government for "negligence and complacency," which he said led to the forecasters' industrial action.
"This is not just irresponsible - it is a dangerous dereliction of duty," he said in a social media post.
"The cascading effect has been immediate and devastating: flight disruptions, stranded passengers, halted business engagements, and enormous financial losses," he added.
Aviation minister Festus Keyamo is expected to meet the striking workers on Thursday, according to local media.
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