Home Blog Page 301

Flights resume across Nigeria as NiMet workers suspend strike

Ehime ALEX
-
0
Flights resume across Nigeria as NiMet workers suspend strike

EMPLOYEES of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) have called off the strike they embarked upon on Tuesday, April 22, to express their grievance over their welfare.

The suspension of the strike followed the Federal Government’s intervention on Thursday, April 24.

The NiMet workers had commenced an indefinite strike action on Wednesday to protest poor working conditions, grounding flight operations across the country.

The workers had accused the NiMet management of failing to implement the new national minimum wage, ignoring requests to include omitted staff in past allowances, and neglecting key training programmes, among others.

In a bid to address the concerns, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Thursday, met with stakeholders in the aviation sector, including the heads of aviation agencies, alongside leaders of key aviation unions, where the issues were resolved, and the workers agreed to return to work.

Other stakeholders said to be in attendance were the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals, and the National Union of Air Transport Employees, among others.

The ICIR reports that the strike action lingered for two days and left passengers on scheduled local flights stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport,  Abuja, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and other airports.

It caused confusion and anger as Air Peace suspended all its flight operations nationwide on Wednesday following the strike.

The airline, in a statement issued on Wednesday, stated that due to the NiMet workers’ strike and the unavailability of QNH (hazardous weather) reports required for safe landings, suspending all its flight operations nationwide until the strike was over was for safety and a top priority.

The airline chief executive officer, Allen Onyema, while directing the immediate suspension of his airline’s flight operations, said passengers’ lives and the safety of the airline’s equipment and crew were priorities.

“Suspend Air Peace flight until that strike is over. If people want to collect their money, let them collect their money. I don’t want to have blood on my hands,” Onyema directed.

The halt to flight operations by Air Peace and others confused intending passengers, as angry customers who had booked flights to different destinations had considered various options, including litigation or a demand for a refund, reported The ICIR.

With the workers suspending the strike, flights, including Air Peace, have resumed operations across the country.

Russia launches biggest attack in 2025 on Ukraine, kills 8, injures 70

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
-
0
Russia launches biggest attack in 2025 on Ukraine, kills 8, injures 70

RUSSIA launched a massive overnight missile and drone attack on Kyiv, killing at least eight people, injuring over 70, and damaging multiple buildings in what is described as the largest assault on the Ukrainian capital this year.

Government officials disclosed this on Thursday, noting that the attack ignited fires, injured six children, and left some people trapped under the rubble.

“There has been destruction. The search is continuing for people under rubble,” the State Emergency Service wrote on the Telegram messaging app.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on X that the “brutal strikes” showed that Russia, not Ukraine, was the obstacle to peace. There was no immediate comment by Russia on the attack.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said eight people were confirmed dead in the capital, although earlier reports from officials had put the death toll at nine.

According to Klitschko, the most serious incident occurred in the Sviatoshynskyi district, west of the city centre, where rescuers continued clearing rubble from two buildings.

The ICIR reports that the attack occurred at a significant point in Russia’s war in Ukraine, which began with Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022. 

Both Kyiv and Moscow are currently under pressure from United States President Donald Trump to demonstrate progress toward a peace agreement.

Trump and his administration have warned that they would abandon efforts to broker a ceasefire if no progress is made, prompting European nations to search for alternative ways to support Kyiv.

A joint statement from Britain, France, and Germany revealed that Wednesday’s talks in London made “significant progress” toward reaching a “common position on the next steps” in the negotiations.

However, the talks were downgraded following a last-minute decision by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio to cancel his attendance.

The ICIR reported on March 30, that Trump said he was furious after the Russian leader questioned the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, threatening to impose secondary tariffs of between 25 and 50 per cent on buyers of Russian oil.

In response, Russia said it was ready to work with the US in exploring ideas for striking a peace deal in Ukraine.

Trump, who said he wanted to be remembered as a peacemaker, has consistently expressed his desire to end the three-year conflict and has warned of its potential escalation into a global war.

However, Trump also seems to blame Zelenskiy for the lack of progress after Zelenskiy said he would not recognise Russia’s occupation of the Crimean peninsula as part of any peace agreement.

The ICIR reported that Zelensky said Trump understood Kyiv’s position of not recognising the occupied territory as part of Russia while also reaffirming Kyiv’s willingness to halt strikes on Russian infrastructure and accept an unconditional frontline ceasefire, as previously proposed by the US.

Putin had proposed placing Ukraine under a temporary administration to facilitate new elections and the signing of key agreements aimed at ending the war between the two nations.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of people have been killed or injured, with millions displaced and several cities and towns devastated.

IMF to Nigeria: Spend ‘PMS subsidy savings’ wisely, priortise key reforms

Harrison EDEH
-
0
IMF to Nigeria: Spend ‘PMS subsidy savings’ wisely, priortise key reforms

THE International Monetary Fund (IMF) has advised the Nigerian government to use the money saved from removing fuel subsidies wisely and focus on important economic reforms.

The global financial body praised Nigeria for making tough economic decisions, especially the removal of fuel subsidies, which has helped the country save money. However, the IMF stressed that this money must be spent carefully and on the right things to support long-term economic stability.

Speaking at a press briefing during the 2025 IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., Davide Furceri, who heads the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department for Nigeria, said: “Nigeria managed to do a very difficult reform that was important in delivering fiscal savings.”

Furceri encouraged Nigeria to spend these savings on important areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He also urged the government to find better ways to increase its income (revenue) and improve how public funds are managed.

“Spending must be done wisely – that means better prioritisation and greater efficiency,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of strong fiscal institutions, adding that,” Medium-term fiscal frameworks and solid public financial management systems are essential.”

Furceri stressed that strong fiscal institutions provide a fiscal anchor to guide necessary adjustments and help reduce uncertainty.

“We want fiscal policy to be a source of stability, not a source of volatility,” he added.

IMF calls for stronger financial safety nets

Also speaking at the event, Vitor Gaspar, the IMF’s Director of Fiscal Affairs, said countries like Nigeria need to build up their financial “buffers”  savings that can be used in emergencies.

He said governments must act quickly and use their political will to win public trust. Strong financial policies, he added, are key to surviving tough times and helping the economy grow in a stable way.

Gaspar laid out three main goals for governments:

  1. Make sure fiscal policy supports the country’s overall economic strategy.
  2. Save money to handle future economic shocks.
  3. Use smart policies to help the economy grow over time.

He said, “Putting house in order involved three policy priorities. First, fiscal policy should be part of overall policies.

“Secondly, fiscal policy should, in most countries, aim at rebuilding buffers to create space to respond to spending pressures and other economic shocks through a credible medium-term framework.

“Thirdly, fiscal policy should, together with other structural policies, aim at improving potential growth, thereby easing policy trade-offs in these times of high uncertainty.”

Gasper urged finance ministers to earn public trust, ensure fair taxation, allocate resources responsibly, and adopt a long-term approach.

Despite recent reforms, the IMF has cut its forecast for Nigeria’s economic growth. The country’s economy is now expected to grow by 3.0 per cent in 2025 down from the 3.2 per cent predicted earlier.

This new figure was included in the IMF’s April 2025 World Economic Outlook report, released on Tuesday, April 22. The IMF said the lower forecast is due to weaker oil prices.

Video does NOT show last burial rites of Pope Francis

Fatimah QUADRI
-
0
Video does NOT show last burial rites of Pope Francis

A video circulating widely on X (formerly Twitter) claims to show the final burial rites of Pope Francis.

The video by user @Mautiin01, shows a solemn procession of people dressed in white robes and black pointed hats, each carrying torch-like staffs. Rhythmic drumming plays in the background, adding to the ceremonial tone of the scene.

The caption reads:

“The last burial rites for the late Pope. This one sef nah part of Christianity?? Nah kwesion i ask oo.”

Since it was posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the video has amassed over 450,000 views, 1,600 likes, and 661 reposts. Another user, @_iolatunde, also shared the video before eventually deleting the post. That version had already drawn over 20,000 views before its removal.

CLAIM

The video shows the last burial rites of Pope Francis.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub shows that the claim is FALSE!

Screenshot of an appearance of the claim as seen on X; Insert FALSE verdict
Screenshot of an appearance of the claim as seen on X; Insert FALSE verdict

Pope Francis died on Monday, April 21, 2025. According to the Vatican, his funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, and will be held in St. Peter’s Square, starting at 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT).

As of April 23, Vatican officials, including red-robed cardinals and white-robed priests, escorted the Pope’s coffin in a solemn 40-minute procession from his residence to St. Peter’s Basilica. Members of the Swiss Guard accompanied the coffin. By April 24, thousands had lined up for a final public viewing of the Pope’s open casket inside the basilica. He will be laid to rest after the funeral mass on Saturday.

So, what does the video really show?

A Google Reverse Image Search traced the footage to Semana Santa or Holy Week celebrations in Spain. Semana Santa is an annual Catholic observance leading up to Easter, marked by grand religious processions, traditional music, and participants wearing robes and conical hats. These processions often feature ornate religious floats and are carried out by Catholic brotherhoods in Spain and parts of Latin America, especially Guatemala.

A central feature of Semana Santa is the procession of religious floats (andas) that carry statues of Christ and the Virgin Mary, accompanied by penitents and religious brotherhoods.

Guatemala’s version of Semana Santa, for example, blends Catholic and Indigenous Maya traditions and includes elaborate processions, sawdust carpets, and heavy incense. It has even been recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The video in question aligns closely with documented footage from these events, including a recent video by WION News highlighting similar ceremonial elements.

THE VERDICT

FALSE – The video does not show the burial rites of Pope Francis. It shows a Holy Week procession from Spain’s Semana Santa celebrations.

This report is published from the Factcheckhub.

Africa No Filter announces storyLab funding opportunity

Abdullahi MURITALA
-
0
Africa No Filter announces storyLab funding opportunity

AFRICA No Filter, in collaboration with the Ford Foundation, offers a Work Reimagined StoryLab grant of $3,500 for the creation of compelling stories and engaging content focused on the future of work in Africa.

Journalists, podcasters, and content creators interested in exploring how Africa’s workforce is evolving are invited to apply. 

Successful applicants will receive micro-grants of up to $3,500 to produce and distribute their work.

The programme also includes mentorship, skills development, access to exclusive data, insights on Africa’s workforce trends, and publishing opportunities with leading media outlets.

Eligible applicants include content creators, podcasters, freelance journalists, and junior to mid-career reporters aged 18 and above, based in Africa or the diaspora.

A combined social media following of at least 2,000 across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok is required.

Interested applicants can apply here 

Deadline for applications: April 30, 2025.

 

Presidency mocks Atiku, El-Rufai’s coalition after Oborevwori, Okowa’s defection to APC

Bankole ABE
-
1
Presidency mocks Atiku, El-Rufai’s coalition after Oborevwori, Okowa’s defection to APC

THE Presidency has responded to the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and his predecessor, Ifeanyi Okowa, from the People’s Democratic party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) by mocking former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and other opposition leaders over their planned coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027. 

The ICIR reported that the Delta State governor, his predecessor and all PDP members in the state defected from the PDP to the APC on Wednesday, April 23. 

Oborevwori announced the defection through his Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu.

“In taking that decision, we concluded that leaving the PDP was very necessary for us to be able to collaborate and build a state that every Deltan will be proud of. We believe that what is happening, and the state of the PDP, is akin to that palm wine whose taste has changed — and there was a need for us to change the drinking party,” Aniagwu stated.

James Manager, a former senator, also announced the PDP members’ defection after a meeting that lasted several hours at Government House, Asaba, the state capital.

He said, “All PDP members in the state, including the governor, former Governor Okowa, the Speaker, the state party chairman, all the local government chairmen and others, have agreed to move to the APC. We cannot continue to be in a sinking boat.”

Okowa was the running mate to Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

Responding to the defection on X, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, wrote that the coalition, which also has a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal and Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who has just resigned, was bound to collapse. 

“Potential allies, including former running mate Ifeanyi Okowa and defunct CPC members, are giving his leprous group a wide berth. Atiku is a loser again,” he stated.

Also, in his reaction on X, a presidential aide, Tunde Rahman said the future looked so bleak for Abubakar’s coalition.

“Today, he got his biggest shocker ever. His 2023 election running mate, former Delta State governor Ifeanyi Okowa, and Okowa’s successor, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, dumped the sinking PDP ship and hopped aboard the APC plane, and by inference, crossed over to the PBAT side.

“Indeed, the counting of PDP governors crossing over to APC has begun. Isn’t Atiku’s coalition dead on arrival? As my people will say, the glimpses of a Saturday that will be good will manifest from Friday,” he posted.

While many Nigerians are groaning that the APC government, led by President Tinubu, has worsened hardship for citizens, the party’s membership has, however, been swelling in the past months.

 

 

Mahama appoints investigative journalist Archer as head of Ghana’s anti-corruption agency

Nanji Nandang VENLEY
-
0
Mahama appoints investigative journalist Archer as head of Ghana’s anti-corruption agency

GHANA’S President John Mahama has appointed renowned investigative journalist and security expert, Raymond Archer, as the Executive Director of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), following a shake-up in the leadership of the anti-corruption agency.

The announcement followed the reassignment of the outgoing EOCO boss, Abdulai Bashiru Dapilah, who will now take up a new role as Technical Advisor at the National Security Secretariat.

The ICIR reports that Archer’s strong background in investigative journalism, especially his expertise in exposing financial misconduct is expected to influence his leadership and enhance the agency’s investigative capabilities.

Archer’s appointment is viewed as part of broader leadership changes within Ghana’s security framework, intended to bring fresh energy and strategic direction to key institutions.

Archer is an investigative journalist for the Ghanaian Chronicle, the largest independent daily newspaper in gold-rich country.

He has been actively engaged in investigating corruption and financial crimes for over 20 years.

Archer  has headed the Opponent’s Research Group (ORG) since 2019, a covert unit focused on exposing high-level economic crimes and systemic corruption.

Archer’s ties to EOCO trace back to 2010, when he served as a United Nations consultant and played a pivotal role in drafting the Economic and Organised Crime Act, the legislation that formally established the agency.

Beyond his journalism career, Archer is a Certified Counter Fraud Specialist and has served as a consultant for several international firms, including KPMG Europe, Kroll & Associates UK, and Risk Analysis UK.

He also owns cybersecurity firms that collaborate with top Israeli security companies.

His appointment hints at a potential strategic shift within EOCO, with high expectations that Archer’s investigative expertise will bolster the fight against organised crime and corruption in the country.

He is a graduate of the Ghana Institute of Journalism and a fellow at the Marquette University/Les Aspin Center for Government in Wisconsin.

In 2002, Archer won both the Global Medal and the African Prize at the Lorenzo Natali Prize for Excellence in Journalism, sponsored by the European Union and the International Federation of Journalists. 

He is also a board member of the West African Organization for Democracy and Governance.

Archer adds to the growing list of journalists who have been given appointments by Mahama, who took over the country’s leadership for a second and final term on January 7, 2025.

Claim that video shows Hope Uzodinma absolving IPOB of insecurity is MISLEADING

Fatimah QUADRI
-
0
Claim that video shows Hope Uzodinma absolving IPOB of insecurity is MISLEADING

A video circulating online claims that the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has absolved the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of responsibility for the unrest and insecurity in the South-East.

The nearly two-minute clip, which has gained traction particularly on X and Facebook, features a split-screen format.

The top half appears to show an interview between Governor Uzodinma and Channels TV’s Seun Okinbaloye on Politics Today, while the bottom half depicts several men being interrogated and while alighting from a truck.

During the interview, Governor Uzodinma stated that the individuals responsible for the unrest in Imo State are hired from other states and falsely labeled as IPOB members. He emphasized that IPOB is not behind the insecurity in the South-East region.

The transcribed audio reads as follows:

…They hire hoodlums from outside Imo state, they bring them in pretending to be IPOB, they commit these crimes and run away so it is not about IPOB yes we agree we have aggrieved IPOB members but I can tell you, those who are doing these destruction most of them were brought from outside Imo state… As I speak to you, honest political leaders and religious leaders have approached me to encourage military to come around because these people have created fear int the citizens by their dastardly acts so it is not about the military, if anything, our people want the military around so they can have sense of security and go about their business without fear of any molestation…

The footage was posted on X @biafra_daily had a caption alongside that read:

Breaking News: The people causing problems in south east are not IPOB-Hope Uzodinma
Since the inception of the claim on Monday  April 21, 2025, it has garnered an impression of over 30,000 views, 669 likes and 719 reposts.
The footage also posted on Facebook by Nwa Biafra Info TV  has similarly received significant amount of traction with the caption
The people causing problems in south east are not IPOB @HopeUzodinma

CLAIM

Recent video shows Hope Uzodinma absolving IPOB from insecurity in the South-East.

THE FINDINGS

Findings by The FactCheckHub shows that the claim is MISLEADING!

Screenshot of an appearance of the claim as seen on X; INSERT Misleading verdict
Screenshot of an appearance of the claim as seen on X; INSERT Misleading verdict

A Google Reverse Image Search conducted on keyframes from the viral video returned result of an actual interview between Seun Okinbaloye and Governor Hope Uzodinma on Politics Today, as published on YouTube by Channels TV on April 7 2021.

In the actual footage, which runs for nearly an hour, the interview featuring Governor Hope Uzodinma begins at 32:48 and addresses several key issues, including fresh attacks on a correctional facility in Imo State. These attacks were initially attributed by the police to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

Governor Uzodinma, however, refuted these claims, stating that aggrieved politicians were behind the attacks. He explained that these politically motivated assaults were intended to destabilise the state and undermine his administration. The police had initially accused IPOB and the ESN of being responsible for the attacks, which targeted both the correctional centre and a police command.

This version of events was corroborated by multiple media outlets, including Vanguard and Sahara Reporters, which reported that Governor Uzodinma claimed the attacks were orchestrated by political rivals aiming to weaken his support base within the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In the interview, Governor Hope Uzodinma specifically absolved the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from responsibility for the attack on the correctional facility. He did not, however, comment on their responsibility on the broader issue of insecurity in the state.

Further findings reveals that, contrary to the claim that the circulating video was a recent breaking news development, the interview took place in 2021. A final point of contrast lies in the chyron design used in the videos.

The chyron design – electronically generated caption superimposed on the screen – used in the short clips circulating from the interview is brown and deep blue, however the recent chyron design of Politics Today is blue and white

THE VERDICT

The claim that a recent video shows Hope Uzodinma absolving IPOB of responsibility for insecurity in the South-East is misleading; the video dates back to 2021 and Uzodinma specifically absolved the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) from responsibility for the attack on the correctional facility. He did not, however, comment on their responsibility on the broader issue of insecurity in the state.

This is republished from the Factcheckhub.

Tinubu orders security overhaul as bloodletting persists in Plateau, Benue, Kwara, others

Bankole ABE
-
0
Tinubu orders security overhaul as bloodletting persists in Plateau, Benue, Kwara, others

FOLLOWING worsening insecurity that has led to killings in Edo, Ondo, Benue, Plateau, Kwara, and other states in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate and comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture. 

He also demanded urgent action to end conflicts across the country.

The President gave the directive when he met with security chiefs at the State House in Abuja for over two hours on Wednesday, April 23.

According to a statement signed by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the killing of innocent people in Borno, Benue, Plateau, and other parts of the nation must cease.

“Enough is enough,” Tinubu declared as he once again condemned the senseless targeting of innocent Nigerians.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, who attended the meeting, told newsmen that the service chiefs briefed the president on all the attacks in the states, the death toll, and the destruction of properties.

The NSA said Tinubu ordered a new approach to tackling the insecurity challenges.

Ribadu noted that Tinubu was also actively monitoring and giving instructions during his work visit to Paris and London.

“Mr President gave us the chance to come and brief him again. It lasted very long. We gave him an update on what was going on. Even when he was out there, he was constantly in touch, giving directives and following developments.

“Today, we had the opportunity to come and brief him again, and it lasted hours. It was a very detailed briefing, and it was exhaustive. We listened, and we took instructions from him. He gave us new directives. The fact is that Mr President is insisting that we work harder to restore security in the country,” Ribadu stated.

Ribadu said they gave the president information on what had been happening and assured him of the security chiefs’ commitment.

He added that the security chiefs had visited places with incidents of insecurity, such as Plateau, Benue, and Borno states.

“We went to those three particular states. We gave him feedback because he had directed us earlier to go and meet with the political authorities there,” he added.

The NSA said the president highlighted the need to involve the local councils and state governments more in tackling insecurity cases.

The ICIR reported that following increase in criminal activities, the Niger State Governor, Umaru Mohammed Bago, imposed a curfew on Minna, restricting movement from 6 pm to 6 am.

This decision followed a surge in violent attacks and killings in the city. Under the new rules, commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators were prohibited from operating during curfew hours, except for medical emergencies.

Minna, like other major cities in the North-Central, has recently witnessed a resurgence of thuggery, banditry, attacks, and killings, raising concerns among residents.

Similarly, scores of residents have been killed in Benue and Plateau states in recent days.

ICIR reported that the death toll from the recent string of attacks in Benue climbed to 69 on Monday, April 21, following the recovery of 13 additional bodies in the wake of raids on rural communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs).

Governor Hyacinth Alia had confirmed the discovery of 56 bodies on Sunday, April 20, after his visit to the affected areas of the state.

The ICIR reported that gunmen attacked the Gbagir community, Ukum LGA, of the state. The assault occurred last Thursday on the Sankera axis of the LGA and simultaneously on the neighbouring Logo LGA.

The renewed attacks in Sankera came barely 48 hours after suspected herders launched brutal attacks on three communities, Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju, in Otukpo LGA, southern Benue.

The ICIR also reported that 40 people were killed in another attack on the Zike community, Kimakpa, in the Kwali district of the Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

There are also killings by Boko Haram in Borno, while Kwara has been under attack by suspected criminals.

These killings were in addition to those recorded in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State earlier this year.

 

 

Confusion, anger as Air Peace suspends flight operations over NIMET strike 

Ehime ALEX
-
0
Confusion, anger as Air Peace suspends flight operations over NIMET strike 

AIR Peace has suspended all its flight operations nationwide following the strike embarked upon by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The airline announced this in a statement on Wednesday, April 23 signed by its head of corporate communications, Ejike Ndiulo.

He said the suspension would subsist till the strike is over.

“Due to the ongoing NiMet strike and the unavailability of QNH (hazardous weather) reports required for safe landings, Air Peace has suspended all flight operations nationwide until the strike is over.

“Your safety is our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and will share updates as the situation unfolds.” Ndiulo said.

Air Peace had earlier on Wednesday stated that the NiMet strike action could disrupt its flight operations.

The ICIR reports that the staff of NiMet have Wednesday morning embarked on an indefinite strike, with the workers seen picketing around airport facilities.

The workers are demanding improved welfare packages and equitable treatment, urging the government to review their conditions of service to enable them to perform their duties effectively.

The strike is backed by three industry unions – the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP).

The union had said in addition to its staff welfare, the non-implementation of the agreements between the management and workers signed on January 29, 2025, to improve the conditions of service had been breached.

It said in light of the management’s inability to address its concerns, as the ultimatum given has expired, it had no choice but to begin the strike.

Accordingly, all staff of Nimet nationwide were then directed to withdraw their services from the agency indefinitely with effect from midnight of Tuesday, April 22, without exception until otherwise directed.

On Wednesday, however, Air Peace suspended all its flight operations on the decision that NiMet’s role in issuing  Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather (CNH) reports is critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Without these reports from the control tower, flight safety cannot be guaranteed.

In a phone conversation, supposedly with a member of his staff, shared on an Instagram handle, the chief executive officer, Allen Onyema, directed the immediate suspension of the Air Peace flight operations.

He said people’s lives and the safety of the airline equipment and crew should first be prioritised.

According to Onyema, he does not care whether other airlines are flying but directed that his airline stop flying at the moment.

Asserting that thumtherstom is everywhere, he wondered that with this kind of weather and NiMet on strike, who would provide safety direction to airlines flying?

“Suspend Air Peace flight until that strike is over. If people want to collect their money, let them collect their money. I don’t want to have blood on my hands,” Onyema maintained.

The airline’s decision to halt operations is causing confusion, as angry customers who have booked flights to different destinations on the service are considering various options, including litigation or demand for a refund.

1...300301302...3,440Page 301 of 3,440