Many Passengers Stranded at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport Amid NiMet Staff Protest Over Minimum Wage
Kano, Nigeria – Hundreds of passengers were left stranded at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano State on Wednesday, as staff members of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) staged a protest over the federal government’s failure to implement the new national minimum wage.
The demonstration disrupted airport operations, leading to flight delays, cancellations, and widespread frustration among travelers.
The protest began early in the morning when NiMet employees, responsible for providing essential weather forecasting and aviation support services, blocked access to key facilities at the airport.
According to eyewitnesses, the staff gathered at the airport’s meteorological office, chanting slogans and holding placards that read “Implement the N70,000 Minimum Wage Now” and “No Pay, No Work.”
The action forced airport authorities to halt several flights, as accurate weather data is critical for safe takeoffs and landings.
NiMet staff have been vocal about their grievances for months, citing the government’s delay in rolling out the new minimum wage of N70,000 ($44) per month, which was approved earlier this year as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s rising cost of living.
A union representative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters, “We cannot continue to work under these conditions while our counterparts in other agencies enjoy the wage increase. This protest is a last resort to demand what is rightfully ours.”
The worker added that the agency’s staff in Kano and other regions have not received the adjustment, despite promises from the federal government.
The disruption affected both domestic and international flights, with passengers reporting waits of up to six hours.
Families, business travelers, and students were among those impacted, many of whom took to social media to express their anger. One passenger, who wished to remain unnamed, shared with local media, “I was supposed to fly to Lagos for an important meeting, but now I’m stuck here with no clear updates. This is unacceptable – the government needs to resolve this quickly.”
Airport management responded by issuing a statement apologizing for the inconvenience and advising passengers to check with their airlines for rescheduling.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that operations were partially restored by late afternoon after negotiations with the protesting staff, but not before several flights were canceled.
In a brief press release, FAAN urged the government to address the wage issue to prevent future disruptions, emphasizing the role of NiMet in ensuring aviation safety.
This incident highlights ongoing labor disputes in Nigeria’s public sector, where workers across various agencies have protested similar delays in wage implementation amid economic challenges like inflation and currency devaluation.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has not yet responded to requests for comment, but sources indicate that discussions with union leaders are underway at the national level.
As passengers continue to deal with the fallout, including potential financial losses from missed connections, the event serves as a reminder of the broader implications of policy delays on everyday Nigerians.
Authorities have called for calm, with hopes that a resolution will be reached soon to avoid further disruptions at key airports across the country.