The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and its agency-based unions have reached an agreement to postpone a planned strike action scheduled to begin on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
The decision was announced at a media briefing in Abuja today, where representatives of the unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), revealed that the postponement was reached after agreements were reached between national and branch officers of the unions and NiMet management.
According to the agreement, timelines of actions were agreed upon by both parties on the various issues raised by the unions.
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, welcomed the efforts of the unions’ leadership and expressed his commitment to championing the cause of workers’ welfare within realistic economic conditions.
The President of NUATE, Comrade Benjamin Nnabue, who led the negotiations on behalf of the unions, emphasized that the unions are not in the habit of embarking on strikes and antagonizing management, but usually resort to such actions as a last option.
He reiterated that the unions’ interest is the overall welfare of NiMet staff.
The Director of Labour in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Olusoga Adebayo, praised the spirit of “give and take” that guided the discussions, saying that through social dialogue, both parties have been able to reach an amicable solution.
The agreement also recognized that miscommunication contributed to the gap in addressing unions’ concerns and committed to strengthening consultation and engagement channels to prevent re-occurrence.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a progressive partnership that enhances industrial peace and promotes the welfare of NiMet staff.
The unions agreed to postpone the industrial action until further notice as a gesture of goodwill in consultation with their relevant organs.
