The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has finally cleared the outstanding 45-month minimum wage arrears owed to its staff, bringing an end to a long-standing dispute between the agency’s management and its workforce.
The arrears, which dated back to 2019, had been a source of tension between NiMet’s management and its staff, with the unions planning to embark on industrial action in May 2024.
However, following an intervention by the House Committee on Aviation Technology and the Senate Committee on Aviation, the unions suspended their strike action after an agreement was reached.
NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for authorizing the payment of the arrears, describing him as a “worker-friendly president.”
He also expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, and members of the Committee for their timely intervention.
The staff of NiMet, through the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (NJAC), also thanked President Tinubu, Minister Keyamo, the House and Senate Committees on Aviation, and Professor Anosike for their collective efforts in resolving the issue.
In a statement, NJAC expressed its profound gratitude for the payment of the outstanding minimum wage arrears, which it said had greatly alleviated the financial challenges faced by its workforce.
The unions praised Professor Anosike for his leadership and relentless pursuit of the welfare of NiMet staff, describing him as a leader who places high value on the welfare and morale of his team.
The resolution of the issue has renewed the staff’s hope and commitment to serving the nation with excellence, and they have pledged to continue their work with renewed hope, dedication, and enthusiasm.
The unions extended their heartfelt thanks to each of the individuals who contributed to the resolution of the issue, describing their actions as having made a significant difference in the lives of many.
