The federal government of Nigeria has finally paid the 45-month minimum wage arrears to the staff of NiMet. This payment, long-awaited, addresses arrears dating back to 2019. These arrears had caused friction between NiMet management, staff, and labor unions.
Earlier this year, in May 2024, the unions threatened to strike. They planned to begin the industrial action on Monday, May 20, 2024. However, an intervention by the House Committee on Aviation Technology, alongside their Senate counterparts, led to a suspension of the strike. The House Committee on Aviation Technology, led by Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, reached the agreement on Sunday, May 19, 2024, during a special session with NiMet management and union representatives.
Professor Charles Anosike, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for authorizing the payment. “Mr. President has shown he is worker-friendly. Despite the arrears predating this administration, he cleared them. I also thank the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for his role. Additionally, I appreciate Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, and the Senate Committee on Aviation, led by Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, for their timely intervention. We hope the staff and unions will show appreciation by working hard to ensure NiMet achieves its mandate.”
The NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (NJAC) also extended their thanks. They expressed their profound gratitude for the collective effort in securing the payment of the outstanding arrears from 2019 to 2022. “This action has alleviated the financial challenges faced by our workforce and renewed our commitment to serving the nation with excellence,” stated a release dated August 12, 2024, signed by Comrade Okechukwu Nwokoro, Secretary, NJAC.
The unions further thanked Professor Charles Anosike for his leadership. “Your efforts to advocate for employees and ensure these arrears reflect your deep commitment to NiMet. The resolution has eased the financial burden on NiMet staff and strengthened our resolve to deliver high-quality meteorological services. We feel motivated by your leadership and pledge to work with renewed enthusiasm.
The unions concluded by thanking all contributors. “Your actions have made a significant difference in many lives, and we are deeply appreciative,” they said.
