Also, approvals for the 25-35% wage award and 2019 minimum wage arrears have been received, but funding is awaited for payments. Although the unions claimed salary relativity issues remain unresolved, NiMet explained that the referenced directive from the Minister cannot be located.
BY ANTHONY OMOH
The Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has appealed to aviation unions to reconsider their strike threat and return to peaceful dialogue.
This followed a fresh industrial action notice by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).
In a formal response dated April 12, 2025, NiMet said it has made great efforts addressing union demands, some of which require external approvals. The response, signed by Director, Human Resource Management and Administration, Mr. Nasiru Sani, was issued on behalf of the Director General/Chief Executive Officer.
NiMet expressed concern over the unions’ decision to disregard the statutory seven-day notice required by labour laws before any strike. The agency maintained that most issues raised in the January 28, 2025, agreement involved government agencies outside its full administrative control.
Despite these limitations, management stated it has remained committed, consistently engaging relevant authorities to secure approvals for staff-related matters. Regarding the negotiated Conditions of Service, NiMet denounced insinuations of manipulation, saying such suspicions were both unnecessary and uncharitable.
Furthermore, the Director General had even added allowances not discussed during negotiation to enrich the final Conditions of Service. Three copies of the revised document were handed to a union executive on April 9, 2025, in the Director’s office for distribution.
Also, approvals for the 25-35% wage award and 2019 minimum wage arrears have been received, but funding is awaited for payments. Although the unions claimed salary relativity issues remain unresolved, NiMet explained that the referenced directive from the Minister cannot be located.
Nonetheless, management has written to relevant agencies and the Honourable Minister has promised support toward improving NiMet staff welfare.
On continuous staff training, NiMet affirmed it has implemented a structured, inclusive programme since 2024, countering claims of training bias.
The agency clarified that no new management retreat was scheduled and labelled the allegation as false and misleading.
As for the peculiar allowance, NiMet noted that four new allowances were recently approved by the Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
In addition, NiMet highlighted that it secured an upward IGR cost recovery approval from NAMA, NCAA, and FAAN to improve welfare. Management also revealed that it has captured the Subsistence Benefit in the new Conditions of Service and gained ministerial approval.
What remains is a final confirmation from the Permanent Secretary to effect payments, NiMet explained in the letter.
Meanwhile, the Director General recently approved and paid the quarterly Conditions of Service allowance, despite limited agency funds.
Again, NiMet emphasized that it has made great efforts addressing union demands, calling on the unions to reconsider their strike and embrace open communication. It stressed that sudden mobilization actions carry security implications and disrupt President Tinubu’s development agenda for the aviation sector.
Finally, NiMet stated it remains open to further engagement to clarify grey areas and maintain harmony across the agency.
