The Federal Government of Nigeria has finally paid the outstanding 45-month minimum wage arrears owed to the staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
These arrears, dating back to 2019, had been a point of contention between NiMet management, its staff and the labor unions. The prolonged non-payment had led to mounting tension, culminating in plans for industrial action by the unions in May 2024.
The unions had planned to go on strike on Monday, May 20, 2024, to press their demands. However, a last-minute intervention by the House Committee on Aviation Technology, alongside their Senate counterpart, averted the strike. An agreement was reached during a special session on Sunday, May 19, 2024, led by the chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade. The session involved NiMet management and representatives of the unions, resulting in the suspension of the planned industrial action.
NiMet’s director-general, Prof. Charles Anosike expressed his gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for authorising the payment of the arrears. He remarked, “Mr. President has demonstrated once again that he is a worker-friendly president. The issue of the unpaid 45-month wage arrears predates this administration, but still, Mr. President has cleared the outstanding. I wish to thank the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, for the role he played. Also, the chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Hon. Abiodun Akinlade and members of the committee for their sacrifices and timely intervention. I wish to also thank the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari and the members of the committee. I thank all the others who played different roles in the process. Our expectations are that staff and the unions will show Mr. President appreciation by working hard and staying focused to ensure that NiMet continues to achieve its mandate.”
In a statement dated August 12, 2024, the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (NJAC) also conveyed their gratitude. The release, signed by secretary of NJAC and branch president of SSASCGOC, Comrade Okechukwu Nwokoro praised President Tinubu, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN and the legislative committees for their collective efforts in ensuring the payment of the arrears.
The unions highlighted the significant relief this payment has provided to NiMet staff, many of whom had faced financial challenges due to the prolonged delay. They also thanked Prof. Anosike for his relentless advocacy on behalf of the employees, stating, “Your efforts to advocate on behalf of the employees and ensure that these arrears reflect your deep commitment to the agency and its people. We are fortunate to have a leader who places such high value on the welfare and morale of his team.”
The resolution of this longstanding issue has not only alleviated the financial burden on NiMet staff but has also reinvigorated their commitment to delivering high-quality meteorological services to the nation. The unions pledged to continue their work with renewed dedication and enthusiasm, inspired by the collective efforts that led to this resolution.
The unions concluded by expressing their profound appreciation for the contributions of all parties involved, stating that their actions had made a significant difference in the lives of many.
