Relief as FG pays 45-month minimum wage arrears to NiMet staff
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Federal Government has addressed a long-standing grievance by settling the 45-month minimum wage arrears owed to staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
This payment, which covers arrears dating back to 2019, marks a significant relief for the agency’s workforce and brings to an end a protracted period of financial uncertainty.
The non-payment of these arrears had created a rift between NiMet management and staff, leading to tensions with labour unions. The issue had been a point of contention and dissatisfaction, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the agency’s employees.
Earlier this year, the situation reached a critical point when the unions announced plans to embark on an industrial action on May 20, 2024, due to the unresolved wage issues.
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However, the planned industrial action was averted following a timely intervention by the House Committee on Aviation Technology, supported by their counterparts in the Senate.
The unions agreed to suspend the strike after a special session was convened on May 19, 2024. This session, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, saw NiMet management and union representatives come to a mutual agreement.
In response to the settlement, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu.
“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, Festus Keyamo, for the role he played. Also the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Rt. 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, Senator 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.” Anosike said
On their part, the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (NJAC) has also expressed its appreciation for the resolution.
In a statement dated August 12, and signed by the Secretary of NJAC and Branch President of SSASCGOC, Comrade Okechukwu Nwokoro, the unions conveyed their deep gratitude to President Tinubu, the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Aviation, and Professor Anosike.
The statement noted that the payment of the arrears from 2019 to 2022 had alleviated significant financial strain on the workforce and renewed their commitment to their roles.
The unions lauded Anosike for his steadfast leadership and relentless advocacy for staff welfare.
“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 issue has not only eased the financial burden on NiMet staff, but has also strengthened our resolve to continue delivering high-quality meteorological services to the nation.
“We are motivated and inspired by your collective efforts and pledge to continue our work with renewed hope, dedication, and enthusiasm.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your invaluable contributions to this cause. Your actions have made a significant difference in the lives of many, and for that, we are deeply appreciative”, the unions said.
