FG Clears 45-Month Minimum Wage Arrears for NiMet Staff
The federal government of Nigeria has paid the outstanding 45-month minimum wage arrears owed to the staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
This payment, which addresses arrears dating back to 2019, marks a critical resolution to a prolonged issue that had frequently led to tensions between NiMet management, the agency’s staff, and their labour unions.
The non-payment of these arrears had been a contentious issue, culminating in a planned industrial action by NiMet unions. The unions had scheduled to strike on May 20, 2024, but this action was averted after a successful intervention by the House Committee on Aviation Technology, alongside their Senate counterparts. A special session convened on May 19, 2024, facilitated an agreement between NiMet management and union representatives, leading to the suspension of the strike.
Professor Charles Anosike, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for authorizing the settlement of the arrears. “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 Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for the role he played.
“Also, the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, and members of the Committee for their sacrifices and timely intervention. I 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 stated.
The NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (NJAC), through a release signed by Comrade Okechukwu Nwokoro, Secretary, NJAC, and Branch President of SSASCGOC, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), also expressed deep gratitude. The statement praised the federal government’s collective intervention for alleviating the financial challenges faced by NiMet staff and renewing their commitment to excellence in service.
The NJAC’s release highlighted the positive impact of the arrears payment on the workforce, stating, “This significant action has greatly alleviated the financial challenges faced by our workforce and has renewed our hope and commitment to serving the nation with excellence.”
The unions extended their thanks to Anosike for his leadership and relentless efforts in advocating for staff welfare. “Your effort to advocate on behalf of the employees and ensure that these arrears reflect your deep commitment to the agency and its people is commendable. 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,” the unions remarked.
