By Gabriel Ameh
Abuja, Nigeria — The unions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have suspended their planned strike action, which was scheduled to commence at midnight on Wednesday, following a marathon meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, on issues concerning staff welfare and outstanding entitlements.
The crucial meeting, which brought together representatives of the Ministry, NiMet management, and union leaders, resulted in a series of resolutions after extensive deliberations and constructive engagement.
According to a joint communiqué issued on Wednesday and signed by representatives of both parties Odinaka Igbokwe (DGS, NUATE), Alo Lawrence (GS, AUPCTRE), Kayode Alakija (General Secretary, SSASCGOC), Alale Adedayo (President General, ANAP), Dr. Nasiru Sani (Director, HR&A), and Sani Bello Torankawa (Director, HRM) the meeting resolved several key issues affecting NiMet personnel.
On the salary relativity matter, the Minister and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry agreed to engage relevant government authorities for appropriate consideration and implementation.
Regarding pending financial matters, both sides agreed to exercise patience and maintain consistent follow-up on the payment of the 2024 Minimum Wage arrears and the nine months arrears of the Consequential Salary Adjustment.
The communiqué further noted that payment for 30 omitted staff members would be effected immediately from NiMet’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
On the Furniture Grant, the meeting resolved that 35% of the approved amount be implemented without delay, while the remaining 65% will be captured and disbursed in the 2026 Annual Budget.
To ensure accountability and proper reconciliation of funds owed to NiMet by other agencies, an Inter-Agency Account Reconciliation Committee is to be constituted by the Permanent Secretary, with clearly defined Terms of Reference.
Concerning the agency’s conditions of service, it was agreed that the NiMet Management will involve union representatives in pursuing approvals for allowances and establishment matters with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). Management was also urged to be proactive in securing necessary approvals within reasonable timeframes.
Based on these mutual agreements, the unions formally suspended their planned industrial action, restoring calm and stability within the agency.
In his closing remarks, Minister Festus Keyamo commended the union leaders for their maturity, constructive engagement, and sense of responsibility. He reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting staff welfare, ensuring industrial harmony, and driving reforms that will enhance productivity and service delivery across the aviation sector.
“Our priority remains the welfare of our workforce and the stability of our aviation institutions. I commend all parties for their cooperation in achieving this peaceful resolution,” the Minister stated.
With this development, operations at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency are expected to continue without disruption, ensuring uninterrupted weather and climate services vital to Nigeria’s aviation and national development.
