The Federal Government has settled the 45-month minimum wage arrears owed to staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency.
This was made public on Monday in a statement signed by Okechukwu Nwokoro, the secretary of the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee, and dated August 12, 2024.
The unpaid arrears, which go back to 2019, have caused conflict between NiMet management and employees and have frequently resulted in disputes with labor unions.
With the unions preparing to go on strike on Monday, May 20, 2024, the situation came dangerously close to degenerating into industrial action earlier this year. Nevertheless, the House Committee on Aviation Technology and its Senate counterpart intervened at the last minute to prevent the strike.
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, at a special meeting called by the House Committee on Aviation Technology, which was chaired by Abiodun Akinlade, an agreement was reached in the presence of union and NiMet management.
According to the statement, Tinubu received thanks from Professor Charles Anosike, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, for approving the payment 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 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.
The NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee, on behalf of the NiMet staff, also thanked Professor Anosike, Keyamo, the House of Representatives, President Tinubu, and the Senate Committees on Aviation.
The unions expressed their profound gratitude for the collective intervention in ensuring the payment of the outstanding minimum wage arrears owed to NiMet staff from 2019 to 2022. It said that “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 further praised Professor Anosike for his leadership and commitment to the welfare of NiMet staff. “Your efforts to advocate on behalf of the employees and ensure that these arrears were paid 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 statement read.
