The Federal Government has settled the outstanding minimum wage arrears for the staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), covering a period of 3 years and 9 months.
This payment resolves a long-standing issue dating back to 2019, which had caused tensions between NiMet’s management, its employees, and labour unions.
The Director General of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for authorizing the settlement of these arrears.
The unions had initially planned to initiate a strike on May 20, 2024, but this action was halted after a special session on May 19, 2024, involving the House Committee on Aviation Technology, led by Chairman Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, along with NiMet management and union representatives.
Professor Anosike praised President Tinubu for his support, noting that the arrears issue predates his administration but was resolved under his leadership.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Chairman and members of the House and Senate Committees on Aviation for their roles in addressing the issue.
He expressed hope that the staff and unions will show their appreciation through dedicated work, ensuring NiMet fulfills its objectives effectively.
Prof. Anosike said: “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 thank the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development1, Festus Keyamo, 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 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. We expect 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.”
