The federal government has paid the 45-month minimum wage arrears owed to the staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The non-payment of the arrears which dates back to 2019, has led to friction between NiMet management, the staff of the agency, and the labour unions.
The Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, thanked President Bola Tinubu for authorising payment of the arrears.
The union had planned to embark on industrial action on Monday, May 20, 2024.
They, however, suspended the proposed strike after an agreement was reached on Sunday, May 19, 2024, during a special session convened by the House Committee on Aviation Technology led by the Chairman, Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, with NiMet management and representatives of the unions present.
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.”
The staff of NiMet, through the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (NJAC), also thanked President Tinubu, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, the House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Aviation, and the DG of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike.
In a statement on Monday signed by Secretary, NJAC, and Branch President of SSASCGOC of NiMet, Comrade Okechukwu Nwokoro, the unions expressed their 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”.
They also thanked NiMet DG for his leadership and relentless pursuit of the welfare of NiMet staff.
“Your efforts to advocate on behalf of the employees and ensure that these arrears are paid reflects 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