President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government has finally paid the outstanding 45-month minimum wage arrears owed to staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
This was revealed in a statement dated August 12, 2024, and signed by the Secretary of the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee, Okechukwu Nwokoro, on Monday.
The unpaid arrears, which date back to 2019 – during ex-President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration – had been a source of tension between NiMet management and its staff, leading to frequent clashes with labour unions.
Earlier this year, the situation nearly escalated into industrial action, as the unions had planned to go on strike on Monday, May 20, 2024. However, the strike was averted at the last minute following an intervention by the House Committee on Aviation Technology and their Senate counterpart.
An agreement was reached on Sunday, May 19, 2024, during a special session convened by the House Committee on Aviation Technology, led by Chairman, Abiodun Akinlade, with NiMet management and union representatives in attendance.
The statement said the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, expressed his gratitude to Tinubu for authorising 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 staff of NiMet, represented by the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee, also expressed their appreciation to President Tinubu, Keyamo, the House of Representatives, and Senate Committees on Aviation, as well as Professor Anosike.
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.