The planned strike by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency has been suspended following the intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo.
The suspension was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr Tunde Moshood.
According to the statement, the decision came after a crucial meeting between the Minister, NiMet management, and union representatives to address staff welfare concerns.
*After extensive deliberations, a thorough review of facts and figures, an amicable resolution was reached, leading to the suspension of the planned strike action, which was earlier scheduled to commence by midnight today,” the statement read.
The communiqué, jointly signed by both parties, detailed several resolutions aimed at addressing the workers’ grievances.
Among the resolutions was an agreement that the Minister and the Permanent Secretary would engage relevant authorities for the consideration of salary relativity issues affecting NiMet employees.
“All stakeholders agreed to remain patient and committed while consistently following up on the payment of the 2024 Minimum Wage and nine months of consequential salary adjustment arrears,” the statement added.
The agency also pledged to immediately pay 30 omitted staff from its Internally Generated Revenue.
On the issue of furniture grants, it was agreed that 35 percent of the approved funds would be implemented immediately, while the remaining 65 percent would be captured in the 2026 budget.
The communiqué further revealed that the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Kana, would set up an inter-agency committee to reconcile outstanding funds owed to NiMet by sister agencies.
Additionally, NiMet management will include union representatives in discussions with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission regarding approvals for allowances and establishment matters.
“The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the NiMet management should also be proactive in obtaining all necessary approvals within reasonable timeframes,” the statement noted.
The Minister commended the unions for their cooperation and constructive engagement throughout the negotiation process.
“The minister appreciated the union leaders for their maturity, sense of responsibility, and commitment to industrial peace,” Moshood said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to promoting staff welfare, ensuring industrial harmony, and pursuing reforms aimed at improving productivity and service delivery within the aviation sector.
