Federal govt. clears 45-month minimum wage arrears for NiMet staff

The Federal Government has successfully cleared the outstanding minimum wage arrears for staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).

The payment has now addressed a backlog that spanned 3 years and 9 months.

It has also resolved a long-standing issue that has been a source of tension between NiMet’s management, its employees, and labor unions since 2019.

NiMet’s Director General, Professor Charles Anosike, expressed his gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for authorizing the settlement of these arrears. He praised the President for his decisive action, noting that while the issue predated Tinubu’s administration, it was resolved under his leadership, further demonstrating his commitment to workers’ welfare.

The unions representing NiMet staff had initially planned to commence a strike on May 20, 2024, but this action was averted following a special intervention session held on May 19, 2024. This session was led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Aviation Technology, Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, along with NiMet management and union representatives.

Professor Anosike also acknowledged the critical roles played by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Chairmen and members of the House and Senate Committees on Aviation. Their collective efforts were instrumental in resolving the wage arrears issue.

In his statement, Prof. Anosike emphasized the importance of the workers and unions demonstrating their appreciation through increased dedication and hard work, ensuring that NiMet continues to meet its operational objectives effectively.

“Mr. President has once again shown that he is a worker-friendly leader. Despite this issue of unpaid 45-month wage arrears originating before his administration, he has ensured that it was addressed. I extend my thanks to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his role, and to the Chairmen and members of the House and Senate Committees on Aviation for their sacrifices and timely intervention,” Anosike said.

He added that the successful resolution of this issue is expected to enhance the morale of NiMet staff, enabling them to remain focused on fulfilling the agency’s mandate.