August 12, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has paid the outstanding 45-month minimum wage arrears owed to staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
The unpaid arrears, which date back to 2019, have often pitted NiMet management against the staff of the agency and the labour unions. Recall that the unions planned to embark on industrial action on Monday, May 20, 2024.
However, following intervention by the House Committee on Aviation Technology and its Senate counterpart, the unions suspended the strike action after an agreement was reached on Sunday, May 19, 2024, during a special session convened by the House Committee on Aviation Technology led by its Chairman, Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, with NiMet management and representatives of the unions present.
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, in a statement on Monday, thanked President Bola 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,” he stated.
Staff of NiMet, through the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (NJAC), also thanked President Tinubu, the Aviation Minister, the House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Aviation and the DG/CEO of NiMet.
In a release dated August 12, 2024, and signed by Comrade Okechukwu Nwokoro, Secretary, NJAC, and Branch President of SSASCGOC, Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), 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.
“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 said.
Continuing, the unions thanked Prof. Anosike for his leadership and relentless pursuit of the welfare of NiMet staff, saying: “Your efforts to advocate on behalf of the employees and ensure these arrears 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.”
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
