The unions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have suspended their planned strike, which was scheduled to begin at midnight on Wednesday, following a crucial meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, in Abuja.
The suspension came after both parties reached an amicable resolution on key staff welfare issues during the meeting, which was also attended by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Kana. The decision was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Mr. Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister.
According to the statement, the unions agreed to call off the strike after “extensive deliberations and a thorough review of facts and figures.” A joint communiqué signed by both parties detailed several resolutions aimed at addressing the concerns of NiMet employees.
As part of the agreement, the Minister and the Permanent Secretary are to engage the relevant authorities on the salary relativity issue affecting NiMet staff.
“All stakeholders also agreed to remain patient and committed while following up on the payment of the 2024 minimum wage and nine months of consequential salary adjustment arrears,” the communiqué stated.
It was further resolved that NiMet management would immediately pay 30 omitted staff members from the agency’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Regarding the furniture grant, 35 per cent of the approved amount is to be implemented immediately, while the remaining 65 per cent will be captured in the 2026 budget.
The statement also noted that the Permanent Secretary will establish an inter-agency committee to reconcile funds owed to NiMet by sister agencies. Additionally, NiMet management is to include union representatives in efforts to secure approvals for allowances and establishment matters with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
“The Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the management of NiMet are expected to be proactive in obtaining all necessary approvals within reasonable timeframes,” the statement added.
Mr. Keyamo commended the union leaders for their “maturity, constructive engagement, and sense of responsibility,” reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to staff welfare, industrial harmony, and institutional reforms designed to boost productivity and service delivery in the aviation sector.
