FG Settles 45-Month Minimum Wage Arrears for NiMet Staff

FG Settles 45-Month Minimum Wage Arrears for NiMet Staff

The federal government has cleared the outstanding 45-month minimum wage arrears owed to the staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), bringing an end to a longstanding dispute.

The arrears, which dated back to 2019, had been a major point of contention between NiMet’s management, its staff, and the labor unions. Earlier this year, in May, the unions had declared an industrial action over the issue.

The strike was suspended after the House Committee on Aviation Technology and the Senate intervened.

On Sunday, May 19, 2024, a special session was convened by the House Committee on Aviation Technology, chaired by Rt. Hon. Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, where an agreement was reached, leading to the suspension of the strike. Representatives from NiMet’s management and the unions were present during the session.

In a statement, Professor Charles Anosike, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for authorizing the payment of the arrears.

The NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee (NJAC) also extended their appreciation to President Tinubu, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo, as well as the House of Representatives and Senate Committees on Aviation, and the DG/CEO of NiMet for their roles in resolving the issue.