NiMet Unions Suspend Planned Strike After Marathon Meeting with Keyamo

The unions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have suspended their planned strike action following a marathon meeting with the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Abuja on Tuesday.

The crucial meeting, which centered on staff welfare and unresolved labour issues, was convened hours before the unions were set to begin their industrial action at midnight.

After several hours of deliberation and a comprehensive review of facts and figures, both parties reached an amicable resolution, leading to the suspension of the planned strike.

A joint communiqué, signed by representatives of NiMet management and the various unions — Odinaka Igbokwe (NUATE), Alo Lawrence (AUPCTRE), Kayode Alakija (SSASCGOC), Alale Adedayo (ANAP), Dr. Nasiru Sani (Director, HR&A), and Sani Bello Torankawa (Director, HRM) — outlined the agreements reached.

On the salary relativity issue, it was agreed that the Minister and Permanent Secretary would engage relevant authorities for prompt consideration. Both sides also resolved to follow up on the payment of 2024 minimum wage arrears and nine months of consequential salary adjustment arrears.

Additionally, NiMet management will immediately pay 30 omitted staff from the agency’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Regarding the furniture grant, 35% of the approved amount will be implemented immediately, while the remaining 65% will be included in the 2026 budget.

To ensure proper financial accountability, an Inter-Agency Account Reconciliation Committee will be established by the Permanent Secretary to verify funds due to NiMet from sister agencies.

It was further agreed that union representatives would participate in securing approvals for allowances and establishment matters with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) and the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF). NiMet management was urged to expedite the process of obtaining these approvals.

Following these resolutions, the unions announced the immediate suspension of the planned industrial action.

Minister Keyamo commended the unions for their maturity, constructive engagement, and commitment to dialogue, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to improving staff welfare, ensuring industrial harmony, and implementing reforms to boost productivity and service delivery across the aviation sector.

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