The Federal Government has resolved the longstanding issue of unpaid minimum wage arrears for staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the settlement, covering 45 months of arrears dating back to 2019, was confirmed in a statement issued on August 12, 2024, by Okechukwu Nwokoro, Secretary of the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee.
The unpaid arrears had been a major point of contention, causing frequent clashes between NiMet management and its staff, and leading to tensions with labor unions.
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Earlier this year, the situation was on the verge of escalating into industrial action, with unions planning a strike on May 20, 2024.
The planned strike was averted at the last minute thanks to intervention from the House Committee on Aviation Technology and its Senate counterpart.
An agreement was reached on May 19, 2024, during a special session led by House Committee Chairman Abiodun Akinlade, involving NiMet management and union representatives.
The statement said the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, expressed his gratitude to 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,” Anosike said.
The staff of NiMet, represented by the NiMet Unions Joint Action Committee, also expressed their appreciation to President Tinubu, Keyamo, the House of Representatives, and Senate Committees on Aviation, as well as Professor Anosike.
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.
It said that “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.”
The unions further praised Professor Anosike for his leadership and commitment to the welfare of NiMet staff.
“Your efforts to advocate on behalf of the employees and ensure that these arrears were paid 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.”
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“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,” the statement read.
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