The management of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has agreed to postpone the planned strike by unions, which was initially set to begin on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, until further notice. This decision follows successful negotiations between the national and branch union leaders and NiMet management.
In a statement issued on Monday, NiMet confirmed that the strike action would be postponed, emphasizing that the discussions focused on addressing the concerns of NiMet workers. The unions involved in the planned protest include the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).
During the negotiations, an agreement was reached, and specific timelines were set to address the issues raised by the unions. NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, expressed his commitment to improving workers’ welfare while considering the country’s economic realities.
“I welcome the efforts of the National Officers of NiMet agency-based unions and the input of the branches. We are not over the line yet on the issues, but I am happy that we have been able to convince the unions’ leadership to postpone their planned strike action. This will allow management to continue its efforts to obtain the necessary approvals from the federal government on the concerns raised,” the statement read.
Benjamin Nnabue, President of NUATE, who led the negotiations on behalf of the unions, emphasized that the unions do not take strikes lightly and use them only as a last resort. “These issues with NiMet management may be inherited, but government is a continuum. Our interest is the overall welfare of NiMet staff,” he stated.
The Director of Labour at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olusoga Adebayo, who oversaw the talks, praised the spirit of compromise that led to the resolution. He noted that social dialogue had helped both parties reach a mutually agreeable solution.
According to the agreement, both NiMet management and the unions acknowledged that miscommunication had contributed to the delay in addressing the unions’ concerns. They committed to improving consultation and engagement processes to prevent future misunderstandings.
All parties reaffirmed their dedication to fostering a constructive partnership that ensures industrial peace and promotes the welfare of NiMet staff. As a gesture of goodwill, the unions agreed to postpone the strike until further notice, pending consultations with their relevant organs.
Earlier, NiMet workers had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the agency’s management, demanding the resolution of longstanding welfare issues or face a nationwide strike. The unions had raised concerns about unpaid arrears, unimplemented service schemes, and overdue allowances dating back to 2019. If these issues were not addressed, the unions had planned to commence industrial action at 6 a.m. on February 4, 2025.
