Nigeria meteorological agency workers suspend strike after meeting with Aviation minister

The staff of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMeT) have temporarily suspended their industrial action for two weeks to give the Nigerian government an opportunity to address the concerns raised by the workers.

Penpushing reports that the workers announced the suspension after meeting with Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, by the agency leaders including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP).

The Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, a statement explained that following a high-level intervention by the Minister, the workers resolved to suspend the strike

“Following a high-level intervention by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK), the strike action embarked upon by unions within the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has been suspended until May 13, 2025, pending the outcome of the Minister’s intervention on the issues raised’, Moshood said.

Penpushing further reports that it is recalled that the workers embarked on an industrial action on Wednesday to demand improved welfare and promotion, a development which led to the temporary suspension of Air Peace’s operations while some other airlines used it as an excuse to hike flight ticket prices by over 100 per cent.

The flight delays and cancellations were similarly recorded across major airports in the country. NiMet plays a crucial role in ensuring smooth and safe flight schedules in the country, and on Thursday, the striking NiMet workers stalled operations for the second consecutive day at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Penpushing also reports that the workers picketed the office as part of their protest, while dozens of frustrated staff members sat at strategic points outside the gate of the building, while Moshood quoted the National President of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Alale Adedayo, as saying that suspension was a mark of respect for the Minister

“As a mark of respect for the Honourable Minister’s intervention and assurance, we have decided to temporarily call off the strike while the process of resolution is ongoing’, he emphasised

“We have resolved to suspend the ongoing strike till May 13, 2025, in recognition of the Honourable Minister’s timely and sincere intervention. We await the progress of the actions he has committed to take’, he stressed.

Penpushing reports that he emphasised that the unions had downed tools over a number of unresolved grievances relating to poor working conditions, including salary relativity with other aviation agencies, non-implementation of the 2019 consequential adjustment to the national minimum wage (affecting at least 30 omitted staff), demands for a 25/35 per cent salary increase, 40 per cent hardship/peculiar allowances, annual staff trainings, among others.

The Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications stated that as part of immediate steps, the minister agreed to offer personal intervention through formal communications to both President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Finance, to fast-track the resolution of the financial demands.

Penpushing further reports that the statement said other measures include the establishment of a Ministerial Committee, headed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, to interface with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to clarify issues surrounding subsistence allowances and related matters.

The National Secretary of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Aba Ocheme, confirmed the decision to suspend the industrial action after the meeting with Keyamo.

Penpushing also reports that he Minister in response through a statement, expressed empathy with the affected workers and pledged his commitment to finding lasting solutions to their concerns.

The minister also reiterated the importance of industrial harmony in the aviation sector and commended the union leaders for their maturity, patriotism, and willingness to dialogue in the national interest.

Penpushing reports that Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Ibrahim Kana, in his remarks assured all stakeholders that tangible progress will be made before the May 13, 2025 deadline, and called for continued cooperation as the ministry works to ensure improved welfare and working conditions for NIMET staff and all aviation personnel.

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