The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has criticized the 14-day strike ultimatum issued by three unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP). In a letter dated January 21, 2025, the unions accused the agency of neglecting workers’ demands. NigerianFLIGHTDECK obtained NiMet’s swiftly response, emphasizing its strides in addressing staff welfare progress and resolving long-standing issues.
NiMet Reaffirms Commitment to Workers
NiMet’s letter, signed by Dr. Nasiru Sani, Director of Human Resource Management and Administration, on behalf of the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, expressed surprise at the unions’ decision to publicize their grievances immediately after submission. The agency described the action as a deliberate effort to undermine its reputation and ongoing efforts to address systemic challenges.
Most of the concerns raised by the unions predate the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Professor Charles Anosike’s leadership as Director-General. Despite this, NiMet reaffirmed its dedication to resolving issues collaboratively, emphasizing that resolving these challenges often requires support from external stakeholders.
NiMet Highlights Ongoing Initiatives
The agency emphasized its significant achievements in addressing workers’ grievances. These include facilitating the payment of 33 months of minimum wage arrears from 2019 to 2022, with nine months awaiting ministerial approval. NiMet is also nearing completion of a draft review of its conditions of service, which incorporates inputs from union representatives. Additionally, the agency is finalizing the review of its scheme of service, which is awaiting final approval from the Head of Civil Service.
NiMet also secured approval for a 25%-35% wage award, although implementation is contingent upon budgetary allocation. These initiatives, according to NiMet, underscore its commitment to improving staff welfare despite financial and bureaucratic constraints.
Strike Threat Considered a Sabotage Attempt
NiMet expressed disappointment at the unions’ decision to threaten a strike during the public unveiling of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) on February 4, 2025. The agency described the timing as an act of bad faith and potential sabotage, emphasizing that such actions could disrupt critical services essential for national security and climate planning.
Recalling an August 2024 letter in which the unions commended NiMet’s labor-friendly policies, the agency questioned the sudden shift in their stance. It cautioned that adversarial tactics could undermine collaborative progress on staff welfare progress, urging the unions to maintain consistency in their engagements.
Clarifications on Workers’ Demands
NiMet directly addressed the issues raised by the unions. The agency explained that the 40% peculiar allowance applies exclusively to core ministry staff and paramilitary personnel, as specified by federal guidelines. While hardship allowance is not currently part of NiMet’s conditions of service, it is under consideration as part of the ongoing review.
Regarding the unions’ demand for a transition to the CONMETSS salary structure, NiMet stated that the National Salaries, Income, and Wages Commission advised the agency to retain its current structure during its transition to financial autonomy. NiMet also refuted claims of refusing to meet with union leaders, affirming that regular consultations have driven progress on several issues, including arrears payments.
Call for Constructive Engagement
NiMet reiterated its commitment to fostering industrial harmony and urged the unions to adopt constructive dialogue as the preferred means of resolving grievances. The agency acknowledged the importance of unions in safeguarding workers’ welfare but emphasized that mutual collaboration is the most effective approach to achieving long-term solutions.
In its conclusion, NiMet reaffirmed its readiness to resolve remaining issues through dialogue and urged the unions to avoid actions that could compromise the agency’s critical services. By prioritizing cooperation, NiMet believes it can continue its progress in addressing staff welfare progress while fulfilling its national mandate.
