NiMet Workers Issue 14-Day Strike Ultimatum

Employees of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the agency’s management to address unresolved welfare concerns. Failure to meet their demands will result in a nationwide strike commencing February 4, 2025.

The ultimatum was conveyed in a letter titled “Failure to Respond to Lawful and Reasonable Demands—14 Days Ultimatum,” signed by representatives from three major unions: Ocheme Abah of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Sikiru Waheed of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), and Abdul Rasaq Saidu of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP).

The unions accused NiMet management of neglecting employee welfare and failing to implement key policies designed to improve staff wellbeing.

“We are deeply concerned that your management has persistently ignored all efforts by our unions to resolve the dire conditions faced by NiMet workers. Despite being aware of the alarming state of staff welfare within the aviation sector, your management remains indifferent and unresponsive,” the letter partly stated.

Key grievances outlined by the unions include:

• Non-payment of nine months’ arrears under the 2019 Minimum Wage Act.
• Failure to implement the revised scheme of service since 2019.
• Non-payment of various allowances, such as the 40% peculiar allowance and hardship allowance.
• Ignoring ministerial directives on the review of Conditions of Service.
• Non-payment of the 25-35% wage award.
• Refusal to implement the transition from CONMETSS.

The letter also stressed that NiMet workers do not deserve the continued hardship caused by management’s inaction. It warned that if these issues remain unresolved, employees would withdraw their services starting at 6 a.m. on February 4, 2025.

“In light of the above, we hereby inform you that the unions will initiate industrial action after 14 days if the stated issues are not fully resolved. All NiMet workers are directed to suspend their services effective 6 a.m. on February 4, 2025, unless otherwise instructed,” the unions stated.

As of now, NiMet management has not responded to the ultimatum, leaving tensions high as the deadline approaches.