By Hobnob News
ABUJA — The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and its associated unions have agreed to defer a planned strike initially scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The resolution followed extensive negotiations between NiMet management and union representatives, culminating in a joint media briefing held in Abuja on Monday, February 3, 2025.
The unions involved in the discussions included the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), the 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).
Addressing the media, NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of its workforce amidst prevailing economic challenges.
“I commend the efforts of both the national officers and branch representatives of NiMet’s unions. While we have not completely resolved all the issues at hand, I am pleased that we have reached an understanding with the union leadership to postpone the strike. This extension will give us the necessary time to secure the required approvals from the federal government to address the concerns raised,” Prof. Anosike stated.
Leading the union delegation, NUATE President Comrade Benjamin Nnabue emphasized that the strike was never intended as a confrontational move but rather as a final measure after other avenues had been exhausted.
“Though these issues may have been inherited by the current management, governance is a continuous process. Our primary concern remains the welfare and rights of NiMet staff,” Nnabue remarked.
The negotiation sessions resulted in a formal agreement that includes specific timelines for addressing the unions’ demands. Both NiMet management and union representatives acknowledged that miscommunication had contributed to delays in resolving workers’ issues. They pledged to improve channels of consultation and engagement to avoid future misunderstandings and promote transparency.
Observing the negotiations was Mr. Olusoga Adebayo, Director of Labour at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. He praised both parties for their constructive engagement and commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.
“The willingness of both NiMet management and union representatives to engage in open dialogue is commendable. The spirit of compromise and mutual understanding displayed here sets a positive precedent for resolving industrial disputes,” Adebayo noted.
As part of the agreement, all parties reaffirmed their dedication to fostering industrial harmony and ensuring the welfare of NiMet employees remains a top priority. The unions, in a show of goodwill, have agreed to suspend the strike action until further notice, signaling optimism for ongoing discussions with management.
This development underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation in resolving labor disputes, ensuring that the interests of both employees and the agency are safeguarded.
