NiMet workers threaten strike, issue 14-day ultimatum
Workers under the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have given the agency’s management a 14-day ultimatum to address long-standing welfare issues or face a nationwide strike.
The unions issued this warning in a letter titled “Failure to respond to lawful and reasonable demands—14 days ultimatum,” obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday.
The letter was signed by Ocheme Abah of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, Sikiru Waheed of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, and Abdul Rasaq Saidu of the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals.
The unions accused NiMet management of neglecting workers’ welfare and failing to implement critical policies aimed at improving staff well-being.
“We are deeply concerned that your management has repeatedly ignored all requests from our unions to address the severe challenges facing NiMet’s workforce. Despite being fully aware of the dire state of staff welfare in the aviation sector, your management has remained unresponsive and indifferent to these pressing issues,” the letter stated.
Among the unresolved issues highlighted were the non-payment of nine months of arrears under the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, the failure to implement the revised scheme of service since 2019, and the non-payment of allowances, including the 40 percent peculiar and hardship allowances.
“The workers of the Agency do not deserve the continued suffering caused by the actions and inaction of your management,” the unions stated.
Additional grievances include the failure to comply with ministerial directives regarding the review of Conditions of Service, non-payment of a 25-35 percent wage award, and the refusal to facilitate the transition from CONMETSS.
The letter further announced that all NiMet workers are instructed to withdraw their services starting at 6 a.m. on February 4, 2025, if the issues remain unresolved.
“We hereby inform you that the unions named above will be compelled to commence industrial action against the agency if the issues outlined are not fully addressed within the next 14 days,” the letter concluded. “Therefore, all NiMet workers are directed to cease all services at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, unless otherwise informed.”
NiMet management has yet to respond to the ultimatum, heightening tensions as the deadline nears.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
 have given the agency’s management a 14-day ultimatum to address long-standing){kind=link}