By Nnasom David

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and its agency-based unions have reached an agreement to postpone the planned strike initially scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

The decision was announced during a media briefing in Abuja on Monday, February 3, 2025, following extensive negotiations between national and branch officers of the unions and NiMet’s management.

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).

Speaking at the briefing, NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Charles Anosike, assured workers that management remains committed to their welfare despite prevailing economic challenges.

“I appreciate the efforts of the national officers of NiMet’s agency-based unions and the input of the branches.

“We are not yet over the line on the issues, but I am pleased we have convinced the unions’ leadership to postpone their planned strike action. This will allow management to continue its efforts toward obtaining necessary approvals from the federal government on the issues raised,” Anosike stated.

The President of NUATE, Comrade Benjamin Nnabue, who led the negotiations on behalf of the unions, clarified that the strike was not intended as an act of antagonism but as a last resort.

“These issues with NiMet management may have been inherited, but government is a continuum. Our interest is the overall welfare of NiMet staff,” Nnabue explained.

The negotiations led to a signed agreement outlining timelines for addressing the unions’ demands. Both parties acknowledged that miscommunication had contributed to delays in resolving workers’ concerns and committed to improving consultation and engagement mechanisms to prevent future misunderstandings.

The Director of Labour at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr. Olusoga Adebayo, who observed the negotiations, commended both sides for their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

“Through social dialogue, both parties have reached an amicable solution. The spirit of ‘give and take’ demonstrated here is commendable,” Adebayo noted.

As part of the agreement, all parties reaffirmed their commitment to fostering industrial peace and safeguarding the welfare of NiMet employees.

The unions, in turn, agreed to postpone the strike action until further notice, signaling their goodwill in ongoing discussions with management.