January 23, (THEWILL) – The Management of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has declared the planned strike by its staff as a threat to national security.
The agency’s staff had threatened to embark on strike on February 4, 2025, if their demands were not addressed within two weeks.
But NIMET, in a letter signed on behalf of Prof Charles, the agency’s Director General by the Director of Human Resources Management & Administration, Nasiru Sabi, said the management considers the threat as a serious act of sabotage.
The letter, addressed to the workers union, noted that the 4th of February 2025, scheduled for the commencement of the strike, coincides with the date officially scheduled for the unveiling of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).
The director emphasised that the issues raised by the union are legacy issues pre-dating President Bola Tinubu’s government and the current NiMet DG.
“Most of the issues have either been handled, waiting for approvals by the National Salaries, Wages and Commission, and the Head of Service or waiting for budget allocation.
“It is most unfair and clear blackmail to allege that Management refused to meet with the Unions, as the successes recorded in 2024, especially with the payment of the legacy 45 months arrears owed staff since 2019 was achieved with the collaborative efforts/meetings between NiMet management and the Unions.
“Also further meetings have been held by both parties on the listed issues with management updating the Union of the Status. Furthermore, Management has also incorporated the executives of the Agency-based Unions in its management meetings to allow for a free and timely flow of information”, he said.
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