Why NiMet Workers Embarked on Nationwide Strike?
The strike began early Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m., with workers seen picketing around airport facilities.
Some employees reportedly spent the night at NiMet offices to ensure a complete halt to operations. Their action has halted all meteorological services across the country.
The trigger of this unusual action not known before is, according to the notice passed to the management prior to the industrial action was:
a). the workers are frustrated over poor remuneration and working conditions,
b). the notice further states that NiMet personnel are significantly underpaid compared to those in a similar government agencies.
The striking workers are saying “management staff (here) earns around ₦470,000, while a counterpart in our sister agency takes home about ₦1.2 million,” a worker said.
He further lamented that recent federal salary adjustments have not been extended to NiMet staff, despite the critical nature of their services.
“Our role spans agro-meteorology, marine, and transport sectors, yet our welfare is so neglected that basic needs like transport, housing, and education are becoming unaffordable,” he added.
The workers are demanding improved welfare packages and equitable treatment, urging the government to review their conditions of service to enable them to perform their duties effectively.
Paul Ogohi, Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), criticized the behavior of some domestic airlines amidst the strike and stressed the growing pressure on NiMet employees under the current conditions.