NiMet Staff Finally Receive New Minimum Wage and Salary Adjustments After Strike
Abuja, Nigeria – Staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have finally begun receiving the payment of the new national minimum wage and corresponding salary adjustments. The payments, implemented in May, follow weeks of industrial action and intense negotiations between aviation unions and the government.
An official from the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) confirmed that the implementation of the new minimum wage and salary increment for aviation workers, including those at NiMet, was successfully carried out in May. This marks a significant development after a period of heightened tensions and protests within the agency.
According to the ANAP official, while the core salary adjustments were made in May, the payment of arrears is still pending. These arrears were originally expected by the end of June but have been delayed until the end of July, reportedly due to a system upgrade with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
Speaking on the progress made regarding workers’ demands, the official highlighted the crucial role played by the Aviation Minister in facilitating the payment. “It was the minister that called DG personally; after the meeting, they called DG and told them to go to the Accountant General’s office, do whatever they need to do, and make sure that our money comes this May,” the official stated, adding, “Fortunately for us, it happened like that; that was the implementation.”
The salary adjustments included a new minimum wage set at N70,000. In addition, a tiered percentage increase ranging from 25 per cent to 35 per cent was applied across different salary levels. The official explained that the increment structure was designed such that lower levels received a higher percentage increase than higher levels. “The lower the levels, the higher the percentage. Then the higher the level, the lower the percentage,” the official clarified, noting that junior staff benefited more significantly from the percentage increments than their senior counterparts.
The payment breakthrough comes on the heels of a nationwide strike in May 2024, during which NiMet staff downed tools over long-standing grievances. Unions including NUATE, AUPCTRE, and ANAP had issued a 14-day ultimatum demanding the payment of 45 months’ minimum wage arrears dating back to 2019, as well as improved working conditions and the resolution of unresolved staff welfare issues. These demands stemmed from the non-implementation of approved financial benefits and adjustments despite numerous letters and meetings.
Regarding other pending matters, the ANAP official noted that progress is being made on the new condition of service. The document has been signed by the Director-General and forwarded to the Minister, who is expected to take it to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for final approval.
While the implementation of the new minimum wage and salary structure in May represents a major step forward in addressing the workers’ demands, the delay in arrears payment and the final approval of the new condition of service remain key issues government and union officials continue to work on.
