The Management of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has described the 14-day ultimatum issued by its staff if their demands are not met as a threat to national security.

This is because the date for the commencement of the strike action 4th February 2025 coincides with the date officially scheduled for the unveiling of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).

The Director of Human Resources Management & Administration, Dr Nasiru Sabi in a letter signed on behalf of the Director General of NIMET, Prof Charles Anosike, addressed to the workers union, said the management considers the threat as a serious act of sabotage and a threat to national security considering the strategic nature of the mandate of the agency.

For the records, the director stated that the issues numbering ten raised in the letter by the union are legacy issues pre-dating President Bola Tinubu’s government and the current NiMet DG.

He said 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.

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He said, “It is most unfair and a 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 stressed that the DG and the Management hold the workers in high esteem, given their roles in protecting workers’ rights and promoting industrial harmony.