The ongoing strike by workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) may be called off soon following an intervention by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja yesterday, the Minister disclosed that a consensus was reached on most of the issues presented by the unions.

He emphasised that many of the grievances stemmed from miscommunication and delays in the implementation of previously approved reforms by a former aviation minister, Prof Babalola Aborisade.

He said, “We identified with their struggles. These are legitimate demands, and there was really no contention on most of them. Our workers at NiMET have been patient, and they deserve better. We’ve resolved to take immediate action.”

On the issue of salary relativity, the Minister confirmed that the issue of salary disparity between NiMET and other aviation agencies had been agreed upon. A fresh letter will be sent to the President to secure renewed approval for its implementation.

On the 2024 Minimum Wage, he said the agency has completed all internal processes for the implementation of the current national minimum wage. Documents have been forwarded to the Budget Office, and the unions will be involved in monitoring the process.

On the 2019 minimum wage consequential adjustment, Keyamo said the nine-month shortfall and arrears owed to about 30 staff members will be addressed. A request for funds will be sent to the Minister of Finance for immediate disbursement.

On the wage awards and peculiar allowance, the issues around the federal government’s 25-30% wage award and the 40% peculiar allowance are still under review. A joint committee will engage with the Salaries and Wages Commission for clarification and implementation.

On subsistence allowance, the Minister directed Immediate payment to NiMET staff was approved, with a commitment to increase the amount by May 2026.

He said on the issue of annual training, a committee would be set up to review complaints of favoritism and ensure equitable access to training opportunities. Also, on clarification on contract staff roles, he said clear directives will be issued to define the roles of contract staff and special advisers within aviation agencies.

For the condition of service review, he said the unions will be included in the review process once it commences.

The union leaders praised the Minister’s swift response and unprecedented engagement with workers, noting it was the first time in recent history that a strike action drew such prompt attention.

“We appreciate the Honourable Minister. This is the first time in the history of the aviation sector that a minister came down immediately to resolve such a crisis,” said the President of the aviation workers union.

“We’re taking these resolutions back to our members and will make an announcement regarding the strike later tonight.”

When asked about airlines that continued operating despite NiMET’s withdrawal, the Minister clarified that while modern aircraft possess independent weather-reading capabilities, NiMET’s input significantly enhances flight safety.

“Would you rather fly with 60% certainty or 99% certainty?” he asked rhetorically.

The union is expected to address its members Wednesday night with a final decision on whether the strike will be officially called off.

A follow-up meeting with the Minister is scheduled for May 12 to monitor implementation progress.