NiMet Staff Receive Long-Awaited Minimum Wage Payments

After weeks of strikes and negotiation, staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) finally received payments reflecting the new minimum wage and salary adjustments in May.

An official from the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals confirmed that the revised wage structure for aviation workers was successfully implemented last month. However, arrears are expected to be paid by the end of July, citing technical delays in processing.

Commenting on the broader state of negotiations, the official noted that outstanding concerns have been formally presented to the Director-General of the aviation authority, as discussions toward full resolution continue.

“So, we just noted all the items that have not been resolved yet and told the Director-General to take note and start going to the relevant authorities to make sure that the things we are requesting are being done, for example, the implementation of a new minimum wage,” the official said.

Staff of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have finally received the long-awaited implementation of the new minimum wage and salary adjustments, following intense negotiations and a nationwide strike in May 2024.

A senior official from the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals confirmed that the breakthrough came after the direct intervention of the Minister of Aviation. “It was the minister who personally called the Director-General,” the source revealed. “After that meeting, the DG was instructed to go to the Accountant General’s office and do whatever was necessary to ensure that payments were made in May. Fortunately for us, it happened exactly like that.”

The payment was rolled out in phases, starting with subsistence allowances and followed by the full application of the revised wage structure. The official stated that the adjustment included a new minimum wage of ₦70,000, along with a 25–35% salary increment, scaled according to grade level. “Lower-level staff received higher percentage increases some up to 33% while senior-level staff received slightly lower percentages,” the source explained.

While the salary increase took effect in May, arrears originally scheduled for disbursement by the end of June are now delayed until July due to an ongoing upgrade of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). “That’s why the arrears haven’t come yet,” the official added. “We expect them by the end of July.”

Beyond the wage implementation, progress is being made on other long-standing demands. The official confirmed that the revised Conditions of Service document has been signed by the DG and submitted to the Minister, who is expected to forward it to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for final approval.

“Most of our requests are gradually being answered,” the official said, reflecting cautious optimism.

The recent developments follow months of labor unrest, culminating in a strike that saw aviation unions, including NUATE, AUPCTRE, and ANAP, issue a 14-day ultimatum demanding resolution of 45 months’ unpaid minimum wage arrears, dating back to 2019. Core grievances included poor working conditions, delayed benefits, and the non-implementation of subsistence allowances and financial entitlements.