Workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have officially suspended their nationwide strike following the intervention of the Federal Government. The industrial action, which had disrupted meteorological services across the country, was called off on Thursday after a high-level negotiation meeting between union leaders, NiMet management, and representatives of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

The workers, under the umbrella of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), embarked on the strike earlier in the week, citing issues ranging from delayed staff promotions and poor welfare conditions to unpaid entitlements and management’s alleged disregard for agreements previously reached.

Following mounting pressure and concerns over the impact of the strike on national operations—including aviation safety, climate data services, and weather forecasts—the Federal Government stepped in to mediate the dispute, resulting in a temporary resolution and the suspension of the strike action.

Federal Government Meets Demands Halfway

Speaking after the resolution meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, confirmed that the government had agreed to key demands raised by the workers, with immediate implementation scheduled for some items.

“We appreciate the patience and patriotism of the NiMet workers and their union leaders. The Federal Government has listened to their concerns, and we are committed to resolving the issues comprehensively,” Meribole stated. “Several of their demands, including outstanding promotions and improved working conditions, have been prioritized for immediate action.”

He added that a joint implementation committee would be set up to monitor progress and ensure full compliance with the agreements reached during the negotiation.

Union Confirms Suspension, Warns Against Future Breaches

Confirming the suspension of the strike, Comrade Felix Igbor, Chairman of AUPCTRE-NiMet branch, said the decision to return to work was made in good faith following the government’s renewed commitment to addressing workers’ grievances. However, he warned that the union would not hesitate to resume industrial action if the authorities failed to follow through on their promises.

“We have agreed to suspend the strike based on assurances given by the Ministry and the management of NiMet. However, this is not a blanket withdrawal of our agitation. We expect timelines and accountability,” Igbor said.

He emphasized that workers across NiMet stations nationwide were directed to resume duties immediately but would continue to monitor the situation closely.

Disruption to Meteorological Services

The strike had affected key meteorological functions across Nigeria, including aviation weather updates, agricultural climate forecasting, and disaster preparedness operations. Airlines, particularly domestic carriers, had raised alarms over the potential risk of flying without up-to-date meteorological data—critical for safe take-offs and landings.

In addition to aviation, other sectors such as agriculture, disaster management, and construction had also expressed concern, as NiMet’s data plays an integral role in operational planning and safety.

With the strike now suspended, NiMet operations are expected to return to normal, including the regular release of daily and seasonal weather forecasts, which had been disrupted for several days.

Background to the Dispute

NiMet staff had accused the agency’s management of neglecting critical welfare issues and allegedly breaching several collective agreements signed in the past. According to union representatives, many staff members had stagnated in the same positions for years due to stalled promotion exercises, while others had not received due allowances and training opportunities.

Moreover, they accused the leadership of selective treatment in career advancement and failure to carry along workers’ representatives in major policy decisions.

Comrade Igbor, in earlier statements, described the situation as “unacceptable and demoralizing,” warning that continued disregard for staff welfare could compromise the integrity and effectiveness of meteorological services in Nigeria.

The union had previously issued multiple warnings and ultimata before finally declaring the industrial action.

Management Promises Change

Director General of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, who was present at the negotiation table, assured workers that the agency would begin implementing reforms to foster transparency, equity, and improved morale across the organization.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to resolve these issues amicably. We will continue engaging the unions to ensure that NiMet becomes a model agency, not just in service delivery but also in how it treats its workforce,” Anosike said.

He added that the agency had already initiated steps to clear pending staff promotions and would ensure an inclusive human resource policy moving forward.

Labour Community Reacts

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has also reacted to the development, commending the NiMet workers for their peaceful and coordinated action. The NLC urged the government to take workers’ concerns more seriously and adopt proactive measures to prevent strikes.

Speaking through its spokesperson, Benson Udo, the NLC said, “The quick resolution of the NiMet crisis shows what is possible when dialogue is pursued sincerely. We call on other agencies and ministries to avoid unnecessary escalation of labour disputes.”

Public Expectations Moving Forward

As normal operations resume across NiMet offices nationwide, stakeholders are urging both the agency and the Federal Government to honor their part of the agreement fully. Experts believe that disruptions to critical agencies such as NiMet can have far-reaching consequences on national safety, agriculture, and environmental planning.

“This is not just about weather forecasts. NiMet provides life-saving information,” said Dr. Mariam Oyedele, an environmental risk analyst. “If their staff feel neglected, it eventually affects service quality and the public.”

Conclusion

The suspension of the NiMet strike is a relief to many sectors that depend on accurate and timely weather data. However, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of workers’ welfare and institutional accountability. With the Federal Government and NiMet management pledging to meet the demands, all eyes will be on the fulfillment of promises made—and whether this marks a turning point in labour relations within Nigeria’s key public institutions.