?By GABRIEL AGBEJA

The unions of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have suspended a planned strike that was set to begin at midnight on Wednesday.

This was stated in a release signed in Abuja on Wednesday by Mr Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.

According to the statement, the unions called off the strike following a crucial meeting with Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, to discuss general staff welfare issues.

?” After extensive deliberations, a thorough review of facts and figures, an amicable resolution was reached, leading to the suspension of the planned strike action, which was earlier scheduled to commence by midnight today.

The communiqué, signed by representatives from both parties, outlined the following resolutions:

?” The meeting resolved that the Minister and the Permanent Secretary will engage relevant authorities for due consideration of the salary relativity subject matter,” it said.

?It stated that all stakeholders agreed to be patient and committed while consistently following up on the payment of 2024 Minimum Wage and nine months of Consequential Salary Adjustment arrears.

?”The NiMet Management shall, with immediate effect, pay the thirty (30) omitted staff from the Agency’s Internally Generated Revenue.

?”On the issue of furniture grant, it was agreed that 35 per cent of the approved furniture grant shall be implemented immediately while the remaining 65 per cent shall be captured and paid in the 2026 Annual Budget,” it said.

?it noted that the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Kana, will form an inter-agency committee to reconcile funds owed to NiMet from sister agencies.

?The statement said that NiMet management would involve union representatives in pursuing approvals for allowances and establishment matters with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission .

?”The Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; and management should also be proactive in obtaining all necessary approvals within reasonable timeframes.

?”Based on these mutual understandings and resolutions, the planned industrial action by NiMet staff has been officially suspended.

?”The minister commended the union leaders for their maturity, constructive engagement, and sense of responsibility.

“It emphasised the ministry’s continued commitment to promoting staff welfare, industrial harmony, and institutional reforms that will enhance productivity and service delivery in the aviation sector.” (NAN)