NiMET Strike Ends as Keyamo Confirms Resolution of All Disputes

Aviation Minister—Festus Keyamo

Festus Keyamo, the minister of aviation, has declared that the issues that sparked the strike by employees of the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMET) have been addressed.

At a major stakeholder meeting in Abuja on Thursday, Keyamo declared that the government and NiMET unions had reached an agreement on several issues, such as salary disparities and the introduction of minimum wage hikes.

"Every issue has been resolved." There was no serious disagreement. The few issues that did occur were mostly related to implementation and some miscommunications between us and the unions. Since joining this ministry, we have maintained very cordial relations with all of the aviation unions, and they can confirm that we agree with most of their demands," he stated.

Keyamo stressed that the government already sympathized with the unions' predicament, particularly in relation to the pay gap between NiMET and other aviation associations.

He recognized the frustration that NiMET employees experienced due to these discrepancies, since NiMET's compensation did not correspond with that of comparable agencies.

"I agreed that NiMET's pay, in particular, was appalling." Their patience would naturally run out because they weren't on level with other aviation authorities, Keyamo noted.

One of the primary concerns raised by the NiMET staff was salary parity with other agencies.

Although the previous administration had previously agreed in principle but had not yet implemented the pay adjustments, Keyamo acknowledged that the issue had been resolved and pledged to write to President Bola Tinubu to secure official approval.

I'll write a letter to the president, and by Monday or Tuesday of next week, we hope to have his formal approval. "This will enable us to start enacting the pay adjustments right away," Keyamo stated.

In addition to changing salaries, the government also addressed issues surrounding the implementation of the minimum wage for NiMET workers.

Keyamo claimed that the problem had already been fixed with the Federation's budget and that the funds needed for implementation were already included in the current budget office.

SEE ALSO...  Benue Killings: Homeland of Retired Generals Ravaged by Armed Herdsmen

"We have made the decision to immediately begin paying the minimum wage." Since it is a statutory matter, there is no excuse for postponing payment. Keyamo pledged that this would be reflected in the next wage warnings for NiMET workers.

If there are any gaps as a result of these changes, he said, the ministry will request a supplemental budget before the current budget cycle ends.

Keyamo also underlined the importance of transparency throughout the process. He explained that the unions would actively supervise the implementation of the minimum wage and compensation changes to ensure transparency and equity.

"To make sure that everything is carried out honestly and transparently, we insisted that union members be included in the Budget Office's monitoring process." Keyamo expressed.

By Primelineinfo