A pan-Nigerian research initiative for measurable development, First Green White Resources Centre (FGWRC), has called on workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to reciprocate the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare by recommitting themselves to the agency’s vision for greater achievements. The group said the Federal Government’s approval of a consolidated salary structure and reviewed condition of service for NiMet workers would remain a lasting legacy in the history of the agency.
Press Conference in Abuja
FGWRC made the call during a press conference held in Abuja today, Friday. According to the Centre, the improved welfare package places a responsibility on workers and labour unions within the agency to demonstrate greater dedication, loyalty and productivity in appreciation of the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo (SAN), and NiMet Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Anosike.
“On the other hand, there is now a burden on NiMet workers and their various labour unions, to recommit themselves to hard work, loyalty and dedication to duty, as a practical show of appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Keyamo (SAN) and Anosike, for the monumental transformations going on in NiMet. As they say, ‘To whom much is given, much more is expected,’” the Centre stated.
Commendation for Transformation
FGWRC also commended NiMet for what it described as an ongoing transformation and institutional rebirth that has positioned Nigeria as a reference point in climate science action, including accurate weather forecasting and real-time warnings for farmers, aviation operators, sailors and other critical sectors. The organisation particularly praised Anosike, who also serves as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), for his leadership and commitment to reforming the agency.
Speaking during the conference themed, “Rebirth of Nigerian Meteorological Agency: Sustaining Climate Science for Action,” Founder of FGWRC, Bonaventure Phillips Melah, said the past two years under the present management had been marked by unprecedented achievements and improved staff welfare.
Salary Structure and Condition of Service
FGWRC recalled that the approval for the new salary structure and condition of service was conveyed through a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and addressed to the Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. According to the Centre, the approval takes effect from June 1, 2026, and also covers a new condition of service for NiMet staff. It noted that NiMet’s condition of service was last reviewed about 28 years ago, while previous attempts by former management to secure a review were frustrated by bureaucratic bottlenecks.
The group stated that since Anosike’s appointment by President Tinubu in December 2023, the agency had recorded major milestones in infrastructure upgrade, digitalisation of weather and climate forecasting operations, early warning systems and information technology services.
“Some of Anosike’s bold footprints at NiMet in the past two years include infrastructure upgrade which has resulted in installation of high-grade modern machines as well as digitalisation of operations on climate and weather forecast, early warning mechanisms and digitalisation of the Seasonal Climate Predictions presentation and the ICT Unit,” the statement read.
Staff Training and Recognition
FGWRC further noted that the management had invested heavily in staff training and retraining to ensure compliance with international best practices and operational standards. The Centre added that NiMet had also become a preferred destination for young Nigerians and West Africans seeking careers in meteorology and climate-related fields through the agency’s training institutions, including the WMO Regional Training Centre in Oshodi, Lagos, and the Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology in Katsina State. According to FGWRC, both institutions now offer National Diploma programmes accredited by the National Board for Technical Education and are being upgraded to award Postgraduate Diplomas while transitioning from monotechnics to polytechnics.
The Centre also highlighted Anosike’s recent recognition with the 2026 Educational Excellence Award at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti for his contributions to education, climate science and capacity building.
Digital Climate Advisory Services
FGWRC said Anosike had championed the use of digital climate advisory services and artificial intelligence-powered forecasting tools to provide tailored weather information, especially to smallholder farmers vulnerable to climate shocks. It added that forecasts were increasingly being translated into local languages and simplified formats to improve accessibility for communities.
The organisation further referenced a recent Memorandum of Understanding signed between NiMet and the Central Bank of Nigeria on data sharing for economic research and policymaking. According to FGWRC, Anosike stressed during the signing ceremony that climate and weather data were becoming increasingly critical for sectors such as agriculture, transportation and energy, especially amid worsening global climate conditions. The Centre quoted him as saying that extreme weather events continue to threaten food security and agricultural productivity, adding that the collaboration aligns with the Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security and agricultural investment.
Workers' Welfare Prioritised
FGWRC also praised NiMet management for prioritising workers’ welfare through annual training programmes, payment of subsistence allowances and furniture grants, settlement of inherited 45-month minimum wage arrears, staff transportation services and improved engagement with labour unions. “The list is endless,” the Centre stated, while urging workers to sustain the momentum through improved productivity and commitment to duty.
