From Adanna Nnamani and Sola Ojo, Abuja
Members of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), yesterday, staged a protest and shut the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja demanding better welfare, payment of allowance arrears, and other emoluments for its members.
The demonstration was spearheaded by the aggrieved staff of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), who are represented by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). The protesters accused Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, of withholding their statutory entitlements despite multiple appeals for redress.
The unions are Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN); Construction Workers Association; Kaduna zonal Council of PENGASSAN, among others.
Dressed in red T-shirts and wielding placards, the workers locked the gates of the ministry, effectively blocked all vehicular access and forced many employees to turn back.
Patrick Solomon, industrial relations officer of the authority, expressed the frustration of the workers during a brief address to journalists. “We are here to protest the insensitivity to our requests and demands as a union and as members.”
He outlined the ongoing challenges faced by the workers. “Our IGR in the office has been withheld for nothing less than 15 months.”
According to him, the delay in payments has affected daily operations and the general welfare of staff. “It has been very difficult to operate in the office, and that has been very difficult for us. Most importantly, allowances have not been paid. We have been on this issue with the minister for a very long time now, and it’s obvious he is not ready to listen to us,” he lamented.
Despite previous attempts to engage with the authorities through formal channels, Solomon noted that no meaningful response had been received, prompting the union to take to the streets.
Secretary, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nuhu Toro, appealed to the Federal Government to pay all the unions’ entitlement yet to be paid since February.
He alleged that the minister was yet to attend to their files, while expressing dismay also over the value of the naira and the purchasing power.
Responding, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mr Raymond Omachi, said the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Edun had approved their requests.
He assured the aggrieved protesters that the matter would be addressed within 48 hours.