Members of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria protested against inadequate worker welfare, the failure to pay arrears of allowances, and other emoluments at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Tuesday.
Under the auspices of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the irate employees of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority accused Minister of Finance Wale Edun of denying them their statutory rights in spite of multiple pleas.
The ministry’s gate was locked by the workers, who were holding signs and wearing red T-shirts. This prevented cars from entering or leaving the building and made employees who had come to work go home.
Speaking with journalists, the Industrial Relations Officer of the authority,
Patrick Solomon, said the management of the ministry was “insensitive” to the workers’ requests.
“We are here to protest the insensitivity to our requests and demands as a union and as members.
“We had certain challenges, and we have used all avenues to resolve the issues, but there were no listening ears. Our IGR in the office have been withheld for nothing less than 15 months.
“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 said.