Finance Ministry Responds To Workers’ Protest, Vows To Settle Arrears Within 48 Hours

Following a protest by members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Federal Ministry of Finance has pledged to release withheld payments within 48 hours.

Naijaonpoint reports that the demonstrators, who stormed the ministry on Tuesday, demanded the immediate release of pension arrears, unpaid allowances, and other entitlements owed to staff, especially those under the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).

Speaking at the protest, TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, said the delay stemmed from the ministry’s withholding of the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the NNRA, which is used to pay staff salaries and retirees’ pensions.

“We are here because of withheld IGR accrued to the NNRA, and we are finding it difficult to reconcile why. Because their contemporaries in the same sector have been paid. And it is important that I educate you that it is from this IGR that pensioners of NNRA are paid, and that workers earn their salaries and allowances. So, if the IGR is withheld, invariably, they will not be paid their salary.

“I have also told you that the value of the minimum wage, N70,000, is already eroded by inflation and the high cost of living. So, if they don’t pay as at when due, you can imagine what will happen to the working people,” he said.

Toro added that although the protest would not be immediately terminated, it had been temporarily suspended with hopes that the promised action would be taken by Wednesday, 21st May, 2024.

“The Honourable Minister of Finance, in his gentlemanly nature, has graciously granted approval today. The Perm Sec has assured us that the approval will translate into naira and kobo, into our pockets within a very reasonable time. We are going back to the drawing board to re-strategise, to either come back and continue or otherwise,” he noted.

Responding to the protest, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Raymond Omachi, addressed the crowd and assured them that their concerns had been conveyed directly to the Minister.

“I have heard your grievances, and I have reached out to the Minister of Finance, and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, who has given me approval to make sure that what you are looking for is paid. So, we are working on it, and in the next 48 hours, you will receive your payments.

“So, I want to thank you people for agreeing to allow us to enter the office, so that we can do our work for you to have what you are looking for. Your voice has been heard and we will not disappoint you,” he stated.