The entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Nigeria became a scene of protest on Tuesday as members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) demonstrated against the withholding of pensions, salary arrears, and other emoluments due to staff of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA). Clad in red T-shirts and brandishing placards, the protesters effectively barricaded the ministry’s entrance, disrupting vehicular access and forcing many civil servants to abandon their workday and return home. The demonstration underscored the growing frustration among workers over delayed payments and the escalating cost of living in the country.
At the heart of the protest was the Ministry of Finance’s decision to withhold the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the NNRA, the very source from which the agency pays its staff salaries, allowances, and pensions. Nuhu Toro, the Secretary General of the TUC, articulated the protesters’ grievances, highlighting the inexplicable nature of the IGR’s withholding, particularly given that similar agencies within the same sector had received their due payments. He stressed the severe hardship this financial blockage imposed on NNRA staff, especially pensioners who rely on these payments for their livelihood. The withholding of salaries further exacerbated the already precarious financial situation of workers grappling with the depreciating value of the minimum wage against a backdrop of soaring inflation and an escalating cost of living.
Toro’s remarks painted a picture of workers struggling to make ends meet in an increasingly challenging economic climate. The N70,000 minimum wage, already insufficient to meet basic needs, has been further eroded by the persistent rise in the cost of essential goods and services. The delayed salary payments only served to amplify the financial strain on workers, pushing many further into hardship. The protest, therefore, represented a desperate plea for timely payment of their dues and a call for government intervention to address the widening gap between wages and the cost of living.
Despite the initial tension, the protest witnessed a positive development. Toro revealed that the Minister of Finance had granted approval for the release of the withheld funds. While acknowledging this as a step in the right direction, he emphasized that the protest would remain suspended, not called off, until Wednesday, May 21, 2024, effectively giving the ministry a 48-hour window to translate the approval into actual disbursements. This cautious optimism reflected the workers’ lingering distrust and their determination to ensure that the promise of payment materialized into concrete action. The temporary suspension, therefore, served as a mechanism to hold the ministry accountable and ensure timely disbursement of the owed funds.
Reinforcing the TUC Secretary General’s statement, Raymond Omachi, the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, addressed the protesters, confirming the commencement of the payment process. He relayed assurances from both the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy that the workers’ demands would be met. Omachi’s commitment to resolving the issue within 48 hours aimed to allay the protesters’ concerns and underscore the government’s commitment to addressing their grievances. His expression of gratitude for the workers’ patience and cooperation further served to de-escalate the tension and foster a more conciliatory atmosphere.
The NNRA protest highlights the broader challenges facing Nigerian workers amidst economic uncertainties. The rising cost of living, coupled with stagnant wages and delayed payments, has created a climate of financial insecurity for many. The protest served as a potent reminder of the importance of timely salary payments and the need for government policies that protect workers’ welfare and ensure a living wage that keeps pace with inflation. The temporary suspension of the protest, pending confirmation of payment, underscores the workers’ resolve to hold the government accountable and secure their rightful dues. The incident also highlights the crucial role of trade unions in advocating for workers’ rights and ensuring their voices are heard in the face of economic hardship.
