Members of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the payment of long-overdue allowance arrears and improved welfare for workers.
The demonstration was led by employees of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, which is affiliated with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.
The demonstrators accused Wale Edun, Minister of Finance, of withholding their lawful benefits despite numerous petitions.
Dressed in red T-shirts and carrying placards, the angry workers blocked the entrance to the ministry, preventing vehicles from accessing or leaving the premises.
The action also forced several civil servants who reported for work to return home.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, Patrick Solomon, the Industrial Relations Officer of the authority, described the ministry’s handling of the matter as “insensitive.”
“We are here to protest the insensitivity to our requests and demands as a union and as members,” Solomon said.
“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 added.