TUC and PENGASSAN shut down the Finance Ministry over unpaid pensions and salaries for NNRA workers. The ministry promises to release the funds within 48 hours.
“Your voice has been heard and we will not disappoint you,” said a senior official.
PUNCH
Members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Tuesday protested at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja over unpaid pensions, allowance arrears, and other entitlements for workers of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA).
The protesters locked the ministry’s gates, halting vehicular movement and forcing staff to return home.
TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, said the ministry withheld NNRA’s internally generated revenue, from which workers and pensioners are paid.
“We are here because of withheld IGR accrued to the NNRA… it is from this IGR that pensioners of NNRA are paid,” Toro stated.
He added, “The Honourable Minister of Finance… has graciously granted approval today.”
Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Raymond Omachi, addressed the protesters, assuring:
“In the next 48 hours, you will receive your payments… Your voice has been heard and we will not disappoint you.”
Toro noted the protest would be suspended until Wednesday, May 21, pending action.