Tensions escalated in the Federal Capital Territory on Tuesday as aggrieved Nigerian workers under the umbrella of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, demanding the immediate payment of outstanding allowances and emoluments.
The peaceful protest, which began early in the morning, saw dozens of civil servants and union members occupy the entrance of the Ministry, effectively disrupting normal operations. Protesters wielded placards bearing messages such as “Pay Our Allowances Now!”, “We Deserve What We Worked For”, and “Finance Ministry Must Honour Agreements.”
Although the protesting workers refused to address journalists directly, their message was loud and clear: long-standing arrears owed to employees must be settled without further delay.
The protest led to restricted access to the Ministry’s premises as both staff and visitors were unable to enter freely. A civil servant within the Ministry, who spoke to Daily Post under anonymity, confirmed that many employees were caught off guard by the demonstration.
“We arrived this morning only to find the main gate blocked by protesters. While we understand their frustrations, we’re not exactly sure what the government’s position is yet,” the staff member said.
The leadership of the Trade Union Congress has remained silent on the specific figures involved, but insiders say that multiple months of unpaid allowances, including transport and duty tour claims, are among the key grievances.
As of the time of this report, the Federal Ministry of Finance has not released an official statement on the matter. Calls and emails sent to the Ministry’s Director of Press remained unanswered.
A source within the ministry told ireport247news.com that the workers’ grievances stem from delays in the disbursement of funds promised during the last round of negotiations with unions in 2024. The source added that some of the arrears date back to as far as 2022.
“It’s not a new issue. These allowances have been pending for years. What’s different now is that the workers have decided to take a firm stand,” the source said.
In a brief chat with reporters at the scene, a TUC official, who declined to be named, hinted that Tuesday’s protest could be a prelude to a wider industrial action if the federal government fails to act.
“This is just a warning protest. If nothing is done in the coming days, we will mobilize all affiliates nationwide to join the struggle. Workers cannot continue to suffer in silence while the government reneges on its financial obligations,” he said.
The development comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic pressures, rising inflation, and increasing public dissatisfaction with the state of governance.
Labour unrest has been growing in various sectors as workers complain of the federal government’s failure to implement previous agreements, particularly those involving wage awards, hazard allowances for frontline workers, and the new minimum wage framework, which remains under negotiation.
Analysts warn that continued unrest among public sector workers could hamper the implementation of the federal budget and key policy reforms, especially in the context of the ongoing push for fiscal discipline under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Labour leaders and civil society organizations have called on the Federal Government to prioritize worker welfare, ensure transparency in the management of funds, and address the root causes of recurring industrial disputes.
In a statement posted on social media, a former labour rights activist, Comrade Paul Abayomi, noted:
“You cannot talk about economic recovery when those who run the system are being owed their due. The Ministry of Finance, of all places, should not be caught in such controversies.”
As pressure mounts on the Federal Government to settle its financial obligations to civil servants, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Finance and the Presidency to resolve the matter promptly and avert a wider industrial action that could cripple essential government operations.