The call for staff regularisation has taken centre stage as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), BCOS Chapel, intensified its advocacy during a strategic visit to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Musbau Babatunde.
The engagement reflects growing concern over the prolonged uncertainty faced by media workers who have spent years—some spanning decades—on contract appointments without full employment benefits.
Leading the delegation, Chapel Chairman, Comrade Ademola Balogun, emphasized that the issue of staff regularisation is not just administrative but deeply human.
According to him, many affected workers have dedicated their productive years to service, yet remain excluded from career advancement opportunities, pension schemes, and other entitlements available to permanent staff.
He described the situation as both unfair and demoralising, urging urgent intervention.
Balogun noted that while contract employment may serve short-term institutional needs, leaving workers in such conditions for up to twenty years undermines morale and productivity.
He explained that achieving staff regularisation would restore confidence among employees, improve efficiency, and strengthen institutional loyalty within the broadcasting corporation.
The visit also served as an avenue to reinforce collaboration between the union and the state government.
In a statement issued by the Chapel Secretary, Gbemisola Adebayo, the union reiterated its commitment to constructive dialogue and engagement as tools for achieving meaningful reform.
She stressed that the push for staff regularisation aligns with broader efforts to promote fairness, equity, and sustainable workforce development in the public sector.
While addressing the SSG, the NUJ leadership commended the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for its reputation as worker-friendly.
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However, Balogun appealed for more targeted attention to the plight of long-serving contract staff within BCOS, expressing hope that the government would act decisively to address the imbalance.
He further argued that staff regularisation would not only benefit the affected individuals but also enhance institutional stability.
Workers who feel valued and secure are more likely to deliver quality service, especially in a sector as critical as public broadcasting, where credibility and professionalism are paramount.
In his response, Professor Musbau Babatunde acknowledged the concerns raised by the union and appreciated the respectful and solution-driven approach adopted by the delegation.
He assured them that the government remains attentive to workers’ welfare and would engage relevant agencies to examine the matter thoroughly.
The SSG noted that resolving such issues requires careful coordination and policy alignment but expressed optimism that a workable pathway toward staff regularisation could be developed.
His assurance provided a sense of cautious hope among union members, many of whom have waited years for meaningful change.
The meeting ended on a note of encouragement, with union leaders urging members to remain patient, united, and hopeful.
They reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing the matter through appropriate channels until tangible results are achieved.
Ultimately, the renewed push for staff regularisation highlights a broader conversation about labour rights, fairness, and institutional responsibility.
As discussions continue, stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether this advocacy translates into concrete action for affected workers.
