The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) today staged a massive protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja, demanding immediate payment of long-overdue allowances and emoluments owed to public sector workers across the country.
Hundreds of union members, representing various sectors including education, health, and public administration, gathered early this morning carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs. The protest disrupted normal activities at the Ministry as demonstrators called on the Federal Government to address what they described as “persistent neglect and gross injustice” against workers.
Speaking at the demonstration, TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, expressed outrage over the federal government’s failure to meet its financial obligations to civil servants, despite repeated appeals and negotiations.
“It is unacceptable that workers who keep the machinery of government running are being owed allowances and legitimate entitlements. This protest is a warning shot. If the government does not respond immediately, we will escalate our actions nationwide,” said Osifo.
The TUC alleges that some workers have been owed duty tour allowances, hazard bonuses, and promotion arrears for over two years. The union insists that the economic hardship facing Nigerians makes it critical for the government to fulfill its obligations without delay.