Members of the Trade Union Congress and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, on Tuesday, staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance, demanding the immediate release of withheld pension, salary arrears, and other emoluments owed to staff of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

The protesters, dressed in red T-shirts and carrying placards, blocked the entrance to the ministry, preventing vehicles from entering or exiting the premises and forcing many civil servants to return home.

Speaking during the protest, TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, explained that the Ministry of Finance had withheld the Internally Generated Revenue of the NNRA, from which pensions and salaries are paid.

“We are here because of withheld IGR accrued to the NNRA, and we are finding it difficult to reconcile why,” Toro said. “Their contemporaries in the same sector have been paid. It is from this IGR that pensioners of the NNRA are paid, and from which workers earn their salaries and allowances. So, if the IGR is withheld, they will not be paid.”

Toro also lamented the impact of inflation and the rising cost of living on the N70,000 minimum wage.

“If salaries are not paid as and when due, you can imagine the suffering workers are subjected to. The value of the minimum wage has already been eroded by inflation and the high cost of living.”

He, however, acknowledged a step forward in the negotiations, disclosing that the Minister of Finance had granted approval for the release of funds.

“The Honourable Minister of Finance has graciously granted approval today,” he said. “The Permanent Secretary has assured us that the approval will translate into naira and kobo in our pockets within a very reasonable time. This protest will be suspended, not called off, until Wednesday, May 21, 2024.”

Addressing the protesters, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Raymond Omachi, confirmed that the payment process had begun.

“I have heard your grievances, and I have reached out to the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy. They have given me the go-ahead to ensure your demands are met. We are working on it, and within the next 48 hours, you will receive your payments,” Omachi said.

He thanked the workers for their patience and cooperation, adding, “Your voice has been heard, and we will not disappoint you.”