Joy Yesufu and Attah Ede
Members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Tuesday, staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja, decrying poor staff welfare, unpaid allowances, and the prolonged withholding of internally generated revenue (IGR) funds.
The demonstrators, mainly staff of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), accused the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, of ignoring multiple appeals and withholding statutory entitlements for over 15 months.
Dressed in red T-shirts and wielding placards, the aggrieved workers blocked entry and exit at the ministry’s headquarters, disrupting official activities and forcing many employees to return home.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, the NNRA’s Industrial Relations Officer, Patrick Solomon, criticized what he called the “insensitivity” of the finance ministry’s leadership.
“We’re here because the management has shown zero concern for our legitimate demands. Our IGR has been withheld for over 15 months without explanation,” Solomon said.
“Office operations have become almost impossible. Allowances remain unpaid, and despite repeated efforts—including letters and meetings—there’s been no response from the Minister. It’s clear he’s not ready to engage with us.”
The protesting workers vowed to sustain the demonstration until their demands are met. As of press time, the ministry had yet to issue an official response.
