TUC barricades finance ministry over unpaid allowances

Official operations at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja were brought to a halt on Tuesday morning as members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) staged a protest over unpaid staff allowances. Clad in red jackets and wielding placards, the demonstrators barricaded the main entrance of the ministry, disrupting activities and denying access to staff and visitors. The protest, which began early in the day, created a tense atmosphere around the premises as the union members chanted and displayed messages demanding the immediate payment of their entitlements. Placards bearing inscriptions such as Pay Us Our Entitlements and No More Delays underscored the workers grievances. Despite media efforts, TUC officials declined to comment, choosing instead to let their signs speak for them. A civil servant who managed to enter the building amid the protest expressed frustration at the recurring nature of such demonstrations. Every time they bring protest here. Let them go to the villa now, he said, reflecting growing fatigue among employees over the unresolved issue. Efforts by ministry representatives to engage the protesters were met with resistance. A senior staff member who attempted to open dialogue was turned away. Later, Mr. Raymond O. Omachi, the Permanent Secretary in charge of Special Duties, also tried to address the crowd at the gate but was refused an audience. Protesters insisted they would only speak directly with the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, citing past failed engagements with lower-ranking officials. We will not listen to anyone else except the Minister, one union member was overheard saying, a sentiment echoed by others in the crowd. As of press time, the Ministry of Finance had not issued an official response to the protest or provided updates on the status of the outstanding allowances. The demonstration is the latest in a series of industrial actions by labour unions in recent months, driven by grievances over salary arrears, benefits, and general welfare concerns across various government ministries and agencies. The TUCs stance on ministerial-level engagement may signal a shift in strategy aimed at holding top government officials directly accountable for meeting workers' demands. While the protest remained peaceful, security operatives were present around the complex to monitor the situation.The post TUC barricades finance ministry over unpaid allowances appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.