Information workers protest over non-payment of welfare

The staff who were seen in large numbers at the gate of the ministry blocked all entran-ces depriving people from entry and exiting.
The staff said they were working under poor working conditions, non-payment of allowances, promotion arrears and staff training even after the money has been allocated and approved for them.
The demonstrating staff were seen screa-ming and calling the Permanent Secretary, Folashade Yemi-Esan names upon her arrival at the headquarters.
While voicing out their grievances to the Per-manent Secretary, the Chairman, Association of Civil Service of Nigeria, Ministry of Information Chapter (ASCSN), Comrade Adam Oghola said the staff “are hungry because some of them have not been paid 3 months salaries and promotions have been outstanding.”
He said there is a disconnect between the staff and directors of the ministry stating that the directors are a part of their problem “because the ministers and the permanent secretaries will always come and go, but the directors remain.”
Other protesters who spoke to Daily Trust on anonymity said while 100 persons where approved for training this year, just 30 attended and also said they have been agitating over these problems to be solved for a very long time, they said.
Information minister, Labaran Maku thanked the staff for their cooperation during his successful reign as the minister stating that the ministry has not witnessed any industrial strike until now.
He appealed to them to be patient and stated that their grievances will be addressed.
Maku said they should always state their grievances at their departmental meetings and promised to suggest at least once in a quarter meeting of staff in his handing over notes.
Efforts to speak with the permanent secretary was not successful as she walked and simply said “I am a permanent secretary, I do not grant interviews.”