“We Only Received September N35,000 Wage Award” – TUC Issues Warning to FG

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued a warning to the Federal Government after it stopped paying a wage award of $35,000 to federal civil servants.

TUC urged the Federal Government on Tuesday to pay all federal civil servants the award immediately, as agreed during a meeting held following the removal of fuel subsidies.

TUC President Festus Osifo told journalists in Abuja after the congress’ emergency National Executive Council meeting that workers had only received a one-month payment for September, and that only a few workers had been paid for the second time.

He also advised all 36 state governors and the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, to “tighten their belts in alleviating the plight of workers” following the removal of fuel subsidy to avoid a fresh crisis in the country.

The TUC leadership also expressed concern about Nigeria’s rising debt profile, urging the Federal government to reduce borrowing as soon as possible.

The TUC also expressed concern about the risks associated with a recent memo from the Office of the Chief of Staff proposing a two-year tenure for labor leaders.

According to Osifo, the current debt-to-income ratio is shrinking, posing a potential threat of increased hardships for the general public. He believes that failing to address the issues raised by Congress in a timely manner could lead to industrial disharmony in the country.

Nigeria’s total public debt hit N87.38tn at the end of the second quarter of 2023. The figure represents an increase of 75.29 percent or N37.53tn compared to N49.85tn recorded at the end of March 2023, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO).