TUC’s Nuhu Toro urges FG to settle unpaid union entitlements, protests erupt at Finance Ministry
Nuhu Toro, Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has urged the Federal Government to immediately release long-overdue entitlements owed to multiple labour unions since February.
These include the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Construction Workers Association, and the Kaduna Zonal Council of PENGASSAN, among others.
Toro made the appeal on Tuesday, May 20, during a peaceful protest staged by union members at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja.
He expressed deep frustration over the government’s prolonged silence, accusing Finance Minister Wale Edun of failing to act on the workers’ files. Toro also linked the situation to the broader economic crisis, highlighting the falling value of the naira and the shrinking purchasing power of Nigerian workers.
“We are here because we’ve exhausted all diplomatic channels. These are legitimate entitlements owed since February, and the silence from the Ministry is unacceptable,” Toro said.
“Nigerian workers are struggling under inflation, a weakening naira, and rising costs. Delayed payments only worsen an already dire situation.”
Government response: Resolution promised in 48 hours
Addressing the protesters, Mr Raymond Omachi, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, confirmed that the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, had approved the union requests.
Omachi assured the aggrieved workers that steps were already being taken and the issue would be resolved within 48 hours.
“We understand your grievances and appreciate your peaceful conduct. The Minister has approved your files, and we are working to ensure payments are processed without further delay,” Omachi stated.
The unions have indicated they will monitor the government’s response closely over the next two days, warning that failure to act could lead to escalated industrial action.
This protest is part of a growing wave of labour unrest across the country, as workers demand not only timely entitlements but also economic policies that improve their welfare amid deepening hardship.
