ABUJA — A group of civil servants staged a peaceful protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance headquarters in Abuja on Monday, demanding improved welfare and the implementation of outstanding allowances.
The workers, who gathered as early as 8:00 a.m., carried placards with messages such as “Pay Our Allowances,” “We Deserve Better,” and “End Delayed Entitlements,” while chanting solidarity songs.
Spokesperson for the protesting workers, Mr. James Adeyemi, said the demonstration was a result of the federal government’s failure to address long-standing issues affecting staff welfare, including promotion arrears, housing support, and hazard allowances.
“We are here to demand our rights. For years, we have been patient, but nothing has changed. The cost of living keeps rising, and we cannot continue to work under these conditions,” Adeyemi said.
Officials from the ministry later addressed the protesters, assuring them that their concerns were being reviewed and that dialogue would be initiated with relevant authorities to resolve the issues amicably.
The protest caused brief disruptions to activities at the ministry, although security personnel were on ground to ensure orderliness.
The workers called on the federal government to prioritize staff welfare, warning that failure to act could result in a full-blown industrial action.
