29th January, 2023
Workers of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) are threatening industrial action on Monday, January 30th, over the Federal Government’s alleged abandonment.
The protesting employees urge the federal government to intervene before the strike began immediately.
Ayo Olorunfemi, the General Secretary of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies, who led the protest on Friday, said NIPOST workers have been relegated.
According to Olorunfemi, several service personnel have received no capital funding from the Federal Government in the last 15 years.
He also requested that the government should shine a light on the agency’s finances.
“All we are saying is this: Reform must be open; [it] must be clear. Our fear must be addressed and the reform must be in the overall interest of Nigeria. Any reform that is targeting some individuals will not be accepted.
“Therefore, this is another process. We have been going on strikes and they have been talking to us to suspend them,” he said.
However, Olorunfemi noted that this time, the strike is solely aimed at bringing about a much-needed reform process.
“We expect a suspension of the process. Let the next government come and follow due process in ensuring that we have a sustainable reform procedure.
“We’re expecting that a percentage, even if it is not more than two per cent of that fund, be released to NIPOST for infrastructure and the welfare of staff.
“Immediately the so-called Finance Bill was passed into law, the money was packed away. One naira has not been given to NIPOST and NIPOST is not on any capital budget of the Federal Government,” he said.