Union Demands Accelerated Pay Rise for NIMC Staff

Emma Okonji

Senior Staff Association of Communications, Transport and Corporations (SSACTAC), an Affiliate of Trade Union Congress (TUC), representing hundreds of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) staff has said it is working to ensure better welfare for the staff of NIMC.

As millions of workers across the world celebrated the 2015 Workers Day on May 1, the Union at a private celebration with NIMC in Abuja, expressed several workplace grievances including the slow pace of action in the anticipated pay rise for staff of the Commission, but assured that it would not rest until the issue is sorted out.

The Workers Day celebration saw the union under the aegis of the SSACTAC, challenge the federal government, demanding for a swift pay rise and better staff welfare package.

The Union noted that members of staff of NIMC are the list paid among all the statutory Commissions of its category in the country despite the importance of the project and called on the all the relevant authorities including the Board of NIMC and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who directly oversees the National Identity Management System (NIMS) to handle issues delaying the improved pay.

However, the Asst. General Manager, Human Capital Management, NIMC, Comrade Olorunfemi Ayo, who represented the top management staff of the Commission at the 2015 May Day celebration, addressed the staff and calmed down frayed nerves.

According to him, “I stand here to felicitate with NIMC workers and to say thank you for how far we have come. I applaud each and every one of you for your contributions towards putting the Commission in the world radar as far as Identity Management is concerned.”

“It is not negative that we have some challenges. I know that to whom much is given, much is expected and very much is clearly expected from the management. Let me assure you that the management is working tirelessly to ensure that the staff welfare is better. Also, the union is also working to ensure better welfare for the staff of NIMC,” he said.

The basic challenge is that NIMC is currently not generating revenue, but moving forward requires the participation, involvement, passion and patience of all. We shall get there, he further explained.

“I felicitate with staff of NIMC on this day, it is very encouraging that NIMC staff are not left behind as we mark the 2015 May Day. We will continue to call on all the relevant authorities including the board of NIMC and the federal government until all issues regarding staff welfare, are addressed.