The Nigeria Civil Service Union has conferred its Shield Award on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in recognition of his efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers. The award, considered the union's highest honour, was presented on Monday at Merit House in Abuja as part of the NCSU's 114th anniversary celebrations. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo, received the award on behalf of the President.
The NCSU leadership, led by its National President, Comrade Oluwole Sunday, presented the award to Keyamo. Sunday described Tinubu as a "true shield of the Nigerian worker", citing the administration's policies prioritizing workers' interests. The union stated that Tinubu's interventions had boosted morale within the civil service and demonstrated concern for workers' welfare.
Keyamo expressed gratitude for the honour, describing the NCSU as the oldest trade union in Nigeria. He noted that Tinubu had shown concern for workers' welfare by responding to issues brought to his attention. Keyamo mentioned that the President had approved the disbursement of N36 billion to former aviation workers, with the payment process nearing completion.
Keyamo also disclosed that a new salary structure had been approved for workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, resolving a relativity dispute that had lasted over 15 years. He stated that Tinubu had signed a new minimum wage in 2024 and reduced the statutory review period from five years to three years. This allows for negotiations for a new minimum wage to begin in 2027.
The NCSU, established over a century ago, has 84 affiliates and predates Nigeria's independence. Keyamo emphasized that the struggle for workers' welfare was not over, citing the need for continued efforts to prioritize workers' interests. He noted that his ministry was trying to reflect this compassion for workers in the aviation sector.
Keyamo insisted that it was unfair to neglect workers' welfare while top management staff enjoyed unnecessary perks. He recalled that the President had addressed the issue of relativity for NiMet workers, who were previously the most poorly paid, and had approved their new salary structure.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development concluded by stating that the compassion shown by President Tinubu towards workers was a reflection of his administration's commitment to prioritizing workers' welfare.
Key points
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was honoured with the Shield Award by the Nigeria Civil Service Union for his interventions on workers' welfare.
- The award was presented by the NCSU leadership, led by its National President, Comrade Oluwole Sunday.
- Tinubu's administration has implemented policies prioritizing workers' interests, including a new minimum wage and improved salary structures for certain agencies.
