The Federal Ministry of Works, employees staged a lock-in protest yesterday, effectively barricading Minister Dave Umahi within his office. The protest was initiated in response to the minister’s decision to lock workers out of their offices, citing concerns about lateness to work.
The protesting workers, expressing their dissatisfaction with the minister’s actions, labeled him as dictatorial. They took drastic measures by blocking both entry and exit points of the ministry, demanding immediate attention to their grievances.
Chanting slogans such as “Umahi must go,” the protesters articulated their frustration with the minister’s apparent lack of consideration for the challenges they face due to their residence in areas outside the city center.
One employee, speaking anonymously to reporters out of fear of reprisal, shed light on the difficulties faced by many of the workers. They explained, “Most of us live in areas as far as Suleja in Niger State, some in Gwagwalada, Keffi, Abaji, Kuje, Kwali, and along the Kaduna road. Matters have been compounded by the fuel subsidy removal. Most times, we have to rely on friends with cars to get to work due to the exorbitant transportation costs. Additionally, many of us do not earn up to N80,000 as a monthly salary. How are we expected to adequately provide for our families and meet other financial obligations?”
The workers had hoped for the minister to demonstrate a greater understanding of the economic challenges currently facing citizens across the country and consider these factors in his management of the ministry. They expressed the sentiment that Umahi’s approach seemed more suited to his previous role as the governor of Ebonyi State, rather than as the minister responsible for a nationwide ministry.
Calm was eventually restored at the ministry following the intervention of union representatives and senior officials within the ministry.
