Over 38,000 PHCN workers to be paid by week end- Perm-Sec

[FMINigeria]

The Federal Government says it has resolved labour related issues which appeared to have slowed the privatization process of the power sector, and will begin to effect payments of benefits to workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) before the end of this week.

A statement issued by Mr. Timothy Oyedeji, Deputy Director/Head of Press, Federal Ministry of Power, quoted the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Godknows Igali as making this known at the end of the negotiation with the PHCN Workers Union.

According to the statement, Igali declared that "the implementation committee has resolved all contending issues and promised that before the end of this week at least over 38,000 workers would have had the payments effected".

The Permanent Secretary had blamed the few hiccups experienced in the course of the exercise on the large number of people involved, adding that Government has enough funds for the process but was just being careful in ensuring that monies are not paid into wrong accounts.

Left,Dr. (Mrs.) Agary Tiemebi, Member PHCN Staff Implementation Committee, Amb. (Dr.) Godknows Igali, Perm. Sec. Power Ministry, Mr. Jonah Otunla, Accountant General of the Federation, 2nd right Comrade Joe Ajaero, Secretary General (NUEE) and other Members of the Committee on payment of PHCN staff benefits in Abuja.

He commended the labour union for exhibiting patriotism just as he disclosed that of the 47,000 staff, so far, 45, 366 persons have been captured, and promised that "the remaining persons would be done after the Office of the Accountant General finalises its processes".

Also speaking at the end of the negotiation, Mr. Jonah Otunla, the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF) said his office is always ready to pay all outstanding payments after all due processes. He also reiterated the resolve of Government to honour all obligations to the PHCN workers.

Comrade Joe Ajaero who spoke on behalf of the Union said it was hoped that in two weeks, Government should complete the process as they don't expect the process to be indefinite.

He equally commended Government for providing solutions to issues agitating the minds of the unions, but was quick to stress the need for Biometric capturing of all workers before payment.

Ajaero further urged all members of the unions nationwide to suspend their planned action and protest, as this he pointed out, will give room to the workers to watch if Government will still be committed to ensuring prompt payment of entitlements to its members.

Source: Over 38,000 PHCN workers to be paid by week end- Perm-Sec
Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria