… as Keyamo cites ₦36bn aviation workers’ payment, new NiMet salary structure
The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has honoured President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with its highest distinction, the Shield Award, as the union marked its 114th anniversary in Abuja.
The union said the award recognised the President’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and his interventions in issues affecting the workforce.
The award was presented on Monday at Merit House, Abuja, and received on behalf of the President by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The NCSU said the Shield Award is its highest honour and is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the advancement of Nigerian workers.
Presenting the award, NCSU National President, Comrade Oluwole Sunday, described Tinubu as a “true shield of the Nigerian worker”, citing what the union described as policies that have prioritised the interests of workers.
The union also said the President’s interventions had boosted morale within the civil service and demonstrated concern for workers’ welfare.
Keyamo Highlights Worker Interventions
Receiving the award, Keyamo expressed delight at the recognition from the NCSU, which he described as the oldest trade union in Nigeria.
He said the union’s history of defending workers’ interests, including its confrontation with British colonial authorities, made the honour significant.
“I got an invitation from the oldest trade union in Nigeria. You don’t understand, the oldest trade union, the trade union that confronted the British colonialists, is still standing on its feet today. That is the union you see here”, he said.
The Minister, who was also recognised by the union for his solidarity with Nigerian workers, used the occasion to highlight several interventions by the Tinubu administration in the aviation sector.
According to Keyamo, President Tinubu recently approved the release of ₦36 billion to settle outstanding payments owed former aviation workers, with the disbursement at its final stage.
He also disclosed that a new salary structure had been approved for workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), resolving what he described as a relativity issue that had remained unresolved for more than 15 years.
NiMet Salary Dispute Resolved
Keyamo said the disparity in the remuneration of NiMet workers had been a longstanding concern because of the nature of their responsibilities within the aviation sector.
“As at last week, what we cried to Mr President for regarding the NiMet workers was an issue of relativity. When I came to office, the NiMet workers were the most poorly paid, and there has been an issue of relativity in respect of the NiMet workers because they perform almost the same functions in the aviation industry”, he said.
He said the matter was presented to the President after years without resolution, adding that the administration subsequently approved a new salary structure and directed the release of funds.
“President approved their new salary structure. Not only that, he immediately ordered the release of funds”, Keyamo said.
Minister Recalls Minimum Wage Review Timeline
The Minister also pointed to the National Minimum Wage Act signed by President Tinubu in 2024, noting that the statutory review period was reduced from five years to three years.
He said the three-year review cycle would lead to negotiations for a new minimum wage in 2027.
“Don’t forget that it was when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came to power that he signed a new minimum wage in 2024 and sent it to the National Assembly, and it was implemented”, he said.
“But also remember that before, the statutory period for review of minimum wage was five years. President Tinubu said no, reduce it to three years”.
Keyamo said negotiations for a new minimum wage would commence in 2027 in line with the three-year review cycle.
NCSU Marks 114 Years
The NCSU, which has 84 affiliates, traces its history back more than a century and predates Nigeria’s independence.
The union’s leadership at the anniversary event included its National President, Comrade Oluwole Sunday; immediate past President and Chairman of the Occasion, Comrade Lawrence Ameachi; Chairman of the Federal Council, Comrade Adoga Gupada; and Assistant General Secretary, Comrade Yildet Bigwan.
Following the presentation, the award was displayed by Keyamo in his office alongside the leadership of the union.
The Minister said the pursuit of improved workers’ welfare remained ongoing, stressing that the struggle to secure better conditions for workers would continue.
“Like we said in our song, the struggle for our workers will continue”, he said.