NIMC Workers Commence Strike Over Exposure To COVID-19

NIMC Workers Commence Strike Over Exposure To COVID-19.

The National Identity Management Commission staff, has embarked on strike leaving thousands of applicants outside their premises.

Reports from the registration center in University of Ilorin on Thursday morning disclosed that applicants who were there as early as 6 am were told to return to their houses.

The notice of strike was signed by the President of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, NIMC branch, Lucky Michael, and it’s Secretary, Odia Victor.

It read in part:

“Consequent upon the just concluded congress of the above mentioned association that took place on January 6, 2020, the unit executive directs all members of grade level 12 and below in the head office and state offices to report to their respective duty posts tomorrow January 7, 2020 and do nothing.”

“All members at the local government offices and special centers are advised to stay away from their various centers as task force and implementation committees would be on parade to ensure total compliance to the directive.”

A statement released at the end of the congress meeting of the ACCSN, NIMC branch, noted that the strike became necessary due to the exposure of staff to COVID-19 risks, lack of personal protective equipment, irregularities in promotion and poor funding.

They also asked to be paid overtime and given enough tools to work with.

The congress noted that:

 “Staff members were infected with COVID-19 and adequate measures have not been taken to curtail the spread. The meeting resolved that safety of staff should be prioritized. Furthermore the office environment should be fumigated immediately.”

 “The congress agreed that the NIMC staff salary structure approved by the Federal Government vide Presidential assent be implemented in the personnel appropriation of the 2021 annual budget effective January 2021.”

“That the lopsided and irregular promotion done in 2017 and 2020 be reviewed, regularized and gazette in accordance with public service rules.”