In a surprising turn of events, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, caused a stir on Thursday as he locked out staff from his ministry due to their tardiness in resuming office duties.
The minister’s unexpected action ignited a protest among the aggrieved workers, who vehemently expressed their displeasure over the decision.
The protests, which featured chants of “Umahi Must Go,” unfolded as the disgruntled employees gathered outside the ministry’s gates. Their primary grievance centered on the considerable distance many of them had to travel to reach the office in the early morning hours.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP on condition of anonymity, a senior staff member revealed that the lengthy commutes faced by some employees were the primary cause of their delayed arrivals.
These dedicated workers hailed from various satellite towns, including Gwagwalada, Keffi, Abaji, Kuje, Kwali, and Kaduna Road, often resorting to carpooling to reduce transportation expenses.
The employee lamented, “Some of them are earning a meager hundred thousand naira per month, while others receive even less at N80,000 per month, all while being responsible for their families. After factoring in transportation costs, there’s barely anything left. Hence, they’ve had to devise alternative means to get to the office.”
After initial resistance, it was reported that the Minister eventually permitted the employees to enter the ministry premises. However, the staff, undeterred, stood their ground, demanding that the Minister come out and address their concerns directly.
Their core request was for the minister to take into consideration the challenges they faced regarding punctuality and late arrivals.
They argued that the Minister had not issued any prior warnings or circulars regarding his decision to lock them out, leaving them feeling unfairly penalised.
The standoff between the Minister and his staff continues, with both sides seemingly entrenched in their positions.
This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by workers commuting from distant locations to their places of employment and underscores the importance of effective communication and understanding in workplace management.
