Although the workers called on the management of the ministry to expedite action in settling its N17bn debt to the contractors, they kicked against the continued disruption of business at the agriculture ministry by the contractors. But workers of the ministry, under various unions, came out on Wednesday, displaying placards in protest against the continued picketing of their workplace by aggrieved contractors. Speaking on behalf of the unions, the Joint Chairman, Nigerian Civil Service Unions, FMARD, Leon Esebanme, said, “Moving to this building to disrupt official business cannot bring about their (contractors) payments. The workers also urged the contractors to exercise patience with the minister and his permanent secretary, as they argued that both officials inherited the debts. They said dialogue was the way out, stressing that the continued disruption of work at the ministry would further stall the payment process.

Source: Punch June 03, 2020 23:03 UTC