FG, PHCN reach truce on workers’ terminal pay

From DENNIS MERNYI, Abuja
The Federal Government has said all pending labour related issues with workers of defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) that appeared to be a clog in the wheel of its power sector privatisation have been resolved.
Permanent Secretary, Power Ministry, Dr. Godknows Igali, who disclosed this after the meeting of the implementation committee said government has resolved all contentious issues and promised that before the end of this week over 38,000 workers would have been paid their entitlements.
Igali, however, 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. He explained that it was only being careful in ensuring that money was not paid into wrong accounts.
Commending labour for show of patriotism, he said 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 PHCN workers.
Mr. Joe Ajaero, who spoke on behalf of the union blamed government for sending wrong signals as to what led to the stoppage of payment, which had commenced earlier.
He said on the part of labour, the hope is that in two weeks, government should complete the process as workers do not expect indefinite payment.
Ajaero commended government for providing solutions to issues agitating the minds of the unions but was quick to admit the need for bio metric capture of all workers before payment.
He urged all members of the unions nationwide to suspend their planned action and protest, as this will give room for the workers to watch if government will still be committed to ensuring prompt payment of entitlements to its members.