Staff members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), representing employees at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), took to the streets of Abuja on Monday to protest what they described as ongoing unfair labour practices and the neglect of staff welfare by the commission’s management.
The protest, which remained peaceful, saw workers picketing the NAICOM headquarters while calling attention to a range of unresolved issues affecting their working conditions and professional growth.
Addressing participants during the demonstration, the union chairman, Ibrahim Mustapha, accused the management of repeatedly ignoring previously agreed terms as well as directives issued by the Minister of Labour, despite several rounds of dialogue.
According to Mustapha, the continued failure to implement agreed reforms—particularly those relating to staff welfare and administrative processes has significantly damaged trust between employees and the leadership of the institution. He stressed that workers are determined to continue pressing for adherence to labour policies and equitable treatment.
As part of their action, the union presented a comprehensive 25-point list of demands covering a broad spectrum of concerns.
These include delays in staff promotions, what they described as selective enforcement of policies, controversial staff transfers, limited access to training opportunities, and shortcomings in welfare provisions.
Among the most pressing demands are the immediate promotion of qualified staff, the establishment of fair and transparent recruitment and promotion systems, and an end to “vindictive transfers”.
The workers also called for expanded training and development opportunities, as well as the uniform application of workplace policies across all levels of staff. Additionally, they raised concerns about alleged disparities in allowances and car grants, insisting that such benefits should be distributed equitably and in line with prevailing market standards.
Further demands include the full implementation of monetisation policies, a thorough review of internal administrative procedures, and the inclusion of staff in key institutional activities.
The union also highlighted the need to improve working conditions in zonal offices, strengthen security at the headquarters following reported theft incidents, and ensure the payment of outstanding allowances and rent-related benefits in accordance with established conditions of service.
In conclusion, the union called on NAICOM management to resume negotiations in good faith to resolve the issues amicably, warning that workers would remain steadfast in their demands until meaningful action is taken.
