By Daniel Tyokua
The Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), the umbrella body of the various employees’ unions in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commended the FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello for his efforts in clearing arrears of members.
Chairman of JUAC, Comrade Korede Matilukuro during the first Quarterly meeting of the union and the FCT Administration, thanked the FCT Minister for the payment of promotion salary arrears to FCTA workers in December of 2021 totaling the sum of 2.9 billion Naira.
In his words “Without telling us in December, the Minister went out of his way and he paid a whooping sum of N2.9 billion just for promotion arrears without telling anyone. The next thing we saw … waking up and our staff are attesting to the fact these promotion arrears were paid”.
“So, I’m sure that if you are in my shoes, you would do more than standing ovation. That shows the disposition of a good leader. Sincerely speaking, Malam Musa Muhammad Bello has not only been encouraging, he has actually added value to the system and to quite a number of staff”.
He also said “Let me also say that the enjoyment of the promotion arrears even went as far as those that are retired. They called to say it has never happened before; that initially, some of them even thought that it was 419, how can I retire and they will pay promotion arears into my account. That’s how far the Minister has gone. So, we are not regretting taking that position”, Matilukuro concluded.
Speaking on the highlights of the meeting the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola said “First quarter meeting reviewed the general situation of the workforce of the FCTA. The Hon. Minister commended JUAC for their cordial working relationship with the management. The JUAC was also appreciated for their role in the resolution of the lingering industrial action by the NUT”.
He went further to say that “JUAC on its part, assured of its continuous support of the administration. Various issues that bother on staff welfare were discussed and resolutions were arrived”.
Amongst the resolutions, the Permanent Secretary said was the commitment of the Hon. Minister to support JUAC in strengthening its cooperative society so that the Administration will be able to deliver further welfare to the staff beneficiaries.
Continuing, Mr Olusade said “JUAC also promised not only to continue to support the Administration, but to also point out to the Administration where necessary, areas for improvement”.
