NCS officials threaten strike over low salaries, poor working conditions

Ini Billie, Uyo

Officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCS) have threatened to embark on strike over low salaries and poor work conditions.

It was learnt that some aggrieved officials complained over their neglect by the Federal Government despite the hazardous nature of their work and sought a review.

In a document obtained by journalists on Tuesday in Uyo, the aggrieved workers accused the FG of paying more attention to inmates and the building of facilities across the country without consideration for the welfare of those manning the inmates and facilities.

They urged President Muhammadu Buhari to set up a welfare committee that will look into their welfare as they do not have a service commission or effective representation in the National Assembly, saying they don’t want to die in silence.

“Now the big question is, why all the attention of the Federal government focusing on the inmates, buildings and others, then neglecting the welfare of the officers employed to take care and correct the inmates in line with the Mandela’s rule?

“In line with the United Nation Standard, minimum rules (Mandela’s rules), the correctional officers are well paid and taken care of in all capacities to enable them carry out their legitimate responsibilities for the betterment of the inmates and the Nation. But here in Nigeria, the reverse is the case.

“Our salaries and allowances are very poor both the senior and the junior officers. We are traumatized to the extent of recently some staff committing suicide due to neglect, poor welfare. If this issue is not addressed, we are left with no option than to go on strike.

“We want to draw the attention of the federal government that the Modus Operandi of our NCS must be changed to commensurate with the new nomenclature. Officers and men should experience the correction firstly in different areas of their livelihood. They should be trained overseas to be able to adapt to system of operation for better productivity and to reduce cases of recidivism.

“Accommodations of the NCS officers both senior and junior are eye soars except those officers who are very lucky to work in Akwa Ibom command and Ikot Ekpene custodial centre but thatch/mud houses are still used as accommodation by the NCS officers in different parts of the country. No befitting Barracks

“The Nigerian Correctional Officers and men did not receive a diem and palliative from the Federal government throughout the Covid 19 lockdown, but we are still committed to our duties, caring for the inmates, providing guards and security to all the correctional centres to avoid any unusual occurrences to the facilities in Nigeria,” the document stated.

However, the NCS Public Relations Officer, HU Chukwuedo denied privy to any strike threat by the officers.

“Well, I’m not aware of any threat by our officers to go on strike and I’ve not even gotten the lead from any quarter that any of our staff is protesting over anything,” he said.