Members of the NTAC staff today joined their colleagues from other Ministries, Departments and Agencies across the country to participate in activities to mark this year’s Workers’ Day celebration held in Abuja, Nigeria ‘s Federal Capital City. Among participants at the event that was held at the Eagle Square were also a number of private sector Organisations and workers that came to express solidarity with their colleagues in the public service.
The event commenced with staff of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC) joining their Ministry counterparts at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters to set off what was going to be a day for solidarity songs, Union speeches, dancing as well as other coordinated junketing among workers at the prestigious Eagle Square, Abuja.
At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters, members of staff gathered in their numbers wearing customized regalia supplied by the Management. The atmosphere was that of celebration and complete pageantry as they engaged in dancing to lively music and socializing in high team spirits.
Speaking to the highly elated audience, the representative of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and NTAC’s Deputy Director (Administration), Amb. Saidu D. Muhammad, commended the staff for their dedication to duty. He encouraged them to continue to pray for the nation and their various workplaces, stressing the importance of prayers in the life of every nation. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would rise beyond global benchmarks and attain the level of countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Oman and such other countries with high standards of living, if citizens remained focused, united and patriotic. He concluded by wishing all workers strength and fulfillment in their service to the nation.
During the event, staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs used the opportunity to present a number of welfare concerns to Management. While presenting their requests, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, who also leads the Joint Negotiating Council at Ministry, Comrade Kenneth Aburime emphasized the need for increase in welfare disbursements to staff from twice to four times yearly. He also made a case for the provision of staff buses to ease transportation and sued for improved treatment of newly retired staff, who he argued deserved more than the way they are currently treated after serving the nation through the Ministry for over 30 years in most cases.
Continuing, Comrade Aburime also wondered why the Ministry’s staff were not entitled to free first-aid medical treatments at the Ministry’s clinic, which he informed is the practice elsewhere. He also called for the introduction of digital literacy workshops in the Ministry to enhance staff proficiency in ICT and to even address retirement plans.
In his response, Ambassador Muhammad appreciated the staff for voicing their concerns and promised to make their requests available to Management. He emphasized the importance of dialogue in a democratic workforce and assured them that their requests would be communicated to the appropriate authorities. He stated that, while funding and welfare-related issues were being felt across various institutions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to structured and lawful advocacy. He emphasized that the Honourable Minister, the Minister of State and the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were leaders “with the hearts of parents” and expressed optimism that they would treat issues highlighted with care and urgency.
While explaining that the Ministry was currently working to streamline its revenue usage and documentation, especially in terms of internally generated funds, Amb. Muhammad added that the issue of outstanding debts was a global challenge, but one that the Ministry continues to raise at the highest levels. He also endorsed the idea of computer literacy workshops and assured that it would be forwarded to the appropriate Unit. In addition to the foregoing, he proposed that a special consideration be made to nominate long-serving, qualified staff for diplomatic postings abroad, particularly those members of staff who have never had Foreign Service experience despite over 15 years of service.
The day’s activities continued at the Eagle Square, where NTAC staff participated in the official Workers’ Day parade. Dressed in coordinated white shirts and caps. The Corps’ delegation stood out for its discipline and coordination.
The event was attended by key national Labour figures, including Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC); and Comrade Festus Osifo, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), among other notable leaders of various Labour Unions in the country.
The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Alh. Muhammadu Dakingari Dingyadi, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the occasion and his Minister of State counterpart, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Nkeiruka Onyejeocha were also present to accord the day’s events the importance it deserved.
In their separate speeches, the Labour leaders highlighted the theme of this year’s celebration: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” while calling for greater protection of civic and labour rights, better working conditions, and sustained government engagement in addressing workers’ needs amid economic constraints.
The Minister of Labour and Employment also spoke on the reforms of the Tinubu Administration that are aimed at addressing the welfare of Nigerian workers. He drew the attention of the audience to the enhanced National Minimum Wage and promised that in the next few days all shortfalls and differentials on the new salary structure implementation would be fully redressed at the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF).
The day’s events climaxed with the match past by various MDAs and private sector Organisations present at the Eagle Square at the end of which NTAC’s delegation to the event had cause to return to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters where it was again addressed by Ambassador S.D. Muhammad, who expressed his heartfelt appreciation to key leadership figures including Mr. President, the Honourable Ministers of the Ministry, the Director General NTAC as well as the entire Management of NTAC for making the day’s events a resounding success. He thanked the staff for their commitment and mature disposition to the day’s activities and promised to convey a favourable report to Management on their overall conduct.
While noting the increase in the number of members of staff that participated in this year’s event from NTAC in comparison to that of last year, Amb. Muhammad, who informed that this year’s own put at 40 was a gross improvement and again, reiterated his appreciation to Management for all the comprehensive provisions that were made for the contingent’s collective appearance, welfare and comfort.
He extended gratitude to every member of the team who contributed to the success of the event, praising the staff for their patience, steadfastness, and perseverance throughout the celebration while highlighting their professionalism, composure and seriousness during the parade.
He specifically appreciated those who stayed behind to ensure others were comfortable and affirmed that the Corps had “gone, conquered and returned.” He noted that the team had also addressed the media, further reinforcing their visibility and impact.
This year’s celebration reinforced the commitment of the Ministry and its parastatals, including NTAC, to improving staff welfare and contributing to Nigeria’s development through service, discipline and diplomacy.
Signed:
Ojo Adetoun Olubunmi
Head, Information and Public Relations
1st May 2025
