Nigerian Water Ministry Workers Seek Salary, Career Advances

Workers from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation and River Basin Development Authorities asked the Federal Government to address outstanding salary issues and improve career opportunities. The union, led by Ambrose Igiebour, presented demands to Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof Joseph Utsev, including the settlement of promotion arrears dating back to 2019.

They also requested a review of the salary structure for River Basin Development Authorities personnel, improved career progression pathways, specifically allowing qualified staff to advance to executive positions, and regular, timely promotion exercises. The union emphasized their commitment to industrial harmony and framed their requests as essential for sustaining economic growth and food security as part of the President’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” Utsev responded positively, promising to consider their requests and address ongoing labor disputes within the River Basin Development Authorities. He also committed to incorporating union input into ministry policies and programs, aligning with the government’s goals for the water resources sector.