The Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has presented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with its Shield Award in recognition of what the union described as his commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers.
The award was presented on Monday in Abuja as part of activities marking the 114th anniversary of the NCSU, with Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, receiving the honour on the President’s behalf at Merit House.
The union described the Shield Award as its highest honour and said it is reserved for individuals considered to have demonstrated exceptional service and dedication to the advancement of Nigerian workers.
The presentation was led by NCSU National President, Comrade Oluwole Sunday. Other labour leaders present included immediate past president Comrade Lawrence Ameachi, who chaired the occasion, Federal Council Chairman Comrade Adoga Gupada and Assistant General Secretary Comrade Yildet Bigwan.
While presenting the award, Sunday described Tinubu as a “true shield of the Nigerian worker” and said the President’s policies had prioritised the interests of workers.
The union also said government interventions had contributed to improved morale within the civil service and demonstrated attention to workers’ welfare.
Keyamo highlights government measures
Receiving the award on behalf of the President, Keyamo thanked the NCSU for the recognition and highlighted several measures he said reflected Tinubu’s attention to workers’ concerns.
The minister cited the President’s approval of funds for former aviation workers and the resolution of a long-standing salary relativity issue affecting employees of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet).
According to Keyamo, a new salary structure for NiMet workers had recently been approved after the matter had remained unresolved for more than 15 years.
He also pointed to the 2024 national minimum wage legislation, noting that the statutory review period was reduced from five years to three years.
Keyamo said this means negotiations for a new national minimum wage are expected to begin in 2027.
Labour concerns remain
The award comes against a backdrop of continuing discussions over wages, purchasing power and working conditions in Nigeria’s public service.
On September 28, the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council’s Trade Union Side threatened a three-day warning strike beginning October 2 if the Federal Government failed to address demands relating to fuel prices, wage awards and negotiations for a new minimum wage.
The development means the NCSU award and ongoing labour demands are occurring alongside broader negotiations over the economic conditions facing public-sector workers.
Keyamo, who was also recognised by the NCSU during the event, said the struggle for workers’ welfare would continue.
The union’s presentation therefore adds another development to the ongoing national conversation about wages, public-sector conditions and government-labour relations.
