NBS Workers Issue One-Month Ultimatum, Threaten Strike Over Poor Welfare, Facilities
By Rimawaglobalnews Correspondent
Workers of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS), under the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), have issued a one-month ultimatum to the station’s management and the Nasarawa State Government, threatening to withdraw their services over what they described as poor conditions of service and neglect of critical operational needs.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the union’s congress held on Monday in Lafia.
The communiqué, jointly signed by the JAC Chairman, Comrade Aminu Adamu, and Secretary, Comrade Valentine Joshua, highlighted a range of pressing concerns affecting staff welfare, productivity, and the overall functionality of the state-owned broadcast outfit.
Top among the grievances raised by the workers is the disparity between workload and remuneration, which they say has led to a steady exodus of skilled personnel to other government agencies. The congress called on management to urgently engage the state government to adopt the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) salary structure for media workers.
The union also decried the deplorable state of equipment at the station, noting that NBS currently operates with only two functional cameras, forcing reporters to rely on mobile phones for coverage. While acknowledging government’s plan to upgrade facilities, the congress stressed the need for immediate staff training to meet modern broadcasting standards.
On security, the workers described the station’s environment as porous and unsafe, urging management to strengthen security measures in view of prevailing national security challenges.
The communiqué further lamented delays in staff promotions despite the existence of a governing board, calling for immediate issuance of promotion letters to eligible personnel.
Other concerns include the acute shortage of operational vehicles, with the station reportedly relying on a single functional vehicle, as well as inadequate staffing in key support roles such as drivers and cleaners.
The union also condemned a directive requiring sick cleaners to provide replacements, describing it as contrary to civil service rules.
The non-functional state of the station’s clinic was also flagged as a major concern, with workers warning that it poses serious health risks to staff.
While raising these issues, the congress also cautioned staff against laxity and poor work attitudes, emphasizing the need for improved discipline and productivity across the board.
The workers warned that failure by the management and the state government to address their demands within one month would leave them with no option but to embark on an indefinite strike.
The development signals rising labour tension within the state media establishment, with potential implications for information dissemination and public communication if the dispute is not resolved promptly.
