Downsizing deals - Nigerian government to sacks 5,000 steel workers
【2009-10-16】
Allafirca.com reported that the number of unemployed persons in Nigeria is set to swell as Federal Government disclosed plans to lay off 5,000 workers of the Ajaokuta Steel Company and its sister company, National Iron Ore located at Ita-kpe both in Kogi State.
AS per report, sacking of staff is part of decisions taken by a joint ministerial committee comprising the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Ministry of Labour and Productivity and the Finance Ministry respectively.
Ms Diezani Allison-Madueke Minister of Mines and Steel Development told newsmen in Abuja that President Mr Umaru Yar'Adua has however approved NGN 3.32 billion as payment for 10 months salary arrears owed the affected workers.
Ms Allison-Madueke said that restructuring of the two companies was aimed at laying solid foundation for the conception or privatization of the entities to an efficient core investor with the required expertise to transform fortune of the organizations.
According to her, government is no longer prepared to take responsibility for the salaries of staff in near comatose firms which drain the ministry's budget.
She said the payment of workers arrears, which started last Friday would end the violent protest by the steel workers.
(Sourced from Allafrica.com)
|
|
COMPANY PROFILE