‘We’re Dying Weekly’
A staff member of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has raised the alarm over poor working conditions, inadequate welfare packages, and wage disparities, accusing the court’s management of neglecting the same labour rights it was established to protect.
In a passionate statement titled “A Cry for Justice: The Plight of Staff at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria,” the affected worker identified as Comrade E. K. O. called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the National Assembly, and President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and address the lingering issues faced by NICN workers.
The worker further lamented the disparity in the recent federal salary adjustment, noting that while employees of other federal courts received significant pay increases, NICN staff were allocated far lower increments with no clear explanation.
In addition, while other federal courts have begun disbursing outstanding salary arrears, NICN workers say they are still waiting in vain.
The allegations have sparked widespread concern, especially given the critical role of the NICN in adjudicating labour disputes, workers’ welfare, and employment rights across Nigeria.
Calls are growing for immediate intervention to prevent further deterioration of staff welfare and to ensure that the NICN upholds the very labour standards it is mandated to protect.
The statement reads in part: “The National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), constitutionally empowered to adjudicate on matters of labour, welfare, and workers’ rights, now stands accused of violating the very principles it was created to uphold. Ironically, the court entrusted with protecting Nigerian workers is allegedly subjecting its own staff to inhumane working conditions, poor welfare, and systemic neglect.
“It’s time for NICN management to do something about these disturbing patterns. Staff members are dying weekly, unable to afford basic medical care due to inadequate health support and delayed entitlements.
“The working environment is too toxic, with unnecessary taxation, poor welfare remuneration, and a disregard for the training and retraining of staff.
“In the recent federal salary adjustment, staff of other courts received significant increments. However, NICN employees were given far less—a disparity that remains unexplained and unresolved. While other federal courts have begun disbursing outstanding arrears, NICN staff continue to wait in vain.
“This is a direct appeal to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the National Assembly, and the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: please intervene. The silence is deafening, and the suffering is real.”
“We are not asking for privilege—we are demanding fairness, equity, and the right to live and work with dignity,” the worker added.