The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has sacked approximately 4,000 workers, a decision that has sparked threats from the affected employees to hand over the Director-General, Chris Onyemena, to God if the move is not reversed. However, some of the dismissed staff have been recalled and directed to attend a workshop in Asaba, Delta State.
Recalled Workers and Workshop Details
According to The Nation, some of the recalled workers, particularly those with higher degrees, attended a workshop at Hotel Benieza in Asaba. The training focused on the registration of National Identity cards and database management, anchored by the Deputy Director in charge of training, Mrs. Florence Igboke.
One of the affected workers, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed frustration: “We are not against his sack but let him follow the due process of sack. Some of us have worked for 15 years, 20 years and 29 years.”
Background: Ghost Workers and Personnel Costs
Last year, the commission disclosed that it had discovered 4,000 “ghost workers” within its ranks and planned to reduce personnel costs, which increased from N3.3 billion in 2011 to N4.2 billion in 2012.
The Labour Adviser to the Director-General, Ayo Olorunfemi, noted that NIMC is one of the few offices in the country with a majority of its workforce in the junior cadre.
Inherited Staff from Defunct DNCR
The commission explained that the affected staff members were inherited from the defunct Department of National Civic Registration (DNCR), which was under the former Ministry of Internal Affairs, now the Ministry of Interior.
The sacking has raised concerns among workers, who demand adherence to due process. The recalled workers' training in Asaba signals a possible reconsideration for some, but the fate of the remaining sacked employees remains uncertain. The final outcome hinges on the DG's response to the workers' grievances.
