In a dramatic development, workers at the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS) have shut down the agency’s office in protest over the non-payment of the newly approved minimum wage.
The protest erupted this morning, with staff members taking to the streets in front of the ODIRS office, demanding the immediate implementation of the new wage structure that was agreed upon months ago. The workers, including clerical staff, tax officers, and senior management, expressed frustration over what they called “a breach of trust” by the state government.
According to the protesting workers, despite several promises and agreements, the minimum wage increase has not been reflected in their salaries. The workers claim that the delay has led to significant financial hardship for many of them, with some unable to meet basic living expenses.
“We have been patient long enough,” said one of the workers, who spoke under the condition of anonymity. “We are the backbone of the state’s revenue generation, yet we are being treated with disrespect. We will not go back to work until our demands are met.”
The shutdown has caused a disruption in the daily operations of the state’s revenue service, potentially affecting the processing of tax payments, issuance of certificates, and other services provided to citizens and businesses. Customers who had come to carry out transactions were left stranded outside the locked offices.
In response, the Ondo State government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the situation. However, there are reports that negotiations are ongoing between the government and the workers’ representatives in an attempt to resolve the issue.
The workers have vowed to continue their strike until the government fully implements the new minimum wage, calling it a matter of dignity and fairness.
This ongoing standoff highlights the growing tensions between government employees and their employers over wage disputes, a situation that has been seen in various parts of Nigeria as workers push for better pay amidst rising inflation and economic challenges.
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