Employees at the Federal Institute of Industrial Research Oshodi are voicing their frustration over the non-payment of promotion entitlements for over four years, adding financial strain to their lives in the midst of a difficult economy.

Speaking anonymously to avoid retaliation, staffers revealed that despite undergoing promotion exercises, they haven’t received the associated financial benefits. 

This situation, first reported by PUNCH Metro in November 2022, has led to prayers, fasting, and mounting anxiety among the affected employees.

The institute’s branch chairman of the Senior Staff Association, Togunde Oyekola, confirmed the ongoing struggle and the sense of desperation among staff. 

One employee, who wished to remain unnamed, shared her personal experience: “We’ve been taking promotion exams for years without receiving the due financial adjustments. When I inquired about my promotion from last year, I was told to be patient, that even staff from three years ago haven’t been paid. It’s simply unfair, especially considering the rising cost of living.”

Another staffer, identified only as Rolly, highlighted the inconsistency in payment, with some receiving their entitlements in installments while others, including those promoted in 2019, remain empty-handed. 

“Before the crisis, when you do your promotion in December, the following year by January, you started to get your promotional entitlement but along the line, things changed. Those that did their promotion in 2019, were just paid early this year in bits.

“Despite the protest embarked upon by the staff members some time ago, nothing was done to it and this is affecting us. The economy is not favourable at all.”

When contacted for reactions, the Public Relations Officer of FIIRO, Chris Olumuyiwa, asked our correspondent to visit the FIIRO office for reactions.

“I can’t give you reactions on the phone. You can come to the office if you want my audience, that’s the process,” he said.