By Maryama Abdullahi, Kaduna
The Arewa Youths Movement for Good Governance (AYMGG) has raised serious concerns over the prolonged delay in the payment of outstanding benefits owed to former staff of the New Nigerian Newspapers (NNN).
The body called on the Northern Governors Forum to urgently investigate the handling of the matter by the New Nigeria Development Company (NNDC).
Speaking in Kaduna, AYMGG North West Coordinator, Comrade Ibrahim Ahmadu, criticized what he described as the NNDC’s lack of urgency and accountability in executing its mandate to settle workers’ benefits following the dissolution of NNN.
He stated that despite prior approvals, many affected workers have yet to receive their entitlements, which include unpaid salaries, gratuities, and statutory deductions.
According to the group, the NNDC was entrusted with the sale of NNN assets, with a directive to channel the proceeds toward compensating former employees.
However, delays in fulfilling this obligation have reportedly caused considerable hardship, with some retirees passing away before receiving their dues.
AYMGG also expressed dismay over reports that the NNDC allegedly proposed to pay former NNN workers directly rather than remitting the funds through the appropriate company structures.
The group questioned the rationale behind this approach, especially if the NNDC lacked the administrative framework to handle such disbursements efficiently.
Comrade Ahmadu further called for transparency in the management of the process, raising questions about the NNDC’s accountability to the Northern Governors Forum and its overall role in the NNN liquidation process.
He urged the forum to clarify the extent of the NNDC’s mandate and ensure proper oversight going forward.
The group demanded that the Northern Governors Forum compel the NNDC to expedite the release of all owed entitlements to the appropriate channels for immediate payment to the affected workers.
It also recommended the constitution of a high-level investigative panel to audit the NNDC’s handling of the matter and, if necessary, recommend a temporary reconstitution of the company’s management and board.
Citing internal estimates, AYMGG noted that the total benefits owed to the former NNN staff amount to over ₦2.5 billion, covering unpaid wages, retirement benefits, and other allowances.
In a final note, the group signaled its readiness to coordinate peaceful civic actions, including protest marches across Northern states, should the authorities fail to act decisively.
AYMGG expressed confidence that a thorough probe into the matter could uncover critical gaps and lead to corrective measures.
