NBS Staff Issue One-Month Ultimatum, Threaten Shutdown Over Poor Conditions

Timescope News 

Workers of the Nasarawa Broadcasting Service (NBS) have issued a one-month ultimatum to the station’s management and the state government, threatening to withdraw their services if urgent demands regarding welfare and infrastructure are not met.

The threat was contained in a communique issued on Monday following a congress of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) at the station’s premises in Lafia.

The communique, jointly signed by JAC Chairman Comr. Aminu Adamu and Secretary Comr. Valentine Joshua, outlines a litany of grievances ranging from poor remuneration to a critical shortage of operational equipment that staff say has crippled the state broadcaster.

The union leaders highlighted a “glaring disparity” between the workload of staff and their compensation, warning that the current salary structure is causing a talent drain to other government agencies. They are demanding that the management adopt the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) template for media workers’ packages to address the issue.

“The present take-home is not only demoralizing but is hampering productivity,” the communique stated.

The workers also decried the “deplorable state” of the station’s facilities, noting that in the digital age, NBS is forced to operate with only two functional cameras, often relying on staff mobile phones to cover events. While acknowledging the government’s stated intention to upgrade facilities, the union insisted that staff training must accompany any new equipment.

Other critical issues raised include:

· Security: The porous nature of the station’s premises, which the union describes as an “unacceptable risk.”

· Promotion: Delays in issuing promotion letters to eligible staff despite the existence of a functional board.

· Logistics: The station’s operations are hampered by having only one functional vehicle, which the union says has crippled content production and compromised the station’s dignity.

· Staffing: A critical shortage of drivers and cleaners, with the union condemning a directive that sick cleaners find their own replacements.

· Health: The non-functional state of the station’s clinic, which the workers labeled a “ticking time bomb.”

The JAC has given the management and the state government one month to address these concerns.

“The congress noted with dismay the egregious disparity between the Herculean tasks shouldered by NBS staff and their paltry take-home packages,” the communique read, warning that failure to act would result in a total withdrawal of service.

The union also cautioned staff against lax attitudes toward duty, stating that a change in behavior is necessary to avoid internal disciplinary measures as the leadership pushes for institutional reforms