MURIC Demands FG Intervention Over Unpaid PHCN Benefits of 47,000 Ex-Staff Since 2013

MURIC Demands FG Intervention Over Unpaid PHCN Benefits of 47,000 Ex-Staff Since 2013

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the prolonged non-payment of benefits owed to 47,000 disengaged staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), describing the situation as a grave injustice and a breach of solemn agreements.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, 14 January 2026, and signed by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC disclosed that the affected former PHCN workers have formally approached the organisation for intervention after waiting over a decade for their entitlements.

According to MURIC, the ex-staff, operating under the platform of the United Ex-PHCN Staff Forum 2025, were disengaged during the privatisation of PHCN and were owed 16 months’ salary arrears alongside other exit benefits. Despite several meetings with government authorities and multiple agreements reached, the benefits have allegedly remained unpaid since 2013.

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Professor Akintola explained that a Federal Government committee set up in 2011 to address labour issues arising from the privatisation, chaired by Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, had its report abandoned. This was followed by a fresh agreement titled “Agreement in Respect of Labour Issues Affecting Staff of PHCN”, signed on 11 December 2012 by the Secretary to the Federal Government, representatives of the Ministries of Labour and Power, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and labour leaders.

The agreement reportedly covered key issues including exit benefits, gratuity, death benefits, settlement of salary arrears, post-retirement training, 10 per cent equity share, and resolution of non-core assets in power stations. MURIC noted that subsequent circulars, including one issued in October 2017, reaffirmed these commitments, but accused relevant authorities of reneging on them.

Condemning the situation, MURIC said persistent failure to honour agreements with workers undermines public trust and reflects moral bankruptcy among officials. The organisation cited Islamic and Christian scriptures emphasising the prompt payment of workers’ wages, warning that exploitation of labour attracts divine consequences.

MURIC further lamented the human cost of the unpaid benefits, noting that many of the affected ex-staff have suffered severe hardship, health challenges, and family breakdowns, while some have reportedly died while awaiting payment.

The rights group urged the Federal Government to act swiftly, arguing that economic injustice against workers could be contributing to the nation’s broader social and economic challenges.

MURIC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the oppressed and called on authorities to immediately resolve the PHCN unpaid benefits crisis, insisting that justice delayed for the 47,000 ex-PHCN staff remains justice denied.

MURIC Demands FG Intervention Over Unpaid PHCN Benefits of 47,000 Ex-Staff Since 2013