Radio Benue staff shut down station over salary deductions, power woes

By Benedicta Aboh

Staff of Radio Benue, the Benue State-owned broadcast station, on Monday staged a peaceful protest at the corporation’s headquarters along Old Otukpo Road, Makurdi, demanding the full implementation of the new minimum wage and improved working conditions.

The workers also raised concerns over persistent power outages caused by the breakdown of the station’s generator, which they said has severely disrupted operations.

The protesters, drawn from various departments of the station, carried out the action calmly within the premises, insisting that their grievances had lingered for months without meaningful response from the authorities.

According to Paul Mandeun, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Radio Benue Chapel, the decision to down tools followed the Director General’s refusal to proceed to Government House to collect the station’s news transmitter and solar power system despite repeated prompting.

“Today, he served me a query at the editing meeting for that decision, and we have therefore decided to shut down the station,” Mandeun stated. He added that the situation has affected staff morale and the station’s ability to function optimally.

Workers also expressed frustration over unexplained salary deductions following the implementation of the new minimum wage in 2025.

A staff member who requested anonymity revealed, “When the minimum wage was implemented, we were paid in November, but we discovered huge deductions of up to N72,000 from our salaries.” Multiple memos were sent to the Office of the Head of Service seeking clarification and reversal of the deductions, but no action was taken.

The issue was also raised directly with Governor Hyacinth Alia during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day interdenominational service in Makurdi, where the NUJ Chapel Chairman appealed on behalf of the workers.

The governor reportedly denied knowledge of the deductions and directed the Accountant-General and Head of Service, Agbogbo Ode, to investigate and resolve the matter within one week.

However, the staff claimed that no resolution has been achieved, prompting the protest.

In addition to salary concerns, the workers called attention to infrastructural challenges at the station, urging for a new transmitter and the installation of solar panels to address recurring power failures.

“With stable power and modern equipment, Radio Benue can effectively broadcast government activities and serve the people better,” the anonymous staff member said.

Reacting to the protest, the Commissioner for Information, Dr Peter Egbodo, addressed the staff, appealing for calm and assuring them that the government remained committed to resolving the issues. “I will liaise with the Head of Service and ensure that these concerns are properly addressed,” he said, raising hopes for an amicable resolution.