Staff of the National Identification Authority (NIA) have begun an indefinite strike effective Tuesday, June 24, 2025, following unresolved issues over the non-payment of their Operational Support Allowance.
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The decision was taken after the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU), NIA Division held a final engagement with the Ministry of Finance on Monday, June 23, which ended without any firm commitment from the government.
In a statement, the union described the move as a “difficult but necessary” response to months of unfulfilled promises. The allowance, which supplements the meagre base salaries of NIA staff, was agreed upon after lengthy negotiations in July 2024, with payments starting in August 2024. However, the disbursements ceased in January 2025, leaving workers in financial distress.
Despite several assurances, including a public statement by NIA Management on June 18, 2025, promising payment “very, very soon”, no timeline has been provided.
“Our members across the Head Office, regional branches, district offices, and premium centres have endured persistent delays and neglect. We are stretched financially and emotionally,” the union stated.
The PSWU emphasized that the strike is lawful and urged all members to remain peaceful, united, and focused during the period of protest. They also called on the government to resume payments immediately and honour its agreement.
“We remain open to constructive dialogue, but that must lead to full and prompt settlement of the outstanding allowances,” the statement concluded.
