By Damilola Omosebi
Let that staggering number sink in.
That is the true scale of human suffering caused by the Nigerian government’s refusal to pay 47,917 former PHCN workers their rightful severance benefits for 12 agonizing years With each worker supporting an average of four dependents, this injustice has directly impacted 191,668 Nigerian citizens; parents, children, spouses, and elderly relatives; who have been condemned to poverty, hunger, and despair.
This is not just a labour dispute. This is economic violence against nearly 200,000 Nigerians a crime against humanity unfolding in silence while those in power look away.
A Government That Values Corruption Over Human Lives.
While 191,668 Nigerians struggle to survive without these payments, the same government:
- Wastes billions on frivolous projects
- Pays politicians outrageous salaries and allowances
- Allows corrupt officials to loot with impunity
How can a nation that spends N90 billion annually on National Assembly members claim it cannot pay 47,917 workers what they rightfully earned? How can a country that buys luxury vehicles for lawmakers ignore 191,668 citizens crying for justice?
The Math of Suffering: 47,917 × 4 = A National Shame
Let us break down the human cost:
- 47,917 workers × 4 dependents = 191,668 affected lives
- 12 years × 365 days = 4,380 days of waiting
- 191,668 people × 4,380 days = 839 million man-days of suffering
This is not just negligence; it is systematic cruelty.
The Silent Genocide: How Many Have Died Waiting?
How many of these 47,917 workers have died in poverty, their last thoughts filled with regret for serving Nigeria? How many of their 191,668 dependents have been forced into:
- Child labour
- Prostitution
- Crime
- Suicide
…just to survive?
The government does not care to count these victims.
A Call to Action: Nigeria Must Pay Now!
We demand immediate action:
- Full payment of all withheld severance packages with 12 years of accrued interest
- A public apology to the 47,917 workers and 191,668 affected Nigerians
- Prosecution of BPE officials who diverted these funds
- A national memorial for workers who died waiting
To Every Nigerian: This Is Your Fight Too
If the government can do this to 47,917 workers today, they can do it to you tomorrow.
Will you remain silent?
Or will you join the demand for justice?
191,668 lives are counting on you.
Enough is enough! PAY THEM NOW!
