The Federal Government has resolved to pay the outstanding salaries and allowances of workers of Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company on or before August 31, 2009.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Pius Major gave the assurance after a tripartite meeting between the officials of the ministry, national officers of the Steel and Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria  (SEWUN), Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSAN) and representatives of the Ministries of Finance and Labour.

The meeting was convened by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development sequel to the picketing and mass demonstration by workers of the two companies (Ajaokuta Steel Company and National Iron Ore Mining Company, Itakpe ) at the premises of the Ministry as a result of the ten months outstanding salaries and allowances owed them by the Federal Government.

The permanent Secretary who noted the hardship being experienced by the workers of the two companies over the non-payment of their salaries and allowances said that efforts are being made by both the Ministries of Mines and Steel Development and Finance to secure funds for the payment of the outstanding salaries and allowances.

In his words “The meeting resolved that efforts should be intensified by the two Ministries (Mines and Steel Development and Finance) concerned to ensure that the outstanding salaries and allowances are paid on or before August 31, 2009”

As a result of the development,  the President of Iron and Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ISSAN),Comrade Otori M. Saliu who spoke on behalf of the workers  agreed to suspend the picketing and demonstration in order to maintain peace and order while all parties resolved to commit themselves fully to the realization of the ongoing resolution.