Unions back JAMB’s N1.1bn staff feeding proposal in 2025 budget
The unions noted that the N1.1 billion proposal is essential for improving staff productivity and countered recent misconceptions about the figure.
By Aisha Uthman
Two major labour unions at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)—the National Association of Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN)—have expressed strong support for the proposed increase in staff feeding allocation in the 2025 budget.
The unions noted that the N1.1 billion proposal is essential for improving staff productivity and countered recent misconceptions about the figure.
They clarified that the initiative expands the free lunch scheme, previously limited to JAMB headquarters, to over 2,300 staff members across 44 offices nationwide.
Speaking during a health walk in Abuja to kick off JAMB’s 2025 activities, Andrew Onakpa, NASU JAMB chapter Chairman, lauded Is-haq Oloyede, the registrar for prioritising staff welfare.
“Efforts by the Registrar to address staff welfare are humane and should not be discouraged,” Onakpa said.
He explained that the unions advocated for the inclusion of staff from all JAMB offices in the feeding scheme and actively participated in negotiating with vendors to ensure transparency.
“We have over 2,300 staff in more than 44 offices nationwide. When you calculate the cost of feeding across all working days in a year, the figure is understandably significant. It’s not about mismanagement; it’s about improving welfare,” he said.
Onakpa also expressed concern over the national assembly’s criticism during JAMB’s recent budget defence, warning it could jeopardize staff welfare initiatives.
Ebenezer Ayalibola, ASCSN JAMB branch chairman, echoed Onakpa’s sentiments, stressing that the welfare committee meticulously calculated the feeding budget.
“This includes staff in outstations. If you multiply the agreed amount per staff per day across 12 months, the figure naturally adds up to N1.1 billion,” Ayalibola said.
“This was a collective decision by the welfare committee, not the Registrar acting alone.”
Addressing concerns over the N850 million proposed for fumigation, Ayalibola clarified that it covers cleaning, fumigation, and security services for all JAMB offices nationwide.
“These costs include the salaries of contractors providing essential services,” he added.
JAMB had proposed the feeding increase due to rising food prices, which pushed the daily meal cost from N1,200 to N2,200. While the actual projection was N1.27 billion, the board budgeted N1.1 billion to streamline costs.
The unions urged the National Assembly to approve the budget, emphasizing that these welfare initiatives align with JAMB’s Condition of Service, which is periodically reviewed and subject to legislative oversight.
