National Lottery Authority Management Urges Calm Amid Salary Deadlock and Industrial Action

The management of the National Lottery Authority (NLA) has issued a formal appeal for calm among its workforce and the local union following the commencement of industrial action. The dispute centers primarily on salary negotiations for the 2026 fiscal year, where a significant gap remains between the union's demands and the board's approved figures. While the local union is advocating for a salary increment of between 17% and 18%, the NLA Board has approved only a 12% increase, citing strict budgetary limitations that prevent the institution from meeting the higher demand.

This deadlock in negotiations has led both parties to seek intervention from the National Labour Commission (NLC). Management has expressed its commitment to resolving the impasse through structured dialogue and transparency rather than prolonged industrial friction. To facilitate a fair resolution, a meeting with the NLC is scheduled to mediate the dispute and help both sides reach a sustainable agreement that balances worker welfare with the Authority’s financial health.

Beyond the immediate salary dispute, management addressed several operational grievances raised by the staff regarding the tools of their trade. Chief among these is the state of the Authority’s technology; the NLA has announced a partnership with Fidelity Bank to procure 5,000 new Point of Sale (POS) machines to replace current obsolete models that have hindered efficiency. Additionally, management dismissed claims that it had outsourced the maintenance of key software to external entities, asserting that such reports are false and that the Authority maintains control over its core technical infrastructure.

Efforts to enhance overall staff welfare are also reportedly underway, including the implementation of a comprehensive health insurance scheme. Regarding concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Authority's vehicle fleet, management confirmed that a formal procurement request for new vehicles has already been submitted to the Ministry of Finance for approval. As these administrative and operational improvements progress, the NLA leadership emphasizes a long-term commitment to improving working conditions and ensuring service continuity for the public.