The President of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU) of Nigeria, Comrade Prince Emeka Kalu (Magic Fingers), has continued to demonstrate unwavering determination in repositioning the Union through a bold reform of the check-off dues remittance and disbursement system.

This strategic move is aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency, and financial sustainability across all levels of the Union.

The check-off dues system remains the lifeblood of any trade union. For RATTAWU, it is the primary source of funding that sustains administrative activities, welfare programs, advocacy efforts, capacity building, and the overall growth of the Union.

When effectively managed, it ensures that the Union remains vibrant, responsive, and capable of protecting the rights and interests of its members nationwide.

As clearly outlined in the Constitution of RATTAWU Nigeria, the check-off dues collected from members are to be shared according to stipulated percentages among the National body, State Councils, and Chapters. This constitutional provision is designed to ensure equity, operational efficiency, and collective responsibility in managing Union resources.

However, the intended benefits of this structure can only be realized when all tiers strictly adhere to the remittance framework. That is State Councils remitting in the right percentages the Check-off collected from members in the State owned organisations that houses our members across all stratas.

Unfortunately, the Union has faced significant challenges over time due to lapses in transparency and due diligence in the remittances and disbursement process, particularly at some State Council levels.

Irregular remittances, incomplete documentation, and, in some cases, outright non-compliance have weakened the financial base of the Union and hindered effective planning and execution of national programs.

In response to these challenges, the National Executive Council (NEC) at one of its Meetings during the last leadership of Comrade Dr Kabir Garba Tsanni, resolved that only State Councils that are up to date with their remittances and financial obligations to the National Secretariat will be eligible to benefit from disbursements and other Union privileges. This decision is not punitive but corrective—aimed at restoring discipline, fairness, and accountability within the system.

When President Kalu was elected, as part of his mission statement, he assured members of his commitment to ensure the issues of non remittances and disbursement of Check-off no longer becomes a norm in the Union.

New mechanism was quickly put in place. The leadership ushered in the resumption of proper check-off dues payments, setting a commendable precedent for others to follow.

President Kalu is championing the creation of a new, structured financial platform that will guarantee seamless, transparent, and timely disbursement of funds. This reform-driven approach is expected to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce discrepancies, and instill confidence among members.

His vision is clear: a Union where every kobo due to the National Secretariat is duly remitted, and where every tier operates within the bounds of accountability and integrity.

The responsibility now lies with State Councils and Chapters to key into this transformative agenda by ensuring strict compliance with the constitutional provisions on check-off dues.

The resumption of payments by President Kalu is not only commendable but also a call to duty for all leaders within the Union. It underscores the principle that “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Leadership at all levels must rise to the occasion by ensuring that these good intentions are not undermined by negligence or misuse.

RATTAWU stands at a critical point in its evolution. With collective commitment, discipline, and transparency, the Union can fully harness the potential of the check-off system to build a stronger, more unified, and more effective organization.

The time to act is now—every State and Chapter must align with this reform for the greater good of the Union and its members.

Comrade Izang Francis Atsen
National Publicity Secretary
RATTAWU Nigeria.