President of the Nigeria labour Congress, NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero wants government to dialogue with the union on the tax reform bill, to enable its members make their inputs.
Mr Ajaero made this known at the NLC secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, during a dialogue on the tax reform bill organised by the NLC Central Working Committee and inauguration of ten Compressed Natural Gas, CNG buses donated by the union to the South West.
The NLC president observed that some aspects of the tax reform bill needed clarifications from government for better understanding.
“I will implore everybody to read and understand what is imbedded in the tax reform bill, I think it’s all over the internet now on google and social media. Also as a matter of fact, federal government did not include NLC in dialogue of the bill”.
Mr Ajaero also implored members of the public to endeavor to go through the tax reform bill to prevent misinterpretation which could trigger misinformation.
Earlier in a lecture, a Professor of Accounting and Financial Development, Godwin Oyedokun explained that the tax reform bill needed to be understood by Nigerians to avoid misinterpretation.
Professor Oyedokun maintained that tax was inevitable and must be embraced by all for the development of any country.
“Rejection of the tax reform bill by the labour unions in the country would not solve the issues of double taxation or high percentage deduction on Personal Income Tax. I will call on federal government to invest more on infrastructural development as a way of improving the standard of living of average citizens”.
Professor Oyedokun, however, encouraged Nigerians to acquaint themselves with the benefits of the tax bill.
While inaugurating the ten CNG buses, Oyo state Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde applauded NLC for the gesture.
Represented by the Deputy governor, Chief Bayo Lawal, the governor called on NLC to get more of the CNG buses for the use of workers and people of the state.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Oyo State Council has applauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his dedication to improving the lives of workers in the state
Chairman of NLC in Oyo State, Mr Kayode Martins stated this in a congratulatory message to the governor on the celebration of his 57th birthday today
The NLC acknowledged Governor Makinde’s significant contributions to the state, particularly in 2024, saying that his administration had implemented various initiatives to support workers and residents of Oyo State to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
He highlighted the measures to include increased buses for civil servants, health insurance for vulnerable persons, and support for small businesses.
The union, however, lauded Governor Makinde’s leadership and commitment to workers’ welfare since his assumption of office
The Federal Government has added a sum of N3,000 to its initially proposed N57,000 minimum wage, making it the sum of N60,000 proposed on Tuesday during a meeting of the tripartite committee on minimum wage in Abuja.
Organised labour, comprising the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, also went down by N3,000 from its last proposal of N497,000 during the last minimum wage meeting.
According to a source who gave the breakdown at the Tuesday meeting, the amount proposed by the government did not go down well with labour leaders.
A member of the union who spoke to our corres before the meeting started noted that organised labour would only go lower if the government went higher on its demands.
“This is simply a case of if they go higher, we will go lower. They need to propose something reasonable for us to propose something lower too. There is no two-way about it.
“Also, we have a way of meeting as members of the Labour before each committee meeting. This will help us to take a uniform stand by the time we get to the meeting front.
“So as long as the government is ready to present something reasonable, we will meet them in the middle,” the labour leader said.
The Edo State government has commenced the payment of N70,000 minimum wage to workers in the state.
The Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State Chapter, Odion Olaye, confirmed the payment of the new salary and commended the state government for fulfilling his promise to the workers.
He said Governor Godwin Obaseki had demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of the workers by the gesture, while calling on the workers to reciprocate the gesture by creating more wealth for the state by redoubling their efforts.
Olaye said, “I can confirm to you that the salary increase has been effected and workers are now earning N70,000 as minimum wage. I commend the governor for this”.
“I will also urge the workers who are wealth creators to reciprocate the kind gesture of the governor and redouble their efforts towards making the state great.”
The N70,000 minimum wage was in fulfilment of the promise made by Obaseki, during the inauguration of the Labour House on April 29, 2024.
Obaseki, during the inauguration of the Labour House in Benin City, announced the increase of the minimum wage for workers in the state from N40,000 to N70,000, to reflect the current economic realities in the country
In a statement on Sunday, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage to the workers further demonstrated the commitment of the administration to the welfare of workers.
He said, “The Edo State government has paid the May salaries of workers in the state, reflecting the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage“.
“This is in fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Godwin Obaseki to increase the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000, beginning this May, as part of efforts to cushion the impacts of the harsh economy occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and other economic decisions by the Federal Government“.
“It is also in furtherance of the commitment of the state government to meet its statutory obligation, even before the end of the month.”
The commissioner urged workers to remain committed to their contribution to the growth of the state and also reciprocate the gesture by the state government to their welfare.
The Nigeria Labour Congress has warned that it would rather mobilise workers to remain at home with their families or offer free services than accept the paltry N48,000 new minimum wage being offered by the Federal Government when they meet on Tuesday.
The Deputy President of the NLC Political Commission, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with The Punch on Sunday.
On Wednesday, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress had walked away from the negotiation table after the FG offered to pay N48,000, a figure far below the N615,00 the unions demanded as the new national minimum wage.
After the session, the labour leaders told newsmen at an emergency press conference that it was ‘an insult to the sensibilities of Nigerian workers.’
But 24 hours after the revolt, the Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, Alhaji Bukar Goni, wrote the aggrieved unionists to return for another negotiation on Tuesday in a letter dated May 16.
But Ndubuaku vowed that the NLC won’t back down until an improved offer is made.
According to him, organised labour finds it preposterous that the FG and even state governors, whose allocations have witnessed a massive boost, could be giving excuses not to pay a robust minimum wage.
He said, “We have given the FG an ultimatum. If the new minimum wage is not out by the end of this month, we will all go and sit at home. Instead of us taking N48,000 per month, we will tell workers to work for free for the government or turn to artisans’ work. That is where we are now.
“I don’t understand the thinking of government. It looks to me like they do things without proper thought. Was the wage award supposed to be a palliative or what? We gave them the breakdown of what the minimum wage looks like.
“Even the National Bureau of Statistics has released a document that shows the average amount for foodstuffs. It is N900. This is even coming from a government agency. Does it mean this government is not in touch with its own agency before coming up with N48,000 as minimum wage? It is either they are living in denial or they just want to insult us.
“We are looking forward to a robust arrangement this Tuesday. We can’t be talking about Renewed Hope without putting up any road map or package to match the hope of the people. They also need to tell us what plan they have for food security, subsidy on transportation even if they have to use CNG buses and other issues like health insurance. By Tuesday, we will go back to see what will come out of it.”
Protest by the labour movement in Ogun State has paralyzed the activities of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
The MKO Abiola Way headquarters of the IBEDC and other outlets in the city were put under lock and key following the visit of organized labour to the premises earlier in the morning.
A combined team of both the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, led by their chairmen, Comrades Hammed Ademola-Benco and Akeem Lasisi during a protest to the IBEDC office, called for the reversal of the tariff hike introduced by the federal government, describing it as totally unacceptable given the country’s prevailing economy.
The labour leaders said workers were the worst hit by the electricity tariff hike, calling on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to desist from promoting what they described as anti-people policies.
They also urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the hike and find a lasting solution to the issue.
The nationwide protest by organised labour against the recent increment in electricity tariff has commenced in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Our correspondent reports that the protest led by the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC in the state, Mr Kayode Martins, was staged at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, Capital Building, Ring Road.
The protesters carried various placards with different inscriptions such as “Nigerian Workers and People Reject Increase in Electricity Tariff” and “Astronomical Increase in Electricity Tariff is not Acceptable”.
Speaking with newsmen, the Oyo NLC Chairman, Mr Martins said the protest would continue until the increment is reversed.
Mr Martins claimed that electricity tariff hike had brought more hardship on the masses and would not be accepted by Nigerian workers.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have issued ultimatum to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to immediately reverse the hike in electricity to N65/kwh.
In a statement by the President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero and TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo give NERC till Sunday 12th May, 2024 to comply.
The two labour centres says failure to reverse the hike in electricity will lead to swift mobilization of members to occupy all NERC’s offices and those of the DISCOs nationwide until justice is served.
The Organized Labour promised to defend the rights of citizens against exploitation and injustice.
“Such actions would not be tolerated; we refuse to accept the new norm” the statement reads.
The two centers had rejected electricity tariff hike across the country from 65kwh to 225kwh.
Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, a counterpart have given the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission till May 12 to withdraw the recent hike in electricity tariff or face unprecedented industrial action.
The ultimatum was issued in a joint letter to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, CEO, dated May 3, 2024, and copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, the Ministers of Labour and Power, and the electricity distribution companies, DisCos, among others, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, President of NLC and its TUC’s counterpart.
The letter read, “This is to refer you to our May Day address where we expressed grave concerns regarding the recent announcement of an astronomical hike in electricity tariff across the nation from N65/kWh to N225/Kwh by your commission.
“We believe that this decision is not just morally reprehensible considering the difficulties Nigerians are faced with currently, but it blatantly disregards fundamental principles and statutory obligations.
“We are miffed that NERC has become a tacit collaborator in crafting the oppressive pricing regime being perpetuated against Nigerian workers and people. The Laws that set up the commission mandate it to act as an unbiased ombudsman in the electricity industry. ‘’Unfortunately, the reverse is the case as it has acted in cahoots with the Distribution Companies, DisCos, and the Generating Companies, GenCos, to promote their nefarious market practices.
“The announced tariff hike not only defies the established procedure mandated by law but also tramples upon the rights of Nigerian citizens. It is a flagrant abuse of power and a clear violation of the trust bestowed upon your commission by the Nigerian people. Such actions will not be tolerated, and we refuse to accept them as the new norm.
“Nigerian workers and masses led by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, stand united in denouncing this injustice. We must defend the rights of our fellow citizens against exploitation.
“Therefore, we demand an immediate reversal of the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kwh, immediate cessation of the discriminatory practice of segregating electricity consumers into arbitrary bands, and restoration of the supremacy of the statutes governing the conduct of operators within the electricity industry.
“We give you until Sunday, May 12, 2024, to comply. Failure to do so will result in swift and decisive action on our part as we will not hesitate to mobilize our members and occupy all NERC’s offices and those of the DisCos nationwide until justice is served.”
On April 3, the NERC approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A category to N225 per kWhN from N66.
The commission said customers under the classification are those who receive 20 hours of electricity supply daily.
The Nigerian Labour Congress has distanced itself from the N500,000 being canvassed as the new minimum wage, saying it has yet to adopt a position on an amount to be presented to the tripartite committee on the new minimum wage for workers.
The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this in an interview with Punch correspondent in Yola, Adamawa State.
Speaking at the sidelines of the North-East zonal public hearing by the tripartite committee on national wage, Ajaero noted that the N500,000 and N700,000 being proposed as new minimum wage is unknown to the NLC.
According to him, all the figures flying around should be disregarded because the NLC as a body had yet to adopt a common presentation on the new minimum wage.
He said, “The N500,000, N700,000 you are hearing are being collated at the level of the states. In Lagos and other places, I think they are about N700,000 while in other places they are talking about N500,000 which are inputs collated from geopolitical zones.
“But the NLC secretariat has not made any presentation, these minimum figures are what is coming from the states. When we collate them then we’ll do a central presentation based on the raw materials we are getting from states.
“It (minimum wage) has to be relative to the cost of living in those states. You will agree with me that rent here is not as that in Abuja, and not the same thing as in Lagos. So relatively speaking you won’t have a straitjacket-like presentation by Labour in all the states.”
On his part, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Adamawa State, Dr Solomon Bulus, said the Nigerian Medical and Dental Council backed the implementation of the N500,000 new minimum wage because it would drive down the hardship being experienced nationally.
By Isaac Afolabi, Olubunmi Agboola, Oluwatoyin Adegoke
Ondo State Union leaders today joined their counterparts nationwide to protest against the current economic hardship in the country.
Addressing the peaceful protesters who stormed the governor’s office, Alagbaka Akure for the two days warning strike, Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele while appreciating the peaceful conduct of the protesters said the government was aware of the current situation and working to ameliorate the hardship.
Pastor Ogundele said the federal government was currently implementing policies to make life more meaningful for workers.
Speaking on the state government interventions for Ondo state workers, the head of service said part of the palliative programs included the thirty-five thousand naira wage award for workers, payment of pension arrears for retirees and free transportation for workers among others.
Pastor Ogundele further announced that health workers in the state would soon start receiving their hazard allowances from the 1st of March 2024.
Responding, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC Ondo State Council, Comrade Victor Amoko appealed to federal and state governments to quickly introduce policies that would better the lives of Nigerians.
While frowning at the high cost of living in the country, Comrade Victor Amoko called on the Ondo State Government for more interventions.
Our correspondent further reports that NLC affiliate unions including the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Nigeria Union of Teachers, and NUT were present during the peaceful protest.
Oyo Workers Storm Streets
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Oyo State on Tuesday, stormed major streets in Ibadan to express their grievances over the current economic hardship in the country.
The protest which started around 9 a.m., witnessed a large turnout of workers in the state who trekked from the NLC secretariat to Gate, Total Garden and the state secretariat.
Receiving the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde appealed to the workers that their agitations would be taken to the President and provided solutions as soon as possible
Reacting, the state chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress in Oyo State, Mr. Kayode Martins said the level of poverty, hike in price of foodstuffs and insecurity bedevilling the country was unbearable.
The protest is expected to continue tomorrow.
Ogun Workers Lament Hardship
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ogun State chapter has joined their counterparts across the country to protest the prevailing hardship in the country occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and skyrocketing prices of goods, particularly food items.
Protesters who converged on the NLC Secretariat, Leme, Abeokuta and moved through the NNPC road to Kuto Round about chanting solidary song, also displayed placards with inscriptions, like “Let the poor breathe “, “Stop importation of petrol” and “fix refineries now”.
The leadership of the NLC disclosed that the two-day rally slated for Tuesday and Wednesday was to compel both the federal and state governments to tackle the problem of insecurity, hunger and the continued rise in poverty across the country.
Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of Ogun State NLC, Comrade Hammed Ademola-Benco said that the rally was hinged on getting good deals for Nigerians and not to confront the government.
“The wage award that they promised is still not being paid by many states, the government must stop carrying on as if all is well. We are only calling on the government to be responsible and attend to our demands which is about making lives more rewarding and enjoyable for the people” he stated.
The Chairman described the industrial action as very successful, claiming that the leadership of the 40 affiliates of the union in Ogun State turned out to participate in the peaceful rally.
The National Vice President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, Comrade Yinka Folarin while speaking at the event appealed to the government to live up to the expectations of the renewed hope agenda and come to the aid of the common man in the country.
The security agencies such as the police, DSS and operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC were on the ground to maintain law and order.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Friday, directed its members and affiliate unions to begin mobilisation for a two-day nationwide protest expected to take place on February 27 and 28, if the federal government fails to implement all the agreements signed with it in October 2023.
The two-day nationwide protest according to the communique signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and the acting General Secretary, Comrade Ismail Bello will be taking place at the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum it had earlier issued.
President of the NLC, Comrade Ajaero, who addressed newsmen at the end of the union’s National Executive Council, (NEC) meeting in Abuja, asked his members to be on standby for an indefinite strike which would commence seven days after the nationwide protest if government still fails to meet its demands.
Ajaero noted that Labour was no longer interested in empty talks from the government but actions, urging the government to immediately implement the agreement and restore faith in the democratic process, as Nigerians were struggling to survive.
A communique read by the Congress President at the end of the meeting noted that on Monday, 29th May 2023, President Bola Tinubu announced during his inaugural speech the withdrawal of Subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Nigeria.
It said that that singular pronouncement immediately led to the price of the product, which is central to transportation and power in Nigeria, escalated across the nation, throwing the nation into turmoil and confusion as citizens were left stranded, thus increasing suffering, hardship and angst among the populace.
It read: “Series of meetings were held with the federal government culminating in the signing of an Agreement which we now call the October 2 Agreement. This Agreement contained several safeguards which we had believed if implemented conscientiously would have gone a long way to ameliorate the suffering and hardship that the ill-conceived and ill-implemented policies of the government have foisted on the masses and workers
“It also took notice of the decision of the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the both Congresses of the NLC and TUC to demand that the Agreement be implemented.
“To this end, NEC unanimously noted its deep disappointment and condemned the actions of the federal government in refusing to implement the agreements and reached the following decisions:
“That it reaffirms the 14days notice issued by the federal government within which to implement the Agreement and address the mounting crisis of survival in Nigeria.
“That the Notice expires on the Midnight of Thursday, the 22nd of February, 2024. If on expiration, Congress is not satisfied with the level of the Government’s compliance with the conditions of the Notice, it will be at liberty to take action that will compel the Government to implement the agreement.
“Declares a 2-day National Protest on 27th and 28th of February to demonstrate outrage on the mounting hardship and insecurity around the nation.
“If demands are not met after the nationwide protests to issue a Seven-Day notice that will expire on the 2nd day of March 2024 to the federal government after which an indefinite nationwide strike will ensue.
“That Nigerian workers and people are not interested in empty talk now but action so, calls on all of affiliates, state Councils and Civil Society Allies to start mobilizing across the nation for effective action as the deadline approaches.
“As such, in light of the urgency of the situation and the continued suffering of the Nigerian people and Workers, the NEC-in-session calls for immediate action from the federal government to rectify these grievances and restore faith in the democratic process and social dialogue.”
Kwara State Government says it will pay one-year promotion arrears for all categories of workers in the state and offset outstanding arrears of local government and State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB workers.
This was part of the outcome of the ongoing negotiations between the state government and leaders of organised labour in the state.
The Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Kwara State chapter, Muritala Olayinka disclosed this to Radio Nigeria in Ilorin.
Comrade Olayinka stated that the State government has also approved payment of a hundred per cent CONHESS and hazard allowance to health workers at the local government area and, incentives to teachers for working five days in a week during the period of fuel subsidy removal.
He explained that other agreements reached with the government include the implementation of CONPASS and CONTEDISS for tertiary institutions, the 2020 furniture allowance and the 2023 annual conference allowance for the council.
The Kwara State NLC Chairman added that negotiations between both parties are still ongoing in the interest of workers in the state.
The Federal Government has solicited the cooperation of the Nigeria Labour Congress in promoting workers’ welfare and national productivity.
Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkiruka Onyejeocha, stated this in Abuja when she paid a visit to the President and leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, as part of a strategy to mobilize critical stakeholders to align with the government’s agenda in the Labour sector.
Mrs Onyejeocha remarked that without the cooperation of the Labour union, it would be difficult for the government to better the lot of Nigerian workers.
According to the Minister, President Tinubu’s deep concern for the well-being of Nigerian workers was at the forefront of our discussions. I reiterated the government’s desire to partner with the NLC in propelling Nigeria forward towards a brighter future”
She said the government was ready to work with labour unions to promote the wellbeing of workers, as well as boost productivity in the service.
Mrs Onyejeocha decried the use of strikes to resolve industrial disputes as it disrupts the economy.
She therefore urged trade unions to regard strikes as the last resort in seeking resolution of trade disputes, pushing for implementation of agreement, or drawing the attention of government to the plight of workers and citizens.
According to the Minister, “Government is interested in the welfare of Nigerian workers. We are interested in their health and the environment in which they work. We are also interested in the wages they earn”.
“We will partner with you to ensure that Nigerian workers are satisfied. I am sure you will cooperate with the government to make sure our economy improves. Each time you embark on strike, the Nigerian economy goes down, and we incur a lot of losses.” she stated.
Responding, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said that the Minister’s visit demonstrated care for Nigerian workers, as well as commitment to collaboration with the union to address their plight.
Comrade Ajaero promised that the Congress would always work together with the government in the interest of the workers.
He, however, urged the government to desist from violating Trade Union rights, and defaulting on agreements reached with Labour, as such actions brew trust gaps.
NLC President urged the Minister to push for the clearing of the backlog of agreements which the government reached with Labour.
In fulfilment of his electoral promises, Governor Ademola Adeleke has again paid another half-salary debt, making four months of repayment since assuming office.
The Governor had earlier this year approved a memo for the phased payment of the 30 months’ half salaries debt inherited from the previous administration.
A similar agreement was reached with the pensioners for the payment of outstanding pension and gratuity of 75 billion naira.
In his remark on the payment of the fourth quarter half salary, Governor Adeleke restated his commitment to the agreement he had with workers to gradually pay the huge salary and pension arrears inherited from his predecessor.
The Governor said he would continue to pay the inherited staff debt as he promised during his campaign to become governor of the state, stressing that he promised to address the staff debt issue with all seriousness and political will.
He assured workers that we would stick to the circular while the implementation would continue unabated alongside other welfare packages for both active workers and retirees.
The Governor added that he was committed to the implementation of the payment of palliative allowances recently approved by him for both workers and pensioners across the State, including local government workers.
The nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress,TUC, witnessed partial compliance in Ogun State with a section of the workers absent at their duty posts while others claimed the strike was yet to commence.
Radio Nigeria Correspondents observed a reduction in business activities in public outlets across major cities in the state but many workers at the Federal and State Secretariats located at Oke Mosan area of the state capital were found at their duty posts.
Visits to some primary health centres also revealed that the workers did not turn up but medical and health workers at the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba as well as the State Hospital, Ijaye Abeokuta were attending to patients without any disruption when Radio Nigeria crew visited the hospitals around 10 or clock in the morning.
Some of the workers who pleaded not to have their identities revealed said the strike was yet to take effect, claiming that the union leaders in the state had not issued a convincing directive to enforce the strike.
Addressing newsmen on the matter, the state NLC Chairman, Mr Ademola Benco who said executives of the congress had gone around to see the level of compliance, insisted that the directive must be strictly followed in line with the directives of the national body
Also, the State Secretary, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Mr Samson Oyelere who said some students were sent back home today emphasized the strike would take full effect by tomorrow as schools would not be opened.
Some parents had earlier complained over the controversy about the strike, pointing out that some of their children and wards were kept in class, while some schools sent their pupils back home.
The story is not different in Oyo State as workers partially complied with the directive of the national body of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to down tools over the harsh treatment meted out to the Chairman of NLC, Joe Ajaero in Imo state.
Radio Nigeria correspondent who monitored the level of compliance in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital especially at the Federal and state Secretariats observed that there was partial compliance with the directive.
The entrance gates of the federal and state secretariats were open for workers without anybody preventing them from gaining entrance to their different offices.
The entrance gates of the offices of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) at Ring road and Dugbe were locked while workers and customers were prevented from gaining entrance.
Commercial activities were also going on at different banks in the state.
In an interview with Radio Nigeria, the Oyo State NLC Chairman, Mr Kayode Martins said the state NLC stands by the directive of the national body for workers to stay at home.
Mr Martins said the fight was done to protect the hope of the common man condemning the manner the NLC chairman was apprehended and beaten in Imo state over the labour matters between the government and Labour in the state.
Mr Martins therefore called on the Federal government to arrest the situation before it get out of hands
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero on Friday said that he was arrested in Owerri by the Police and was handed over to waiting thugs that got him thoroughly beaten.
Comrade Ajaero said the thugs who were about seven in number dragged him on the floor like a common criminal.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the NLC president said the NLC wrote to all the security agencies before they went to the state for the protest on November I.
According to him, workers who arrived at the venue of the protest on that day around 7 am were beaten up by thugs with their phones seized.
Ajaero said he got there around 9 am after he got the report of an assault on workers, adding that the police arrested him and handed him over to thugs.
He said: “I can’t explain the beating I received. They tied my hands and dragged me on the floor like a common criminal.”
The NLC President denied the allegation by the Imo State government that he is a card carrying member of the Labour Party.
“I am not a card-carrying member of any political party as alleged,” he said.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart have given November 8, strike notice to the Federal Government over Wednesday’s attacks, abduction and battering of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, among others.
Leaders of the NLC and TUC at a briefing Friday, gave the Federal Government a six-point demand, including the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State and Area Commander, among other officials, for their alleged complicity in the brutalisation and humiliation of Comrade Ajaero and other workers.
Recall that suspected agents of the state and security operatives had descended on Ajaero alongside other Labour leaders, smashing their vehicles, inflicting injuries on them and dispossessing handsets, money, and ATM cards among other valuables from the Labour leaders and others who had gathered at the NLC State secretariat to begin a scheduled protest over pending labour issues.
The NLC President, other national leaders of NLC and their Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart were at the state Secretariat in Owerri to protest among other grievances, the backlog of unpaid salaries and allowances, pensions, gratuities, and non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage Act.
The attack, brutalisation and battering of Ajaero have elicited outrage and condemnation across the country. Leaders of NLC and TUC are billed to meet on Tuesday next week to decide on an appropriate response to the attack.
Aviation unions have placed all aviation workers on red alert to stand ready for action against the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma as will soon be directed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
The unions say, they stand together in total condemnation of the beating of the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, in the state by those alleged to be political thugs of the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, on Wednesday November 1st, 2023.
“In all of this, the only crime of comrade Ajaero is acting out his statutory role of fighting for the right of Imo State workers, as the President of NLC, in implementing the decision of the National Executive Council of the Congress”, they said.
In a Joint statement by the General Secretaries of four of the unions in the industry, they alleged that while Comrade Ajaero was being beaten up, officers of the Nigerian Police Force, paid by taxes from workers, did nothing to protect him.
It said instead, after supporting the thugs in their barbaric act against Comrade Ajaero, the Police abducted him to a hidden location and further manhandled him.
The General Secretaries of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Ocheme Aba, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Comrade Abdulrazak Saidu, Association of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, (ATSSSAN), Comrade Frances Akinjole, and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Comrade Umoh Ofomine, said they stand ready to act as may be directed by NLC to black out Imo State from the aviation map, and take further actions against the person of Hope Uzodimma as we deem fit, until the needful is done.
“It is most unfortunate that this story of sheer barbarism actually happened in 21st Century Nigeria. No one thought that a Governor could descend to such abysmal level of disgrace to utilize such crude means of striking back at a perceived enemy, the statement reads.
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, on Wednesday, allegedly arrested the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The Head of Information, NLC, Benson Upah, who spoke with newsmen, noted that Ajaero was picked up at the state secretariat of the congress and taken to an unknown location.
“President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero was picked up a few minutes ago from NLC state council secretariat by heavily armed policemen in Owerri and taken to an unknown destination,” Upah said.
It was reported that the NLC had vowed to mobilise its members for a total strike in Imo state starting today, November 1, 2023.
Accusing the state governor Hope Uzodimma of neglecting workers’ welfare, Ajaero lamented that many of them have died because of the alleged lack of payment of their salaries.
He outlined some of the infractions against workers by Uzodimma, including the alleged refusal to implement previous agreements especially the accord reached on January 9, 2021, outstanding salary arrears of about 20 months, unjust declaration of workers as ghost workers, declaration of pensioners as ghost workers and unsettled gratuity arrears, among others.
According to him, approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labeled as ghost pensioners resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions while about 11,000 workers have been branded by the Imo State Government as ghost workers.
The NLC president also lamented the non-compliance with the national minimum wage by the state government, adding that Governor Uzodinma has resisted the use of social dialogue and collective bargaining to resolve the issues.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has said it will mobilize its members to storm Imo State on Wednesday, November 1.
Briefing journalists at the Labour House on Sunday in Abuja, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, accused the Imo State Government of violating the rights of the Nigerian workers in the state.
Accusing Governor Hope Uzodimma of neglecting workers’ welfare, Ajaero lamented that many of them have died because of the alleged lack of payment of their salaries.
He outlined some of the infractions against workers by the Imo State Governor including the alleged refusal to implement previous agreements especially the accord reached on January 9, 2021, outstanding salary arrears of about 20 months, unjust declaration of workers as ghost workers, declaration of pensioners as ghost workers and unsettled gratuity arrears among others.
According to him, approximately 10,000 pensioners have been wrongly labelled as ghost pensioners resulting in over 22 months of unpaid pensions while about 11,000 workers have been branded by the Imo State Government as ghost workers.
The NLC President also lamented the non-compliance with the national minimum wage by the state government, adding that Governor Uzodinma has resisted the use of social dialogue and collective bargaining to resolve the issues.
Meanwhile, The National Industrial Court sitting in Owerri the Imo state capital has issued an extended interim injunction restraining the organized Labour from embarking on any kind of strike in Imo state.
Both the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress are further ordered not to embark on OCCUPY IMO, as planned, until the next adjourned date.
Justice Nelson Ogbuanya gave the order after hearing the submissions of the Attorney General of Imo State, Cyprian Akaolisa, who approached the court to grant an extended interim order against the defendants in view of their fresh threat to embark on strike through occupy Imo.
The defendants are Nigeria Labour Congress and the Secretary General, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja and the Trade Union Congress and its secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro.
In the suit No NICN/ OW/41/2023, in which the Attorney General of Imo State and the Imo State Government are applicants, they prayed that since there is a subsisting order restraining the defendants from going on strike, the order should be extended.
Their argument was hinged on an affidavit by which the first defendant (NLC) by a letter dated 16th October, 2023 is currently mobilizing its members from the South East and South South for a strike to occupy Imo from November 01,2023.
After hearing from both counsels in the suit, the court granted the order of extended interim injunction restraining the defendants from embarking on any strike in whatever guise.
The court warned against the disobedience of its order, saying that it will attract consequences.
The Court adjourned the matter to November, 03,2023 for either hearing or report of settlement.
The National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, has passed votes of no confidence on a former president of the union, Tajudeen Baruwa.
The National Chairman, NURTW Caretaker Committee, Tajudeen Agbede, said this while speaking at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
It would be recalled that Baruwa’s tenure as the union’s president expired on August 28.
According to Agbede, “We, the undersigned, having the mandate of our members in the various states and zones unanimously passed a vote of no confidence on Alh. Tajudeen Baruwa.”
The caretaker committee chairman alleged that Baruwa had committed many atrocities while he served as the union’s president from August 2019 to August 2023.
He alleged that Baruwa had reduced membership of the union in the International Transport Federation from 400,000 members to a paltry 160,000 members.
Agbede also noted that the former president failed or neglected to pay affiliation dues when appropriate, thus causing the union to be deregistered from ITF.
“In a letter referenced NLC/NS/A.16 dated 27th August 2019, the NLC wrote to NURTW commending the union for showing a good example to other affiliate unions of the NLC.
“That is by continuing to be financially up to date” and for “being financially up to date as of the end of July 2019,” he said.
He, however, noted that sundry letters received from the Nigeria Labour Congress during Baruwa’s administration were various demands for payment of affiliation dues.
He added that the dues at one point, were owed for as long as 18 months, from April to December 2021 and January to September 2022.
Agbede said that Baruwa failed or neglected to account for Independence National Electoral Commission money paid during his administration for the 2023 general election.
He also noted that during the four-year administration of the former president of the union, the National Executive Council only held four times.
He said that this was against the constitutional provisions of Article 10 (2) of the union’s constitution.
Agbede also said Baruwa had arbitrarily mandated the posting of union staff without concomitant relocation allowances or transfer claims, among others.
He added that this caused unnecessary hardship and adversity to staff.
“He failed to abide by constitutional provisions in respect to succession, by refusing and/or neglecting to conduct credible zonal delegates elections for the continuity of the union.
“Thus putting the union into unnecessary drama before right-thinking members of the public,” he added.
It was reported that Baruwa was elected president for a second four-year term on August 25 in a unanimous decision.
The Trade Union Congress on Saturday said the suspension of its October 1 nationwide strike was a temporary move. It noted that it remained conditional upon the fulfillment of the promise by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to fulfill the conditions enlisted in the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Federal Government and the Organised Labour.
Labour also dismissed the claim by governors that they would not implement the demands in the MoU between the Federal Government and the organised labour on the grounds that governors had rolled out palliatives for state civil servants and residents before the MoU was signed.
The National Deputy President of the Trade Union Congress, Tommy Etim, made these known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
It would be recalled that the organised Labour and the Federal Government had signed a 15-point agreement in the MoU, which was made public on October 1, 2023.
Speaking on reports that governors might not implement the terms of the agreement, Etim stated, “That is not possible. Anyways, the truth is that we have reached out to our people in the states to meet with them. Letters have also been sent to that effect.”
On the progress reached so far with the government, the labour leader said, “The 30-day ultimatum we gave to them is still in place. We have given them time and we are sure they are working. What we did was just a suspension. When you suspend a strike, you can kickstart it without further notice. We have done our part and we are waiting for them to play their part.”
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has inaugurated an eleven-man ADHOC Inter-ministerial committee on the harmonization of the demands by the labour unions in the state.
Speaking at the event held at the Executive Chambers of the Agodi, Secretariat, Ibadan,Governor Makinde
promised to apply home-grown solutions to address the myriad of demands of the Labour Unions in the state to ameliorate the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
He urged the committee to formulate a sustainable roadmap capable of building confidence in the citizenry and creating continuous harmony between the government and the labour unions in the state.
The governor stressed that constant engagements with labour unions at the state level is key to fast tracking socioeconomic development.
In a remark, the Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Oyo State Chapter,Mr Kayode Martin called on government to do more in cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal on citizens.
Two major Nigerian Labour Unions have suspended the nationwide strike they were to commence on Tuesday to pressure the government to address the hardships occasioned by the removal of subsidy on petrol.
Both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), coalitions of various workers unions, have been battling the federal government over the fallout of the subsidy removal which President Bola Tinubu announced in his inauguration speech on 29 May.
Since the removal of the subsidy, the petrol pump price which was selling at less than N200 per litre has increased to over N600 per litre, leading to an increase in the cost of transportation, food and other basic needs and services which millions of Nigerians depend on.
The labour unions announced their decision to suspend their strike in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the representatives of the labour unions and the federal government late on Monday.
According to the MoU, the unions will now suspend their strike by 30 days, with parties to the agreement committing “to henceforth abide by the dictates of Social dialogue in all our future engagements.”
“The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023,” the MoU shared with Newsmen late Monday, read in part.
The MoU also stipulated that the document shall be filed in “relevant court of competent jurisdiction within one (1) week as consent judgment by the Federal Government.”
The document was signed by NLC representatives – its president, Joe Ajaero, and the secretary, Emmanuel Ughoaja – as well as TUC representatives – its president, Festus Usifo, and general secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
Officials who signed the agreement on behalf of the federal government are the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Bako Lalong; the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The MoU contains terms and conditions both sides had earlier agreed on.
