Transportation

Baruwa Fate Hangs in the Balance as NURTW Rejects Him

By Web News 499

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.

NAN / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Labour

Strike suspension, a temporary move – Labour

By Web News 418

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.”

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Labour

Makinde Inaugurates Wage Committee

By Web News 568

By Iyabo Adebisi

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.

The committee has a four week time-frame to formulate a sustainable roadmap to ameliorate the effect of fuel subsidy on the masses.

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Labour

Labour Shelves Strike, Gives Conditions

By Web News 444

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.

Premium Times / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Labour

TUC Ends NEC Meeting, Set for Parley with FG

By Web News 542

The Trade Union Congress a few hours ago concluded its National Executive Council meeting following deliberations on the new wage award for civil servants in the country by President Bola Tinubu, to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol.

The labour centre is expected to meet with representatives of the government on whether the offer by the government was accepted by the members.

The National Deputy President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, made this known in an interview with our correspondent in Abuja on Monday.

When asked, Etim who doubles as the national president of the Association of Senior Civil Servants noted that the labour leaders met earlier and received recommendations from members of its NEC and would go ahead to meet with the representatives of the government later.

He said, “We just concluded our meeting a few hours ago and we received some recommendations from our members which we will convey to the government later today.”

The PUNCH reports that on Sunday, President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, noted that the two labour centres, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the TUC, had some agreements with the government and may end up suspending their proposed nationwide strike.

According to Gbajabiamila, the Federal Government had agreed to come up with measures that would address the dispute arising from the removal of the fuel subsidy.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the NLC president promised to meet with members of the union to consider the offers by the FG to suspend the planned strike.

Details later…

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Economy

FG, Labour Agree N35000 Provisional Wage Rise (Video: BAT independence speech)

By Web News 752

Federal Government has agreed to pay a provisional wage increase of N35,000 to all treasury-paid employees for a duration of six months.

This was the outcome of consultations between a Federal Government delegation and leadership representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Abuja on Sunday,

President Bola Tinubu had, during an independence day broadcast, announced a N25,000 increase.

However, this shows N10,000 added to the initial amount.

NLC had called for an indefinite strike for Tuesday, saying the government revoked the fuel subsidy without providing relief to cushion its effects.

However, during the discussions, the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to expediting the availability of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses to alleviate the hike in transportation and petrol fares.

Furthermore, the government pledged support for micro and small-scale enterprises and announced a six-month waiver on VAT for diesel.

Additionally, the government disclosed its plan to commence monthly payments of N75,000 to 15 million households, disbursed at N25,000 per month, starting from October through December 2023.

In a statement, the government emphasised its desire for industrial harmony, urging labour unions not to embark on strike actions.

It pointed out that the pending issues could only be effectively addressed while workers are actively engaged in their duties.

In response to the labour unions’ request for higher wage increments, a sub-committee will be established to outline the implementation details of all interventions aimed at mitigating the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

Addressing the longstanding matter involving the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State was also highlighted as an urgent concern.

The statement, signed by the Minister of Information, Mallam Muhammad Idris, said the unions would review the government’s offer and consider suspending the planned strike action, allowing for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions reached.

Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), as well as Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, participated virtually in the meeting, which was chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Dr. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Also present were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu; the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan; and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The labour delegation was led by NLC President Joe Ajaero; Dr. Tommy Etim Okon, Deputy President of TUC; NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja; TUC General Secretary Nuhu Toro, among other representatives.

Watch President Tinubu’s 63rd Independence Anniversary speech

Abdallah Bell

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Labour

Nationwide Strike: FG Invites NLC, TUC for Emergency Parley

By Web News 493

The Federal Government, in a desperate move to avert the planned nationwide strike from October 3, has summoned an emergency meeting with the leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and their Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart.

Vanguard gathered the meeting is scheduled to hold later this evening at Aso Villa, Conference Room of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President.

It was gathered that the government had earlier fixed the meeting for 12 noon today, but had to be shifted to evening to enable Organised Labour to reach out to their leaders outside Abuja.

According to sources, the NLC and its TUC counterpart received the government’s invitation this morning through the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Labour

Subsidy: Shelve Strike, FG Tells NLC, TUC

By Web News 605

The Federal Government, on Thursday, asked the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, to shelve their plan to embark on a nationwide indefinite strike action on October 3.

Government maintained that the proposed industrial action by the labour unions would amount to a gross violation of a subsisting court injunction.

It stressed that issues bordering on fuel subsidy removal, which informed the decision of the NLC and the TUC to declare the strike action, are already pending before the National Industrial Court, NIC.

According to FG, it was due to the willingness of the unions to enter into a negotiation over the issue that it was persuaded to withdraw a contempt proceeding that it initially instituted against them.

Therefore, the government, through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), wrote to the head of the legal team of the two unions, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), urging him to persuade his clients to abort the planned strike action.

The letter, dated September 26, a copy of which Vanguard obtained, read: “The attention of the Ministry has been drawn to media reports on the proposed nationwide strike action by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, scheduled to commence on 3rd October 2023.

“You are kindly invited to recall the antecedence of previous steps/actions on this matter, particularly the exchange of correspondence between this office and your firm, before and after the nationwide ‘action/protest’ declared by the NLC on 2nd August 2023.

“Whilst your clients had maintained that the nationwide protest by NLC is in furtherance of its constitutional right to embark on protests, the Ministry has repeatedly advised on the need to advise your clients to refrain from resorting to self-help and taking actions capable of undermining subsisting orders of a court of competent jurisdiction.

“It is also to be recalled that based on the conduct of the said nationwide action/protest, this Office instituted contempt proceedings against the labour leaders.

“However, upon the intervention of the President and National Assembly, coupled with the decision of the labour unions to discontinue their action/protest, the contempt proceedings were not prosecuted further.

“This was advisedly done to enable the government and labour union engage in further negotiations without any form of encumbrances.

“However, in its Communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting on 31st August 2023, NLC resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from 31st August 2023.

“Also on 26th September 2023, the Presidents of NLC and TUC, jointly issued a communiqué stating that organised labour had resolved, ‘to embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours Tuesday, the 3rd day of October, 2023.’

“From a review of the contents of the above communiques and available media reports, the proposed strike action is premised principally in furtherance of issues connected with the removal of fuel subsidy, hike in fuel price and consequential matters of making provisions for palliatives and workers welfare.

“These are undoubtedly issues that have been submitted to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.

“Therefore, the proposed strike action is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted on 5th June 2023 restraining both Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress from embarking on any industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending Motion on Notice.

“We wish to reiterate that a court order, regardless of the opinion of any party on it, remains binding and enforceable until set aside.

“It is the expectation of the public that the labour unions would lead in obedience and observance of court orders and not in its breach.”

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chief of Staff to the President, National Security Adviser, Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General, State Security Services, DSS, were copied.

Recall that the labour unions had vowed to enforce an indefinite nationwide strike action from October 3, following Federal Government’s failure to address the economic hardship that Nigerians are currently facing owing to its unplanned removal of fuel subsidy.

Vanguard/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Labour

NLC, TUC Begin Nationwide Indefinite Strike Oct 3

By Web News 631

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, declared indefinite strike starting from October 3 in forcing the federal government to address the hardship across the country, due to the removal of fuel subsidy.

The resolution came, despite promises by the federal government to conclude wage award, which was a major demand by the labour leaders, to the two labour centres.
In a joint communiqué after both Labour centres held separate emergency National Executive Council, NEC, meetings, leaders of the two bodies urged Nigerians to brace up for a long strike and use between this week and next Monday to stockpile foodstuff and other necessities.

Though the Trade Union Congress, TUC, did not participate in the two-day warning strike embarked upon by the NLC two weeks ago, it has, however, resolved to team up with the NLC on the indefinite strike.

The communiqué, jointly read by NLC and TUC Presidents, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively, at the Labour House, Abuja, directed state councils and affiliates of the two centres to step up mobilization of members and allies for total strike.

They said the indefinite strike is a result of the perceived insensitivity of government to the plights of workers and other Nigerians, following the petrol subsidy removal and continuous demonstration of unwillingness and complete lack of initiative to address the fall-outs of the removal and other harsh economic policies.

According to the communiqué: “NLC and TUC in their various meetings deeply analyzed the current situation in the country, taking into cognizance the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting our citizens across all states of the federation and unanimously condemned the apparent conscious lethargy and tardiness in handling the consequences of its Petrol Price hike on Nigerians.

 “The councils deliberated on the continued refusal of the Federal Government to engage in a meaningful and constructive dialogue within the ambit of good faith given the 21 days ultimatum and the subsequent successful two-day nationwide warning strike of the 5th and 6th of September and other meetings that were supposed to demonstrate the preparedness of Nigerian workers to push through their decision to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike if their demands were not met.”

The communiqué explained that “the NLC and TUC NEC-in-session observed that there is no disagreement between labour and government on the existence of massive suffering, impoverishment and hunger in the country as a result of the hike in the price of petrol which demands an urgent need for remedial action.

Vanguard/Taiwo Akinola

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Labour

NLC Warms up for Indefinite Strike

By Web News 483

As the ultimatum by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to the Federal Government to address the mass suffering and pains occasioned by the removal of subsidy on petrol expires today, the leadership of the Congress will meet next week to decide when to begin an indefinite nationwide strike.

Newsmen gathered that the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has been meeting with some members of the government team on how to avert the strike.

It was also gathered that the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, alongside the Vice President, are putting together a package, including wage awards, to be presented to the NLC leadership.

It will be recalled that NLC had between Tuesday, September 5 and Wednesday 6 embarked on a two-day nationwide warning strike to protest, among others, perceived government insensitivity to plights and sufferings of Nigerians, especially workers, following the subsidy removal.

Ahead of the warning strike, the National Executive Council, NEC, of NLC had issued within 14 working days or 21 days from September 1, 2023, an ultimatum for the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and the impoverishment experienced around the country, threatening an indefinite strike if government failed to address its demands.

As the 21-day ultimatum expires today, it was gathered that critical organs of NLC will be meeting next week to decide on the indefinite strike and modalities if nothing concrete was done to lessen the suffering and hardship of Nigerians.

A source said: “The issue is conventional, when an ultimatum expires, you call your organs and the organs will decide when to commence the strike. If we ever decide to say we would take one day or few days or one week to prepare for it, that would be their position.”

The source, however, said available information revealed that the government team is working seriously to avert another round of industrial unrest by NLC.

He said further that both the minister of finance, and the vice president, who is standing in for the President who is attending the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA, Summit in New York were considering some figures.

 “Available information is that the government will soon announce what it has. They are really making efforts and again the President is not in the country.

“What we don’t know is whether what they have will be enough for NLC to consider or not. In the past two to three days, the vice president has been meeting with some of the government team to come up with something. “

The source made it clear that the NLC leadership had said it would not be part of any meeting if there were no tangible packages for workers.

Attempt to get a reaction from the Presidency did not yield any results as the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, is out of the country.

The presidential spokesman is with the President in New York for the UNGA summit.

Recall that while briefing last Friday, after its NEC’s meeting, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said: “NEC-in-session of NLC resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today until steps are taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and the impoverishment experienced around the country”.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Labour

We Want Concrete Actions not Mere Promises, TUC Tells FG

By Web News 457

Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong, engaged in discussions with the leadership of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, to provide an update on the Federal Government’s actions to address concerns over living conditions.

Accompanied by the Minister of State for Labour, Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, Mr. Lalong informed the TUC leadership that following their previous meeting, he had a discussion with the President to highlight some of the labour union’s raised issues.

He urged the TUC to be patient and clarified that, before departing for the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the President received comprehensive briefings and issued further directives regarding the implementation of the raised concerns.

In response, TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, expressed appreciation for the Minister’s efforts but stressed the need for concrete actions instead of “mere promises.”

He noted that workers were becoming increasingly impatient due to the hardships resulting from the removal of subsidies.

However, he conveyed the TUC’s hope that within the next two weeks, the President would have taken all necessary steps to arrive at a resolution. The workers eagerly awaited this decision, as it would help alleviate tension and the threat of service withdrawal by workers.

Meanwhile, Federal Government’s meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Monday ended in deadlock as the two parties could not reach an agreeable resolution.

The meeting followed the NLC’s threat to embark on an indefinite strike, expiring on the 21st of this month.

FRCN Abuja/Adetutu Adetule

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Labour

FG Invites NLC for Parley over Looming Strike

By Web News 829

The Federal Government has again invited the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress to a meeting in order to resolve issues over the looming industrial action.

The meeting between the two parties had been scheduled for Monday September 18,2023.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday, by the Director Information, Ministry of Labour and Employment ,Olajide Oshundun.

Oshundun said, “The Minister of Labour and Employment Simon Bako Lalong has again invited the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC for another meeting over its planned indefinite strike.
“The Minister who directed the Department of Trade Unions Services and Industrial Relations to convene a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for Monday 18th September 2023 said it was important that the Unions sit with Government to resolve all pending matters to avert further disruption to the economy.

“According to the Minister, the administration of President Bola Tinubu will always engage the organised labour and respond to its concerns after due consultation and negotiations in order to guarantee industrial harmony which is critical to the attainment of the Renewed Hope Agenda”

According to reports the latest invitation by the Federal government is coming days after The Nigeria Labour Congress ended it’s two-day warning strike after shunning an earlier meeting with the Federal Government to embark on the strike over increasing hardship and suffering across the country caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.
The NLC had given notice of a two-day warning strike to protest the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment experienced around the country, threatening a total and indefinite shutdown of the economy within 14 working days or 21 days after the warning strike, if government did not take steps to address the hardship being experienced across the country.
Punch /Adebukola Aluko

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Lifestyle

RATTAWU Organises Free Eye Screening and Test for Ogun Residents

By Web News 541

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

About one hundred residents of Abeokuta, Ogun State have benefited from free eye screening and tests with subsidized eyeglasses and drugs to reduce the risk of eye problems including glaucoma and other related problems.

The eye screening which was held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto Abeokuta, was put together by the Ogun State Council of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union, RATTAWU, in conjunction with other partners.

An Optometrist, Dr Kingsley Egwe, who led the partners’ team, said the essence of the exercise was to create awareness for people on the importance of checking their eye statues regularly to avoid any eye-related issues that might degenerate to partial or total blindness if neglected.

Dr. Egwe who attributed old age, change of lifestyle, environment, and long use of screens without screen protectors as part of the causes of eye problems, urged people to prioritize their eye care at all times.

Representative of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Midian Nanle, encouraged other unions in the state to emulate the initiative of the RATTAWU to prioritize the healthcare of their members.

The State Chairman of RATTAWU, Comrade Idowu Rotimi who appreciated the partners for their gesture, explained that the screening exercise was part of the contributions of the body to the society.

Beneficiaries including, the acting General Manager, NTA Abeokuta, Mr Kehinde Onoda commended the State RATTAWU and other partners for the laudable initiative of subsidizing the cost of eyeglasses and drugs, especially with the economic hardship currently facing citizens of the country.

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Culture

Lagos Civil Servants Enjoy Work-Free Day for Isese

By Web News 655

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has declared Monday, August 21, as a work-free day for all public servants in the state in commemoration of the 2023 Isese Day celebration which will be held on Sunday, August 20.

This is contained in a statement circular dated August 18, 2023.

The circular, which was signed by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, noted that the declaration of Monday as a work-free day for public servants by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was “with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage.”

“In restating its commitment to continue to provide the necessary support to traditional institutions in the state with a view to promoting our indigenous culture and tradition while preserving our heritage, Mr. Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has graciously declared Monday, 21st August 2023, a work-free day for public servants in the state. Work will, therefore, resume on Tuesday, 22nd August at 8 am prompt,” the circular partly read.

According to the report, the Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs had in July urged the Lagos State Government to officially recognize and declare August 20 as Isese Day holiday in the state.

The traditional rulers, who spoke at the inauguration of the state Council of Obas and Chiefs for another tenure of five years, said it had become important for the state government to recognize August 20 as Isese Day in the spirit of democracy and freedom of religion.

Speaking on behalf of the council, the Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi, said, “It is a demand that has been on the table of the governor for so long.”

Punch/Taiwo Akinola

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Labour

FG Halts Contempt Suit against Labour

By Web News 482

The Federal Government on Monday said it did not proceed with the contempt suit it planned to file against Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for organizing nationwide protest against fuel subsidy removal on August 2, 2023.

The National Industry Court had stopped the organized labour from going on strike, however human rights lawyer and counsel to the organized labour, Femi Falana insisted the union could proceed on the protest.

The Ministry of Justice insisted Labour Unions had gone against the court and planned to sue NLC and TUC for contempt, saying they disobeyed a court order barring them from organizing a nationwide protest.

In a change of event, the ministry in a letter dated August 7, signed by the Permanent Secretary, Beatrice Jeddy-Agba addressed to the NLC through their counsel, Femi Falana said the contempt proceedings against the congress for embarking on a nationwide protest last Wednesday was no longer valid.

According to the ministry the initially planned contempt suit was before the interventions of the President and the National Assembly, explaining that the suit was motivated by the need to protect court’s integrity.

“It is self-evident that the none-issuance of Form 49 as at 4th of August 2023, renders the contempt proceedings inchoate. You may therefore wish to advise or guide the labour unions on the practice and procedure of contempt proceedings, particularly to the effect that the issues or concerns raised by NLC in its communiqué on the proceedings have been overtaken by events,” the letter read in part.

Meanwhile, the NLC had on August 3 issued an ultimatum to the federal government, demanding the withdrawal of a lawsuit against the union regarding their nationwide protest on Wednesday.

FRCN Abuja/Adetutu Adetule

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Labour

Makinde, Labour Reach Truce

By Web News 406

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde wants more cordial relationships between his government and the workers as normalcy returned to the state secretariat after the state labour unions ended a week-long protest to press home their demands.

Governor Makinde while addressing the leadership of NLC at the  Governor’s office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, promised that the state government would be having quarterly meetings with the leadership of the labour unions for more harmonious working relationship between the labour and government. 

The governor who urged the state workers to always consider the progress of the state first in their dealings, tasked all stakeholders to ensure that the peaceful atmosphere of the state is not disrupted.

Reacting on behalf of the workers, the state NLC Chairman, Mr Kayode Martins, lauded the magnanimity of Governor Makinde to address the workers. 

The Oyo state NLC boss explained that the governor has agreed to accede to their demands pointing out that government has paid  four months  deductions from salaries out of the six owed with a promise to pay the remaining two in August

Mr Martins also disclosed that further meetings would be held between the two parties.

Radio Nigeria reports that workers as at 7am this morning have been reporting to their duties.

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Religion

Oyo Strike: Workers Observe Jumat at Entrance of Secretariat

By Web News 501

The Jumat service at Agodi Ibadan took a novel dimension on Friday as angry workers observed prayers at the entrance of the Secretariat.

This  came on the heels of protests by the Oyo State workers and pensioners under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), which entered its fiffth day over a number of demands from the State Government.

The workers were insisting that they would not retreat until the state governor, Seyi Makinde addressed them.

Oyo NLC and its TUC counterpart had since the commencement of the protests on Monday, blocked the entry and exit gates of the Oyo State Secretariat with their cars.

This was to ensure workers did not enter the State Secretariat to resume the day’s work but to join the protest.

Among the requests of the workers are payment of salary deductions, palliatives for workers, upward review of pension allowances, payment of leave bonus, payment of gratuities to retirees who had been stagnated since the year 2021 and release of promotion letters for the Year 2021 and 2022.

As of time of filing this report, Governor Makinde was yet to return to the state to address the workers after his trip outside the state earlier in the week.

Oyo Parrot/Yemisi Owonikoko

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Labour

Labour Threatens Another Strike Action

By Web News 375

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday threatened to embark on a nationwide indefinite strike from August 14, if, at the close of work on Friday, August 11, the contempt charge against it by the Federal Government was not withdrawn.

Recall that the Federal Ministry of Justice had gone to court on Wednesday to file a contempt charge against labour unions, the NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC for embarking on strike.

At its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting to review Wednesday’s nationwide protest, NLC demanded immediate withdrawal of the contempt charge.

A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting said NLC leaders also gave reasons for suspending the nationwide protest, noting that NEC members deliberated exhaustively on the mood of the nation, amid the suffering and deprivation across all the States of the federation.

According to the communique, NEC also reviewed the effectiveness of the nationwide protest, particularly the meetings with President Bola Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and the contempt charge action of the Federal Government through the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, NICN.

The communiqué, signed by NLC President and General Secretary, Joe Ajaero and Emma Ugboaja, respectively, read: “Whereas Nigerians spoke loudly across Nigeria yesterday (Wednesday) to express their outrage over the huge suffering and impoverishment pervading the landscape, the President, Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu, responded through a closed-door meeting with the leaders of the Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC.

“Concrete agreements were reached and the President personally guaranteed action on the following areas: Commitment to an immediate restructuring of the framework for engaging the consequences of the PMS price hike, in line with the input of the labour leaders.

”The assurance that the Port Harcourt Refinery will commence production by December this year; the pledge to ensure that agreement is reached on the wage award for Nigerian workers immediately; and the promise to unveil a workable roadmap to the CNG alternative next week.

“The Federal Ministry of Justice, through the NICN, has continued to allow itself to be used as a vehicle to truncate the dominance of the tenets of democracy and muzzle/silence the voices of Nigerian workers and, has served a summons on the leadership of the NLC and TUC to answer to contempt of court charges, despite the provisions of the constitution to the contrary and the objective realities.

“Consequently, NEC-in-Session resolved as follows: To support and affirm the decision to suspend further protest on the nationwide mass protest

“To commit to maintaining the required vigilance needed to hold government accountable on its assurances and governance in general

“To commit to the terminal date of August 19, 2023, within which the issues around the petroleum price hike will be agreed, given the assurances of the President and the National Assembly.

“To go on total strike across the country any day labour leaders are summoned to court by the government through the NICN.

“To demand the immediate withdrawal of this litigious terrorism by the Federal Ministry of Justice before the end of work on Friday, August 11, 2023”.

Vanguard/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Labour

NLC: Tinubu, Senate’ Intervention Informed Strike Suspension  

By Web News 439

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has confirmed the suspension of its planned strike following the intervention of President Bola Tinubu and the Senate.

The resolution followed the National Executive Council meeting of the Congress.

The national treasurer, Hakeem Ambali, in a terse message sent to our correspondent this morning (Thursday), said, “ Protest suspended due to the Senate intervention and meeting with President Tinubu yesternight.”

The NLC protest which was held Wednesday across the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory prompted an emergency meeting between the President and the labour leaders.

Initially, the NLC had noted that it would only suspend its strike following a show of seriousness on the side of the government.

During the protest in Abuja on Wednesday, angry protesters pulled down the gates of the National Assembly in a bid to gain access to the premises so as to meet with the lawmakers.

The NLC president, Joe Ajaero, following the meeting with Tinubu said the President had made some commitments.
The labour centre is expected to brief the public shortly.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Security

Police Deploy Personnel for Peaceful Protest

By Web News 409

By Rasheedah Makinde

Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Adebola Hamzat, says the Command has emplaced adequate security measures to ensure a peaceful protest embarked upon by Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Nigeria trade union, TUC in the State.

Mr Hamzat made this known while deploying officers and men across the ten Area Commands in the State for visibility policing and confidence building patrols in order to avoid the protest being hijacked by hoodlums. 

The Police Commissioner noted that strategic operational and intelligence assets were deployed while the spotlight was also beamed on Places of interests, critical infrastructures and landmarks.

Mr Hamzat,therefore, called on members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or molestation from anyone.

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Labour

Let Masses Breath, NLC to Tinubu

By Web News 383

By Adenitan Akinola 

The Osun State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Coalition of Civil Societies in Osun State protested the removal of fuel subsidy and the economy hardship Nigerians have been subjected to.

The protest which began at the Freedom Park Osogbo moved to the Olaiya flyover where members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU National Union of Electricity Employees and Civil Society Organisations and the Nigerian Union of Journalists addresses the people.

The protesting workers further moved down to Aregbe area, Ogo-Oluwa and Abere axis of the town, chatting solidarity songs.

There was heavy presence of security personnel in some strategic locations within the metropolis including Old garage, Ayetoro, Ogo-Oluwa, the State secretariat at Abere.

The protesters carried placards with inscriptions “Tinubu stop suffocating us”, “Let the poor breath”, “Join the NLC to end suffering” among others.

It was the position of the protesters that government had the responsibility to fix the refineries, build new once so as to make petrol and other crude oil resources available at affordable rates for the masses of Nigeria.

In a leaflet by the Joint Action Front, JAF signed it’s chairman and former ASUU National President, Dr Dipo Fashina, Secretary, Comrade Abiodun Aremu which circulated at the rally, the organization listed five points of demands including “total reversal of the capitalist policies of privatization and deregulation, which has been responsible for non-functioning of local refineries, looting by government officials and fuel marketers through fuel importation and the subsidies’ fraud.”

JAF also insists “that Government, in obedience to section 16 of the 1999 constitution on Economic Objectives, should respect then provisions, which states that the economic system is not operated in such manner as to permit the concentration of wealth, or means of production and exchange in the hands of few individuals or of a group.”

It’s also calls for “Unconditional implementation of a new National Minimum Living Wage across board and payment of all outstanding allowances and arrears to all categories of public and private employments”

Also, the Chairman of the Osun State Coalition of Civil Societies, Comrade Waheed Lawal, called on Nigerians to resist the increase in fuel prices, electricity tariff and increase in tuition fees.

He said, “we thought we voted for people that will make life meaningful for us, but alas, they made things difficult. As it is now, all of us must come out and let them know that we are not happy with the present situation in the country. This suffering must stop, we must not keep quiet.”

Dr. Olaosebikan Wehinde, the ASUU chairman Union, Uniosun branch, called for the abolition of all the anti-masses policies of the Federal Government

He also said the Federal Government should pay ASUU members their salaries.

“We are saying enough to incessant petroleum price hikes. We are saying enough to insecurity. We are saying enough to corruption, we are saying enough to commercialization of education. Nigeria masses are saying enough to abuse of power, we are saying enough to poor workers wages.

“Politics in Nigeria should be demonitised, we are saying enough is enough to all policies that are bringing suffering to the masses, policies that are capable of dividing Nigeria into different factions. We are here today to communicate to Nigeria government that the masses are suffering.”

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Labour

Labour Protest Rocks Oyo, Osun, Ogun

By Web News 467

By Omolola Alamu/Adenitan Akinola/Oluwatoyin Adegoke

It is now a double protests in Oyo State as the State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, complied with the call from the national body of the Union to protest the high cost of fuel due to the removal of subsidy, despite protesting non-remittance of their salary deductions since Monday.

 The road leading to Secretariat Agodi Ibadan was blocked by vehicles of the union with music blaring.

 Some civil society groups and pensioners also joined the protest.

Similarly, the protest called by the Nigeria Labour Congress kicked off this morning in Osun State from the Freedom Park Osogbo.

Though, the mobilisation was not as massive as expected, but some members of ASUU, the National Union of Electricity Employees, and Civil Society Organisations are already on ground.

As at the time of filling the report, the protesters were already moving towards the popular Olaiya flyover where it is expected that others will join them.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria at the Freedom Park, Vice President of National Union of Electricity Employees, Comrade  Sadiq Adewale said the protest was in response to the directive of the National leadership of NLC to resist increase in price of petrol which is making life unbearable for Nigerians.

In the same vein, workers in Ogun State have called for immediate implementation of palliative measures to cushion the effect of hardship being experienced by Nigerians as they joined their counterparts in observing the nationwide protest over the recent hike in pump price of petroleum.

The Workers converged on the arcade ground of the State Government Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta where they presented their  letter of demand to the government.

The labour leaders including State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Hammed Benco-Ademola, that of Trade union Congress, Comrade Akeen Lasisi and Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Isa Olude led the agitation calling for the fixing of refineries as a lasting solutions to frequent hike in pump price of petroleum.

They also asked government to put structure in place for setting up of compressed Natural Gas stations as alternative to petrol to ease movement of People among other demands. 

Responding,The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun represented by the secretary to the state government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi said Government also shared pains of the populace and working round the clock in addressing the problem.

Mr Talabi listed Palliative measures put in place to include conversion of the state mass transit busses to Compressed Natural Gas and provision of designated centres for selling of food items at Control price.

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Labour

No going back on protest says NLC

By Web News 378

The Organised Labour says there is no going back on its planned nationwide strike to protest the removal of fuel subsidy.

The proposed strike is scheduled to begin on Wednesday.

Earlier on Monday, the Presidential Steering Committee on Palliatives resumed talks on how best to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy on Nigerians..

The Committee comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and government representatives met at the presidential villa.

The unions expressed doubt on the ability of President Bola Tinubu to effectively control inflation and petrol price due to the unification of the exchange rate.

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero said the plan for workers to engage in a peaceful protest starting from Wednesday remains unchanged, dismissing fears of the protest being hijacked by hoodlums.

He said such incidents had never happened in NLC protests, stressing that it was the responsibility of the security agencies to ensure the safety of the demonstrators.

On Friday, the Organised Labour stormed out of the meeting following the absence of top government officials to negotiate with them.

The meeting was to take briefing from subcommittees on mass transit, the CNG and cash transfer.

Culled / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Labour

Senate to Parley FG, NLC over Planned Strike

By Web News 421

The Senate on Monday directed its leadership to meet with the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, to avert the impending nationwide strike action.

The NLC had given the Federal Government an ultimatum to rescind the fuel subsidy removal or face a nationwide strike beginning from Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

The Labour body is currently mobilising its affiliate unions to ensure that the industrial action is successful and total.

The resolution of the Senate followed a motion titled: “Urgent need to avert impending nationwide strike being called by the Nigeria Labour Congress over the removal of fuel subsidy” sponsored by Senator Sulaiman Kawu (NNPP-Kano South).

Kawu in his lead debate insisted that the strike would have a devastating effect on the nation’s economy if allowed to hold.

Senators Isah Jibrin, Seriake Dickson, and Solomon Adeola supported the motion.

They called on the NLC to shelve the proposed strike and allow the palliatives being planned by the Federal Government to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

Isah Jibrin (APC, Kogi East), said, “The motion is timely and every reasonable Nigerian would not want us to go on strike again.

“A strike usually has intended and unintended consequences both on the rich and the poor.
Appeal to labour unions to shelve the strike.”

Dickson also said, “We must commend the President for having the courage to remove the fuel subsidy.

“The economic situation as a result of the removal has brought untold hardship on the people.

“Therefore, the need for more palliatives other than the N500billion already unveiled by the Federal Government.“

Also, Senator Solomon pleaded with the NLC to give more time to the presidency as some pro-people policies like palliatives, and increased minimum wage were also in the pipeline.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on local government areas and state governments to work together to ameliorate the sufferings of the people. We cannot continue to use 98 per cent of our revenue to service fuel subsidy.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Labour

Workers Barricade State Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan

By Web News 678

By Nofiu Busari

Oyo State workers under the aegis of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC,  this morning barricaded all entrances into the Government Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan. 

The development was a result of the failure of Governor Seyi Makinde to accede to their demands. 

The demands included remittance of deductions, release of promotion letter with financial implications, review of pensions, among others. 

The workers whose actions created traffic jams along the Secretariat road were chanting solidarity songs to attract the attention of passers-by.

Speaking with newsmen, State NLC Chairman,  Mr Kayode Martin said the only solution to the protest was the physical meeting with Governor Seyi Makinde and not by proxy. 

He accused the Governor of insensitivity to workers’ plights by failing to meet them. 

Mr Martin further explained that all their correspondences to the Governor were not honoured, saying that it was unhealthy for industrial relations. 

Corroborating his counterpart, TUC Chairman, Mr. Bosun Olabiyi pointed out that Governor Makinde had failed the workers in the state by not being responsible and responsive. 

He said all avenues employed to meet the Governor proved abortive, hence the need to embark on the protest to press home their demands.

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