Energy

By Adeniyi Bakere

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.

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Energy

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.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Health

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Workers’ bodies in the Food and Beverage Industry have petitioned the Ogun State House of Assembly, calling for the reversal of the ban on sachet and PET bottles of alcoholic drinks by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administrators and Control, NAFDAC. 

The bodies, affiliated to the Trade Union Congress, TUC, presented their petition to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Oludaisi Elemide through the State Chairman of the Congress, Comrade Akeem Lasisi who led them on a protest to the Assembly Complex. 

Comrade Lasisi warned that the pronouncement of NAFDAC would result in massive loss of jobs and shutdown of subsidiary industries and urged the State lawmakers to look into the matter with a view to protecting the source of living of the workforce, which could be affected by the ban.

Responding, the Speaker, Mr Elemide gave the assurance that the State Legislature would consider the plea of the Union and channel the request to the appropriate authorities for further actions.

The Speaker explained that the consideration of the union’s position for a reversal of policy was within the purview of the Federal Government, adding that avoidable situations should not be allowed to worsen the present situation of the country’s economy.

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Labour

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke/ Iyabo Adebisi

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

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Labour

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.

Vanguard / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Labour

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.

Channels/Adebukola Aluko

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Labour

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.

https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Oyo-wage-committee-1.mp3

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.

https://radionigeriaibadan.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Oyo-wage-committee-2.mp3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Iyabo Adebisi

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has directed civil servants to resume to their duty posts on Monday, as his government would pay the two months deductions owed the workers with their August salary, while it would also explore further options on dialogue.

In a state-wide broadcast, Governor Makinde said his government remained open to parleying with labour to ensure that the rights of the workers of Oyo State are protected.

He encouraged the union leaders to return to the negotiating table to discuss any increases in salary or possible harmonisation of pension payments. 

It would be recalled that Oyo state workers in the last five days had embarked on protest over non -remitance of deductions from salaries. 

Speaking on the protest and blockage of entry points into the Secretariat, the governor stated that his government has been one of the states that are favourably committed to workers’ welfare since he assumed office in 2019.

 “We have paid all civil servants’ salaries and pensions on or before the 25th of every month without fail. And since January 2020, we have paid the minimum wage and consequential adjustments to all cadres of civil servants every month without fail. 

“Presently, the civil servants’ wage bill stands at N7.2 billion monthly. We have continued to pay this despite having a state revenue of just below N10 billion monthly. It is, therefore, clear to understand why any increase in salaries or pensions may not be possible at this time. 

Governor Makinde however, announced that apart from the payment of the cooperatives deduction to be effected and paid with August salaries, the government would increase the number of buses made available for civil servants to commute to and from work from 9 to 12, so that more routes are covered to lessen the transportation burden of workers.

He further stated that the government would pay the health insurance premium for all pensioners under the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA) scheme and that any pensioner who already made payment would be refunded.

The governor equally stated that the government would resume the monthly payment of gratuities to pensioners so as to continue to clear the backlog of gratuity payments inherited by our administration. 

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Religion

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

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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Security

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

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

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has expressed deep concern regarding the impending nationwide protests announced by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

While recognizing the constitutional right to peaceful protests, Egbetokun has appealed to the involved parties to ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful and not be hijacked by miscreants.

The IGP, acknowledging the labour unions’ grievances, emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue in resolving the issues.

In this regard, he has directed the Commissioners of Police across various commands and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to engage with the NLC and TUC leadership to find common ground regarding the protests.

In a statement on Tuesday, Dr. Egbetokun reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring the safety and security of citizens during the protests.

He further affirmed that the Police would not tolerate any act of vandalism, gangsterism, or extortion that threatens public peace and order.

In light of the potential security challenges the planned protests might pose, the IGP has ordered a watertight security strategy across the country. He called on all police officers to remain vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct.

Additionally, the IGP urged all stakeholders, including the NLC, TUC, and civil society groups, to choose peaceful dialogue as the most effective means of addressing grievances.

He reassured them of the Police’s commitment to maintaining a secure environment conducive for open dialogue and constructive engagement.

CHannelstv / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Labour

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

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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Politics

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC in Ekiti State have vowed to support only governorship candidate that is ready to meet up with the demands of workers and offer cabinet ranking positions to workers.

Chairmen of the two unions, Messrs Kolapo Olatunde and Sola Adigun stated this at a news conference held in Ado Ekiti to herald activities lined up for this year’s May Day.

The union leaders explained that a committee had been set up by both unions to examine the manifestos of all candidates and interview them towards determining who workers would align with.

They urged workers to obtain their Permanent voter’s cards and be ready to participate actively in the June 18 election.

They promised to continue to put in all efforts to ensure that government and employers improve on the welfare of theirs workers.

Part of activities lined up for the May Day celebration include indoor games, sanitation among others.

Kayode Babatuyi

Lifestyle

 The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has lost its Secretary-General, Comrade Musa Ozigi – Lawal.

He was killed in the Abuja – Kaduna train bombing carried out by bandits on Monday night.

A Former President of TUC, Peter Esele confirmed the death of Ozigi Lawal in a terse statement on Wednesday,

The statement reads

“The choice of being born in this country wasn’t yours to make. One thing I can attest to is your love and optimism for this country.“Yesterday (Monday), the terrorist put off your light as you travel by train to Kaduna.

SOJ World News