Following threat by the Department of State Services (DSS) that the proposed protest by organised labour “will worsen the socio-economic situation across the country”, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has decided not to participate in the scheduled two-day nationwide protest.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had announced the two-day nationwide protest as precursor to a looming strike by the organised labour regarding the increased cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and challenges facing the country.
On Wednesday, Tommy Etim, the Vice-President of the TUC, expressed that the NLC’s announcement of a protest on February 27 and 28 was not made jointly by both unions, according to him.
Etim, said, “We cannot join the protest because the decision was not taken collectively. It is very clear that by virtue of the letter, there is no way we can join the protest.”
“We are writing to address a matter of mutual concern and our disappointment regarding the recent unilateral issuance of two days’ national protest with specified dates.
“You will recall that both centres issued a joint statement with a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government. This ultimatum will expire on Thursday, February 22nd, and the right thing to do was for both leaders to review the situation and agree on the way forward prior to convening our respective NEC meetings.
“Our respective NEC is made up of highly intelligent individuals who are desirous that we both work together always in our collective interest. Even if we didn’t anticipate our NEC decision meetings, it is our responsibility as leaders to harmonise our positions before jointly going to the press.
“It was our understanding that decisions of such magnitude would be made collectively, ensuring that the interests and perspectives of all parties involved are duly considered.
“This is the way other leaders of both centres have worked together from the time of SECSCAN to when TUC was formally registered.’’
DSS warns against protest
Earlier, the DSS had cautioned organised labour to consider not holding the protest, stressing that it will worsen the socio-economic situation across the country.
In a statement by Peter Afunanya, Director of PR and Strategic Communications, the Service vowed to oppose to violence as a means of settling present day challenges, be they economic, political or otherwise.
The statement reads in full: “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to plans by sections of the organised labour to stage protests between 27th and 28th February, 2024 in parts of the country over sundry economic issues.
“While the Service recognises such action as the legitimate right of the labour movement, it, however, urges the body to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order.
“The DSS further calls on parties to pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conducts that could heighten tensions.
“This is more so that the Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence. The development, without doubt, will worsen the socio-economic situation across the country.
“It is common knowledge that all levels of Government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given a benefit of the doubt.
“So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties. They should, therefore, be given the chance to handle the challenges at hand.
“In this vein, citizens are encouraged to recognise that what remains unsolved in peace time, would not be attained in war-time. The timeless piece of the esteemed Poet, JP Clark, “The Casualties” is a resonating reminder to us on the possible dangers of escalated conflicts. In time of trouble, everyone will be a casualty.
“Also, ongoing wars in the global scene is a stark reminder of their catastrophic repercussions on the affected countries’ domestic environments thus, the critical need to protect and maintain our internal stability and unity.
“Those exploiting the fault lines in the country need to have a rethink as resort to negativities will endanger our peaceful coexistence with dire consequences.
“Similarly, parents and guardians are implored to exert authority in guiding their children and wards from inimical acts capable of jeopardising public safety and harmony.
“Additionally, all sectors, including political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society and non-governmental bodies are called upon to eschew violence; demonstrate leadership and statesmanship in these challenging times.
“Making political capital out of the current situation or involving in divisive utterances at a time like this, will be of no benefit to any peace-loving Nigerian. Citizens are advised to be vigilant and not allow fifth columnists and hostile forces or agents to use them to destabilise the peace of the nation.
“The DSS stands opposed to violence as a means of settling our present day challenges, be they economic, political or otherwise. Accordingly, the Service will work with sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that lasting peace is maintained in the country”.
FG committed to implementing agreement with labour
Meanwhile, the Federal Government says it is committed to implementing the agreements it entered with organised labour on the general welfare of workers and other issues
The government’s position is contained in a statement issued by Mr Segun Imohiosen Director Information, office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Tuesday in Abuja.
Imohiosen said the federal government reviewed the commitments made with the organised labour at a meeting attended by the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and other dignitaries.
He disclosed that substantial progress had been made in the agreements including payment of four months from six months wage award promised to the organised labour
“From the payment of wage award of N35,000 for six months, government had so far paid for four months up to Dec. 31 2023.
“The remaining two months of January and February, 2024 is being processed,” he said
The Director said the federal government had also inaugurated a 37-member Minimum Wage Committee to review and come up with an acceptable and sustainable minimum wage for the Nigerian workers.
“The Committee has so far held two meetings and discussions are ongoing,” he said.
On the provision of CNG Buses and conversion kits, he said government had so far made substantial financial commitments.
According to him, the buses would be rolled out in no distance time to alleviate the transportation challenges being faced by Nigerians.
He said government had implemented the suspension of collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for six months beginning from Oct. 2023.
On the leadership crises rocking NURTW and RTEAN, Imohiosen said government waded into the matter and the issue had been amicably resolved.
”The Lagos state government was mandated to address the matter and as we speak, the executive body of the union has been inaugurated and all contending issues resolved.
“With respect to the outstanding salaries and wages of tertiary education workers in federal owned educational institutions, government has paid the four months outstanding salaries to ASUU in full.
“Action is ongoing with respect to other Unions as well.m,” he said
Imohiosen said over three million households, including vulnerable pensioners had benefitted from the N25,000 monthly conditional cash transfer.
He said over N68.3 billion had been disbursed before the temporary suspension of the programme.
“With respect to the issue of subsidised distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the country, government has made tremendous progress in this regard to ensure effective distribution to boast agricultural production.
“Government has constantly engaged various state governments and the private sector on the issue of the implementation of wage award for their workers.
To ascertain the level of rehabilitation of the refineries in the country, Imohiosen said a joint visitation by government and organised labour was successfully was carried, Feb 21.
He disclosed that from the visitation, the Port-Harcourt Refinery is 80 per cent completed while production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) would commence before the end of the year.
