TheNewsGuru

Tag: NLC

  • Dangote, NUPENG Face-off: NLC seeks Tinubu’s intervention

    Dangote, NUPENG Face-off: NLC seeks Tinubu’s intervention

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to promptly intervene in the face-off between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group,

    The congress specifically called on the President to call on the Dangote Group to comply with labour laws and international conventions.

    NLC made the call in a statement signed by its President, Mr Joe Ajaero, which was made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.

    The statement was sequel to the announcement by NUPENG that it woukd commence a nationwide strike from Sunday, over what it described as  Dangote’s “anti-union practices, monopolistic agenda, and indecent industrial relations strategies.”

    Ajaero called on the President to “immediately call Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata to order” and impress on them to respect the nation and international law

    Ajaero added that the government must not look the other way while a few individuals privatise the nation’s energy future and enslave its workforce, stressing,

    The NLC President accused Dangote Group of exploiting Nigerian workers while disregarding their constitutional rights to unionise and bargain collectively.

    “The NLC unequivocally condemn the anti-union, anti-worker, and monopolistic practices of the Dangote Group and its affiliates.

    “Nigerian workers are not slaves and cannot be serially abused without consequences,” he said.

    Ajaero said the congress further demanded the immediate unionisation of Dangote Refinery and all its subsidiaries.

    Accordig to him, preparations are underway for a united resistance in solidarity with NUPENG, including possible industrial action.

    “If Dangote continues on this reckless anti-union path, we will move beyond words to action.

    “Our solidarity is not negotiable. We will fight because we must.

    “The working class must not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed,” he said.

  • Just in: Security operatives seal off Edo NLC office

    Just in: Security operatives seal off Edo NLC office

    Security operatives have sealed off the Edo State secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) otherwise known as the Adams Oshiomhole Labour House.

    Also, the main gate of the University of Benin was beefed up with police personnel.

    Some suspected thugs were also seen loitering around the secretariat.

    A police armoured personnel carrier was deployed to the secretariat

    The heavy security at the Labour House and the UNIBEN main gate were to bar inauguration of the Caretaker Committee of the Edo NLC.

    But the inauguration held at another venue in Benin City and Prof. Monday Igbafen was sworn-in.

    It was gathered that NLC leaders had gathered at the UNIBEN ASUU Secretariat for the inauguration but put it off due to security report.

    Some NLC leaders from neighbouring states scheduled to attend the inauguration, at the Labour House, expressed regret that they could not access the secretariat.

    Comrade Augustine Igben from the Maritime Workers Union said he was embarrassed when he was not allowed entry into the Edo Labour House.

    He said: “I felt embarrassed about tbe whole thing. How can the police barricade the Labour House when there is no war. It is Labour issue. They should allow Labour settle the issues themselves.

    “I ws not allowed entry. Where am I going to pass through.There were lots of security. I alsaw some civilians mixed up with them.”

  • NLC dissolves Edo council over leadership rift

    NLC dissolves Edo council over leadership rift

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dissolved its Edo Council following failed efforts to reconcile internal leadership disputes.

    Mr Benson Upah, acting General Secretary of the NLC, announced the dissolution in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Upah explained that the move became necessary due to escalating conflicts between the elected State Council Chairman, Odion Olaye, and a rival faction allegedly backed by the state government.

    “Congress, after going to great lengths to reconcile the two groups in the interest of workers in the state to no avail, was left with no option but to dissolve the entire council, in line with the provisions of the Congress constitution,” he said.

    He added that a caretaker committee had been appointed to manage the council’s affairs until fresh elections were conducted.

    Upah also accused the Edo Government of seizing the keys to the NLC Secretariat in Benin and threatening caretaker committee members ahead of their scheduled inauguration on Aug. 28, 2025.

    He advised the governor to ensure the safety of the caretaker committee members and NLC officials involved in the inauguration, emphasising that their protection was a matter of responsibility.

    According to him, both the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) have been alerted.

    He advised that the government should refrain from interfering in trade union matters, noting that such actions were contrary to both Nigerian labour laws and international.

    Recalling the legacy of notable Edo labour leaders such as Pa Imoudu and Adams Oshiomhole, Upah advised the governor to uphold that tradition by acknowledging the autonomy of labour unions and avoiding further interference.

  • NLC reacts over salary increase for political office holders

    NLC reacts over salary increase for political office holders

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concern over the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC)’s proposed salary increase for political officeholders, calling it insensitive and inequitable.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    Ajaero described the move as” insensitive, unjust, inequitable and will only succeed in deepening the growing inequality between civil servants and political office holders.

    ” It will equally deepen poverty among the generality of Nigerians majority of whom have not only been adjudged to be multi-dimensionally poor, live miserably poor,”he said.

    He, however, described the justification by the commission as weak.

    Ajaero said that the justification ignores huge perks and advantages political office holders already enjoy.

    The NLC president said that this was aside from other unwritten and unmentionable advantages that set them apart from the other disadvantaged citizenry.

    “This exercise is coming at a time of promotion and salary freeze in most public subsectors and the continued imposition and operation of N70,000 minimum wage.

    “This is because there are no resources to pay higher in spite of the rising tariffs and economic hardship,”he said.

    Ajaero recalled previous wage reviews, civil servants received less than 50 per cent, while political office holders saw increases exceeding 800 per cent.

    According to him, we equally note with dismay that whereas states operate different pay structures for civil servants, the pay structures of political office holders are the same across the country.

    “This explains why a councillor in Yobe  earns same salary as a councillor in Rivers.

    “While we recognise the need for good remuneration packages, they should be across board and equitable and not done on the basis of discrimination,”he said.

    According to him,  that runs contrary to the letter and spirit of our constitution

    He, therefore, demanded that the current earnings of all political office holders should be made public.

    The president  said that the benchmark for the proposed review should equally be made public.

    He called on RMAFC to put on hold the exercise before it triggers a tsunami in the country.

  • JUST IN: NLC issues FG seven-day strike notice

    JUST IN: NLC issues FG seven-day strike notice

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to refund funds reportedly diverted from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG)reports that this resolution was included in a communiqué issued following the NLC Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held and presided over by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, in Abuja.

    NLC is also demanding the immediate formation of the Governing Board for the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

    According to the Labour Union, failure to comply will lead to a nationwide industrial action.

    The meeting deliberated extensively on issues affecting Nigerian workers, the trade union movement, and the nation at large.

    More to come…

  • NLC urges crude sales to Dangote in Naira

    NLC urges crude sales to Dangote in Naira

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Lagos State chapter, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise selling crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in Naira.

    Lagos NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sesi, made the appeal during a Tuesday tour of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Ltd. by Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) members and NLC officials.

    Sesi said compelling the refinery to import crude or buy locally in dollars undermined the promise of reduced fuel prices for Nigerians.

    “This country has crude oil in abundance. Why is Dangote still importing crude or paying in hard currency for locally produced crude?” she asked.

    “If the government truly wants to lower fuel prices and support local refining, it must sell crude oil to Dangote in Naira,” she added.

    According to her, sourcing crude locally in local currency would significantly reduce operational costs and lead to a sustainable drop in fuel prices.

    The union leader praised Dangote Ltd. for creating a transformative national asset that helps bridge Nigeria’s fuel supply gap, creates jobs, and boosts industrial capacity.

    She said the scale and strategic importance of Dangote Group’s investments were already delivering measurable benefits to Nigerians.

    “Today, we have seen the refinery, the fertiliser plant, and other investments in this axis. The size and impact are enormous and impressive,” she said.

    She described the projects as clear efforts to improve essential product availability, create jobs, and advance Nigeria’s industrialisation.

    Following the removal of petrol subsidies, Nigerians faced a sharp rise in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) costs. She said Dangote’s refinery entry helped stabilise prices.

    Sesi noted that Dangote’s operations had significantly lowered PMS and other refined product prices, demonstrating private sector leadership in the industry.

    “With a 650,000-barrel daily capacity, this refinery can serve Nigeria and West Africa. We also saw large vessels exporting fertilisers to other countries,” she said.

    She praised Aliko Dangote for building a fully operational, world-class refinery that meets domestic and regional refined petroleum needs.

    Sesi also commended the production of Euro-5-compliant fuel with reduced sulphur content, aligning with global environmental standards and enhancing Nigeria’s market reputation.

    “This is the pride we want — a Nigerian company producing at global standards, changing the narrative, and boosting our global standing,” she said.

    She also lauded Dangote Fertiliser Company, which already exports to international markets, urging government support to improve food security and reduce imported agricultural inputs.

    Dangote Industries Vice President, Oil and Gas, Devakumar Edwin, said the refinery was addressing Nigeria’s dependence on imported refined products.

    He said it was setting a foundation for a sustainable, competitive refining industry that would benefit the national economy.

    Edwin revealed plans to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to distribute refined petroleum products nationwide.

    He said the CNG trucks would ensure domestic refining benefits and lower fuel prices are fully passed to Nigerian consumers.

    According to him, the CNG fleet would reduce logistics costs — a major contributor to pump prices.

    “The deployment of 4,000 CNG-powered trucks will help pass down domestic refining benefits and lower product prices to consumers,” he said.

    He clarified the aim was to improve distribution efficiency, not displace existing operators.

    Edwin added that CNG trucks are environmentally friendlier and cheaper to run, helping to make refined products more affordable nationwide.

    Let us unionise your workers – NLC tells Dangote Industries

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter,  has urged Dangote Industries Ltd. to let its employees join workers’ unions to ensure protection of  their rights.

    The Chairperson, NLC, Lagos State Chapter, Mrs Funmi Sesi, made the appeal during a tour of Dangote Petroleum Refinery  and Dangote Fertiliser Plant by members of Labour Writers Association of Nigeria and officials of NLC, Lagos State Chapter,  on Tuesday.

    Sesi said that unionisation would  helped in organising workers and addressing their concerns, adding that it would help their employers to  improve operations.

    “On behalf of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, we want to say:  Dangote, please give us a chance to unionise your workers,” Sesi said.

    She also urged the company to employ more indigenes of its host communities.

    The labour leader said that labour law stipulated that 70 per cent of  workforce should be from an organisation’s catchment area, and 30 per cent could be expatriates.

    Responding, Mr Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President, Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Ltd., said that the company was committed to training and employing members of  its host communities.

    Edwin said that the company had a well-established training centre at Obajana in Kogi.

    He added that the company planned to establish another training centre  in Lagos State.

    He said that the Dangote Group had become a nurturing ground for Nigerian engineers, scientists and technicians, many of whom had gone on to work as expatriates in various countries.

    Edwin assured the labour leader of the company’s commitment to human capital development, staff welfare and overall wellbeing of the economy.

    “We have to ensure that the host communities are happy; otherwise, we will not be able to work.

    “If  someone is interested in his business, his first focus will be to ensure that the host communities are happy,” he said.

    According to him, the company employed  22 per cent of its workforce from its host  communities, 50 per cent from the state, and the rest from other parts.

  • NLC raises concerns over new industrial relations policy

    NLC raises concerns over new industrial relations policy

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concerns over the newly adopted  National Industrial Relations Policy by the Federal Government.

    In a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja, Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said the new policy would make embarking on strike a criminal issue and silence trade unions.

    “NLC considers the statement by the Federal Government that the newly adopted National Industrial Relations Policy is aimed at stopping frequent industrial actions, particularly strikes by trade unions, as very reprehensible.

    “The statement was part of the press release by the Federal Government at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, which took place on 31st July 2025.

    “We are in shock that from a catalogue of hundreds of workplace issues contained in the National Industrial Relations Policy, the Federal Government singled out industrial strikes as its headache.

    “The press statement exposes the mindset of those who were elected to protect the interests of the ordinary citizen, including workers,” he said.

    Ajaero recalled earlier attempts, during the development of the National Industrial Relations Policy for Nigeria, to insert certain clauses that criminalised strike actions.

    He said the trade unions, employers and the representatives of the Federal Ministry of Labour rejected such insertions as anomalous to the 1999 Constitution and the Trade Unions Act.

    He said the constitution and trade union act  give trade unions the power to withdraw their services in line with the law.

    The NLC President described the fresh insertion into the National Industrial Relations Policy as inferior to the Constitution and Trade Union Act.

    “The right of a worker and trade unions to withdraw their services is fundamental and inalienable.

    “The NLC and Organised Labour in Nigeria condemn and reject the new law in industrial relations in Nigeria” he reiterated.

    Ajaero assured Nigerian workers that the leadership of the congress and the labour movement remained watchful on their mandate of protecting the rights, interests and hard-won industrial liberties of workers.

    According to him, the rights and interests are guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, labour laws and  fundamental international labour standards which Nigeria is signatory to.

  • NLC strike paralyses Govt. activities in Ogun

    NLC strike paralyses Govt. activities in Ogun

    In compliance with the strike declared by the organised labour in Ogun, most state government agencies are under lock and key, paralyzing activities in the state.

    A correspondent of NAN who monitored the strike on Wednesday in Abeokuta, observed that most entrance gates were under lock and key.

    The organised Labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) on Monday, directed all civil servants in the state to withdraw their services indefinitely.

    It gave the directive following unresolved issues over the government’s failure to remit pension deductions, implementation of the national minimum wage and non-payment of eight years leave allowances and promotion of workers.

    Total compliance was  observed at Asero High School, Egba High School, Lisabi Grammar School, and Baptist Boys High School, as classrooms remained shut and school premises deserted.

    A  Teacher, who pleaded anonymity at Asero High School, disclosed that the pupils were writing examination before the public holiday was declared on Tuesday by the Federal government.

    “Our students resume today after the public holiday to continue with their examinations, but we have to send them back home.

    “We are appealing to the state government to resolve the issue promptly, so it won’t affect the students, because it’s an indefinite strike” he said.

    A visit by our reporter to the State House Assembly and Magistrates and High Courts, saw the entrance gate locked with just the security guard around the premises.

    The strike followed a unified resolution reached during a series of congresses held at the Arcade ground in oke-mosan area of Abeokuta.

    The unions had resolved to meet directly with Gov. Dapo Abiodun to address lingering concerns surrounding the Contributory Pension Scheme.

    They insisted that no other official would be accepted as a representative in the ongoing negotiations.

  • NLC reacts as FG releases Buhari’s funeral arrangements

    NLC reacts as FG releases Buhari’s funeral arrangements

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says Late President Muhammadu Buhari was a patriotic servant leader who stood with the people and put the country first, no matter the cost.

    Comrade Joe Ajaero, NLC President stated this in a condolence message he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

    “For us in the unions, Buhari came fighting the unions and mass-retrenching workers leading to indescribable suffering during his tenure as a military head of state.

    “However, as a civilian president, Buhari saw to it, that no worker was laid off (not  even during the Covid-19 pandemic).

    “He repeatedly gave facilities to state governments to clear the backlogs of salaries and pensions as well as to enable them  regularly pay salaries (although some governors betrayed this trust),” Ajaero said.

    The labour leader added: “Although Buhari increased the pump-price of petroleum products, he stoutly refused to sell off the refineries or  devalued the Naira.

    “Buhari  consistently identified with worker-issues/values including resisting pressure to adopt fundamentalist market policies as part of the process of protecting workers and ordinary people.

    “In the late President, therefore, we have lost a leader who corrected his mistakes against workers, during his second coming. He stood with the people and country, a leader who truly put the country first no matter the cost”.

    Ajaero said  NLC was deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Buhari, and the members’ hearts were with the immediate family, friends and associates in their trying moments, especially his wife, Hajiya Aisha.

    He stressed that the late President gave his best to the country and prayed Allah to forgive his sins as well as grant him peaceful repose.

    Buhari passed away on Sunday in a London hospital. His death was announced by his family in a statement issued by his former spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu.

    President Bola Tinubu had announced a national mourning with flags lowered  half‑mast and the Vice‑President, Kashim Shettima dispatched to United Kingdom to convey Buhari’s body home.

    Buhari served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and previously as a Military Head of State from 1983 to 1985.

    Buhari’s burial: FG constitutes committee, announces arrangements

    Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the state burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Tinubu has also directed the Ministry of Interior to declare Tuesday a public holiday in honour of the late President.

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during a media briefing on the burial arrangements.

    Idris said the Special Federal Executive Council (FEC) Meeting, earlier scheduled for Tuesday,  had been rescheduled to Friday.

    According to him, the inter-committee  expected to work closely with the Katsina State Government and the family of the late President, is chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume.

    He said other members of the committee include, Ministers of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Budget and Economic Planning, Defence,  Information and National Orientation and Works.

    Others in the committee are,  Ministers of Interior, Housing and Urban Development, Federal Capital Territory, Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy  and Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare.

    Also in the committee are  National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, Director-General, Department of State Services and Chief of Defence Staff.

    The committee members also included, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and other Matters,

    Idris said that the Office of the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), will serve as the Secretariat to the committee.

    The minister said that 25 members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had been directed to travel to Katsina to participate in the full schedule of the burial rites.

    He said the President has directed the FEC members to stay for the Third-Day Prayers in honour of the deceased in Daura on Wednesday.

    “As we prepare to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s foremost statesmen, the federal government urges all Nigerians to join in prayers and reflection for the repose of the soul of our former leader,” he said.

    The minister recalled that Tinubu had already declared seven days of national mourning which began on Sunday, adding that during the period, the national flag would fly at half-mast across the country.

    “All state governments and the private sector are hereby directed to comply accordingly.

    “Meanwhile, a high-level federal government delegation, led by the Vice-President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, is currently in London to conclude documentation and logistical arrangements for the repatriation of the former president’s remains.

    “The remains of the former president are expected to arrive in Katsina by 12: noon on Tuesday. Upon arrival, in Katsina, a brief military ceremony will be held at the airport,” Idris said.

    The minister said that Tinubu would personally receive the remains of Buhari in Katsina.

    He added that the remains would, thereafter proceed to Daura, where the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) would take place, followed by interment at the late president’s residence.

    Idris also stated that the Tinubu had directed that a condolence register be opened in all federal ministries, departments, and agencies.

    “Additional register will be opened at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja, as well as at Nigerian Embassies and Missions abroad.

    “Tinubu will continue to receive messages of sympathy from Heads of State and Governments around the world, reflecting the global stature and legacy of the late president Buhari,” Idris said.

  • Strike: NLC vows to shutdown FCT

    Strike: NLC vows to shutdown FCT

    The Federal Capital Territory Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), says it is mobilising to shutdown the territory after President Bola Tinubu concludes his projects’ inauguration on July 3.

    The Chairman, Dr Stephen Knabayi, who disclosed this in an interview in Abuja on Thursday, explained that the move was to draw the attention of the FCT Administration to address the area council workers’ lingering strike.

    Primary healthcare centres were under lock and key, primary school teachers had been at home while the six area councils’ secretariat were abandoned by the workers for months.

    The primary school teachers and other area council workers had embarked on a series of strikes over non-payment of minimum wage and 40 per cent Peculiar Allowance.

    Other unresolved issues included the non-implementation of 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases, and the N35,000 wage award, among other benefits.

    The NLC chair, who described the development as “very unfortunate”, told NAN in the interview that the area council chairmen left the union with no option but to shut down the FCT.

    He recalled that the union had on June 13, issued a seven-day ultimatum to the FCT Administration to address the demands of the teachers, health workers and other area council workers.

    He explained that the ultimatum followed the resolution of the executives of the joint unions of the NUT, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and the National Association of Health Workers Union.

    He noted that the ultimatum had expired on June 20 and the NLC was yet to take any action.

    Knabayi explained that the union backpedalled to allow President Bola Tinubu to complete the inauguration of projects executed by the FCT Administration, as part of activities to celebrate his second year in office.

    “We had to extend the ultimatum because of Tinubu’s movements to inaugurate the FCT executed project.

    “Members of the union will take over the streets of Abuja as soon as Tinubu concludes the inaugurations, hopefully on July 3.

    “We are waiting for it to end and we will come together to step up our planned action,” he told NAN.

    He added that the NLC had already informed the FCT Administration and security agencies of the planned protest to shut down the territory as the last resort to press home their demands.

    He said it was very unfortunate that up to this moment nothing has been done to address the lingering welfare cities in the area councils.

    He noted that although the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage began across the six area councils in May, it was stopped the following month with no explanation to the workers.

    “Like you know, strike or protest is always the last option, but we were left with no other opinion.

    “We are not happy and it is not going to be a small thing if they don’t do the needful,” he said.

    Knabayi alleged that the area council chairmen were spending huge resources in preparations for the 2016 February FCT Area Councils’ Election.

    According to him, the funds being expended will be enough to settle all the workers outstanding entitlements.

    He called on the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to take a more decisive action to compel the area council chairmen to settle the council workers welfare concerns.

    Recall that Wike had made several efforts to resolve the crisis, including the recent release of N4.1 billion to the area councils to support the payment of minimum wage to the workers.

    The minister had explained several times that primary school teachers and primary health care workers were under the purview of the area councils and not FCT Administration.

    The NUT Chairman in FCT, Mr Abdullahi Shafa, during a protest on April 24, acknowledged Wike’s intervention to resolve the lingering strike, including the release of the N4.1 billion to the area councils to pay the striking teachers.

    On their part, the chairmen of the area councils had in a press conference on May 13, urged the primary school teachers and other council workers to call off their ongoing strike.

    Mr John Gabaya, Secretary of the FCT Chapter of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, who addressed the journalists, particularly appealed to the primary school teachers to return to the classrooms.

    Gabaya said that the appeal became necessary for the interest of the pupils while negotiation continues.