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  • Shelve planned protest for national security, peace – CSO tells NLC

    Shelve planned protest for national security, peace – CSO tells NLC

    A Civil Society Organisation (CSO),  Lagos People’s Assembly (LPA) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its planned two days protest  for the sake of national peace and security.

    The Convener of the group, Mr Gbenga Soloki made this known at a news conference in Lagos on Sunday.

    Soloki said the organised labour should rather, opt for constructive engagement with the government,  instead of disrupting the socio-economic life at this point in time.

    NLC  had insisted on  planned  protest against  prevailing  challenges  in the country, in defiance to  warnings by the Department of State Services, to shelve it.
    The organised labour, on Monday, began mobilising its members for a nationwide protest slated for Feb.  27 and Feb.  28.

    Soloki said the  proposed protest  at this point in time,  would be injurious to the economic wellbeing of the people of Lagos State,  Nigerians and a negation of what labour stood  for.
    “We recognise the right of the labour unions to embark on protests or strikes, as conscientious citizens and residents of Lagos  state but embarking on such protest at this point will be counter productive.

    “Lagos state like we all know is a volatile environment, and some anti democratic elements may  pull the state and Nigeria backward, at the slightest  opportunity.

    “The trauma of the 2020 #EndSARS protests with its damage to limbs, destruction of life, public and private property still haunts us till date.”

    Soloki, who is the President, Campaign Against Impunity and Domestic Violence, said the only solution to the economic challenges remained constructive engagements between the government and  citizenry.
    The convener said the Lagos state government had inaugurated its committee on the distribution of palliatives which was made up of eminent Nigerians.

    He  said the committee should be given the benefit of the doubt while urging other state governments to follow suit.

    Soloki added that the palliatives would assist in ameliorating the economic challenges.

    “Our group and others will monitor the various social intervention programmes,  recently announced by the Lagos state government.”
    He said this was to ensure they were judiciously executed for the benefit of the people,  and we  would also provide regular independent reports to the Lagos state government as our own  contribution.
    Soloki promised that the group would at all times, hold government at all levels, accountable to the tenets of good governance, while also admonishing  residents and the citizenry to be alive to their duties and responsibilities.

  • There’ll be total shutdown if we re Attacked — NLC sends strong warning to state

    There’ll be total shutdown if we re Attacked — NLC sends strong warning to state

    Following the February 27 and 28 to protest against the hardship in the country, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that there would be total shutdown of the economy if its members are attacked by ‘thugs’.

    The labour union had fixed February 27 and 28 to protest against the hardship in the land.

    However, the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero in a statement issued Sunday said the workers would not be intimidated, saying they would go ahead with the planned protest.

    He informed Nigerians that the State had perfected plans to attack their peaceful rallies across the country.

    Ajaero added that one of the groups being primed to attack the peaceful rallies is by a nebulous name, Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF).

    He alleged that NCSF waa one of the emergency groups put together, funded, promoted and remote-controlled by the government to cause violence against its members for electing to peacefully protest against the hunger in the land.

    Ajaero noted that the solution to the horrible economic situation and hunger is not by suppressing peaceful dissent or inflicting violence on peacefully protesting citizens as the government did in Minna and other cities where its agents tear-gassed and beat up women before locking them up for raising their voice against hunger.

    He stressed that It does not lie in the deployment of State -sponsored terror, adding that the pangs of hunger cannot be cowed by bullets or tear gas.

    Ajaero said: “In light of this, we at the Nigeria Labour Congress and civil society allies are moving ahead with our protest rallies against economic hardship and insecurity in line with the decision of the National Executive Council.

    “As citizens, we have a fundamental right to peaceful protest and history bears us witness that our protests are always peaceful except in instances of State-engineered violence.

    “In light of this, we advise the State to put on its thinking cap and find solutions to the pains it continues to cause the people instead of further dehumanising them.

    “However, if it is irrevocably set on the path of violence against us and other peace-loving Nigerians, it will be making a costly mistake because if we are attacked there will be a total shut down via withdrawal of services by workers. Let no one be deceived, we and other deprived Nigerians cannot easily be intimidated.”

     

  • Hardship: Nurse Association issues directives to all members to join NLC protest

    Hardship: Nurse Association issues directives to all members to join NLC protest

    The National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has issued a directive to all its members to fully comply with the proposed nationwide protest slated for February 27 and 28 over the cost of living crisis in the country.

    The NANNM Secretariat gave the directive in a circular signed by its Deputy General Secretary and Acting Head of Department, Industrial Relations, Otaru Shaibu, on Wednesday.

    Recall that the NLC had on February 16 declared a two-day protest which is expected to begin after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government which will expire on February 22.

    The warning was on account of the alleged failure of the government to implement the agreements reached on October 2, 2023 following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

    The NANNM in a circular titled, “Re: Mobilisation for the nationwide protest rally,” and dated February 21, 2024, urged its members to comply with the directive to make the protest rally a huge success.

  • TUC withdraws from proposed protest after DSS threat

    TUC withdraws from proposed protest after DSS threat

    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.

  • NLC, TUC divided over planned two-day nationwide protest as DSS kicks against it

    NLC, TUC divided over planned two-day nationwide protest as DSS kicks against it

    Just few days to the commencement of the planned two-day nationwide protest, the Trade Union Congress has backed out leaving only Nigeria Labour Congress as the only union still insisting on going with it.

    Initial report indicated that  both unions  planned two-day nationwide protest following the high cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and hardship in the country.

    However,  the Vice-President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, told journalists on Wednesday that the decision to protest on February 27 and 28 as announced by the NLC was not taken collectively by both unions.

    The TUC in a letter dated February 19, 2024, written by its Secretary General, Dr Nuhu Toro, said the NLC unilaterally took the decision on the planned protest.

    Etim in the interview with journalists confirmed the letter addressed to the NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, adding that “by the virtue of the letter, there is no way we can join the protest.”

    Furthermore,  the Department of State Services DSS has also warned organised Labour against the planned mass action, saying it could be hijacked.

    Recall that the NLC had on February 16 declared a two-day protest which would begin after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government expected to expire on February 22 (today).

    The warning was on account of the alleged failure of the government to implement the agreements reached on October 2, following the removal of the fuel subsidy and other economic reforms which had triggered higher transportation costs, inflation, and general hardship.

    The situation had provoked protests across the country with youths, and women taking to the streets over the food inflation and higher cost of living.

    The NLC and TUC earlier on February 8 gave a two-week ultimatum to the government to meet demands ranging from wage increments to improved access to public utilities and accused it of failing to uphold pledges to soften the impact of reforms.

    Briefing journalists in Abuja after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on the state of the economy and matters related to insecurity in the country, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, also accused the Federal Government of failing to implement the agreement reached in October.

    On Monday, the Head of Information of the NLC, Benson Upah, said the NLC affiliates were being mobilised for the protest just as state chapters of the congress vowed to join the nationwide demonstration.

    The NLC is expected to give updates on the proposed two day warning strike any moment from now.

     

  • Don’t go on strike, DSS cautions organised labour

    Don’t go on strike, DSS cautions organised labour

    The DSS has cautioned organised labour in Nigeria not to go on the scheduled February 27 strike as the period is not suitable due to the situation in Nigeria.

    This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday, the DSS said while it was the right of the labour movement to embark on protest, the body should not go ahead with the strike so as not to jeopardise the prevailing situation in the country.

    The statement was signed by the DSS Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Dr. Peter Afunanya.

    Part of the statement reads,” 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.

    “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.

  • HARDSHIP: NLC to embark on two-day nationwide protest

    HARDSHIP: NLC to embark on two-day nationwide protest

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will embark on a two-day nationwide protest from Feb. 27 to Feb. 28, over the mounting economic hardship and insecurity in the country.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, President of NLC said this at a news conference at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday in Abuja.

    Ajaero said that the NEC of the Congress met to discuss the state of the nation, and the non-implementation of the agreement reached with government.

    According to him, NEC unanimously noted its deep disappointment and condemned the action of the federal government in refusing to implement the agreements reached.

    “NEC in session follows its decisions that it stands to rectify the 14 days ultimatum issued to the federal government within which to implement the agreement, and address the mounting crisis of the survival of Nigerians.

    “That the 14 days ultimatum notices expires on the midnight of Feb 22, that if on the expiration the Congress is not satisfied with government compliance with the conditions of the notice.

    “Congress will be at liberty to take action that will compelled government to implement the agreement.

    “NEC in session declare a two-day nationwide protest on Feb. 27 and 28 to demonstrate outragre on the mounting hardship and insecurity aceoss the nation.

    “If our demands are met after the nationwide protest, NEC will ensure to issue a seven-day notice that will expire on March 2, to the federal government, after which an indefinite nationwide strike will commence,” he said.

    He added that, Nigerians workers and people are not interested in the empty talk but action.

    He, therefore called on all its affiliates, state councils, and civil societies to start mobilising across the nation for effect action as Feb. 22, as its approaches.

    The NLC president said that there was need for urgent solution to address the continued suffering of the Nigerian people and workers.

    He said that NEC in session calls for immediate action from Federal Government to rectify these grievances, and restore faith in the Democratic process and social dialogue.

  • NLC seeks annual review of minimum wage

    NLC seeks annual review of minimum wage

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to consider annual review of national minimum wage because of the inflationary trend and the value of Naira.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President made the call in Abuja at the 2nd National Labour Adjudication and Arbitration Forum, organised by the National Employers Consultative Association (NECA).

    The theme of the forum is “Strengthening Tripartitism and Social Dialogue (including alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms) for a Sustainable Industrial Relations System in Nigeria.

    Ajaero said government should have a rethink on the five-year cycle of minimum wage because it was not favourable to the Nigerian workers.

    According to him, no matter the amount negotiated, it would have been eaten up by inflation before the end of the five year cycle.

    “There is a need to tinker with the law providing for five yearly renegotiation of national minimum wage to allow for yearly adjustment of wages based on the rate of inflation and value of the Naira.

    “This is important because people have been coming up to say that if we increase salaries, it will affect inflation.

    However, we cannot leave salary to be constant while other variables continue to grow,’’ he said.

    Ajaero said workers were displeased with the poor implementation of the N35,000 wage award by the federal government.

    The NLC president added that most federal government workers were yet to receive their January salary.

    He therefore called on the government to expedite the implementation of the 16 points agreement reached with organised labour to cushion the effects the fuel subsidy removal.

    Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, commended NECA for collaborating with the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) to organise the forum.

    She said the forum would foster dialogue among stakeholders and promote peaceful industrial relations.

    Sen. Dike Plang, Chairman, Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity said event was apt and critical to the sustainable industrial relations in Nigeria.

    The lawmaker assured that the national assembly would ensure comprehensive review and amendment of existing labour laws to conform to international labour standards.

    He also commended President Bola Tinubu for constituting the tripartite committee on the review of minimum wage for workers.

    NAN

  • Strike: 14-day ultimatum counting – NLC, TUC tell FG

    Strike: 14-day ultimatum counting – NLC, TUC tell FG

    The Federal Government has assured the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of resuming the payment of wage award to workers this week.

    Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State, Labour and Employment, gave the assurance at a meeting with the leadership of NLC and TUC on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The meeting was called by the minister on account of the 14-day ultimatum issued to government on the non implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with them on 2 October, 2023.

    Onyejeocha appealed to the labour organisations to withdraw their 14-day ultimatum, as government had stepped up efforts to complete the implementation of that agreement.

    According to her, it is true we entered into an agreement, but the government has shown good faith, and considering the urgency of the issue at hand.

    “I called this meeting because dialogue has always been the best way out, and we are all for the well-being of our people. I am here to show good cause on why some agreement has not been met,”she said.

    Onyejeocha noted that the reaction of the Labour organisations was not unwarranted in the face of government’s non-completion of the agreement.

    She said that some items in the agreement could only be achieved in stages.

    She, however, expressed the hope that the discussion would lead to the withdrawal of the ultimatum by labour.

    The minister assured labour of Mr President’s sincerity of purpose and unflinching dedication to the implementation of that agreement.

    Onyejeocha also assured them that President Tinubu would leave no stone unturned to satisfy the demands of the labour organisations.

    According to her, “I want to promise that the government would keep working towards the complete implementation of the agreement and I therefore request the Labour unions to withdraw their ultimatum.

    “I plead with you to sheath your sword. We have been showing good faith; it is just that it is not commensurate with your expectations

    “But I promise you that we will surpass your expectation this time, and I believe that everything will go well,” she said.

    Also, Mr Michael Oluwagbemi, Programme Director and Chief Executive of the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative, who spoke virtually noted that government had made 70 per cent payment for the new the CNG buses and kits.

    Oluwagbemi said that some of the buses were ready. They expect to start assembling others locally, including the tricycles, between March and April 2024.

    Speaking, Mr Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, called on the Federal Government to be committed to beating the deadline of the 14-day ultimatum that started on Feb. 9, 2024, by ensuring the implementation of that agreement.

    Ajaero insisted on their resolve to stand by their ultimatum.

    He added that every party to the agreement should endeavour to live up to expectation for the interest of Nigerians and the government.

    Ajaero said that organised labour would always fulfil its part of the bargain, so long as the federal government would do same.

    Also, Mr Tommy Okon, First Deputy President of TUC, also expressed disappointment on the federal government’s gradual approach to the implementation of the signed agreement.

    “We have a lot of respect for you, Hon. Minister, that’s why we are here. We don’t need to beg government to do what is right.

    “Let me tell you, we, the organised labour, are the ones managing crisis in this country for the government; if not, we wouldn’t be here today discussing these issues,”he said.

    The meeting agreed on an immediate joint inspection visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery.

    This will enable Labour to confirm the reported progress made in getting the refinery back to operation.

  • Be patient with Tinubu – Cleric urges Nigerians

    Be patient with Tinubu – Cleric urges Nigerians

    The Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has urged Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

    Ndukuba who addressed  newsmen on Sunday in Abuja on hardship and insecurity in the country said that the problems in Nigeria would take 10 to 20 years to be fixed.

    “I want to appeal to Nigerians to exercise patience by giving this government more time to do what they said they will do.

    “With the problem that we have, it’s not something that can be solved within a day, one month or one year.

    “The magnitude of our problems will take us another 10 to 20 years for us to deal with them” he said.

    On insecurity, the cleric decried the constant attacks in some parts of the country and called on the government for urgent intervention to protect lives of citizens.

    “I call on the government and statutory security agencies to rise to their responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of the citizenry, giving heed to the call for effective community policing.”

    He equally appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to shun the planned nationwide strike.

    “I want to appeal to the leadership of NLC to go into negotiation rather than going on strike. Let them go back to the round-table.

    “We are pleading with the government to do the needful by engaging with the leadership of the NLC to resolve the issues amicably.

    “People are hungry, and a hungry man is an angry man. We can’t tell them not to express themselves.

    “Nigerians are not asking for too much. They are asking for food, security, infrastructure such as roads, and a constant power supply for them to live and do their economic activities,” he said

    Ndukuba emphasised the need for Nigerians to engage in subsistence farming by using the available land within their premises for farming.

    This, according to him will reduce hunger and suffering affecting the citizens.

    “Nigerians are hardworking and can labour to feed their families if encouraged.

    “There is a need for us to encourage Nigerians to go back to farm on any available land around their houses to get basic food.

    “The wealth of this country has been captured and hijacked by the few elites. In a situation where few are richer than the whole nation, the wealth is not properly distributed.

    “It’s very dangerous. We need to see what can be done to salvage this nation together,” he added

    The Cleric urged Christians to pray for peace of the country, stressing that religion should be part of the solution to the societal problems and not the cause of its problems.

    “We are trusting God that this challenges will be resolved in a no distant time.”