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Tag: NLC

  • Pay journalists like their colleagues all over the world – NLC tells media owners

    Pay journalists like their colleagues all over the world – NLC tells media owners

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has appealed to owners and proprietors of media organisations in the country to pay a competitive wage compared with their colleagues all over the world.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, made the appeal at a joint news conference with the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Festus Osifo, at the ongoing 113th session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

    While appealing to owners and proprietors of media organisations to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage for its staff members, Ajaero said the renumeration for media men and women in the private organisations in Nigeria was very poor.

    “The way at which some media houses are owing journalists is affecting our members in all the media houses and it is affecting the way they relate with other journalists all over the world.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress are appealing to owners and proprietors of media industries to make sure that their workers are paid – a competitive wage compared with their colleagues all over the world,” he said.

    Ajaero said that the labour was giving owners and proprietors of media organisations until September to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage for their members.

  •  Labour Party crisis deepens as NLC petitions INEC, plans takeover

     Labour Party crisis deepens as NLC petitions INEC, plans takeover

    The leadership crisis rocking the Labour Party (LP) has escalated, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) formally petitioning the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to revoke its recognition of the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee.

    NLC President Joe Ajaero disclosed in Abuja that the Congress is preparing to reclaim control of Labour Party secretariats across the country, which are currently held by Abure loyalists. Details of the planned takeover, he said, will be finalized during the NLC’s upcoming National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.

    This development comes amid further turmoil in the party, including the resignation of Oseloka Obaze, a key figure in the 2023 presidential campaign of Peter Obi and a prominent Labour Party member in Anambra State.

    Ajaero maintained that the NLC does not recognize the 2023 convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, which reaffirmed Abure’s leadership. He insists that Abure’s tenure as national chairman has expired and that an earlier agreement—reportedly acknowledged by INEC—requires him and other NWC members to step down.

    “The Labour Party belongs to the trade union movement. No individual can claim ownership,” Ajaero said, warning against those he described as “charlatans” trying to hijack the party. He added that the party’s official certificate remains with the NLC, underscoring their authority over the institution.

    He stressed that the takeover of party offices will be carried out strategically, with workers already placed on alert. “We are working on it. Once the NEC meets, we’ll decide our next steps,” he said.

     

  • Rivers NLC holds protest march in solidarity for Fubara

    Rivers NLC holds protest march in solidarity for Fubara

    To commemorate the annual Worker’s Day on Thursday, May 1, the Rivers State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) staged a protest in solidarity with suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and other political leaders.

    TheNewsGuru reports that union members gathered at the NLC state secretariat in Port Harcourt, instead of participating in the usual May Day festivities.

    The demonstration was organized to support Governor Fubara, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who were suspended in March during a political crisis.

    The NLC previously announced its decision to forgo the traditional celebration due to growing concerns about federal interference in state matters. This includes what they see as a potential threat of the federal government imposing a state of emergency.

    “Our decision to boycott the May Day celebration is a clear message,” an NLC representative said.

    “We stand with the legitimate leadership of Rivers State and reject any attempt to destabilise our democracy.”

    The recent move adds a new dimension to the growing political tension in Rivers State, highlighting the widening gap between state officials and federal authorities.

    While no violence was reported, the protest attracted large crowds and considerable attention, featuring banners and chants that showed strong support for Fubara.

    As the political uncertainty in the state deepens, labour leaders have pledged continued resistance to what they call “undemocratic moves” against elected officials.

  • NLC frowns over non-implementation of minimum wage by some state governors

    NLC frowns over non-implementation of minimum wage by some state governors

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has frowned over the non implementation of the  new minimum wage and the Consequential Adjustments by some state governors.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this at the 6th National Gender Conference organised by the NLC National Women Commission on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The conference was with the theme,”Accelerate Action for Gender Equality: Imperative for a new NLC Gender Policy,”.

    Ajaero said that the salaries of some workers were currently below the amount they were receiving before the new minimum wage of N70,000 was implemented, as a result of taxes and inflation.

    According to him, this is becoming grossly unbearable because even electricity tariff will take that off the salary. This has exposed us to all sorts of danger.

    “If you want to be a serious worker and go to work for 24 days or 20 days a month, the N70,000 will disappear, that’s a fact today.

    “School fees seem to be rising, transportation is worse, inflation is going high. These are issues that confront us as workers.

    “The issue of implementing a minimum wage is the worst crime I have ever seen.

    “In some states, you just notice N5,000 on top of your salary. So what is the essence of consequential adjustment.

    “At the NLC level, we have negotiated for N70,000. At the level of consequential adjustment, the NLC was not contacted.

    “So I wonder why workers should be short changed, I do not understand,” he said.

    He added that workers in the Federal Civil Service were yet to take their complaints on the short change of salary payments to the leadership of the NLC.
    “So many people are lamenting in their closets about how they implemented the minimum wage,” he said.

    Mrs Salamatu Aliu, Chairperson of NLC’s Women’s Commission said women in Nigeria and indeed around the world were still being subjected to discrimination, abuse, harassment in their places of work and society.

    Aliu represented by Mrs Deborah Yusuf, Deputy Chairperson in the commission, said that women were being relegated to lower-status and lower-paid jobs and under-represented in leadership and decision-making processes and bodies.

    “The NLC has deliberately taken progressive steps in promoting the leadership role of women in various spheres.

    “These are part of the strategies for recognising and promoting the active participation of women in the trade unions as consciously stipulated in the NLC Gender Policy.

    “Currently, the NLC is in the process of updating and finalising the review of the Gender Policy, in line with current gender trend,” she said.

    Mrs Vanessa Phala, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Director to Nigeria, said the organisation was committed to promoting the rights of workers in the world of work and to achieving gender equality.

    Phala, represented by Mrs Chinyere Emeka-Anuna, Senior Programme Officer (ILO), said it would support the NLC in promoting and achieving gender equality as part of the sustainable development goals globally.

  • Ondo workers will resist planned demolition of staff quarters – NLC

    Ondo workers will resist planned demolition of staff quarters – NLC

    The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Ondo State has vowed to resist the planned demolition of staff quarters in Alagbaka, Akure, by the state government.

    The state Chairman of NLC, Ademola Olapade, made this known during the inauguration of the executive members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Council, on Wednesday in Akure.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Leke Adegbite and Meshack Olaoluwa were re-elected unopposed as the chairman and secretary of the council, respectively.

    The NLC chairman said that the move to demolish the staff quarters for urban renewal projects would cause friction between the state government and the organised labour.

    He noted that that there was no prior meeting and conversation between the labour unions and the state government to discuss the modalities for the demolition of the Alagbaka staff quarters.

    “Government must do everything to leave our members in the quarters. The place should not be demolished because our members live there.

    “We are talking of over 156 units with over 600 people living there. So, government cannot just ask them to leave in a jiffy, giving them a week, a month, but must come up with something better.

    “Organised Labour in Ondo State will resist any move by the state government to make the occupants of Alagbaka staff quarters homeless,” he stated.

    He urged the new NUJ executive in the state to continue to protect the interest of its members and be a voice for the voiceless.

    Responding, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, said that the policy of the government to go into regeneration of the entire Government Reservation Area (GRA) was for the beatification of the state capital.

    “The Alagbaka staff quarters is an estate of 40 years ago that must be renovated. The renovation started with the government house last year, so it is not new and it is important.

    “What the government is doing is to give a new look to the state capital starting with Alagbaka Area, the seat of power.

    “We cannot leave the area with such dilapidated structures for years. As a matter of fact, some of the occupants of the place could not even maintain them.

    “From observation, 70 per cent of the occupants are not even supposed be there because the place is meant for low salary earners,” he said.

    Adeniyan promised that the affected occupants would be compensated for relocation by the state government.

    He urged the organised labour to engage the government for proper understanding instead of resisting the move.

    Adeniyan, while congratulating the new chairman of NUJ and other executive members in the state, appreciated the “robust relationship” between the state government and the leadership of the union.

    In his acceptance speech, Adegbite appreciated God and union members for the opportunity given to him to serve.

    He promised that there would be consolidation on the achievements of the leadership council, especially in the area of capacity building for members.

  • NLC planning to invade LP national secretariat -Abure faction alleges

    NLC planning to invade LP national secretariat -Abure faction alleges

    A faction of the Labour Party (LP) led by Julius Abure has raised concerns that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is planning to storm the party’s national secretariat in Abuja. This comes after the Supreme Court ruled on Friday to nullify an Appeal Court decision that had recognized Abure as the LP’s national chairman.

    Following the ruling, Nenadi Usman, head of the LP’s caretaker committee, received support from Peter Obi, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and Alex Otti, the governor of Abia State, who all praised the judgment. The LP’s House of Representatives caucus also welcomed the decision, calling it a much-needed boost for the party’s “stability and reinvention.”

    The Labour Party is currently grappling with a leadership crisis that has divided the party into competing factions. The NLC, which opposes Abure’s leadership, is at the center of the tensions.

    In a statement released on Sunday, Umar Ibrahim, the party’s national secretary, accused the NLC of mobilizing its members, along with hired thugs and other miscreants, in collaboration with Usman’s committee and the National Transition Committee (NTC) to invade the LP national secretariat. Ibrahim claimed that the invasion is set to take place on Monday, with the intention of stealing sensitive documents and damaging party property.

    “We view this action as highly irresponsible and a sign of desperation on the part of the NLC,” the statement said. “It has the potential to disturb the peace of the Federal Capital Territory.”

    Ibrahim emphasized that the Supreme Court’s April 5, 2025 judgment was clear, affirming that political parties must resolve leadership disputes internally. He pointed out that the ruling did not grant the NLC, the National Caretaker Committee, or any other group the authority to take control of the Labour Party.

    “The judgment only reinforces that the leadership issue within a political party is an internal matter,” Ibrahim added. “There is no legal basis for the NLC or any other group to seize control of the Labour Party. Julius Abure, who was lawfully elected at the party’s convention in March 2024, remains the National Chairman of the Labour Party.”

    He further warned that any attempt to forcibly remove Abure from his position would be met with strong resistance and urged the police and security agencies to ensure the safety and peace of the party’s secretariat.

     

  • IWD: Emulate women in the Bible – NLC President to Nigerian women

    IWD: Emulate women in the Bible – NLC President to Nigerian women

    Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has called on women across the country to emulate prominent women in the Bible who lived virtuous lives and adopt them as role models.

    Ajaero made this appeal at a programme organised by the Good Tidings Bible Church International (GTBCI) Women of Honour Community Spotlight to commemorate the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) on Saturday in Abuja.

    IWD, celebrated globally on March 8 annually, has the 2025 theme: “Accelerate Action”.

    He cited biblical figures such as Esther and Ruth as exemplary role models, urging women to follow their virtues.

    Ajaero also stated the role of women in the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, adding that today’s women must leave a lasting impact, just as Mrs Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti did in the early 1960s.

    He pointed to organisations such as the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives, which is predominantly led by women, emphasising the importance of women supporting each other to succeed.

    “Women today must emulate great women as their role models and support one another. They must organise themselves.

    “We must recognise them as competent enough to take on leadership roles,” Ajaero stressed.

    Mr Obinna Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives for Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South in Abia State, also urged Nigeria’s leadership to give women more prominent roles in governance.

    According to him, women’s participation in governance is crucial, and IWD has given global recognition to this cause.

    He further called for an end to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and stressed the need for a nationwide platform to spread awareness at the grassroots level.

    Mrs Moji Makanjuola, Executive Director and Founder of the International Society of Media in Public Health and Development, noted that women make up half of Nigeria’s population, and their voices must be heard.

    She noted that as mothers and caregivers, women are naturally inclined towards justice and bear the burden of domestic and care responsibilities.

    Makanjuola warned that excluding women from decision-making processes amounts to wasting half of the country’s human capital and resources.

    She stressed the need for women to influence society, pointing out that many women face injustice in the workplace, at home, and in their communities.

    “We have the right to vote in universal suffrage as women. Taking it further is the right to exert greater influence and make the world a better place.

    “We have borne the scars of wars, child marriages, militancy, and insurgencies, where, unfortunately, women have been collateral damage. It is time to put an end to this by having women take a stand.

    “Throughout history, women have been commoditised. It is time to stand against being used as bargaining chips,” she stated.

    Makanjuola also acknowledged influential female leaders across the world, including Indira Gandhi of India, Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, and Joyce Banda of Malawi.

    She stressed that Nigerian women must be given their rightful place in leadership and governance.

    She further outlined the role of religious organisations in promoting and advancing women’s empowerment.

    Dr Tophia Gupar, Chairperson of the event, stated that this was the first time Good Tidings Bible Church International was celebrating IWD at the church level.

    She explained that the event was organised to acknowledge the contributions of women in the church, including engineers, artisans, doctors, and politicians.

    Gupar added that a platform had been created within the church to enable women from various professions to come together and contribute to community development.

  • NLC rejects migration of lower electricity tariffs to band A

    NLC rejects migration of lower electricity tariffs to band A

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected plans by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to migrate electricity consumers from lower tariffs to Band A.

    This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC held in Yola, Adamawa State.

    The communique, jointly signed by

    Mr Joe Ajaero, President of NLC and Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the Congress, was made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.

    The labour leaders said NEC “unequivocally” rejected the ongoing reclassification of electricity consumers by the NERC.

    They said the plan to migrate consumers from lower bands to band A under the guise of service improvement would lead to unjustified extortion of the masses and economic hardship for the working class and broader Nigerian populace.

    According to them, the migration would further deepen the misery of Nigerians.

    “Whereas inflation has soared, wages remain stagnant, and the cost of living has become unbearable,

    “The NEC-in-session warned that any attempt to announce further electricity tariff increases would be met with mass resistance.

    “The Congress resolved to immediately mobilise for a nationwide protest should the Ministry of Power and NERC proceed with their exploitative plan to further hike electricity tariffs under any guise,” they said

    The labour leaders also said that NEC  acknowledged the agreement reached between NLC and the federal government through the Joint 10-Man Committee, which reduced the initially proposed telecommunications tariff hike from 50 to 35 per cent.

    They said NEC resolved that if the agreement us not implemented by March 1, it will direct its National Administrative Council (NAC) to deploy all necessary instruments to enforce compliance.

    On the State of the Labour Party, they said NEC-in-session directed the National Administrative Council (NAC) to take some immediate steps.

    The steps, according to the labour leaders, included,  rebranding, merger or forming of coalitions to defend the interests of NLC and Nigerian workers in the Party with a view to reclaiming the Party and returning it to its original ideological roots.

    They said the congress would not allow the Labour Party to be hijacked by reactionary forces who do not represent the aspirations of the working people and broader Nigerian

    They urged workers to remain resolute, organised, and uncompromising in the collective struggle for a fair and equitable Nigeria.

  • NLC orders service withdrawal in Osun LGAs over tension

    NLC orders service withdrawal in Osun LGAs over tension

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun Chapter, has instructed all members working in Local Government Areas (LGAs) to withdraw their services from Monday midnight.

    Mr Christopher Arapasopo, Osun NLC Chairman, issued the statement in response to the political tension following a Court of Appeal judgment in the state.

    He said NLC had observed the political unrest causing fear and agitation among its members working in the Local Government Areas.

    According to him, NLC remains apolitical, but it will not allow its members to work in an environment of insecurity.

    “We call on all political parties and their members to respect the rule of law. We insist on upholding the rule of law to prevent a descent into anarchy.

    “As a result, we are directing all our members in the LGAs across Osun to withdraw their services effective Monday, Feb. 17 by 12 a.m. (midnight).

    “We will not allow our members to return until their safety at work is assured, as it is their constitutional right.

    “We urge all security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property in Osun’s Local Governments and the general public,” Arapasopo said.

    NAN reports that the Court of Appeal in Akure ruled on the matter of the removed All Progressives Congress (APC) Local Government chairmen and councillors.

    The APC interpreted the judgment as the reinstatement of the chairmen and councillors removed by the Federal High Court in Osogbo in 2022.

    However, the Osun Government and the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) stated that the judgment did not reinstate the removed officials.

    The state government and OSSIEC confirmed that a fresh local government election is scheduled for Saturday.

  • People we fight for fight against us – NLC

    People we fight for fight against us – NLC

    The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) says it is a highly patriotic organisation considering the type of work and advocacy it does but regretted that the same people it fight for were usually used to fight it.

    The President of NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero, expressed this view in Abuja when he hosted in his office, Mr James Mike, a civil rights activist, popularly known as “Flagboyng.”

    According to him, NLC is more patriotic than the army and police because each times it talks, it is about the people.

    Ajaero said that NLC, being the single largest organisation in Africa, would always stand in defence of Nigerians especially against unfavourable policies of the government or the private sector.

    “We are there for Nigerians but the people you are talking for have not recovered their consciousness.

    “If I make a statement tomorrow, some will tell you he is from this tribe or that he is for party A or B, and at the end of the day the person is hungry.

    “A hungry stomach does not know where someone comes from, but we are here for the people.”

    According to Ajaero, the NLC’s position on the proposed telecom tariff increment is that there cannot be an increase without the people.

    “This is the first time in the history of the labour movement that an increase in tariff will be challenged, be it electricity or telecom tariff, and this is because of the sufferings of Nigerians.

    “It is no longer the fight about minimum wage because the current realities do not allow Nigerian workers to enjoy the minimum wage.

    “You see people carrying their handsets for one year without recharging them and you see students who rely on data to perform their activities, and their parents are not working.

    “Again, when you are writing a CBT exam and your data finishes, you have automatically failed that exam; these are the people the increment will affect most and they are not speaking out.

    “Remember, people were saying we compromised when we called off the protest against tariff increase; the same people you fight for will criticise you.

    “What is guiding us is the passion and love of the country and we have taken our struggle to a social dimension; it is no longer protest for sacking workers, among others” Ajaero said.

    He regretted that the same people NLC fought for were usually used to fight or criticise it.

    Earlier, Mike told the NLC president that he was in his office to remind him of the burden placed on him by more than 200 million Nigerians who hoped to see reversal of the government economic policies that could negatively affect them.

    “Many parents are selling their property just to feed their children; not selling the property to send the kids to school but to eat because of the harsh economy.

    “So, because of this hardship, I have a programme through which I assist the less privileged with food and drinks and I do it without the help of anyone.

    “Because of the hardship, I have a flag with an inscription ‘hunger dey’ which I go out with to draw the attention of the government to the hardship Nigerians are going through.

    “I also use that medium to send a message to those in government to find a way to assist the less privileged,” Mike said.