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  • Nigeria At 63: Reps beg NLC, TUC to suspend strike

    Nigeria At 63: Reps beg NLC, TUC to suspend strike

    The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, to suspend the planned strike action across the country.

    This was contained in a press statement signed by the Chairman, House Commitee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akin Rotimi which was made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday.

    The statement said: “We wish all Nigerians a happy 63rd Independence Anniversary, we also wish to use this opportunity to once again appeal to organised labour to rethink their decision to embark on their intended strike action in the coming days, as we all work together in the best interest of long-term growth, stability, and shared prosperity”.

    In the statement lawmakers explained further: “this year’s anniversary presents us with another opportunity as a people to reflect on the hope of unity, peace, and shared prosperity bequeathed to us by the founders of our dear country”.

    House of Representatives further disclosed that the theme for the 2023, 63rd Aniversary Celebration is “Renewed Hope for Unity and Prosperity” calling on the constituents across the country to celebrate the occasion actively.

    The House, equally commended the Country founding fathers for their vision for Nigeria maintaining that “Patriots of yesteryears shaped the path to the freedom we hold dear as a people today while emphasizing the important of sacrifices and the foundation they laid for the country to survive.

    He explained that the 63rd Independence Anniversary celebration has provided an opportunity for both leaders and the led of immense responsibility to set aside differences but to work together to achieve a country that would works for all persons.

    The House of Representatives also urged Nigerians to see their diversity as their greatest strength adding that youthful population as well as the judicious utilisation of vast human and natural resource should be a force for immediate reintroduction of Nigeria to the world as the true giant of Africa whose time for full expression has come.

    Consequently, the Spokesman equally used the opportunity to affirmed that the 10th House of Representatives is a true ‘People’s Parliament’ maintaining that as lawmakers they are not unaware and unmindful of the numerous challenges Nigerians are facing at this time.

    “The 10th Assembly remains committed to contributing to the development of our great country, as our predecessors of previous assemblies have done, many of whom continue in service in various capacities in the executive arm of government” He explained.

    Lawmakers at the Green Chambers also used the opportunity to reiterate commitment to working with all critical stakeholders to achieve a reasonable living wage for workers as well as to ensure the executive arm of government expedites palliative measures to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy on vulnerable Nigerians.

  • NLC, TUC shun meeting with FG, insist on October 3 nationwide strike

    NLC, TUC shun meeting with FG, insist on October 3 nationwide strike

     The Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), and the Trace Union Congress, (TUC) on Friday, shunned an emergency meeting with the Federal Government scheduled for 3 pm on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja

    Earlier,  the Federal Government led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, had called an emergency meeting with the leaders of organized Labour at the Conference Room of the Office of the President’s Chief of Staff.

    The meeting was fixed in order to  persuade the labour movement against implementing its planned nationwide strike from Tuesday, October 3, 2023.

    Recall that on September 26, the NLC and the TUC announced plans to commence an indefinite strike on October 3 over the economic hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

    On Friday, the organized labour and affiliated bodies started mobilizing members in compliance with the proposed strike.

    The Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals have all announced plans to join the strike.

    Also, the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions’ Employees announced its intention to participate in the strike.

    Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the National Union of Electricity Employees said they would join the indefinite strike announced on Thursday.

    The country’s economy could be shut down if the proposed nationwide strike takes effect from next week Tuesday.

    The development comes when Nigeria is battling with the crumbling Naira at the foreign exchange market, exchanging at N985/$ at the parallel market and soaring inflation of 25.80 per cent in August.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu quietly returns to Nigeria after UNGA outing

    JUST IN: Tinubu quietly returns to Nigeria after UNGA outing

    President Bola Tinubu has finally returned back into the country after his first participation at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States of America (USA).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu returned after a 12-day absence on Friday night devoid of the usual fanfare that usually heralds his arrival into the country every time he left.

    Recall Tinubu left Nigeria on 17 September to attend the 78th in New York, in what is his first participation at the UNGA since he was sworn-in last May.

    After delivering the national statement and holding several meetings on the sidelines of the global assembly, he rang the closing bell at NASDAQ.

    Shortly after, the Nigerian President departed New York for Paris, France, last week Thursday. There was no official statement about his mission in the country, but sources said he went for a short vacation.

    Tinubu returns to Nigeria amid threats by labour unions to commence an indefinite strike from October 3, if he fails to address the rising cost of living in his October 1st broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary.

  • NLC adamant as NEC takes position on nationwide indefinite strike

    NLC adamant as NEC takes position on nationwide indefinite strike

    The National Economic Council (NEC) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) not to abandon dialogue in their quest for better welfare for its members.

    The Council also appealed to the unions to suspend its planned nationwide indefinite strike schedule to start on Oct. 3.

    Gov. Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau stated this while briefing State House Correspondents at the end of the NEC meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

    He said that the nation was at a very critical moment in its history, adding that some states took over such labour crisis when they assumed office in May.

    According to him, some of such states just resolved the crisis and will be unfair for the labour to return to another industrial action.

    The Plateau governor said that the proposed industrial action would have immense effect on the economy of both the states and the Federal government.

    He said that the NEC expressed genuine concern about the situation in the country and appealed for calm and patience among Nigerians.

    “The National Economic Council (NEC) deliberated on the planned indefinite strike by the National leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to proceed on an indefinite strike on Oct. 3, 2023.

    “The council noted further the implications of the planned strike on the economy and the nation and thus urge members to continue to engage with the leadership of their respective states.

    “It appeals to them to suspend the action and to continue on the path of dialogue with the Federal Government. This is the appeal of the council.”

    He said that the council appreciated the concerns raised by the NLC to have those issues address, adding that NEC also appealed for time to address the concerns of labour.

    “We also believe that President Bola Tinubu will be addressing the nation on Oct. 1, and some of the concerns of labour will be appropriately addressed in the president’s speech.

    “It is therefore important to note that it’s a federation issue, so whatever happens the labour is represented in all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    “And NEC is appealing that discussion should continue at the state levels because there will be peculiarities as to the issues to be addressed concerning the demands of labour and therefore dialogue is the way to go.”

    No agreement with FG to suspend strike – NLC

    Earlier, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it has no agreement with the Federal Government to call off the planned indefinite strike for Oct. 3.

    Mr Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs in NLC said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had at the end of the joint National Executive Council meeting declared an indefinite strike beginning from Tuesday to press home their demands.

    Upah was reacting to a statement allegedly issued by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    Upah said there were some inconsistencies in the statement which include the proposed strike and the illegal occupation of the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    “Accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. Firstly, we do not have any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike action.

    “Neither do we have any date for a meeting with the government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike.

    “While we do not intend to demean or minimise the office of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the Ministry.

    “This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting,” he added.

    He, therefore, commended the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the NURTW from unlawful, illegal police detention.

    Upah added: ”We take exception to the ministry describing these executives as factional leaders.

    “They were lawfully elected into office. We still find it necessary to advise the police and those elements behind their travails to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct.

    “They are advised to retrace their steps. If democracy is to be of meaning to us, then we should resist the urge or temptation for impunity. Enough is enough.”

  • NLC tagged mischievous over indefinite strike

    NLC tagged mischievous over indefinite strike

    Following the plan by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to commence a nationwide industrial strike action from Tuesday, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) has described the move as ‘sabotage’ and ‘mischievous’.

    The CSO under the auspices of the Civil Society and Workers Dialogue Forum, (CSWDF) made this known in a statement issued by Abubakar Ibrahim, Bashir Faisal and Comrade Rafiu Shaibu, who are Convener and co-Conveners of the CSO respectively.

    According to the statement, the Nigeria Labour Congress fully agreed to the withdrawal of fuel subsidy which they also earlier advocated for, adding that “having the subsidy that has been draining government for centuries removed, it should be supported by all stakeholders”, rather than ‘evil kick’ as it were.

    The CSO described the action as ‘sabotage’ and ‘mischievous’, stressing that the union was not sensitive to its own part of dialogue with the Federal Government over the fuel subsidy removal impasse.

    The group, while acknowledging the hardship faced by Nigerians, explained that the Federal Government has made deft moves in rehabilitating the refineries to reduce the cost of PMS and gas importation.

    The statement added that the recent distribution of palliative to the tune of N5 billion to each 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory are part of mitigation measures until things normalize as no government anywhere in the world derives pleasure in the suffering of its people.

    The group wondered what the proposed strike intended to achieve since the wage increase of workers is being negotiated with NLC constituting membership of  the Committee.

    “The wage increase of workers is being negotiated with NLC constituting membership of the Committee, hence we are appalled at what the proposed strike intended to achieve.

    “As opposed to the past, the NLC has always been on the negotiation table before any decision was taken by this administration.

    “We recalled that in June this year, the Union was in talks with the FG over fuel subsidy removàl without carrying other stakeholders along which we protested our exclusion.

    “Having agreed with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, only for the workers Union to recant and proposed an indefinite strike is counter-productive and we will mobilise our members across the 36 States and FCT for anti-NLC protest.

    “This statement should serve as official notice to the Director of State Service DSS, IGP and other Security agencies, that we are going to mobilise to streets against NLC on 3rd October, 2023,” the statement reads.

    The group stated that some states have purchased buses for public transportation and have also added funds to the FG’s offer to them, insisting that the proposed strike was inappropriate.

    The statement therefore called on the citizens to resist the temptation of being used by a group of people against the genuine interest of government.

  • No agreement with FG to suspend strike – NLC

    No agreement with FG to suspend strike – NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it has no agreement with the Federal Government to call off the planned indefinite strike for Oct. 3.

    Mr Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs in NLC said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had at the end of the joint National Executive Council meeting declared an indefinite strike beginning from Tuesday to press home their demands.

    Upah was reacting to a statement allegedly issued by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    Upah said there were some inconsistencies in the statement which include the proposed strike and the illegal occupation of the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    “Accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. Firstly, we do not have any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike action.

    “Neither do we have any date for a meeting with the government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike.

    “While we do not intend to demean or minimise the office of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the Ministry.

    “This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting,” he added.

    He, therefore, commended the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the NURTW from unlawful, illegal police detention.

    Upah added: ”We take exception to the ministry describing these executives as factional leaders.

    “They were lawfully elected into office. We still find it necessary to advise the police and those elements behind their travails to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct.

    “They are advised to retrace their steps. If democracy is to be of meaning to us, then we should resist the urge or temptation for impunity. Enough is enough.”

  • Don’t meddle in our internal crises – NURTW tells NLC

    Don’t meddle in our internal crises – NURTW tells NLC

    The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has urged the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to meddle in its internal crises.

    Mr Kayode Agbeyangi, Acting General Secretary of the union made the call in his address at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Agbeyangi alleged that the recent outbreak of violence at the National Secretariat of the union was due to the interference of the NLC for selfish reasons.

    According to him, like the proverbial sympathiser who cried more than the bereaved, NLC has gone overboard in expressing their interest in our internal affairs.

    “The NLC took a one-sided decision that further threatened our effort to unite all interests and move the union forward.

    “It is very sad and unfortunate that the umbrella body of workers that is expected to protect the welfare and right of all workers has turned itself into a tool used for outbreak of violence and favoritism.

    “Also the flagrant abuse of constitutional provisions of the union by attempting to impose the erstwhile President Alh. Tajudeen Baruwa on the union whose tenure expired on Aug. 28,” he said.

    He, however, called on the Joe Ajaero-led NLC to discard their bias and ethnic sentiments towards the former General Secretary who is their kinsman.

    He also urged him to refrain from further blackmailing the union in their desperate bid to authenticate illegality.

    “What is expected of the congress at this time is to support without rancor, the ongoing process of organising a statutory National Delegates’ Conference of the NURTW as stipulated by the union Constitution,” he said.

    Agbeyangi also said the NLC and other relevant agencies have been duly intimated through official correspondences about the various resolutions taken at various organs of the union.

    He said the union expects the NLC  to respect the determination of the NURTW to ensure the emergence of a democratically elected National leadership for NURTW at the forthcoming Quadrennial Delegates Conference.

    “We believe the congress will be honourable enough to support the peaceful process and to align with established legal framework and international standards governing industrial relations.

    “That is which the congress claims to uphold, towards ensuring industrial harmony in the union and Nigeria at large.

    “In the interest of peace, justice and fair play, the NLC should give chance to the Board of Trustees of the union to resolve the union crises internally as enshrined in its constitution,” he said.

    The acting general secretary therefore said that strategic process have been put in place to achieve peace in the union.

    He also said due to the inability of the past administration to convene a Zonal Delegates Conference, a National Caretaker Committee.

    Agbeyangi said the Caretaker Committee would prepare the ground to conduct a credible conference across the zones of the Union on Oct. 5.

    He also noted that the inauguration of the National officers would be held on Oct.25.

    He however commended the former President of the union, Alh. Najeem Yasin towards ensuring that the union crises were amicably resolved

    In a swift reaction, Mr. Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC said the congress will not join issues with just any group outside the legitimate fold of the NLC.

    “We have alerted the whole world that our leadership in NURTW has been cloned.

    “The cloned leadership is also threatening to attack the leadership of NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    “I don’t want us to join issues with unknown quantity,” he said.

  • Speaker Abbas begs NLC not to embark on strike

    Speaker Abbas begs NLC not to embark on strike

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) not to embark on its proposed industrial strike action.

    In his welcome remarks at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday, Abbas pledged that the house would engage and support the Executive to resolve the current economic hardship in the country.

    The parliamentarian explained that embarking on strike will only make the situation worse for all Nigerians urging the union to consider ongoing efforts to improve the economy.

    Following the removal of fuel subsidy and the accompanied economic hardships, the NLC had demanded sustainable minimum wage and palliatives to citizens.

    The union had issued a 21-day ultimatum upon its expiration, the NLC will embark on an indefinite strike beginning next week.

    According to Abbas, as the peoples’ representatives, “we feel and equally share in the pains of our people at these very difficult times”.

    Continuing, he said: “However, I would like to appeal to the NLC to consider the various actions being taken by the Federal Government to alleviate the current hardship faced by Nigerians.

    “As promised earlier, this house remains committed to getting a survival wage to all Nigerian workers.

    “The 10th House had assured Nigerians that we would be interfacing between the organised labour and the government to quickly work out a realistic new national minimum wage.

    “Also other palliatives to enable citizens cope with the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal, the downward fall of the naira to the dollar, skyrocketing cost of food and general high cost of living in the country.

    “It is in our considered opinion that embarking on a nationwide strike at this point will only aggravate an already bad situation.

    “I therefore urge the leadership of Labour Unions to give us the benefit of doubt and suspend any  planned strike action while we engage the executive”.

    The Speaker charged the lawmakers to turn the tide of woes and gloom of the nation as their offices present them with the opportunities and prospects to do so.

    He said President Bola Tinubu had recorded a huge diplomatic and economic breakthrough with the United Arab Emirates which would see the resumption of issuance of visa to Nigerians by the UAE and the return of Emirates Airlines to Nigerian skies.

    He said that Tinubu had equally recorded some major economic agreements in India following tjr productive outing at the recently concluded 78 General Assembly of the United Nations.

    “In the coming days, the Executive arm of government is expected to present a 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill as well as the 2024 Appropriation Bill to this Honourable House.

    “It is expected that the time to consider these bills will be short, but we must roll-up our sleeves and get to work immediately and ensure the speedy consideration that will encapsulate the yearnings of the people.

    “We have to put in extra work hours to ensure that the budget is passed in good time to enable its implementation from the first day of the 2024.

    “Our nation and indeed this 10th House of the People does not have the luxury of time in the face of profound national challenges.

    “We must therefore do everything within our powers to champion causes towards addressing the yearnings of our people,” he said

    The speaker directed all ad hoc Committees to conclude their assignments and submit their reports on or before October, 3 as they will all cease to exist after the ultimatum.

    He said any of the committees that is unable to conclude its assignment on the date, such tasks shall be yielded to the relevant Standing Committees.

    Abbas announced the creation of three additional committees on State and Local Government, Traditional Institutions and Petroleum Resources.

    “This brings the total number of House Committees to 137. We equally created 13 more Parliamentary Friendship Groups to facilitate and deepen our capacity development and peer learning,” he said.

  • BREAKING: NLC, TUC declare total, indefinite strike

    BREAKING: NLC, TUC declare total, indefinite strike

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Tuesday, agreed to withdraw their services nationwide from Tuesday, October 3, in what has been described as indefinite, total strike.

    The two labour centres directed their affiliates to mobilise for protests from October 3.

    The Organised Labour took the decision after an NLC, TUC joint National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, September 26, in Abuja.

    Comrade Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said the government has “substantially failed to meet its demands after the removal of fuel subsidy.”

    Recall that on September 5th and 6th, the NLC embarked on a two-day warning strike which led to the partial crippling of economic activities in some states.

    It gave the government a 21-day ultimatum to meet its demands.

    But the TUC was not part of the warning strike.

     

    On Tuesday, Ajaero said the grace period given by the two labour centres had expired.

    He urged Nigerians to stock their homes ahead of the planned nationwide strike.

    The organised labour is demanding wage awards for public workers and a new minimum wage.

    The other demands made by the organized labour to cushion the effects of the May 29 subsidy removal are tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers, provision of Compressed Natural Gas buses, the release of modalities for the N70 billion for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the Federal Government.

    It also wants a stop to the increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salaries of university teachers and workers as well as the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).

    Leaders of the NLC), and TUC agreed to hold a joint press conference at 3 p.m. today to announce a nationwide indefinite strike after what seemed to be friction between the two labour centres.

    On Tuesday, September 5, and Wednesday 6, 2023, NLC without the TUC went on a two-day warning strike to urge the government to address the mass painful suffering of Nigerians, particularly workers.

    Sources told TheNiche that leaders of the two labour unions have settled their disputes, which caused only the NLC to go on a two-day warning strike without the cooperation of the TUC.

    Following their separate organs’ meetings, the two centres agreed to hold the joint press conference at 3 p.m. to announce the indefinite nationwide strike in response to the Federal Government’s failure to address the sufferings in the country and other socioeconomic hardships caused by the removal of subsidies on Premium Motor, PMS, commonly known as petrol.

  • NLC denies embarking on indefinite strike

    NLC denies embarking on indefinite strike

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has denied reports going viral that it has embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike.

    There are reports online that the Labour Union has commenced its planned strike on Friday after its ultimatum to the federal government elapsed on Thursday.

    Recall that organised labour had threatened to shut down the country’s economy to protest against the government’s failure to meet its demands.

    The union is asking the federal government to provide adequate palliatives that would cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy.

    NLC previously embarked on a two-day warning strike on September 5 and 6, during which it issued a 14-day ultimatum.

    Government’s efforts to quell the move for an indefinite strike have not yielded any fruit, as the union still insists that it would shut down the economy if its demands were not met.

    While workers are waiting for further directives, online reports went viral on Friday suggesting that the union has commenced an indefinite strike.

    When contacted by pressmen, NLC’s Head of Department for Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, said “The report is not true.”

    He enjoined the general public to disregard the viral report.