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  • NURTW faction clash in Abuja claims two lives

    NURTW faction clash in Abuja claims two lives

    A clash between two factions of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) at its Abuja headquarters on Tuesday, tragically resulted in two fatalities, according to local sources.

    According to information gleaned from union officials, one of the victims hails from the Nasarawa state chapter, while the identity of the other remains unconfirmed.

    The root cause of this clash appears to be linked to disputes over the leadership’s composition, stemming from a divergence between the current president and his predecessor’s choice of successor.

    NURTW President Tajudeen Baruwa, had accused the Lagos Park Management Committee led by Tajudeen Agbede of illegally occupying the union’s national headquarters, and sought the intervention of both the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in resolving the situation but had not met with success.

    He also accused the former union president, Najeem Yasin, and Agbede, the former National Vice President, of clandestinely holding meetings with specific past union leaders.

    Baruwa, however, vowed: “We shall henceforth not hesitate to defend our mandate with the last drop of our blood.”

    In a video from the scene that went viral, some men armed with clubs were seen in a frenzy smashing the windshields of cars as people scampered for safety.

    It was gathered that one faction subsequently convened a meeting at the NURTW headquarters in the Garki 2 area of Abuja, while the other sought refuge at the Nigeria Labour Congress headquarters in Labour House, Central Business District.

    To maintain order, Nigerian police officers have been deployed to patrol the NURTW headquarters and relative calm has been reinstated in the surrounding vicinity.

  • NLC ends warning strike, urges members to prepare for indefinite action

    NLC ends warning strike, urges members to prepare for indefinite action

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday ended its two-day warning strike over unmet agreements by the federal government on the consequences of fuel subsidy removal, with a directive to all workers to resume work today.

    NLC national president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who announced the end of the strike in a press statement in Abuja, however warned that the warning strike was not the end of the struggle, but a precursor to a possible indefinite nationwide strike later in the month if the government fails to address its demands

    Ajaero also commended the NLC affiliate unions and state councils for their massive participation in the strike, adding that the message conveyed through the warning strike resonated loudly with the government.

    He said, “As we mark the end of the two-day nationwide warning strike today, at the stroke of midnight, we earnestly call upon you all to gracefully conclude the strike and return to work tomorrow in accordance with our initial agreement.

    “We would like to take this moment to express our profound appreciation for your unwavering determination and dedication, which played a pivotal role in the resounding success of this action. Your contributions during this warning strike exemplify your unwavering commitment to our shared cause”.

    The NLC urged its members to get set for an indefinite nationwide industrial action in the event where the government fails to meet the workers’ demands.

    Ajaero stated: “In the event that the government fails to provide the appropriate responses to our demands, we encourage you to maintain your steadfast resolve. The same passion and determination that fueled this warning strike will be crucial if we find ourselves compelled to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.

    “Congress is not unmindful of the actions of detractors and fifth columnists but in the face of them all, we remain undaunted and more committed to the defense of Nigerian workers and people at any given time. Our nation deserves better.”

  • AEDC explains reason for throwing Abuja into darkness

    AEDC explains reason for throwing Abuja into darkness

    The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has explained the reason behind the current blackout being suffered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and all of its franchise areas.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports AEDC attributes the power outage to the two-day warning strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    Recall that NLC in a communique at the end of its National Executive Council said it would commence a two-day nationwide warning strike from Sept. 5 to Sept. 6. The strike has grounded activities in the country.

    The management of AEDC in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday disclosed that engagements with key stakeholders are ongoing toward minimising the impact of the strike.

    ”We are aware of the general power outage being experienced across our franchise,  this is due to enforcement  of the two-day warning strike embarked upon by the labour union.

    ”We apologise for any inconvenience you may be experiencing as a result of this, as we continue our engagement with key stakeholders toward minimising the impact of the strike on our customers,” it stated.

    AEDC urge their customers to take necessary precautions to manage the outage effectively.

    The company advised its customer to unplug sensitive electronic devices and appliances from power sources pending the restoration of power.

    ”We will continue to provide updates on developments regarding the impact of the strike action on our operations through our official social media handles.

    ”Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this challenging time. We remain committed to serve you,” it said.

  • NLC President rates first day of warning strike

    NLC President rates first day of warning strike

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended Nigerians for the massive support and efforts in ensuring that the first day warning strike called by the Congress was successful nationwide.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said this in a statement titled, “Our Two-Day Nationwide Warning Strike: Frist Day of Success”, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    It would be recall that the NLC in a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NLC) said it would commence a two-day nationwide warning strike from Sept. 5 to Sept. 6.

    The NLC also threatened to embark on indefinite nationwide strike within 14 working days or 21 days from when the communique was issued.

    It also said this was until steps were taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced due to the removal of subsidy.

    According to Ajaero, this is to applaud all Nigerian workers through the actions of all our affiliates and State Councils.

    “This is for the massive support and efforts at ensuring that the first day of the nationwide warning strike took off with a resounding success across the nation.

    “You have all demonstrated that your words and decisions will always be backed by action.

    “This has resonated in every part of the country today and we are sure that the message has been sent to those who doubt our determination to push through with our objectives,”he said.

    He added that, we are glad to inform you that all of our objectives for the first day were fully met.

    He said this was due to the high level of compliance experienced as a result of all collective efforts around the federation.

    The NLC president therefore, commended all for their commitment towards ensuring that the reasons for the warning strike were fulfilled at the time.

    “We however urge you all to continue with the same zeal and determination which saw the huge success that was recorded today.

    “This is as we move to the second and final day of the nationwide strike to ensure a complete success of the entire exercise.

    “While thanking all Nigerian workers and indeed the masses for their understanding as we go through this trying time,”he said.

    He however, called for more efforts and urged all to join hands to ensure that all loopholes observed during the first day action were plugged.

    He added that, so that tomorrow’s action would be a total success.

    “It is our civic duty to ensure that we are governed effectively and that those in government remain accountable to the people at all times!

    “We are committed to that and with your continued support, our nation will surely become a better place for all of us,”he said.

  • Partial compliance marks two-day strike amidst failed negotiations

    Partial compliance marks two-day strike amidst failed negotiations

    A faction of the Labour Union initiated a two-day nationwide strike after unsuccessful talks with the Federal Government.

    A last-minute reconciliation meeting on Monday between the government and labour was attended by the Trade Union Congress (TUC), while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) stayed away.

    The meeting resulted in a two-week timeline for addressing wage awards, tax exemptions, and allowances for public sector workers, aimed at easing the burden caused by the fuel subsidy removal.

    “We agreed that there should be no strike within the two-week period while we are doing our deliberations and working towards realizing some of these objectives,” the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong said.

    The President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, expressed the need for ongoing discussions to resolve outstanding issues, saying: “As of today, the need to embark on a nationwide strike hasn’t arisen hence the leadership of congress should intensify the conversation with government so that all grey areas identified could be ironed out within the time frame given.”

    At the federal secretariat in Abuja and Lagos, power shortages disrupted office operations in support of the strike. Compliance teams later enforced the strike by closing offices and sealing gates, leading to postponed meetings and reduced activity in the area,  according to sources.

  • Strike: NLC shuts down government offices in Jigawa state

    Strike: NLC shuts down government offices in Jigawa state

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Jigawa state chapter  on Tuesday shut the gates of ministries, departments, and agencies  in compliance with the two-day warning strike declared by organised labour.

    State, federal secretariats, banks, higher institutions found out total compliance from workers.

    NLC had on Friday directed workers across the country to embark on a two-day warning strike beginning on Tuesday.

    According to Labour, the action became necessary to show resistance to government’s response to fuel subsidy removal, which has affected many Nigerians.

    Findings show that the industrial action has affected all sectors of the economy, including government services, transportation, and banking activities.

    A civil servant in the state, Malam Zaharaddeen, said: “The NLC has done the right thing because some workers have not been coming to their place of work because of economic hardship.”

  • NLC warning strike: Banks, Aviation, Electricity Workers, others shut services

    NLC warning strike: Banks, Aviation, Electricity Workers, others shut services

    Following the two days warning strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Banks, electricity and aviation workers, and other sectors of the Nigerian economy have shut their doors against customers in compliance with the two days warning strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    Checks in many Banks in Lagos and Abuja show that customers are not allowed into the banking hall. This also affects other sectors, including Insurance, Aviation, Electricity companies, federal secretariat in Abuja, and others.

    The strike followed the decision of NLC to boycott the meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, to avert the two-day warning strike.

    This is just as affiliate unions of the NLC, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, among others have, in a joint circular, directed all stakeholders in the aviation sector to comply with the NLC’s directive to join the strike.

    The NLC had last Friday issued the two-day warning strike notice over current hardship caused by the removal of petrol subsidy.

    Only the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) led by its President Festus Osifo attended the meeting with government officials.

    Before the evening meeting went into a closed-door session, Osifo said the TUC leadership would continue to engage with the federal government to ensure that its demands are addressed.

    He said, “In the palliatives that were rolled out, we’ve not seen anything put in place for federal workers. We need a wage award. The palliatives rolled out by the government are not far – reaching. We believe that the government can do much more.”

    In a communique released on Monday by the TUC at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday, the TUC said some of the steps taken by the government to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on workers were welcomed.

    It urged the government to increase the amount provided for palliatives as the N5bn given to each state was “grossly inadequate.”

    “That palliatives in themselves do not solve the long term challenges or hardship faced by the people, such long lasting programmes and initiatives should be evolved that will properly address the sufferings of the people in the long term,” the communique read in part.

    Lalong said the government set a two-week timeline on wage award, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers to “cushion the pains and anguish they are going through as a result of subsidy removal,” as put forward by the TUC.

    The minister said: “We agreed that there should be no strike within the two week period while we’re doing our deliberations and working towards realising some of these objectives.”

    Earlier at a press briefing, Lalong had appealed to the labour to prevail on all its affiliate unions to suspend their planned strike.

    He said the government would neither take workers for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding.

    “We shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy as well as look into immediate challenges that have emerged from the policies of the government. We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.”

  • Strike: Tribunals adjourn judgments as NLC bar entrance to court in Edo

    Strike: Tribunals adjourn judgments as NLC bar entrance to court in Edo

     

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State has barred entrance into the state high court premises in compliance with a two-day warning strike.

    The election petitions tribunals for the National Assembly and state House of Assembly had scheduled judgements in two petitions for today but they have been adjourned till Thursday.

    The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, announced the warning strike last Friday in protest against the Federal Government’s failure to address the challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.

    President Bola Tinubu had announced in his May 29 inaugural speech that “fuel subsidy is gone“, which has since led to fuel prices as much as tripling nationwide and a rising cost of living.

    The labour union is accusing the Federal Government of abandoning the negotiations and failing to implement some of the resolutions from previous meetings with the government.

    TNG recalls on August 2, organised labour protested what it described as the anti-people policies of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

    The NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions demonstrated in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and several states, including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo.

    The protest followed a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government demanding “the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the federal government including the recent hike in PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) price, increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salary of university lecturers and workers”.

    The union also demanded an upward review of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000, saying that since the President’s “subsidy is gone” inauguration speech of May 29, 2023, the peace of mind of Nigerians has gone.

    Several meetings between the Presidency and the unions on palliatives for Nigerians suffering hardship in the wake of the petrol subsidy removal proved abortive.

  • Subsidy removal: Again, NLC embarks on nationwide strike today as PEPT delivers judgement on Wednesday

    Subsidy removal: Again, NLC embarks on nationwide strike today as PEPT delivers judgement on Wednesday

    …banks, insurance firms, fed bodies, Telecos others to shut down

    The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and organized labour will today begin a two-day warning strike to drive home their demands over President Bola Tinubu’s bitter economic policies that has further improvised Nigerians.

    This is just as the PEPT formally announced that verdict would be delivered on the last presidential election petitions filed by major opposition parties in Nigeria, the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party.

    TheNewsGuru.com, (TNG) recalls President Tinubu had declared during his inauguration last May that fuel subsidy has gone forever.

    To give his declaration teeth to bite the pump price of fuel the major source of energy in Nigeria was increased.

    This development has led to untold hardships across Nigeria permanently eradicating the middle class in Nigeria.

    Prices of goods and services hit the rooftops.

    The NLC had in August gone on a strike but after promises by the Federal Government to make available palliatives to cushion the effects of the harsh economic policy, the strike was suspended.

    Federal Government immediately rolled out palliatives giving each state of the federation N5bn and foodstuffs which amounted to a miserable N1500 per head when the cost of one litre of PMS is N617.

    By last Thursday, the NLC issued a two-day warning strike to register its anger against Tinubu’s government’s lackadaisical attitude towards Nigerians who are still battling with the lacklustre eight-year rule of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    PEPT suddenly realized that it’s high time the long awaited judgement would be delivered during the two-day warning strike.

    The Appeal Court venue of the PEPT has warned its workers to stay away from office on Wednesday as only accredited people would gain entrance into the venue.

    The Chief Registrar of the Court, Oluwaleye Oluwasegun David, in a memo on Monday informed the staff that only those with tags would be allowed entry into the court premises.

    The memo said the measure was taken to “create a conducive and peaceful atmosphere” for the special sitting of the Presidential Election Tribunal.

    The tribunal is hearing petitions filed by Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party, and the Allied Peoples Movement, challenging Tinubu’s victory in the February 2023 presidential election.

    The memo said: “In view of the above, very strong security apparatus have been arranged to man the entrance of the Court and also in all strategic areas of the Court Complex.

    “In addition, only staff with tags provided by the Management will be allow into the Court premises. Please be informed as instructed.”

    The first strike which was for just 24hours sent a strong signal and that of today is expected to be stronger because the pangs of hunger is not making Nigerians to smile.

  • NLC Strike: FG appeals for 2 weeks to finalise on demands

    NLC Strike: FG appeals for 2 weeks to finalise on demands

    The Federal Government has appealed for a period of two weeks to finalised on organised labour demands.

    Mr Simon Lalong said this while addressing newsmen at end of a closed door meeting with the Trade Union Congress(TUC) on Monday in Abuja.

    Lalong said the meeting was called to avert the proposed nationwide warning strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    It would be recall that the NLC had said that it would embarked on a two-day nationwide warning strike from Sept. 5 to Sept. 6 over hardship faced the masses due to the removal of fuel subsidy.

    According to reports, the NLC were absent at the meeting called by the minister.

    The Federal Government had earlier appealed to NLC to suspend proposed 2-days warning nationwide strike.

    Also, the TUC in a communique had said the need to embark on strike had not arisen but would allow conversation with government to address grey areas.

    According to Lalong, goverbnment bis going to address those issues within the period of two weeks and come back for further discussion.

    “Some of the issues we discussed are those that are very urgent. There are some that will require a long span of time. This was the basis of our discussion.

    “We agreed that there should be no strike within the two-week period while we are doing our deliberations and working towards realising some of these objectives,” he said.

    Also, Mr Festus Osifo, the President of TUC, said some of the issues requiring urgent attention included implementation of palliatives and wage award.

    He said others are tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers; modalities for N70 billion Small and Medium Enterprises and RTEAN crisis.

    “In the palliatives that were rolled out we have not seen anything put in place for federal workers.

    “We need a wage award. The palliatives rolled out by the government are not far-reaching. We believe that the government can do much more,” he said.

    Osifo also said that the TUC leadership would continue to engage with the federal government to ensure that its demands are addressed.