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Tag: NLC

  • What NLC said about Dangote’s petrol price slash

    What NLC said about Dangote’s petrol price slash

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos Council, has lauded Dangote Refinery over the recent slash in  fuel price, describing it as a timely economic relief for Nigerians.

    The NLC State Chairman, Funmi Sessi, who made the commendation in a statement on Wednesday, said that Dangote Refinery came at the right time.

    Sessi expressed optimism that the reduction would ease transportation costs, lower the prices of goods and services, and provide financial relief for citizens struggling with the high cost of living.

    “This adjustment promises to offer much-needed relief for millions of Nigerians who have been grappling with high fuel prices and the rising cost of living.

    “If not for Dangote refinery, we believe that government may still be importing fuel.

    “However, now, Dangote is producing about 650,000 litres of barrel per day, while both Port Harcourt refinery and the other refurbished ones are producing about 210,000 litres of barrels per day, which is not even up to half of what Dangote is producing.

    “With this, Dangote has brought a healthy rivalry to the sector and we have started seeing reduction in the petroleum price, “ she said.

    The chairman also noted that Dangote refinery had begun exporting petroleum to countries such as Ghana, Togo and others.

    According to her, this means that it will bring stability to  the country’s currency.

    “At this instance, we want to give it to Dangote. We also appreciate its timely intervention.

    “Do not also forget that the National Assembly is trying to bring out a bill that Nigerians should start domesticating her own currency.

    “It is so disheartening that our currency is no more strong, even in the West Africa region.

    “Therefore, the government should encourage Dangote and more players coming on board because this will allow a healthy rivalry.

    “We welcome this relief, which will help many Nigerians struggling due to the high cost of living, and we urge other stakeholders to emulate the Dangote Group’s example for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Sessi said.

    Speaking on the proposed 2025 budget, the chairman said that if the government could be strict in its implementation, there would be hope of economic revival.

    She said: “With the budget , we can see that there is hope for Nigeria, most especially, if government can be strict in its implementation, there will be improvement in  security, food production and other areas of the economy”.

  • Cash scarcity: NLC demands immediate govt intervention

    Cash scarcity: NLC demands immediate govt intervention

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to immediately intervene in the issue of cash scarcity across the country.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said this in a communique he  jointly signed with Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of NLC on Thursday in Abuja.

    The communique was issued at the end of the  National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Owerri.

    Ajaero said that the NEC in-session had expressed concern over the persistent cash scarcity in Nigeria, describing it as an unfortunate and exploitative burden on the already struggling populace.

    According to him,  NEC noted that Nigerians are being forced to forfeit five per cent of their funds each time they access cash, an unacceptable situation that exacerbates the economic woes faced by millions.

    “The impact of this on small businesses and other informal economy operatives is huge as the situation poses serious disproportionate challenge to the poor and struggling workers and masses.

    “The NLC demands immediate government intervention to rectify this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights.

    “We expect the Central Bank Governor to take steps to ensure that cash is made available to the citizenry to enable small business transactions and stimulate Economic growth,”he said.

    Ajaero also demanded that the tax bill currently before the National Assembly be halted for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers.

    He said that the politicisation of the bill and alienation of key stakeholders was worrisome and robbed it of its capacity as an effective tool to revamp the economy.

    “Only through inclusive dialogue can we ensure a just and equitable tax system that benefits all citizens,” he said.

    On insecurity, Ajaero said that the NEC also raised alarm over the worsening insecurity in the country.

    He citeed media  reports that Nigerians said N2.23 trillion in ransom this year alone across 51.8 million recorded crime incidents.

    “This appalling state of insecurity underscores the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevails.

    “Majority of the citizens who either lost their lives or are maimed as a result are workers,”he said.

    Also, on the unvasion and ransacking of NLC Edo state Council Secretariat, NEC strongly condemned the actions of the Police and the state governor in orchestrating an invasion.

    “This brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers.

    “The NEC,  therefore, resolved to give the Edo State government and the Police a deadline of 14 working days, up to January 8, 2025 to vacate the secretariat.

    “They should return all confiscated properties to the congress, and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities,” he said.

    He said that failure to comply would compel the congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defense of workers’ and trade union rights,.

    “The NEC, therefore reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers and the broader Nigerian populace,” Ajaero said.

    He urged citizens to find moments of hope, resilience, and togetherness during the festive season.

  • Wike mum as workers ground activities in FCT

    Wike mum as workers ground activities in FCT

    Workers have grounded activities in all the six (6) area councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) after commencing an indefinite strike on December 1.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike has maintained deafening silence as the indefinite strike enters Day 8 on Sunday.

    It was learnt that pregnant women, some at the point of birth, were sent away at the Primary Health Care Centres spread across the 6 area councils of the FCT.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council had directed all workers in the six area councils of the FCT to proceed on the indefinite strike to protest against non-implementation of the N70,000 new national minimum wage.

    The NLC had in a communique following a meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) held on November 8 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, appealed to FCT council chairmen to implement the new national minimum wage.

    Chairman of the council, Mr Knabanyi Adalo, however, said that the chairmen had refused to respond to the demand for implementation of the minimum wage in their respective area councils.

    Adalo said that in response to this inaction, the organised labour in its State Administrative Council meeting held on November 12, unanimously resolved to adhere strictly to the national directive to embark on the indefinite strike.

    He said the directive was subject to any State government’s failure to implement the national minimum wage on or before the last day of November.

    “The state administrative council also noted with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by the area councils’ chairmen to pay some pending entitlements to the workers, including the outstanding arrears of primary school teachers,” Adalo said.

    According to him, failure to implement the new national minimum wage is a gross violation of the law and total disregard to the welfare and well-being of workers in the area councils.

    Meanwhile, chairmen of the 6 FCT area councils had pleaded with the workers to implement the N70,000 minimum wage from January, 2025, which was rejected by the NLC.

    Adalo confirmed to Daily Trust that the union had met with the area council chairmen and revealed that the chairmen cited backlog of some pending primary school teachers’ arrears and other entitlements for posting implementation of the minimum wage to January, 2025.

    He explained that the union rejected the council chairmen’s plea and insisted that the minimum wage should be implemented before the end of December 2024, adding that it was unfortunate workers and primary school teachers in the FCT were going through tough time due to the economic hardship in the country.

    “Actually, the union met with the area council chairmen and they requested that the union should give them till January, 2025 to implement the minimum wage because of some commitment.

    “But we insisted that the implementation should commence in this December, 2024. So, that is how things stand between the union and the council chairmen at the moment,” he said.

    Adalo said the strike will continue until the minimum wage is implemented.

  • Ex-NLC chairman slumps, dies in Edo

    Ex-NLC chairman slumps, dies in Edo

    The police command in Edo has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that caused the death of Comrade Kaduna Eboigbodin, a former Chairman of NLC at a police checkpoint in Benin City.

    The command Spokesman, SP Moses Yamu, said the Commissioner of Police, Umoru P. Ozigi gave the order on Wednesday.

    Sources said the incident occurred when Eboigbodin was driving with his spouse through Upper Sakponba Road on Monday in Benin City.

    According to a source, the police stopped Eboigbodin and demanded his vehicle particulars, which he provided.

    The source said, however, that a discrepancy in the documents sparked a heated argument, as the police were said to have accused him of driving a stolen vehicle.

    The source said the policemen allegedly ordered him to drive to their station, which Eboigbodin refused, demanding to know his offence.

    The situation degenerated into arguments and Eboigbodin, who had became infuriated, slumped on the spot.

    It was gathered that the police officers fled the scene, leaving Eboigbodin’s wife to rush him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

    The command spokesman said the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Police received with great concern, news of the death of Eboigbodin, former Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo.

    Yamu quoted CP Ozigi as saying the police would investigate issues of unprofessional conduct in the incident.

    According Iyamu, the CP wishes to use this medium to commiserate with the widow, family, friends and associates of the deceased over the loss and prays for the repose of his soul.

    “The CP noted the cordial working relationship existing between the Police, Civil Society Organisations, NLC and all critical stakeholders in the state and has, therefore, directed the immediate investigation into the incident.

    “The Command remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice prevails in every situation,” Yamu said.

  • 2024 filled with harrowing hardship for workers – NLC

    2024 filled with harrowing hardship for workers – NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described 2024 as the most challenging for workers in the country.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, said this at the 2024 “Harmattan School” on Monday in Abuja, with theme “Trade unions and the Quest for a New Social Contract”.

    The Harmattan School, an annual event organised by the NLC, serves as a platform for capacity-building, knowledge sharing, and strategic planning.

    He said that 2024 for workers in the country was filled with harrowing hardship.

    “I welcome you a year that we have witnessed one of the greatest turbulence in our history as a movement.

    “It was a period where we were invaded, ransacked, and subjected to the highest level of threats, intimidation,” he said.

    Ajaero charged workers participating in the harmattan school to actively engage in the training which according to him, was aimed at preparing workers for the engagement and negotiation for the new social contract.

    According to him, this year’s harmattan school affords the opportunity to dissect all that has happened to the NLC during the year, assess their dynamics, and initiate actionable steps to make ourselves stronger and better.

    “We believe that in those events, we have emerged stronger, more resilient and better position to deliver on the expectations of Nigerian workers and people,” he said.

    He said that those events were attempts to weaken and undermine the capacity of the NLC as a movement to deliver on the job to its primary and secondary constituencies.

    “The articulation and protection of workers rights is our primary responsibility, and anything we do that does not approximate to that amounts to failure.

    “We are, therefore, left with no other choice than to focus with greater determination and zeal on this mission of making our working places and our nation, to yield better results,,’”he said.

    Dr Vanessa Phala, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Director to Nigeria, charged trade unions to unite and engage governments to find solutions to some of the harrowing challenges workers were grappling with.

    She said that the ILO expected a new social contract based on rebuilding trust in institutions.

    “It must be inclusive, and it must protect and ensure participation of all those that are involved.

    “We know that inspite of the newly negotiated minimum wage that was approved, the rising cost of goods and services is really not making it to have the impact that we want to see.

    “I charge the conversation in the harmattan school to focus on identifying the kind of social contract that will take Nigeria forward,” she said.

    She said that the concept of social contract was important, adding that it gives opportunity to take stock.

    “I expect that the conclusion of this school will identify the priorities of the NLC and how it will engage on policy discussions with the leadership of the country,”she said.

  • NLC directs FCT council workers to go on strike

    NLC directs FCT council workers to go on strike

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, has directed all workers in the six area councils of the FCT to begin indefinite strike from Dec. 1.

    The chairman of the council, Mr Knabanyi Adalo, gave the directive in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    Idalo explained that this was in adherence to  communique by a the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Nov. 8, in Port Harcourt, Rivers.

    He said that the NEC in the communique, appealed to the councils’ chairmen to implement the N70,000 national minimum wage.

    He, however, said that the chairmen had refused to respond to the demand for implementation of the minimum wage in their respective area councils.

    Idalo said that in  response to this inaction, the organised labour in its State Administrative Council meeting held on Nov. 12, unanimously resolved to adhere strictly to the national directive to embark on an indefinite strike.

    He said this directive is subject to any government’s failure to implement the national minimum wage on or before the last day of November.

    “The state administrative council also noted with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by the area councils’ chairmen to pay some pending entitlements to the workers, including the outstanding arrears of primary school teachers,” Adalo said.

    According to him, failure to implement the new national minimum wage is a gross violation of the law and total disregard to the welfare and well-being of workers in the area councils.

    “Therefore, all workers in the six area councils in FCT are hereby directed  without hesitation to proceed on an indefinite strike beginning from Dec. 1, until further directives,”he said.

  • Governors issued ultimatum to pay new minimum wage

    Governors issued ultimatum to pay new minimum wage

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given State governments an ultimatum of December 1 to implement the new minimum wage.

    The NLC made this known on Sunday in a communique signed by its President, Mr Joe Ajaero at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Ajaero, who expressed dissatisfaction over the delay by some states to implement the new wage, said workers in affected states were finding it difficult to sustain themselves given the worsening state of the economy.

    “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

    “This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.

    “It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.

    “The NEC therefore resolved to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will commence a nationwide assessment, mobilisation and campaign to educate citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.

    “Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

    “To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of Nov., 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from Dec. 1,” he said.

    He called on government to embark on a wage review and immediately implement concrete interventions that would relieve the sufferings of Nigerians.

    Furthermore, he said the NLC would initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and would not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.

    “Inflation continues to rise unchecked, with the costs of basic necessities spiralling beyond the reach of the average worker.

    “Millions of Nigerians are being driven into destitution, forced to choose daily between feeding their families and seeking healthcare.

    “Access to energy has become a mirage while workers become increasingly poorer even as they work longer hours to meet their other basic needs.

    “As a result, nutritional diseases like Kwashiorkor and Marasmus have resurfaced in Nigeria,” he said.

    The NLC president, while calling for immediate, concrete interventions from the Federal Government, called for the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies to shield Nigerians from poverty and ensure a living wage.

    He decried the fact that the current price of fuel is significantly higher than the real market price.

    “NLC demands appropriate pricing of petrol and calls for the public domestic refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna to quickly come back on stream to break-up the monopolistic stranglehold the big players have on the industry.

    “The NLC stands in solidarity with the workers and people of Rivers State. We demand an immediate resolution that allows the state to continue to have unfettered access to its rightful revenue allocations,” he said.

    He called on President Bola Tinubu to release the remaining protesters in various jails across the nation as NLC had severally demanded earlier and creating adequate safeguards to avert future occurrence.

    “NEC -in- session expressed its appreciation to the federal Government for providing Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to the Congress but noted that they are grossly inadequate to address the huge gap in transportation.

    “It also noted the apparent CNG infrastructure deficits around the country which may scuttle the entire CNG objectives.

    “Inflation continues to rise unchecked, with the costs of basic necessities spiralling beyond the reach of the average worker.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress remains unwavering in its commitment to the wellbeing and dignity of Nigerian workers.” he said.

  • Just in: NLC speaks on date workers will receive minimum wage salaries

    Just in: NLC speaks on date workers will receive minimum wage salaries

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has said that federal civil servants will receive their full minimum wage salaries including arrears by the end of October.

    The meeting focused on addressing rising costs of transportation, essential goods, food items, and petrol prices.

    Among the key agreements reached, the federal government promised to pay all outstanding wage awards and arrears to workers.

    Additionally, discussions will be held with state governors to ensure the full implementation of the new minimum wage of N70,000 across the country starting from October.

    Ajaero reaffirmed this development during an interview with NTA, saying that the payments, including arrears, must be made by the end of the month.

    However, individual agencies and parastatals may negotiate specific payment dates.

    “The meeting we had was a meeting where we all agreed that they must pay by the end of this month, October including the Arrears.

    “However, if they so decide to negotiate with their various agencies and parastatals on the specific dates to pay, they have liberty to do that,” Ajaero said.

  • NLC stance on latest hike in petrol price

    NLC stance on latest hike in petrol price

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that the latest increase in the pump price of petrol will further deepen poverty as production capacities dip.

    The Congress added that the increase would lead to more jobs lost with multidimensional negative effects, and therefore, demanded its immediate reversal.

    NLC position is contained in a statement signed by its President, Mr Joe Ajaero on Wednesday in Abuja, titled, “What next after increase in pump price?”.

    The labour leader said the previous increases had not produce any good result, rather, people only got poorer.

    He said the Congress was dismayed by the latest increase in the pump price of petrol without commensurate capacity of Nigerians or mitigatory measures.

    “Even following the logic of market forces , we find it an aberration that a private company (NNPCL) is the one fixing prices and projecting itself as a hegemonic monopoly.

    “We challenge the government to go to the drawing board and present us with a blueprint for an inclusive economic growth and national development instead of this spasmodic ad hocism and palliative policy.

    “It needs no stating the fact that the latest wave of increase has grossly altered the calculations of Nigerians once again at a time they were reluctantly coming to terms with their new realities,” he said.

    It would be recalled that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited(NNPCL) had raised the pump price of petrol  by 14.8 per cent to N1,030 per litre from N897 across its retail outlets in the FCT.

    Earlier in September, the NNPCL had increased the price of the product from N615 to N897.(

  • Nigeria @64: Turn a new leaf – NLC urges politicians

    Nigeria @64: Turn a new leaf – NLC urges politicians

    President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero has urged politicians in the country to turn a new leaf. Comrade Ajaero said the actions of politicians brought the country this far.

    Ajaero, who said this in a goodwill message on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, noted that leading political elite are not ready to do the right thing except they are compelled to do so.

    To compel politicians to do the right thing, the NLC President urged Nigerians to learn to protest within the limits of the law, adding that undermining the democratic institutions of Nigeria can no longer be business as usual.

    The goodwill message reads: “On the ocassion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary celebration, we congratulate all Nigerians, especially workers for their sacrifice, resilience or robust spirit in spite of serial acts of betrayal of monumental proportions by the political leadership at various times and levels.

    “We urge the downtrodden Nigerians who bear the marks or burden of these broken promises, exploitation and corruption to not give up hope on their country.

    “In light of the fact that their sacrifice has been taken for granted for so long, they should learn to protest within the limits of the law against injustices and subversion of democratic norms, culture and values by the dominant political elite.

    “It should be apparent to the citizenry that the leading political elite are not ready to do the right thing except they are compelled to do so.

    “In the same vein, we would like to sound a note of caution to our political elite whose pre-occupation is to circumvent the principles and practice of popular democracy that undermining of our democratic institutions can no longer be business as usual.

    “The consequences of their acts of commission or omission brought us this far. It is time to turn a new leaf. Let it be the beginning of a new low”.