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Tag: NLC

  • Respect the rights of citizens – CNPP condemns  raid on NLC headquarters by security operatives

    Respect the rights of citizens – CNPP condemns  raid on NLC headquarters by security operatives

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has condemned the raid on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters by security operatives.

    CNPP, in a statement issued by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema on Thursday, said this Gestapo-style operation, which involved forcefully gaining entry into the offices of the labour union, was a blatant disregard for the principles of democracy and the rule of law.

    “It is appalling that this incident occurred under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was produced through opposition struggle and has presented himself as a democrat over the years.

    “The CNPP demands that President Tinubu immediately call to order the security agencies that are turning Nigeria into a police state, attacking opposition voices, and hounding them into detention in a manner reminiscent of a draconian military junta.

    “While we are not advocating for violent agitation, or protests, or distribution of inciting materials, we cannot accept the high-handedness of our security forces within civilian environments. At a time when farmers cannot farm in peace due to insecurity, the attempt to gag citizens or intimidate them into submission is unacceptable to a civilized society.

    “This approach will only embolden the masses and earn more hatred for the Tinubu administration from people who are already undergoing unbearable economic pains and worsening hunger,” the body said.

    According to CNPP, “As the saying goes, “a hungry man is an angry man.” We warn that if the Tinubu administration forgets that Mr. President was a product of the trenches, it may be disastrous for the economy if security agencies push citizens underground through the ongoing high-handedness.

    “We call on President Tinubu to respect the rights of citizens, including the NLC, and to focus on addressing the economic and security challenges facing the nation. The CNPP will continue to speak out against any form of oppression and advocate for the rights of Nigerians under a democratic and constitutional governance where the welfare of the citizens remain a top priority at all times.”

     

  • Armed security men raid NLC headquarters, cart away valuables

    Armed security men raid NLC headquarters, cart away valuables

    Heavily armed security personnel on Wednesday stormed and raided the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja.

    According to the union in a statement on Thursday morning, the operatives stormed the Labour House, at around 8:30 pm on August, 7th 2024.

    The NLC’s head of Media and Public Relations, Benson Upah said, “They broke in and ransacked the bookshop on the 2nd floor carting away hundreds of books and other publications.

    “The invading troop claimed that they were looking for seditious materials used for the #EndBadGoveranance Protests.”

    The NLC noted that it can not immediately ascertain all the things taken away from its offices, as it demanded the immediate withdrawal of the security operatives from its headquarters.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress condemns in its entirety this new low in security operations in Nigeria. The armed security operatives showed no legal document permitting them to invade the premises of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the ungodly hours of the night,” the NLC said.

    “Even in the dark days of military rule, NLC secretariats were never invaded and ransacked by security agents. Today is indeed a very sad day for our democracy.”

    The union further warned that, if such a dastardly act should persist, it will call on its members to stay at home.

    “If this harassment continues, the Nigeria Labour Congress will not hesitate to call on its members to stay home until their safety and security are assured.

    “We warn that the asphyxiation of the public space and channels for constructive engagement, dialogue and negotiations in light of the excruciating difficulties that Nigerians are going through right now would only make matters worse. A stitch in time might still save nine”

  • We can’t withdraw from a protest we didn’t organise – NLC

    We can’t withdraw from a protest we didn’t organise – NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has said it is not the organiser of the planned nationwide hunger protest slated for August 1.

    The union was responding to reports doing the rounds, that it had pulled out of a planned national protest organised by the youths.

    A statement on Wednesday, signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, further advised the federal government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the hungry Nigerian people, and address the economic crisis.

    The statement entitled “The Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise,” partly read:

    “A news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such story as patently false.

    “The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress has internal trade union mechanisms especially leadership decision-making processes that its industrial actions such as protests pass through before such activities are undertaken.

    “Yet, the fact that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that Organised Labour is oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of government.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in this very trying and excruciating times.

    “Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands.

    “We have advised that it would be counter-productive for government to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.

    “Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God.”

     

  • Minimum Wage: Joint unions to shutdown state that fails to pay – NLC

    Minimum Wage: Joint unions to shutdown state that fails to pay – NLC

    Mr Christopher Arapasopo, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun Chapter, says joint labour unions have agreed to enforce the new N70,000 minimum wage in all the states and any state that fails to pay will be shutdown.

    Arapasopo, in an interview with NAN on Saturday in Osogbo, said that said the unions agreed on the new minimum wage as  sacrifice to prevent hike fuel pump price.

    He said that during its NEC meeting,  all members agreed that they would enforce the minimum wage in all the states and that any state that failed to pay would be shutdown.

    “The governors would never say they were not there when it was agreed. In fact, they were the ones agitating for N70,000 as the minimum wage.

    “We, as labour, suggested N250,000 and they brought it down to N62, 000 before shifting ground to N70,000, and we accepted it. we have sacrificed a lot of things.

    “So, for any government or governor that fails to pay, we will shut that state down. It is a must for them to pay. It is a no go area. We are not negotiating that”, Osun NLC chair said.

    According to him, we had our NEC meeting which we just concluded some hours ago, where all the state representatives adopted the amount that was announced, based on some facts.

    “The President said if we insisted on our demand of N250, 000, he would have to increase the fuel price.

    ” But as good citizens of Nigeria, we believe the demand should not be only to the benefit of a particular sector alone.

    “As workers, we should be able to think about other Nigerians and not ourselves alone.

    “So, we made the sacrifice to accept the N70,000 to avoid the price of fuel going up.” he said

    Arapasopo said If the union had insisted on the N250,000 minimum wage,  Nigerians and workers would suffer the increment in fuel pump price and inflation would increase.

    He said the N70,000 accepted by labour was still fair as it would be the least salary paid to workers in the lowest cadre.

    Arapasopo added that consequential adjustments and benefits attached to the levels would even jack up the wage when it was implemented.

    He said the Osun chapter of the union would meet with the state government to discuss some allowances for workers, “but the minimum wage stands non-negotiable”.

  • Why we settled for N70,000 minimum wage – NLC, TUC

    Why we settled for N70,000 minimum wage – NLC, TUC

    President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero and President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo have given reasons why labour unions accepted N70,000 minimum wage from President Bola Tinubu.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports both Ajaero and Osifo gave the reasons on Thursday after meeting with President Tinubu and approval was given by the President for the payment of N70,000 as minimum wage in the country.

    Ajaero, who spoke to State House reporters after the meeting with the President, said the unions agreed to the offer because the President promised a review of minimum every three years.

    “The amount of N70,000 happened to be where we are now. But the good thing about it is that we will not wait for another five years to come for a review rather than accepting a figure and you wait for five years. It is like you will now have to negotiate even two times within five years with a view for an upward review,” the NLC president said.

    Speaking in the same vein, Osifo disclosed that President Tinubu will transmit the new figure in a bill to the National Assembly (NASS) to pass the new minimum wage into law.

    “The President made a pronouncement of N70,000 that by next week he would be putting in finishing touches and do the transmission to the National Assembly.

    “Why this became a catch is because we from organised labour, we have been pushing that the issue of five years review is too much with the caveat that this should be done every three years. The next review would be three years.

    “After that pronouncement, we from labour, we have received what the president has promised from both end,” the TUC president said.

    TNG reports the new minimum wage when approved by the National Assembly will replace the N30,000 minimum wage, which expired on April 18, 2024.

  • Kidnapped ex-NLC president regains freedom

    Kidnapped ex-NLC president regains freedom

    Mr Takai Shamang, former leader of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), who was abducted by kidnappers on July 5, has been freed.

    The abductors had invaded his Biniki village in Kaura Local Government of Kaduna State and took away the 78-year-old former unionist.

    One of his daughters, Mrs Grace Abbin, confirmed her father’s release via a post on her WhatsApp status.

    “To God Almighty be the Glory. My family lack words to appreciate everyone of you for the safe return of our daddy, comrade Elder Takai A. Shamang,” she stated.

    She, however, did not state the circumstances of his release and whether a ransom was paid.

    NAN reports that this is the second kidnap attempt on the elder statesman within two years.

    Shamang is currently the President and Founder of Gantys Aid for Widows, Orphans and Needy (GAWON), Foundation.

    Kaduna has become a hotbed of abductions with several prominent figures, including clergies and journalists, kidnapped in recent times.

  • Labour can enforce minimum wage compliance – SGF

    Labour can enforce minimum wage compliance – SGF

    The Federal Government says the organised labour has the duty to enforce compliance to the minimum wage payments by state governments following the inability of some states to pay.

    Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF) communicated this on Thursday in Abuja at the end of a two-day Pre-retirement Summit, organised by XEM Consulting Ltd.

    Akume, who was represented by Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, OSGF, urged the organised labour not to leave the enforcement of the law to the government.

    “So, as we are discussing paying pension, I will also throw it back to labour; you have the duty to enforce the compliance of these laws; it is not just the question of complaining.

    “You should be able to come in; ensure the compliance of these laws by the relevant stakeholders.

    “Federal Government can come up with a policy and issue circulars, but then the onus lies on those who are monitoring the implementation, to ensure that lack of compliance should be sanctioned.

    “Whether it is minimum wage or pension, the best law that can be made is the law you can enforce; if you make an omnibus law that you cannot enforce, that law is good as nothing,’’ he said.

    According to Akume, the Federal Government has initiated a lot of reform programmes that will lift people out of poverty in the nearest future but that Nigerians should be patient, while it materialise.

    Earlier in his remarks, Mr Joe Ajaero, President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), regretted that the current pension scheme fell short of taking care of Nigeria’s aging population.

    “Nigerian workers before and after retirement are faced with challenging life situations; the lump sum payment should be increased by at least 50 per cent.

    “Together, we can create a system that assures workers a retirement period of joy and not trepidation; the theme of this summit resonates with the present day workforce.

    “Retirement under the current pension scheme may become a death sentence for many; many questions fill the minds of workers post retirement as regards the pension scheme.

    “Inadequate pension benefits, inflation, rising cost and the financial contributions made pre-retirement difficult to match the current monetary values at post retirement,’’ he said.

    Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, said that her office was working on remodelling the existing health insurance programme to accommodate retirees.

    Yemi-Esan, who was represented by Dr Comfort Adeosun, a Director in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, said retirees could not be abandoned in their old age.

    “Presently, on your retirement day, the next thing that happens to your National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) enrolment is that it stops.

    “But we are working on insurance; when she came in, she told us to start the drive; I come from a part of the  system where we treat them when they are retired.

    “NLC President mentioned the military having retirement camps; the military also had health care schemes for retirees; you just appear in the hospital, and all we need to see is that they are treating you.

    “We need to collaborate as civil servants and public servants so that the new policies that we are trying to formulate will work; we must be ready to believe in it.’’

    The head of service also said that efforts had been intensified to ensure workers own their houses before they retired.

    “We have already gotten more land and we have told ourselves that we must do more.

    “If you get a house and you have health insurance at retirement, what else do you want? Like I said, the head of service wants to achieve a lot before she leaves,” she said.

    According to Yemi-Esan, her office has developed a retirement plan that will help civil servants maximise their skills especially in the agricultural value chain.

    Convener of the Pre-retirement Summit, Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, assured that the welfare of Nigerian workers, especially the retirees would always be on the front burner.

    Ndukwe said that the theme of the summit “Challenges, Prospects, Strategies and Opportunities at Retirement in Nigeria”, was carefully chosen to prepare prospective retirees for retirement.

    “This theme resonates deeply with our vision to create a hub where employees approaching retirement, stakeholders and industry vendors can converge, share resources, and co-create innovative solutions for a fulfilling post-work life.

    “We mark a significant milestone in our collective journey towards redefining retirement in Nigeria.

    “The summit aims to address the pressing need for a supportive ecosystem that enables retiring Nigerians to transition smoothly, pursue their passions and maintain financial sustainability.

    “We envision a future where aging is celebrated and prosperity is within reach for all.

    “We will explore strategies for sustainable income, healthcare, and personal growth, as well as opportunities for entrepreneurship, mentorship and community engagement,’’ she said.

    Exceptional individuals and institutions that have made significant impact on the lives of workers and retirees in Nigeria were given awards.

    Among the award categories is the Best Media Personality in Print, Broadcast and Radio in Supporting Retiree Welfare.

  • I’m committed to just, realistic minimum wage – Tinubu

    I’m committed to just, realistic minimum wage – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu says Nigerian workers, as the driving force of the nation, deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions.

    The President stated this on Thursday in Abuja, while speaking with the leadership of the organised labour led by the Presidents of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress  (TUC) Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively.

    Tinubu said he was concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and his administration was prioritising their concerns.

    “I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker, and  society depends on the productivity of the happy worker,” the President said.

    He, however, called for realistic expectations as regards the minimum wage question.

    “You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalise on the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure.

    “Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two or three years? What is a problem today, can be eased up tomorrow.

    “There is much dynamism to this process if we are not myopic in our approaches. We can take a surgical approach that is based on pragmatism and a deep understanding of all factors,” he said

    Ajaero emphasised the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage, noting: “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.”

    He congratulated the President on the judgment of the Supreme Court affirming the constitutional rights of local governments as regards financial autonomy and other salient principles.

    “I have to congratulate you on the issue of local government autonomy. We have been on the streets protesting for local government autonomy. Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel, it will amount to ungratefulness if we fail to commend you.”

    On his part, Osifo said inflation had adversely affected the value of the Naira and that the measures initiated by the government to address the rising cost of food and transportation needed to kick in, to give citizens relief.

    He said the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses would help in checking the high cost of transportation, while the recent directive on the suspension of duty on certain food imports would bring down the prices of food items, if properly implemented.

    “We commend you on the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court. History will not forget what has happened today.

    “With this judgement, we believe Nigeria will make progress,” the TUC President said.

  • Tinubu to meet with organised Labour Thursday over minimum wage

    Tinubu to meet with organised Labour Thursday over minimum wage

    President Bola Tinubu will on Thursday meet with the Organised Labour in Abuja to discuss on a new minimum wage for workers in Nigeria.

    A top labour source told Channels Television that the President invited the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to the meeting expected to be held at the Aso Villa in the nation’s capital city.

    The President is expected to make a decision on the ₦62,000 proposal of the government and private sector side; as well as the ₦250,000 demand of the Organised Labour.

    The Thursday meeting is coming about a month after the President said in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024, that an executive bill on the new national minimum wage for workers would soon be sent to the National Assembly for passage.

    On June 25, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by the President stepped down from consideration and deliberation on the memo on the new minimum wage to allow for more engagement with stakeholders.

    Two days after, Tinubu and Vice President Kassim Shettima, at the 141st meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), met with governors of the 36 states of the Federation and ministers to deliberate on a new minimum wage for workers.

    President Bola Tinubu in January set up a Tripartite Committee to negotiate a new minimum wage for workers. The committee comprises the Organised Labour, representatives of federal and state governments as well as the Organised Private Sector.

    However, the committee members failed to reach an agreement on a new realistic minimum wage for workers, forcing labour to declare an indefinite industrial action on Monday, June 3, 2024.

  • Minimum Wage: Tinubu to meet with organised labour Thursday to iron out differences

    Minimum Wage: Tinubu to meet with organised labour Thursday to iron out differences

    President Bola Tinubu will on Thursday meet with organised labour in Abuja iron out their differences on a new minimum wage for workers in Nigeria.

    A source privy to this development revealed that the President invited the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to the meeting expected to be held at the Aso Villa in the nation’s capital city.

    The President is expected to make a decision on the ₦62,000 proposal of the government and private sector side; as well as the ₦250,000 demand of the Organised Labour.

    The Thursday meeting is coming about a month after the President said in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024, that an executive bill on the new national minimum wage for workers would soon be sent to the National Assembly for passage.

    On June 25, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by the President stepped down from consideration and deliberation on the memo on the new minimum wage to allow for more engagement with stakeholders.

    Two days after, Tinubu and Vice President Kassim Shettima, at the 141st meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), met with governors of the 36 states of the Federation and ministers to deliberate on a new minimum wage for workers.

    Long Walk To New Wage
    Talks for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers have been on for a while. The Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which made ₦30,000 the minimum wage, expired in April 2024. The Act should be reviewed every five years to meet with contemporary economic demands of workers.

    President Bola Tinubu in January set up a Tripartite Committee to negotiate a new minimum wage for workers. The committee comprises the Organised Labour, representatives of federal and state governments as well as the Organised Private Sector.

    However, the committee members failed to reach an agreement on a new realistic minimum wage for workers, forcing labour to declare an indefinite industrial action on Monday, June 3, 2024. Businesses were paralysed as labour shut down airports, hospitals, the national grid, banks, National Assembly, and state assemblies’ complexes.

    The labour unions said the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 can no longer cater to the well-being of an average Nigerian worker, saying the government should offer workers something economically realistic in tandem with current inflationary pressures, attendant effects of the twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of the forex windows of the current administration.

    Labour “relaxed” its strike on June 4, 2024 following assurances from the President that he was committed to a wage above ₦60,000.

    Both the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership subsequently resumed talks with the representatives of the Federal Government, states, and the Organised Private Sector.

    On Friday, June 7, 2024, the two sides (labour and the government) still failed to reach an agreement. While labour dropped again its demand from ₦494,000 to ₦250,000, the government added ₦2,000 to its initial ₦60,000 and offered workers ₦62,000.

    Both sides submitted their reports to the President who is expected to make a decision and send an executive bill to the National Assembly to pass a new minimum wage bill to be signed into law by the President.