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Tag: TUC

  • TUC, JOHESU dismiss crisis claims at Fed Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital

    TUC, JOHESU dismiss crisis claims at Fed Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State Chapter, and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU), Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPHY), Yaba branch, on Monday said that there was no leadership crisis at the hospital.

    Mr Ekundayo Olugbenga, state Chairman of the TUC said this during a press conference to intimate the public and the media on happenings at the hospital.

    Olugbenga represented by Adegoke Monsuru, member, state administrative council, described the allegations of leadership crisis at the hospital as false and a ‘’calculated attempt to disrupt its stability and manipulate leadership succession for personal interest.”

    He accused the state branches of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), FNPHY branch, of orchestrating a politically motivated campaign.

    According to him, the campaign by the state branch of the NMA and the MDCAN is to destabilise the institution and discredit the Acting Medical Director, Dr Olugbenga Owoeye.

    ”There is no crisis in FNPHY. What we see is a clear attempt by NMA and MDCAN to dominate leadership through pressure and propaganda.

    ”The same group opposed the implementation of the pharmacy consultancy cadre approved at the national level; a reform which Owoeye courageously executed.’’

    Similarly, JOHESU in a joint statement by the leadership of SSAUTHRIAI, MHWUN, NUAHP and JOHESU FNPHY branch reaffirmed their total confidence in Owoeye’s leadership.

    While citing his transparent administration and unmatched dedication to staff development and welfare, they noted that he had consistently demonstrated a leadership style that was inclusive, people-focused, and fair to all professional groups.

    ”His administration has delivered impactful welfare policies that benefit every cadre of staff,’’ they said.

    They described attempts to link any delay in the welfare of staff to the medical director as misleading, unfair, and designed to misinform the public.

    They called on all stakeholders to prioritise patients’ care, ensure professionalism, unity, and institutional stability rather than engage in divisive politics.

    “FNPHY belongs to every healthcare professional. No association has the monopoly to dictate leadership.

    ”We call on the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Presidency to ignore these politically motivated distractions and support the ongoing transformation at the hospital,’’ the added.

  • TUC rejects proposed 65% hike in electricity tariff

    TUC rejects proposed 65% hike in electricity tariff

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the proposed 65 per cent increase in electricity tariffs.

    TUC position is contained in a communique issued at the end of its first quarter of 2025 National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting held on Thursday in Abuja.

    Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Mr Festus Osifo, President of TUC, said the NAC, on behalf of the congress, “strongly” condemned the proposed 65 per increase in electricity tariffs.

    “It is alarming that the government is considering this hike when the previous increment has already inflicted severe hardship on citizens.

    “This proposed increase is not only ill-timed but also a deliberate act of economic oppression against Nigerians, who are already struggling under unbearable economic conditions.

    “Furthermore, the improved service quality promised during the last tariff hike, particularly for consumers under the so-called “Band A” category, has not been realised.

    “Most consumers, regardless of their tariff band, continue to live in perpetual darkness,” he said.

    Osifo added that the NAC also examined the planned 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs and fully endorsed the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NIC), in rejecting the move.

    The TUC president said that the decision to increase the tariffs was made without proper consideration of its economic impact on the masses.

    He reiterated that there must be meaningful engagement to explore alternatives and ensure that any policy adjustments are fair, sustainable, and does not increase further the burden on the struggling citizens.

    On the proposed introduction of toll gates, he said that the congress also rejected it entirely.

    “While we acknowledge that tolling is a globally recognised method of generating revenue for road maintenance, it is unacceptable to impose tolls on roads that are unpaved, dilapidated, and riddled with potholes.

    “The NAC views this as an insult to Nigerians, who are being asked to pay tolls on roads that are in total disrepair.

    “Our highways are death traps, unsafe, abandoned, and filled with potholes. Rather than fulfilling its responsibility to fix and maintain these roads, the government is resorting to extortion.

    “The Congress, therefore, demands that all roads earmarked for tolling must first be fixed, properly tarred, and repaired to international standards before any discussion on tolling can be entertained,” he said.

    Osifo said NAC also condemned any attempt to suppress unionisation in the private sector, as it is a fundamental right protected by national and international labour laws,

    He called on the government to prioritise stakeholder engagement and uphold democratic principles, that will promote policies that truly serve the people’s interests.

  • Tax reform bill -TUC wants VAT rate at 7.5%

    Tax reform bill -TUC wants VAT rate at 7.5%

    The Trade Union Congress has advocated that the Value Added Tax rate remains at 7.5 per cent as any increase will place additional financial burden on Nigerians.

    Mr Festus Osifo, TUC President said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    According to him, many Nigerians are already struggling with economic challenges, allowing the Value VAT rate to remain at 7.5 per cent is in the best interest of the nation.

    “Increasing VAT would place an additional financial burden on Nigerians, many of whom are already struggling with economic challenges.

    ”At a time when inflation, unemployment, and the cost of living are rising, imposing higher taxes would further strain households and businesses,”he said.

    Osifo, however, said that the congress welcome the inclusion of derivation component in the Value Added Tax distribution amongst the three tiers of government.

    He said that when passed into law and properly implemented, it would encourage productivity at the sub-national level.

    He also said that the threshold for tax exemptions should be increased from the current ₦800,000 per annum, as proposed in the bill, to ₦2,500,000 per annum.

    He added that this would provide relief to struggling Nigerians within the income bracket, easing the excruciating economic challenges they face by increasing their disposable income.

    Osifo also explained that the proposed bill assigning royalty collection to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) appeared beneficial on the surface but would most likely result in significant revenue losses for the government.

    He said royalty determination and reconciliation required specialised technical expertise in oil and gas operations which NUPRC possessed but NRS lacks, potentially leading to inaccurate assessments and enforcement issues.

    ”Additionally, this shift would create regulatory burdens, increase compliance costs for industry players, and reduce investor confidence due to overlapping functions and inefficiencies between NUPRC and NRS,” he said.

    Osifo, however, said that the union had a shared responsibility to promote policies that would improve the lives of Nigerians amongst whom are workers.

    “We believe that proactive measures, when implemented, are for the maximum good of the citizens and evidences of great and sincere leadership.

    “As the conversations around the Tax Reform Bill continue, it is our expectations that the focus would be on equitable economic growth and improved living conditions for all Nigerians,” he said.

  • TUC calls for review of items in tax reform bills

    TUC calls for review of items in tax reform bills

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called for review of some items in the tax bills for the benefits of Nigerians.

    TUC President, Festus Osifo made the call in a statement on Tuesday following its National Executive Council meeting.

    “The threshold for tax exemptions should be increased from the current N800,000 per annum, as proposed in the bill, to N2,500,000 per annum.

    “This will provide relief to struggling Nigerians within that income bracket, easing the excruciating economic challenges being faced by increasing their disposable income.

    “Also, the proposed bill assigning royalty collection to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) appears beneficial on the surface, but would most likely result in significant revenue losses for the government.

    “Royalty determination and reconciliation require specialised technical expertise in oil and gas operations, which Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission possesses but NRS lacks,“he said.

    On the Value Added Tax (VAT), the labour leader said that allowing VAT rate to remain at 7.5 per cent was in the best interest of the nation.

    He said that increasing it would place an additional financial burden on Nigerians, many of whom were already struggling with economic challenges.

    “At a time when inflation, unemployment, and cost of living are rising, imposing higher taxes would further strain households and businesses, potentially slowing economic growth and reducing consumer purchasing power.

    “On a general perspective, we welcome the inclusion of derivation component in the TAX distribution among the three tiers of government.

    “When passed into law and properly implemented, it will encourage productivity at the sub-national level thereby move us gradually from a total rent seeking economy to a derivation based system that will stimulate economic activities,” Osifo said.

  • Trade Union Congress threatens strike

    Trade Union Congress threatens strike

    Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called on state governments yet to implement the new minimum wage and its consequential adjustments to do so to avoid industrial action in the states.

    Mr Festus Osifo, President of the TUC, made the call while addressing newsmen at the end of its National Executive Council meeting on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Osifo said that NEC in session had raised concerns about the slow pace of implementation in some states, and also on issues that were affecting workers and the downtrodden Nigerians.

    According to him, some states have made progress with the implementation of the minimum wage with up to 80 per of the necessary adjustments processes already in place, while others remain significantly behind.

    “But there are still some states like Zamfara and Cross River that are still backward, and that is why today the organised labour in Cross River is organising a two day warning strike.

    “If the government is not responsive, that two days will now escalate to an indefinite strike. In Zamfara, similar thing may likely happen.

    “We are calling on them to quickly get to the table, have a conversation and reach a conclusion on what the consequecial adjustment should be,”he said.

    Osifo said that the minimum wage issue was beyond the simple announcement of wage figures such as N30,000, N80,000, or N90,000.

    He said that the core issue was the implementation of the necessary adjustments to align wages with the new national standard.

    The TUC president, therefore, urged the state governments to prioritise the welfare of workers and engage in meaningful dialogue with labour unions to resolve the matter.

    “There are some states where there is no conversation whatsoever about the implementation of the new minimum wage.

    “We call on these states to implement the new national minimum wage, along with the consequential adjustments so that workers can start benefiting,” he said.

    Osifo also said that the issue of rising taxes would increase the tax burden on citizens and this could lead to tax evasion.

    He, therefore, urged government authorities to reconsider any proposed tax hikes, particularly at a time when many workers were struggling with the delayed implementation of wage adjustments.

    Speaking on the recent GDP report for the third quarter, Osifo said that while the economy is growing, the service sector, especially banking, played a dominant role in that growth.

    He called on the government to focus on encouraging investment in other key sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and real estate, which he said could create more jobs and reduce unemployment.

    “Government should encourage these banks to lend more to the real sector of the economy.

    “It is that sector that hire a lot of Nigerians, that will hire a lot of workers. We want Nigerians to be engaged.

    ”So we hereby call on government, through the CBN, to come up with robust policies that will encourage the banking sector to lend much more to the real sector of the economy,” he said.

    Labour calls off warning strike in Cross River State

    Meanwhile, Organised Labour in Cross River has directed state civil servants to return to work on Wednesday.

    The directive is contained in a statement issued by the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Mr Monday Ogbodum, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

    Ogbodum stated that the directive followed the success of the two-day warning strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage by the government.

    According to him, negotiations between the State Government and labour would resume on Thursday.

    “The strike committee wants to thank all workers for their total compliance in the just concluded warning strike from Sunday midnight, November 24 toTuesday, November 26.

    “This demonstrates our collective resolve to ensure that our workers get their due. We appreciate your resilience, not minding the excruciating working conditions we are subjected to. It is our firm belief that together we can move mountains,” the statement added.

    It would be recalled that the workers had embarked on the warning strike, after the negotiation between labour and the government brokedown.

  • TUC slams FG over ‘unjust’ arrest of NLC president, Ajaero

    TUC slams FG over ‘unjust’ arrest of NLC president, Ajaero

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has slammed the Federal Government over the arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero.

    Recall Ajaero was arrested and detained by officers from the Department of State Services on Monday on his way to the United Kingdom.

    In a statement signed by its President, Festus Osifo, on Monday, the TUC said the arrest of the NLC President is unjust action that represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society.

    Congress, firmly condemns the arrest and calls for his immediate and unconditional release.

    “This arrest sets a dangerous precedence that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests.

    “It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives. The labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations.

    “We, therefore, urge the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment. We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.”

  • Petrol price increase will worsen poverty of workers – TUC warns

    Petrol price increase will worsen poverty of workers – TUC warns

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has warned the federal government that the latest increase in the pump price of petroleum products would worsen poverty among workers

    The union said the sudden hike allegedly “implemented without consultation with critical stakeholders,” represented a blatant disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly the working class who bear the brunt of such decisions.

    In a statement by its president, Comrade Festus Osifo, the TUC urged the government to “immediately rescind these decisions, promote policies that will strengthen the naira, and take decisive steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.”

    According to the statement, the federal government must “act swiftly to restore confidence and prevent further deterioration in the living conditions of its citizens.”

    The statement said: “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) received the news of the PMS price hike with great contestation and grave concern. The burden of PMS price increase is huge and percolates to all facets of our social-economic life. This sudden hike, implemented without consultation with critical stakeholders, represents a blatant disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian people, particularly the working class who bear the brunt of such decisions.

    “The disturbing news of the increase in PMS pump price all over the country has sent a wave of apprehension and depression across the length and breadth of the nation. This is in the wake of an already existing unprecedented hardship upon citizens.

    “In addition, we are deeply troubled by the further hike in electricity tariffs to 250%, a service that is essential for the survival of the poorest in our society. The timing and magnitude of these increases, in the absence of any meaningful social security measures, demonstrate a lack of empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.

    “Why does it have to be the common Nigerians bearing all the pains of the high cost of living while those in power enjoy increased allocation and affluence? The government has not made any concerted efforts to reduce the cost of governance or personal effects, nor have they focused on directing resources or effecting policies that would strengthen the naira and improve the standard of living of our citizens.

    “The Congress has long posited several strategies that should be activated towards improving the strength of the Naira and give value to every kobo spent by Nigerians as this is one of the root causes of all the economic woes we face as a country today. Yet much hasn’t been done about these recommendations.

    “Congress stands with the working people of Nigeria who are struggling under the weight of rising inflation, a high cost of living, and a deficient work environment that fails to provide the basic standards of decency and dignity. The sudden hike in fuel and electricity costs will only exacerbate these challenges, leading to further hardship and potential social unrest.

    “We urge the government to immediately rescind these decisions, promote policies that will strengthen the naira, and take decisive steps to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. The government must act swiftly to restore confidence and prevent further deterioration in the living conditions of its citizens.

    “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria remains committed to defending the rights and interests of Nigerian workers and will continue to advocate for policies that promote social justice, fair wages, and a decent work environment.”

     

  • Hold accountable those responsible for invading NLC Hq – TUC urges FG

    Hold accountable those responsible for invading NLC Hq – TUC urges FG

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the Federal Government to hold accountable those responsible for authorising and executing the invasion of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) headquarters in Abuja.

    Mr Festus Osifo, TUC President, said this in a statement Abuja.

    Osifo described the invasion as a grave violation of fundamental rights, particularly the freedoms of speech and expression.

    He called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident.

    According to him, the invasion represents an overreach by security forces and poses a direct threat to the rights of Nigerian citizens.

    “We must ensure that our rights are protected and that security agencies operate within the legal boundaries set by our Constitution,”he said.

    Osifo called for the prompt return of all confiscated materials and an official explanation for what he termed as an unjustified action.

    The NLC confirmed that its national office in Abuja was invaded by security operatives.

    According to a statement by NLC spokesperson Benson Upah, late on Wednesday, the operatives arrested the security guards, forcing them to hand over keys to the offices on the second floor.

  • No plans to join nationwide protest – TUC

    No plans to join nationwide protest – TUC

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), said that it has no plans to join the nationwide protest scheduled for Aug. 1 against economic hardship in the country.

    Mr Festus Osifo, TUC President said this at a news conference on State of the Nation on Thursday in Abuja.

    Osifo said that the TUC would not be mobilising its members to join in the protest.

    According to him, when you are having a protest you need to sit down, have conversation, have meetings, you plan but as of today, nobody has reached out to us that they want to protest.

    “Nobody has asked for our collaboration so how do you expect us to participate in a protest when we do not know who is organising it or even institution,”he said.

    He, however, called on the Inspector- General of Police (I-G) to ensure that the protest was not hijacked by hoodlums waiting to take advantage of the situation.

    Osifo said  that the Nigerian Police was binded by the Police Act as well as constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to provide adequate security for protesters to ensure a peaceful protest.

    “We do not really know who is protesting but all we know is that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very clear on the issue of protest.

    “The Police Act also mandated the police that when there is a protest they should ensure there is law and order, they should ensure that those  protesting  are also protected.

    “That is why we are reminding them that the provision in the Police Act and in the Constitution should be respected.

    “If they had contacted us maybe we would have called our organs meeting for us to review but as of today, there is clearly nothing to discuss and  review,”he said.

    The TUC president also blamed the economic hardship on the Federal Government decision to float the  Naira.

    Osifo said added that a situation where almost everything imported into the country is paid for in foreign currency, leaves the Naira at the mercy of the dollar.

    He urged the government to  find a way of addressing challenges associated with food production, especially in Benue and Plateau which are major staple food zones of the country.

    The president  also urged government to implement zero import duty on manufacturing equipment, insisting that they have potential to create  job.

    On the face-off between Dangote and stakeholders in the petroleum industry, he urged  President Bola Tinubu to  wade into the  crisis to avoid losing the confidence of investors in the country.

    He also called for an abrupt end  to statements arising from the various parties, as there was need to find a solution to the problem.

    “We feel and strongly believe that Dangote is one huge investor that had invested in Nigeria.

    “Where there are challenges what they should do literally is for everybody to sit down together to find solution.

    “Let all  unguarded statements be stopped forthwith. The president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should bring all of them together and give them marching orders,”he said.

  • 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.