The Nation Newspaper

Category: Labour

  • ‘Unity ‘ll promote productivity’

    ‘Unity ‘ll promote productivity’

    A new group, loveNaija, has said it is promoting unity among Nigerians boost productivity.

      Its the founder,  Daniel Ikechukwu Okonweze, stated this during its inaugural programme in Lagos.

      At the event tagged, loveNaija Unity Walk and Concert, he said the walk was designed to bring together the over 250 ethnic groups in the country into one community.

    The street walk, which started at the residence of the late M.K.O. Abiola, took the participants, comprising young men and women from all ethnic groups, across Toyin Street in Ikeja.

    Okonweze said the day was planned for them to walk as a people who recognises our differences.

    He said: “If we come to walk and work together in unity with the level of our manpower and population, we have the advantage of being an economic power in the global world, which invariably appears as matter of national urgency.”

    He said in the last 62 years of independence, Nigeria had grappled with several challenges with mutual suspicion and ethic patriotism that have deprived the country of reason, sense of justice and fairness.

    His words: “We laugh and hug in public and plot against each other when we retire to our ethno-religious enclaves. Once in a while, this mistrust finds grotesque expression among our people as we witness bloodbaths premeditated by ethno-religious contempt for each other. Basically, amenities are lacking. Issues that other nations have long taken care of are still hard for us to crack.

    “The essence of our walk stems from a verse in the first stanza of our National Anthem, which reads: ‘To serve our fatherland with love, strength and faith’, the verse referred to, has to do with culturing and building up ourselves in the spirit of patriotism to foster love and unity and maintain one indissoluble country.

    “We are believers in the unity of Nigeria, and like the saying goes, ‘United we stand, Divided we fall.’ It is in unity that we can find strength and ability to conquer evil.

    “Clearly, we are standing up for the issues of love, patriotism, unity and peaceful co-existence of Nigeria, at a time agitations to reconsider the basis of our existence as a country continue to dominate national discourse.

     “We, therefore, salute our countrymen and women, who have refused to give up on the promise of our unity, the strength of our prosperity and the faith it promises in association with our progress.”

    He further said for opportunity and progress to emerge, citizens and its leaders must partner to reunite towards nation building in the true spirit of patriotism.

    “Our continued existence as one indivisible entity very much depend on how we decide to be each others’ keeper, we should consciously refuse to give in to the weight of that which divides us, rather, we should embrace and celebrate our shared experiences, connections and togetherness which we believe far outweigh whatever differences we may have.

    “This cause should be a deliberate policy for love and unity campaign to ignite and spark the spirit of patriotism to promote religious, tribal and cultural tolerance. To achieve this, we should build more bridges and strengthen our existing relationships,” he added.

  • ‘MPP key to workers in informal sector’

    ‘MPP key to workers in informal sector’

    Informal workers should key into the Micro Pension Plan (MPP) to secure their future and not be a liability to their families, the Head, Micro Pensions, National Pension Commission, Dauda Ahmed, has said.

      He spoke during a training for Labour Writers Association (LAWAN) in Lagos. The theme was: “Facilitating Financial Inclusion in the informal sector through the MPP.”

    The informal sector constitutes over 80 per cent of the working population.

    The MPP was launched by the outgoing President Muhammadu Buhari in March 2019.

    According to PenCom, as at last month, MPP registration was 95,045, while its total contributions stood at N435, 607, 515.14 and total contingent withdrawals  N30,266,196.90

    Ahmed said it is imperative to have these workers to be financially inclusive as it’s a tool for development, particularly in poverty reduction, employment generation, wealth creation and improving welfare and standard of living at old age.

    He said the MPP was a long-term voluntary financial plan for providing pension coverage to the self-employed, and persons working at organisations with less than three employees who are in the formal sector.

    PenCom listed benefits of MPP as:  improvement of the standard of living of the elderly as it provides them regular benefits at old age and  access to other incentives.

    It secures financial autonomy and independence of retirees. Their contributions would be passed to the next-of-kin in case of the contributor’s death. Mandatory contribution are not allowed under MPP, Ahmed added.

    On the challenges, he noted insufficient awareness of micro-pension and lack of adequate incentives to encourage participation.

    Others are competing products in the markets with more flexibility towards access to funds such as thrift savings/daily collections; negative perception/trust deficit stemming from the experience of Nigerians on pension administration under the defunct defined benefit scheme as well as slow adoption of shared services arrangements by pension fund operators.

    Federation of Informal Workers Organisation of Nigeria (FIWON) General Secretary  Gbenga Komolafe, in an interview, said: “PenCom contacted us in 2015 on MPP, but we told them such plan could was good but that the Federal Government should fund it.

    “We insisted that the governments should contribute to the money that informal workers would be saving to encourage more participation.

    “It will also reduce inflation. If this can be achieved, millions of informal workers will join Micro Pension Plan MPP.’’

  • NLC: we’re awaiting Tinubu’s agenda for workers

    NLC: we’re awaiting Tinubu’s agenda for workers

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is waiting for the President-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu to unveil his agenda for workers before making pronouncements on national issues.

     Its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the organised labour would  go against the interest of workers.

    Recently, the Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA) alleged an alliance between the leadership of the organised labour with the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to scuttle Tinubu’s inauguration.

    Ajaero, who was on a visit to the headquarters of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE) in Abuja, described the statement as a blackmail.

    He, however, cautioned the spokesman of the president-elect,  Mr Bayo Onanuga, and the Imo State Government against sponsoring malicious publications against the union’s leaders.

    The labour centre accused Onanuga and Imo government of using some names to push out publications against the NLC and its leadership and advise them to avoid crossing the red line and creating enemies for the incoming administration.

     He said the worst thing that would happen to their principal is for them to see the NLC as an enemy.

    Ajaero, however, said the congress is awaiting the incoming administration to unveil its agenda for workers before it could comment on it.

    He said: “When people try to blackmail us that we are trying to truncate their inauguration, that is the cheapest blackmail. If we want to do anything, we come out openly and announce it to the world.

    “We want to plead with the likes of Bayo Onanuga, some satanic information been circulated by the Imo State Government. They are now using some names to push out publications against the NLC and its leadership. We want to advise them that they’re crossing the red line and they’re creating enemies for the incoming administration.

     “If what they are praying for they get it. It will not be good, we’re still waiting to get their agenda because if they follow it from the manifesto of the All Progressive Congress (APC), they will follow what Buhari has done and if its underdevelopment that they are sustaining, then there is a problem.

    “What we would want to do under my watch is to make NLC a productive labour centre, a fighting machine, no apology to any human being. If you step on our toes, we will fight you within 24 hours.That is our commitment. If you like, you can say Ajaero is a madman. It does not matter.That’s how we want to go about it. Some people may decide to be gentleman, but there is nothing we’re going to do about this job.”

  • Union to Buhari: don’t sign NYSC Trust Fund Bill

    Union to Buhari: don’t sign NYSC Trust Fund Bill

    The  Association of  Telecommunications. Information Technology, Cable Satellite Network Operators and Allied Services Employers of Nigeria (ATICEN) has called on President Muhammadu Buhari not to sign the NYSC Trust Fund Bill.

    According to the union, the bill would further put more financial burden on the employers in the telecoms industry and organised private sector.

    In a statement, the union’s President, Comrade Adede John Williams, said  the NYSC Trust Fund should be added to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to enable more people benefit from it.

    He said: “Consequently, it is important to understand that the provision of Section 4 (1) (a) and (b) of the bill requiring companies to contribute a levy of one per cent of their net profits before tax to the Fund is a welcome development. However,  it is going to be too much for the telecoms industry and ICT sub-sector. Considering that there are other taxes.

    “We are using this opportunity to further call on the NYSC Board to re-route the bill to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund), because it is large enough to accommodate the initiative that the NYSC Trust Fund has in stock for the Nigeria Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members.

    “The proposed Fund aims to provide sustainable funding for the monthly allowances of Corps members, skill acquisition, training, and empowerment of NYSC personnel, development of orientation camps, and such other purposes connected with the attainment of the objectives of the bill.’’

    To the makers, the association advised: “We equally call on the two chambers of the National Assembly to look inward when passing bills that have to do with Trust Funds because it’s the employers that  suffer the brunt.’’

  • How oil and gas sector can develop, by PENGASSAN

    How oil and gas sector can develop, by PENGASSAN

    • Association re-elects Osifo as president
    • He doubles as TUC chief

    Comrade Festus Osifo has been re-elected as the President  of the Petroleum  and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).  

     He will also double as the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    Also elected alongside Osifo to constitute a new Central Working Committee (CWC) for the next three years are Kabiru Dan Azumi, former national treasurer. He is the new deputy president. He replaced Owan Abua.

    Dauda, the immediate past chairman of the Kaduna zone, was elected as the financial secretary, and Kingsley Udoidua, national public relations officer. He replaced Anietie Udoh.

    Also elected is Ada Mbaneso Maryann, who is the chairperson of PENGASSAN Women’s Commission and Chidinma Anyanwu as Secretary.

    Charles Ogbowu retained his position as National Auditor (I) while Ese Okusi is the new National Auditor II. David Owan  defeated Leroy Musa to emerge the National Treasurer, and Dr. Eze Ifeanyi was elected as the National Industrial Relations Officer after defeating Innocent Ugwunta, former Port Harcourt Zone secretary.

    The new national officers were sworn in by Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary, PENGASSAN, who served as the returning officer. The Registrar of Trade Unions supervised the election.

    Osifo, in his acceptance speech, commended the association’s members for conducting one of the most peaceful union elections.

    He said: “This is a testimony of the good programmes and policies of the past three years.”

    To the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the incoming government should ensure more development of the oil and gas sector.

    The union called for the adoption of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) model for running the nation’s four refineries to boost adequate product supply.

    PENGASSAN President, Comrade  Festus Osifo stated this at the association’s Seventh Triennial Delegate Conference in Abuja.

    Osifo advised the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s incoming government to consult widely and fast-track the implementation of the  the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

     Osifo noted that the development of the midstream sector should be on the top burner of the new government’s agenda.

    This, he said, would lead to the provision of gas infrastructure that would, in turn, aid gas development and help in harnessing the mineral’s vast reserves.

    He warned against the slow implementation of the PIA.

    He added: “The Host Community Development Trust Funds should be constituted immediately.’’

    He expressed happiness with the  rehabilitation of the refineries, especially the Port Harcourt Refinery.

    Osifo said following the NLNG model and with an enabling environment, which led to the establishment of more modular refineries, Nigeria could solve the problem of inadequate product supply.

    He noted that the adoption of the  model would end the reliance on imported petroleum products.

    Osifo recalled that in the last two decades, the nation’s four refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna have been comatose.

    “This has spurred calls from many quarters, including members of the organised private sector, on the government to sell them.

    “But, we are of the strong view that the four refineries can be made to work and reach their installed capacity if the NLNG model were adopted, with the government holding 49 per cent equity and 51 per cent owned by private investors, who will run the affairs of the refineries.

    “We commend the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) management led by Mallam Mele Kyari for the steps he took to bring back the ailing refineries and efforts being put in place for the maintenance that may eventually bring about the desired change in the refineries.

    “But, we will continue to advocate the adoption of the NLNG model in the running of the nation’s refineries when fully revamped.

    “With the Dangote Refinery coming on board, there will be a significant impact on the fuel supply dynamics, including easing pressure on the economy, especially when combined with the ongoing revamping of the three refineries (those in Port Harcourt and Warri),” he said.

    Osifo noted that the economy faced many challenges such as structural imbalance, corruption, weak human capital development, inequality, security challenges and excessive dependence on oil revenue.

    “We have talked a lot about diversification of the economy and this is the time for implementation.

    “The truth is that the revenue from the oil and gas sector can no longer sustain us as a nation and this is the most auspicious time to walk our talk.

    “We commend the ongoing efforts of the government in the agriculture sector and expect the tempo to be sustained in the entire value chain.

    “The efforts should be replicated in areas like solid minerals, tourism, and technology, among others.

    “Efforts must be made by the incoming administration to address  multiple exchange rates as the arbitrage created is negatively affecting the economy.”

  • NECA flays govt’s fiscal policies

    • Says heavy taxes will kill private sector

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has expressed concerns over the new Fiscal Policy Measures (FPM) and Tariff Amendment for 2023, scheduled to take effect from next month.

    Its Director-General, Adewale-Smart Oyerinde, noted that the circular by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Zainab Ahmed, introducing the FPM and Tax Amendment, with increases ranging from 20-100 percent on previously approved rates for alcoholic beverages, tobacco, wines and spirits was not only worrisome, but also a landmine for businesses in the sector.

    Oyerinde faulted the introduction of Green Tax, a 10 per cent excise duty on single use plastics, including plastic containers, films and bags and telecoms tax of five per cent.

    He said: “While the government’s new fiscal policy measures would largely affect manufacturers, it also has the potential to disrupt the Organised Private Sector’s (OPS) value-chain, with consequential effects on Nigerians.”

    “While we understand the revenue challenges faced by the government, its proposed increases will spike the cost of production and reduce the competitiveness of manufacturers in both local and international markets. With recent reports of unemployment rate hovering at over 40 per cent, the economy will be further hard-pressed to withstand the likely loss of jobs that will follow these increases.”

    Oyerinde lamented that with over 60  taxes and levies being paid by organised businesses and about 20 bills pending at the National Assembly with financial implications for businesses, the best that the government could do was not to over-burden the sector or cause the relocation of many more to other climes.

    “The FMP, as proposed, will neither promote economic growth nor achieve the long-term revenue projection of government.”

    He called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the fiscal policy.

    “The government should, as a matter urgency and national importance, suspend the implementation of the Fiscal Policy Measure and Tariff Amendment  and revert to the 2022 Fiscal Policy Measure roadmap, built to expire in 2024, while extensive consultation with organised businesses is stepped up.”

    NECA also expressed concerns at the policy inconsistencies of recent years, which, he said, are responsible for the continued slump of Foreign Direct Investment to Nigeria as the country recorded only $1.06 billion in capital import in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2022. This brought total capital importation for the 2022 fiscal year to $5.33 billion, the lowest since 2017.

    “A major factor is the government’s seeming policy inconsistencies, which makes planning difficult. Beyond these consequences, the proposed increases, if implemented could aggravate smuggling, stifle growth of businesses in the sector, promote the production of fake products, reduce the purchasing power of Nigerians and, ultimately, reduce the government’s projected revenue across board,” he said.

  • ‘Incoming govt should seek loan renegotiation

    The Secretary-General, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Comrade Joshua Apebo, in this interview with TOBA AGBOOLA, raises the alarm over unregulated borrowing by federal and state governments, and offers advice on how the incoming administration can solve the problem.

    The Federal Government’s debt has crossed N41 trillion. What is the implication of this to our fledgling economy? How can the incoming administration curb unregulated borrowing by state governments?

    The Debt Management Office (DMO) has shown that the outgoing administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari will be leaving a debt of N46 trillion for the next administration. In the last eight years of President Buhari-led administration, Nigeria’s debt profile had grown from N12.6 trillion in 2015 to over N46 trillion in 2023.

    The huge debt burden the incoming administration is about to inherit has continued to raise fiscal worries, especially as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Nigeria almost emptied its treasury on debt servicing in 2022. The implication is that the incoming administration will first be distracted by the realities of this challenge. We hope they will be ready.

    Read Also : IMF: Inflation, debts will erode Africa’s growth plan

    On how the incoming administration could curb this unregulated borrowing by state governments, the incoming government needs to seek loan renegotiation, as it is the practice internationally. They should ensure that urgent measures are implemented to increase revenue and cut waste.

    Also, revenue-generating agencies of government should be properly audited to produce better performance and surpassing set targets. Issues like subsidy removal and palliative must be well spelt out while also focusing on sectors like agriculture and tourism as well as empowering our large youth population.

    Recently, the IMF called on the Federal Government to increase taxes to shore up its revenue and discontinue excess borrowing. What’s your take on this?

    I disagree with the IMF that the Federal Government should increase taxes. Such a recommendation, if carried out, will further deepen the woes of the already impoverished citizens of Nigeria. Rather than increasing taxes, we should be talking about a sizeable reduction in government costs. Also, waivers granted to the big boys in the country should be greatly curbed. We need to also ensure that those who are ripe enough to pay tax actually pay it. To do this, we need to invest in proper record keeping of businesses and persons who earn a living in the country.

    What is your take on the N30,000 minimum wage, yet to be implemented by some state governments?

    The N30,000 minimum wage was signed into law by President Buhari in April 2019, yet some governors are still struggling to do the needful. This is rather painful and disappointing. What can N30,000 even buy in the marketplace? When you factor in necessities such as feeding, housing, health care, and school fees, you wonder if the minimum wage can even cater for it. The most painful part is that the same governors who have refused to pay this meagre amount enjoy the best health care (home and abroad), food, houses, cars, etc, provided by taxpayers. I want to use this opportunity to appeal to their conscience to put themselves in the shoes of a family of five feeding on a salary less than the approved minimum wage. I hope it makes them sleep better at night knowing full well that innocent children go to bed hungry because they fail to do the needful. I just hope!

    How would you rate or assess the economic policy of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration so far and advise for the incoming government?

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Nigeria almost emptied its treasury on debt servicing in 2022. The Federal Inland Revenue said it collected N10 trillion in revenue in 2022, with a 2023 budget expenditure of N21.83 trillion pegged on deficits of N11.34 trillion.

    The incoming government must learn from the mistakes of the Buhari Government by borrowing against assets, not income. This was what the likes of Brazil and India did that attracted Foreign Direct Investment into their countries.

    Also, the incoming government should borrow against assets not income and focus on equity financing rather than debt to grow the economy. The government continued borrowing such that towards the end of the administration, debt cost rose as high as the revenue. It is threatening the fiscal outlook of the country that by the time you pay interest on them, you would not have anything left.

    According to the report, Nigeria spent 80 per cent of its revenue paying debts in the first 11 months of last year. The outgoing administration of Buhari allocated N5.2 trillion ($11.3 billion) to servicing debt between January and November of last year while generating income of only N6.5 trillion in the period.

    The government, in its 2023 budget, pledges to boost collection and bring down debt payment to 60 per cent of revenue, but it is hard to say that the goal is achievable, especially with the government’s commitment to continue the petrol subsidy. When a government is run with an expenditure that almost doubles its revenue and with more than 90 per cent of the deficit-financed by local borrowing, the scorecard is far below average.

    Also, the Buhari government introduced several poverty alleviation programmes such as the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) and so on but then, but the 2022 Multidimensional Poverty Index survey reveal that 63 per cent of persons living within Nigeria (133 million people) are multidimensionality poor. This shows that the incoming government has a lot to do correctly, if they are determined to lift the masses out of poverty.

    Nigeria is a mono-product economy (crude oil). What can be done to expand the income base of the economy?

    To diversify the economy, we need to shift our focus away from oil as it has proved to be ineffective in driving the economy and really invest in agriculture, tourism and technology.

    Agriculture is a key sector that will not only improve the economy, but also provide food security and jobs for the unemployed youths. If properly developed, the agricultural sector will not only provide jobs, but also give Nigeria the needed foreign exchange and feed the nation.

    Nigeria is blessed with beautiful landscapes, forest reserves, mountains, rocks, waterfalls, and other recreational centres. With our great cultural heritage and beautiful cultural festivals, tourism should be raking in more income for us. Places like Gurara Water Falls in Niger State, Yankare Game Reserve in Bauchi State, Olumo Rock in Abeokuta, Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary in Cross River State, Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ekiti State and so on, if properly renovated and managed, would be raking in billions of Naira yearly.

    According to research, the average income for a tech industry professional across the United States is $71,809. That’s roughly $20,000 more per year than the average American salary, which is $51,480 a year. Even those starting in the tech industry make an average of $53,000, still more than the average American salary. The Buhari Administration has created the Ministry of Communication Digital Economy to tap the revenue accruable from that sector, but Nigeria needs to create a tech-friendly environment, if we really want to surpass the U.S. standard.

    One other way to expand the income base of Nigeria is that the government should adopt a single market-responsive exchange rate, refocusing the Central Bank on its mandate to reduce inflation and more importantly non-oil revenues where revenue-generating agencies of government are strengthening to block leakages from tax collection and accrue revenue are remitted to the public treasury.

    Tell us about your experience in your position? How would you describe your management style and how do you cope with the demands of your office?

    There are obstacles and distractions in the performance of my duty. My management style is the contingency approach. I deal with issues depending on the situation/circumstance. In other words, I apply the doctrine of necessity. To cope with the demands of my office, I imbibe the spirit of tolerance, perseverance, and endurance, and above all, I am always focused on my mission.

    One of the selling points of the association is that we have been able to fulfil one of the core objects, which is to represent when the opinions of members on matters relating to terms and conditions of employment in the public service of the Federal and state governments and also any other matter of common interest and benefit to members.

    Recently, we (our association) were able to secure approval of a Peculiar Allowance for staff on Consolidated Public Service Salary (CONPSS) and our members constitute a large percentage of the beneficiaries.

    I wish to use this opportunity to debunk the rumour that the Federal Government has approved a pay rise for civil servants. The Federal Government did not approve any pay rise for the public service. What the government has done is to ensure the harmonisation of what agencies earn in the core civil service. Core civil servants on Consolidated Public Service Salary earn very low compared to what other agencies earn.

     The Federal Government bridged the gap by approval of the peculiar allowance.

    Other public servants in the Health and Tertiary Institutions have been enjoying allowances that are specific to their sectors. They have different salary structures so the 40 per cent is just an allowance that is peculiar to the core civil servants who are on Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure. We also sponsor our members for local and foreign training to enable them to update their skills for efficient and effective service delivery.

  • ILO issues wage protection guidance for migrant workers

    ILO issues wage protection guidance for migrant workers

    The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has initiated a wage protection guidance that will safeguard migrants in their workplace.

    According to the ILO, migrant workers will benefit from new guidance on wage protection that outlines relevant international labour standards.

    “The Guidance Note focuses on wage-related issues faced by migrant workers, including non-payment and delayed payment of wages.

    “These can lead to debt bondage and forced labour, according to the ILO Committee of Experts on the Application of Conventions and Recommendations (CEACR),” the ILO stated in a report.

    The global workers’ body noted that adequate wages and timely payment were essential for securing decent work and social justice and have effects on workers. Countless families and communities are dependent on remittances from migrant worker relatives.

    The ILO said migrant workers might face discrimination, xenophobia and racism, unfair recruitment, and restrictions based on their migration status which could contribute to labour and wage-related abuses.

    The issue of non-payment of wages, ILO said, was one of the most common forms of complaints by low-wage migrant workers, especially workers in irregular status.

    The report said: “Wage-related abuses were already a major labour rights concern for migrant workers prior to the pandemic, particularly in crisis contexts such as conflict, which could result in workers having to leave a country of destination quickly, without obtaining their entitlements,” said Michelle Leighton, ILO Labour Migration Branch chief.

    “However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge for wage protection.

    “Governments acknowledged the issue in the 2022 Progress Declaration of the International Migration Review Forum, committing to “enhance international cooperation to allow for the recovery of earned wages, benefits and entitlements of returning migrants.”

    Wages need to be paid in full and predictablly and timely for workers to receive the expected benefits of the wages they earn.

     “Timely payment of wages requires a wide range of measures, not only at the legislative level but also in practice, as well as an open and continuous dialogue with and between the social partners,’ said Katerine Landuyt, Technical Specialist, the ILO Labour Migration Branch.

  • NECA asks govt to stop new taxes

    NECA asks govt to stop new taxes

    The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has advised the Federal Government to suspend its new excise duty, taxes and levies.

    Its Director-General, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, in a statement, noted that the increases, if implemented, would be counter-productive, as they would aggravate the rate of unemployment, encourage smuggling, discourage foreign direct investment (FDI), reduce the purchasing power of Nigerians and promote the relocation of businesses to other countries.

    “Organised businesses in Nigeria are bleeding and continue to struggle for survival,” he lamented.

    Oyerinde added that, in view of the challenges faced by businesses, increases in taxes would further affect them and the quality of life of Nigerians.

    He said: “The Federal Government should not leave behind a legacy of tax burdens that would endanger the fragile growth achieved in the economy on the altar of revenue generation. What the government should do is to reappraise its adherence to the principles and spirits of fiscal discipline as enshrined in various legislations. With over 60 different taxes, levies and taxes, Nigeria is fast becoming a pariah state to investors.

    Oyerinde wants the protection of workers’rights as well as human and Enterprise rights.

    “Worker’s rights encompasses a range of issues, including living wages, decent work, access to medical care, safety and health at work, bridging gender gaps, and freedom from discrimination, among others.

    “These rights thrive in an environment that promotes socio-economic justice. All these are in the different International Labour Organisations (ILO) fundamental instruments, which Nigeria is a signatory to,” he added.

     He urged Organized Labour and all stakeholders that no effort should be spared in promoting and defending Institutions that have been created to advance industrial harmony and social dialogue.

    This is even as he stressed that for wealth to be created and equitably distributed, there must be a hospitable, peaceful and productive environment.

        “While there will always be misalignment of interests and perspectives, we must continue to deepen our engagement through social dialogue with the view of leaving a long-lasting legacy of productivity, equitable distribution of wealth and social justice for generations unborn,” he said.

  • NUEE seeks state of emergency in power sector

    NUEE seeks state of emergency in power sector

    • Condemns increase in tariff

    The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has called on the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to, on assumption of duties, declare a state of emergency in the power sector, describing its privatisation as a fraud.

    Speaking with The Nation, the President of the union, Comrade Martins Uzoegwu, said the time had come for the sector to be rejigged  to  enable us get steady power supply.

    He claimed that the privatisation of the sector about nine years ago was  conceived to defraud Nigeria.

    He added that the privatisation policy was designed to fail, and that nine years after, no megawatts had been added and no power plant  built by either the investors or government.

    Though the indices show that there were less than 4,000 megawatts for about N200 million people, the NUEE chief said the government still wants the private sector to reposition the sector.

    He said: “Before privatisation we were doing about 4,000 megawatts. Sometimes we do about 5,000 megawatts. But, do you know that after privatisation, we have not gone about 4,000 megawatts? In fact, we are below 4,000 megawatts. So, it has been a disaster. Privatisation has not added any value to our economy, instead it has compounded it.

     “We want the incoming President  to critically look into it. It was a scam and and he should declare a state of emergency on the sector.

    “For us, if there’s any sector that is so important and yet so challenged, it is the power sector. I believe that this is a sector that needs a declaration of emergency.

    ” As we are taking we don’t know the companies that bought these power stations.They deceived Nigerians. The so called companies don’t know anything about the sector. The borrowed money from banks to buy those shares and now they can’t pay the banks and that is the reason the bank are running the power sector.

    “We were told that the government has 40 per cent shares  and that the DisCos 60 per cent. But, we discovered that DisCos are taking 100 per cent. The government does not even have a representative on the boards of the DisCos.The govenment also claimed to have pumped about N3trillion on the sector and nothing to show for this. For us, it a scam and we want the President-elect to critically look into this.The privatisation can still be review. Instead of privatisation, the government can commercialise.

    “We also call on the President-elect to allow those who know about the sector run it.”

    Uzoegwu Condemned what he described as the back door increase on the electricity tariff.

    “This is totally wrong and we are not in support of this. We cannot agree to pay for what is not available. If you increase power generation, and distribution that will give you the latitude to say you are increasing tariff. There have been five increment in tariff since after privatisation. And there is no improvement.

    “This is the time to speak truth to power; they need to be more transparent and open in whatever that is happening in the power sector”, he said.