The Nation Newspaper

Category: Labour

  • Govt recruits inspectors to enforce workplace rules

    Plans are underway by the Federal Government to recruit more labour inspectors to boost compliance with regulations on the workplace, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, has said.

    Speaking with reporters in Abuja, Ngige described labour inspection as a vital area of labour administration, which has suffered inadequate funding.

    He said: “Unfortunately in Nigeria, we have shortage of labour inspectors because they are not replaced as the aged ones were exiting the service. We have 36 state offices, 10 zonal offices. We are supposed to have a minimum of two labour inspectors in each of the states. As at today, we have only about 100 Labour Inspectors across the country. While we are recruiting labour inspectors to bridge the gap, we are also training the existing ones.”

    Ngige hinted that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) was collaborating with Nigeria on the inspectors’ train-the-trainers programme to boost the training pool.

    He also revealed that the Federal Government had purchased safety equipment and other tools labour inspectors need to ensure that companies, shopping malls and business concerns complied with the law.

    “Labour inspection is done in two ways. The first is to ensure that the jobs that are done are decent in  accordance with the Decent Work agenda of the ILO. Under this, we examine the staff strength, no casualization of staffers and that workers are not maltreated under any guise. The second aspect is the safety of the workers,” he explained.

    Ngige, who is billed to bid the Federal Executive Council (FEC) farewell in the coming months, to contest a senatorial seat in Anambra State, said the Federal Government was fighting against indiscriminate sack of workers by employers.

    His words: “We have been fighting against indiscriminate sack of workers not only in the telecommunication sector, but also in the oil and gas and banking sectors. Government will always insist that workers can only be sacked if the jobs are not enough to go round and must also provide evidence of that and they must also negotiate with the affected workers on the manner of exit which must be based on ‘first to come, first to exit’ principle.

    “If the unions notice that any employer fail to comply with this and report to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, such employer would be in trouble,” Ngige said.

     

  • NUPENG rejects N11.5b cut in budgetary allocation

    The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) has condemned the N11.5 billion cut by the National Assembly from the proposed allocations in the 2018 budget.

    According to NUPENG President Prince Williams Akporeha, cutting from allocations for crucial and very critical infrastructural projects is unhealthy for economic development, especially as efforts are being made to consolidate on growth after the recession.

    He said the projets have huge socio-economic impacts on national and regional roads like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, second Niger Bridge, ancillary roads, East-West Road, and Bonny-Bodo Road, among others.

    “To say the least, it is unreasonable and insensitive to the yearnings of the people our parliamentarians claim to represent. More painfully, these ill-informed decisions have the potential of impacting negatively on the nation’s economic recovery plans,” he said.

    Akporeha said Nigerians were still in shock that these critical trunk roads, which play significant roles, particularly in the value chain of the oil and gas downstream sector and other critical economic activities in the country, would be expunged from the budget at a time the union was craving for state of emergency on Nigerian roads.

     

     

    He said, “NUPENG strongly believes that the constitutional direction of a national budget must be patriotically designed to consolidate achievements of previous budgets so as to deliver on Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) which is the same line of logical, reasonable and responsible thought process that we expect from our federal lawmakers.”

    He said the union cannot afford to fold its hands while its hardworking and patriotic members’ lives are being carelessly wasted on the highways as well as facing unimaginable hazards on the roads.

     

  • Labour warns Fed Govt over killings, insecurity

    The organised labour has warned the Federal Government over the killing of innocent citizens across the country.

    The organised labour in separate statements expressed worry over the insecurity threatening the nation.

    The United Labour Congress (ULC), in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described the recent killings in Plateau State as the most barbaric and wicked.

    He lamented the insensitivity of the government and security agencies.

    “We have watched with heightened fear as lives and property of Nigerians are wasted daily in our communities especially in the North East and North Central. We have raised alarm severally but our leaders seem to have become deaf and insensitive to the bloodlettings and the butchering of innocent lives in these communities. It is like we have bred a crop of leadership that are inured to the deaths and sufferings of fellow Nigerians to the extent that they have become impervious to the cries of anguish from Nigerians.

    “The galling reports of the slaughtering of men, women and children and the recent sacking of whole communities in Plateau State has left us panting for breathe and wondering whether we still have a group of people whose duty it is to ensure that lives and property are protected”.

    Ajaero said the mindless butchering of about 200 persons was the height of the exacerbated insecurity challenge threatening the nation.

    He said it was a clear demonstration of a total system failure in governance at all levels.

    “It shows that the government in Nigeria has collapsed completely. The near helplessness and wringing of hands by those in charge; the buck-passing and the blame game leave us deeply worried and aghast. A serious sign of a failing state if not a failed state.

    “It is mind-boggling to see the entire national security apparatus lying prostrate in the face of this rabid wantonness. It is unbelievable that the same security agencies to which billions of naira were allocated annually cannot stop the continued extermination of lives of fellow citizens in these numbers. It is completely paradoxical that same security operatives, who can swiftly harass, intimidate and arrest sitting Senators and Supreme Court judges cannot gather enough intelligence to stop these killings that have become a daily occurrence and a signpost of the depth of governance failure and decrepitude in Nigeria,” he said.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) described it as senseless, saying that it threatens to shatter, once and for all, the bonds of brotherhood and peaceful co-existence.

    “We are disturbed by the range of targets, the duration of these attacks and the scope of casualties and destruction. Even in a full-scale war with another country, the statistics are numbing.

    “Therefore, for the umpteenth time, we condemn these killings in their entirerity. They are senseless and barbaric and threaten to shatter, once and for all, the bonds of brotherhood and peaceful co-existence.

    “Accordingly, our security, though stretched, must be seen to do more to restore the confidence of the civil populace. If the emerging allegations are true that the attacks went on unchecked for hours, then something needs to be done about the reaction time of our dedicated internal security operations in the state,”Ayuba said.

    He said the Federal and Plateau State Governments, in consultation with the parties to this bloody conflict, should design a framework for an enduring peace, including taking pro-active measures.

    He said governments should quickly move to rebuild these communities and restore shattered lives as well as put an end to the anarchy.

  • Union to Fed govt: remove TCN management

    The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Company (SSAEAC) has called for the immediate change of the management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) over alleged anti-labour practices or face industrial action.

    SSAEAC said despite various interventions by the Ministry of Labour, to resolve the issue with various meetings called, the Managing Director of TCN, Gur Mohammed, disregarded the invitations.

    The union accused TCN management of violating the negotiated conditions of service, impunity and destruction of the unions by instigating eight members against constituted authority.

    The union President, Chris Okonkwo, at a media parley at it’s secretariat in Lagos, said the two weeks ultimatum given had elapsed and all are enjoined to wait for the signal for a long-drawn nationwide action to save TCN and the power sector as statutory notices have been given to government agencies.

    Okonkwo accused the Mohammed-led management  of being on a mission to wound down TCN operation as a government company. He accused him of planning to reduce the regions into four, refusing to replace retiring Assistant General Managers (AGMs) and General Managers (GMs) without recourse to labour matters.

    Mohammed was also accused of diverting SSAEAC check-off dues to cronies before writing to confirm it after he propped up expelled officials to cause disunity in the union.

    The union also alleged that Mohammed was determined to kill the negotiated conditions of service hence, the violation with impunity.

    “Since his appointment, he has cleared over 600 no.40 ft containers of equipment from seaports without record of receipts in TCN stores and has also hijacked procurement and accounts departments using them without transparent processes and hiding documents on transactions,” Okonkwo said.

    On the issue of estimated billing by distribution companies (DisCos), Okonkwo said it was a way Discos fraudulently made profits from the sweats of Nigerians as it was unjust and an economic crime on Nigerians.

    He said the problem with the power sector was due to the lack of sincerity and political will by government to obey the clauses in the privatisation agreement signed by those who bought PHCN.

    He said: “ Before the privatisation of PHCN, it was 70 per cent efficient but four years later after being privatised, the sector is between 30 to 40 per cent efficient and we ascribed to the view that due process was not followed in the process.”

  • Labour to Nigerians: ensure violence-free 2019 elections

    Organised labour has urged Nigerians to reflect on how the forthcoming general elections could be conducted devoid of violence.

    Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama said Nigerians should embrace the virtues of personal sacrifices, piety and self denial. He called for dedication, discipline and diligence.

    He said the deficiency of these virtues were the fundamental reasons why countries that we were at par with in the 1970s have all left us behind, noting that the time to look beyond all “artificial social, political and economic divisions, including minor ethnic and religious differences in the society is now,” Kaigama said.

    He implored Nigerians to be patriotic and strictly allow the cardinal principles of their respective religions to reflect in their dealings, as they remain the only way to ensure peace and unity of the nation.

    “We should exhibit oneness to be able to stand strong together through diverse difficulties and challenges. We must focus on the things that bind us together. That is the new Nigeria we want,” Kaigama stated.

    Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) President Prince Williams Akporeha urged Nigerians to spare a word of prayer for Nigeria in the face of various economic challenges as the campaign for the 2019 national elections gathers momentum.

    “On our part, we will strive to do everything within our powers to maintain industrial peace in the country while we urge the government and relevant agencies to guarantee fairness, justice and equity on issues that have to do with workers’ welfare,” he said.

    He, however, called on the Federal Government to ensure that other parts of the harmonised version of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), which has just been passed by the National Assembly, are speedily passed to help recover and maximise the industry’s operational capacity.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Ayuba Wabba, noted that in view of the divisive political currents flowing all over Nigeria and mainly driven by irresponsible politics, it is important that Nigerians learn that united in love and sharing, the country stands divided in prejudice and hate, it falls.

    He said: “As we gradually approach another election year in 2019, we urge all Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and work towards a violence free and credible elections. It is our prayer that in the 2019 elections, the will of the electorate will prevail and be respected.

    “Well, in the midst of harrowing general inflation, Nigerian workers have soldiered on in self-denial, dedication and diligence as partners in the onerous mission of nation building. The government can make workers’ load lighter by quickly approving the demand of organised labour for a New National Minimum Wage,” he said.

  • MTN: The journey so far

    Like many business professionals, I’ve watched with keen interest as the global economy has evolved into a model where knowledge, technology and data take the front seat.

    Today, a fundamental requirement of a sustainable and competitive economy is a robust knowledge base. Of particular interest is a knowledge base that consistently looks to the future, ensuring that organisations, industries and business sectors are able to equip themselves with the skills needed for tomorrow, at relevant employment levels.

    For our nation to be globally competitive, we need the right people with the right skills to do the job at hand. This is an obvious and relatively simple idea but putting it in place requires a concerted and deliberate approach, and significant investment, especially in new industries and sectors with identified knowledge gaps.

    The telecoms sector is perhaps one of the greatest examples of this.

    Since May  16, 2001, when the first call was made on the MTN network, the telecoms sector in our country has transformed life as we know it. Once upon a time, we relied on encyclopedias and phone booths, made blind visits and waited for vendors to pass by. Mobile technology appeared and seemed to change things overnight, often leaving us wondering if that was ever our reality…

    However, the new technology brought with it a need for new skills to build and sustain the sector. Such gaps in the skills market compel employers to look outside for the expertise needed to operate.

    As such, when MTN Nigeria began operating 17 years ago, it started with over 300 expatriates, as a matter of necessity. The company also sought out Nigerian professionals in the diaspora who had already worked with the then new technologies. These pioneer employees would go on to play a critical role in the development of one of Africa’s largest networks, and, more importantly, share their knowledge and experience with others in Nigeria and across the world.

    This transfer of knowledge was focused, methodical and structured over the years – a robust and multi-faceted skills acquisition program comprising job shadowing and other skills transfer initiatives. This facilitated the rapid upskilling of local capacity to a level of expertise and enabled a seamless handover.

    On this foundation rests a framework for the development and growth of its employees. This includes mentoring, personal development plans (outlining skills gaps) and bespoke training programs, using a 70-20-10 method of learning and development (70 per cent on the job; 20 per cent targeted solutions; and 10 per cent instructor led e.g. acting assignments and e-learning). This development framework has also facilitated learning interventions for our ecosystem – partners, suppliers, etc. who support us daily.

    Today, MTN has over 1600 highly skilled employees and about 15 expatriates whose commitment to company objectives continually reflect in our ability to contribute in meaningful ways to nation building. We also have a vast and thriving network of indigenous partners. This knowledge bank is at the heart of our long-term growth strategy and establishes the basis for the next wave of growth in the industry.

    • Akinnukawe is HR Executive, MTN Nigeria.

  • CISLAC urges govts to end herdsmen/farmers’ clashes

    Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has urged federal and state governments to take measures to halt herders and farmers’ conflicts.

    Speaking with The Nation, CISLAC Executive Director Mr Auwal Rafsanjani said  the crisis between the two groups could put Nigeria’s peace and unity in jeopardy.

    Rafsanjani expressed the NGO’s displeasure at non-implementation of reports of panels and commissions of inquiries on conflicts between pastoralists and sedentary communities by successive administrations.

    He said the responsibility of government in protecting lives and property of farmers in some places and herders in other places had not been discharged with seriousness.

    He maintained that the conflict’s escalation was the direct consequence of the collapse of traditional conflict resolution mechanism.

    According to the director, failure on the part of relevant authorities to challenge the negative attitude and atrocities of the two groups further paved the way for the duo to take law into their hands.

    He said there should be a consultative process with the federal, state and local governments, including community leaders to develop long-term policy that would address the concerns of all parties.

    “There is the need for paradigm shift in policy-making from conflict resolution to conflict prevention strategy.

    “Conflicts could be prevented through collective understanding and acceptance of causes of conflict with inclusion of all resources and users in the process.’’

     

     

     

     

     

  • PenCom educates prospective retirees

    The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has sensitised prospective retirees (due to retire in 2019) on steps, procedures and documentations required for a stress-free retirement.

    The prospective retirees comprised staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government.

    The workshop was to educate participants on how to transit seamlessly from active employment to retirement under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

    The regulatory agency released the time table for the 2018 verification and enrolment of employees of the Federal Government Treasury Funded MDAs retiring in 2019.

    The verification will take place in 15 centres across the six geo-political zones, including the Federal Capital Territory, from June 25 to August 17.

    According to PenCom Acting Director-General, Mrs. Aisha Dahir-Umar, “one of the salient objectives of the Pension Reform Act (PRA 2014) is to make pension administration transparent and seamless”.

    Hence, the commission has established a uniform set of rules, regulations and standards for all aspects of pension administration, including payment of retirement benefits to retirees.

    “This was achieved in the case of the latter, through issuance of the Regulation on Administration of Retirement and Terminal Benefits; Regulation on Retire Life Annuity; the Frameworks on Pension Enhancement & Programmed Withdrawals; and the Circular on Voluntary Contributions amongst others.

    “As part of our annual regulatory activities, the Commission has finalised arrangements to commence the verification of prospective retirees, who will be retiring in 2019 from the public service.

    “The verification is scheduled to be undertaken from June 25 to August 17, 2018 in 15 centres across the country. The impending exercise, therefore, necessitated the need to undertake adequate sensitisation and public enlightenment to prepare prospective retirees on the steps to take towards a hitch free retirement life,” she said.

    They were also sensitised on the consolidation of benefits on retirement, are modes of withdrawal of benefits on retirement, rights of retirees and roles of the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and PenCom in the retirement process.

    They were also advised to enrol for retirement during the ongoing enrolment of prospective retirees by the commission, as enrollment by proxy will not be entertained except on proven cases of medical incapacitation.

    According to the Commission, participants, having been armed with the requisite information at the workshop, should be in a better position to make informed decisions that will make their retirement from active service stress-free.

  • Metals, minerals recycling can generate 6m jobs, says ILO

    Recycling of plastics, glass, wood pulp, metals and minerals can generate about six million more jobs worldwide, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has said.

    Its Director-General, Guy Ryder, in a statement, said more than 32 per cent of plastic packaging escapes collections, as most of them end up in landfills, dumps, oceans and farm lands.

    He said though plastic has many benefits, it has many drawbacks, hence, the need to keep the planet safe, clean and fit for work, he said.

    “The sad reality is that the handling of plastic waste, as well as e-waste and other fast-growing solid waste streams, remains largely part of the informal economy in many countries.

    “Unless we act now, there will be more plastics than fish in the oceans by 2050,” he said.

    Ryder said workers faced serious decent work deficits, such as work hazards, violence, discrimination, stigmatisation and harassment, low earnings and long-working hours.

    The ILO chief said filling the gaps would enhance opportunities for decent work, noting that a coherent and integrated legal framework is a step in that direction.

    Ryder noted that governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations have a role to play in plastics evacaution.

    He added: “The challenge before us is to transform the “make-use-dispose” plastics’ economy into a circular economy, based on recycling. We also need to reduce our consumption of single-use or disposable plastic.

    “We can lessen the environmental damage that plastic pollution is causing by extending the use of plastic products for as long as possible, while recovering, reusing and recycling plastics at a much higher rate.

    This will not only reduce the environmental damage that plastic pollution is causing but will also open up new opportunities for decent work.”

    Ryder called for an urgent action to tackle the causes of child labour, pointing out that attention should  be paid not only to global supply chains, but also to unpaid family work in agriculture.

    “The challenge is not just about globally-traded garments, tobacco and cocoa; it is also about local markets for sorghum, millet, bricks – and it’s about domestic work as well,” he said, at a panel held on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference and ahead of the World Day against Child Labour.

    Ryder pointed out that 152 million children aged five and 17 are in child labour worldwide. Between 2012 and 2016, there was “almost no reduction in the number of children aged five to 11 in child labour, and the number of these most vulnerable, youngest children in hazardous work actually increased.”

    This, Ryder added, was partly because child labour in agriculture – which is mostly unpaid family work – increased.

    “These children typically begin child labour at six or seven and they commonly perform hazardous work as they get older.”

  • PENGASSAN urges politicians to enhance democratic values

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has urged  politicians to improve and guide the democratic values that emerged from the struggle for the actualisation of the June 12 election.

    The senior staff trade union also advised the political class not to allow the struggles of past heroes to be in vain by heating the polity.

    At this year’s commemoration of the June 12 election, PENGASSAN National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Fortune Obi, praised President Muhammadu Buhari for according June 12 the right status in the nation’s history.

    The PENGASSAN spokesman added that the recognition and actualisation has vindicated the union and its leadership who fought for the democracy being enjoyed by all in Nigeria.

    He said there was the need for the political leaders to address and resolve issues that can threaten the democracy, adding that the government should deal with insecurity and work on further programmes that can improve people’s welfare.

    He charged politicians to eschew acts that can cause chaos and division in the country.

    Obi said those involved in the struggle should be recognised.