The Nation Newspaper

Category: Labour

  • Tinubu’s broadcast a template for good governance, says Aremu

    Tinubu’s broadcast a template for good governance, says Aremu

    Director-General, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Institute (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, has said the Sunday address to the nation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a game-changing narrative that offers an opportunity for an all-inclusive pan-Nigerian dialogue for good governance.

    Speaking with The Nation, Aremu said while periodic crises are defining features of nation building, what is of relevance are the lessons learnt by the government and the citizens to move the nation forward at every crisis point.

    According to him, the President has made it known in his address that he heard the pains that drove the protests, with firm commitment to addressing the concerns of our citizens.

    He advised that good statesmanship on the part of the listening President must be complemented with constructive citizenship through social dialogue for good governance.

    Read Also; How corruption is stifling Nigeria’s growth, by NAL President Akinrinade

    “I have no doubt that the protesting compatriots also heard the President calling for conversation, let them seize the window and table  all issues to promote good governance,” he said. 

    Aremu urged the government and citizens not to miss another opportunity to forge an alliance for repositioning Nigeria for food security, mass job creation and poverty eradication. 

    The DG noted that the list of government interventions in the President‘s address such as the Student Loan Scheme, improved Minimum Wage, CNG transport system and improved public revenue shows that there is a movement towards good governance.

      While condemning the loss of lives and violent attacks on public assets, in some states, Aremu urged for the deepening of democratic process, not its subversion.

    “With the antics of some misguided youths calling for the return of discredited military dictatorship, it was time for a mass literacy campaign on the imperatives of democracy for good governance,” he said. 

  • NSITF MD: we’ll carry out comprehensive reforms

    NSITF MD: we’ll carry out comprehensive reforms

    The new Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Oluwaseun Faleye, has pledged to institute comprehensive reforms to enhance the agency’s performance.

    Speaking on his first day in office, Faleye, who was accompanied by the Executive Director of Operations, Mojisolaoluwa Alli-Macaulay, emphasised that collaborative efforts would achieve sustainable organisational growth, promising thorough departmental assessments and improved welfare measures.

    He commended the staff members for their dedication in delivering ECS benefits across Nigeria. With optimism and determination, Faleye acknowledged the challenges ahead but affirmed his readiness to navigate them effectively, drawing on his experience and commitment to advancing NSITF’s mandate as the nation’s premier social security agency.

    “My mission is to join hands with the  stakeholders to build a much more sustainable organisation. I am new and yet to know the issues. However, we will put our heads together to find solutions. We shall build a much more vibrant NSITF that can deliver its mandate to its key stakeholders, especially the workers and employers as well as the staff of the fund.

    “Please, bear in mind that my intention is to leave this organisation much better than I met it. It is a worthwhile dream, given the impact we have in the generality of the world of work.

    “At the core of this is some level of organisational restructuring and I have no doubt about that. What that organisational restructuring will be, the days ahead will determine. But, most importantly to note, is that the essence of that restructuring is to create some level of efficiency in our service delivery,” Faleye said.

    They were received by Executive Director of Administration,  Prof. Gabriel Okenwa, and Director of Finance and Investment, Babatunde Adedeji Adegoke.

    Read Also: Faleye: The new broom at NSITF

    Faleye underscored the necessity of organisational restructuring aimed at enhancing operational efficiency within NSITF. He expressed intent to conduct a needs assessment across departments to chart a path forward.

    Faleye also extended gratitude to his predecessor, Maureen Allagoa, for her service and cooperation during the transition.

    Alli-Macaulay invoked a legal maxim to stress the importance of unity among stakeholders. She assured of collaboration under the new leadership.

    Also, Adediji praised the appointment of Faleye, urging him to leverage his political acumen to expedite reforms within NSITF.

    The ceremony was attended by departmental heads, with regional heads joining remotely, signalling a unified commitment to NSITF’s renewed direction under its new leadership.

  • ACSC inducts 24 new members

    ACSC inducts 24 new members

    • Lists challenges in pharma sector

    To connect businesses and strengthen the logistics and supply chain industry, the African Centre for Supply Chain (ACSC) has inducted 24 new members.

    The ceremony, which took place at the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association in Lagos  was attended by stakeholders from the pharmaceuticals and manufacturing sector.

    Also at the event, high production costs, excessive taxes, inconsistent policies, lack of capital, inflation and limited access to foreign exchange, among others, have been identified as significant challenges militating against the local production of pharmaceutical products in Nigeria.

    The challenges, stakeholders said, had led to manufacturers transitioning to third-party distribution models, a move they argued was not commendable to sustain the government’s health initiatives.       

    An Associate Professor, Euclid University, Dr Ukamaka Okafor, said this during a review of the public presentation on ‘The Nigerian Logistics and Supply Chain Industry 2023 Report’.

    Shedding light on operational hurdles, the government’s incentives, and restricted availability of raw materials, notwithstanding the challenges of the lack of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) manufacturing plants, she said it was high time Africa woke up from slumber to promote local manufacturing of medicines to prevent supply chain disruptions.

    The don said reliance on imports, inadequate local production, financial constraints, corruption, lack of competent human resources, distribution challenges, infrastructure and regulatory inadequacies challenges must be addressed.

    According to her, these undermine the efforts of the government to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) targets and explore various supply chain strategies and risk mitigation measures.

    Read Also: ALNCA, ACSC chiefs decry state of ports’ access roads

    Speaking on the theme, ‘Shifting trends in pharma supply chain for the new normal: Manufacturing Challenges, Distribution Consideration, Patient Access’, Managing Director, Fidson Healthcare Plc, Fidelis Ayebae, said there was the need for leaders to begin to formulate strategies along the new emerging trends to stay afloat.

    Earlier, Director-General, ACSC, Dr Obiora Madu, while presenting the report, said the shifting trends were what one must do in the new normal since most companies, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, are still recovering from COVID-19.

    He said the needs power and education infrastructure to address some of its concerns.

    He added that ahead of the report’s launch in Abuja, it was expected to tackle most of the challenges.

  • PENGASSAN Women Commission recommits to gender equality

    PENGASSAN Women Commission recommits to gender equality

    The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Women Commission (PWC) has reaffirmed its commitment to championing gender equality and inclusivity in the petroleum and natural gas industry.

    At the inaugural PENGASSAN Women Annual Convention (PWAC) held in Abuja, under the theme “Empowerment, inclusivity, and excellence,” the Commission pledged to intensify efforts in advancing women’s rights and opportunities.

    National Chairperson of the Commission, Comrade Ada Mbanaso, stressed the pivotal role of women in driving sustainable development and innovation within PENGASSAN.

    “Our commitment to gender equality is not merely a promise but a call to action. The PENGASSAN Women Commission stands at the forefront of advocating for equal opportunities, fair representation, and empowering women to thrive in traditionally male-dominated sectors,” she said.

    Mbanaso, said the Commission’s efforts had been bolstered by initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s leadership roles and professional development.

    She said: “Through strategic partnerships and innovative programmes like the “Developing Highly Effective Women Leaders in Trade Unionism” training at the Lagos Business School, PENGASSAN women have been equipped with essential skills and knowledge to excel in leadership positions.”

    Read Also: NUPENG, PENGASSAN call for probe of IOCs

    She further stated that in addition to leadership empowerment, the PENGASSAN Women Commission has been actively involved in community-driven initiatives that promote social responsibility and welfare.

    “Projects such as educational support, empowerment programmes for vulnerable groups, and advocacy campaigns for gender-sensitive policies have positively impacted communities nationwide,” she said.

    The women leader explained that the convention served as a platform for exchanging ideas, fostering collaborations, and strategising future initiatives to further advance the agenda of gender equality within union and beyond.

  • Forex crisis killing our businesses, say shop owners

    Forex crisis killing our businesses, say shop owners

    Shop and Distributive Trade Senior Staff Association (SHOPDIS) has expressed concerns over the grappling volatility of the forex market and the attendant effects on their businesses, saying that the effect is biting hard on them.

    Speaking with The Nation during the one-week campaign of the union, supported by the UNI Global, aimed at recruiting more members into the Union, SHOPDIS’ First Vice President, Comrade Clifford Obanor attributed the challenges to a harsh business environment from high cost of operations, inflationary pressures, over-taxation and most importantly lack of access to forex.

    He said: “To source for forex to bring in goods is a big challenge. So many companies are not able to meet up with the demand of whatever products they want to distribute, either for raw materials or not.

    “This is biting hard on so many of our companies and many of them are struggling to remain in the midst of all these.

    “We believe strongly that if the government can address the problem of the naira going down, things will get better and the economy will recover.

    “Don’t forget that petroleum products have also gone very high because our refineries are not working. This should also be addressed.”

    On the campaign, Obanor reiterated that the primary purpose is to unionise more members and to ensure that worker’s rights are adequately taken care of through a tripartite agreement.

    He said the union has discovered that many workers in the distributive trade are not being taken care of by their employers.

    “We see people working hard and not getting value for what they do. They don’t have a fair deal for their rights. All these will be addressed through this campaign,” he added.

    Project Officer for Solidarity Centre, West African Sub-Region, Comrade Raphael Gabin said it is a campaign geared towards workers’ rights.

    He said it is about wissues that are bothered about in-ability of the workers to enjoy social protection, right in the workplace, among others.

    Read Also: Bankers, experts urge FG to reconsider forex windfall levy

    “We expect that at the end of this campaign, workers will gain more consciousness about their rights in the workplace. We expect that an agreement will be reached and that the management of the companies will understand their workers’ rights through tripartite structure for dialogue.’’

    Organising Secretary/UNI Global Project 60609 Coordinator, Comrade Olanrewaju Ganiyu, said the project, supported  by the UNI Global, is to establish the worker’s right and decent work environment.

    He said four of such events are organised yearly, adding that this is the second campaign for this year.

    “The essence is to strengthen collective bargaining and for workers to defend their rights. Many of the employers have a way of denying workers of their rights.

    “For the companies that we target, we discovered that many of them are replicating the non- challant attitude of the likes of Amazons. We know what they do to their workers.

    “We are using this campaign to dispel the fear of the employees. All these will be addressed,” Olanrewaju said.

    The  on-going campaign will end on Saturday.

  • Why govt should discuss with leaders of planned protest, by NLC

    Why govt should discuss with leaders of planned protest, by NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to invite the leaders of the planned protest scheduled for August 1, 2024 to a dialogue.

    NLC said this was necessary to ensure peace.

    In a statement, the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said: “Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President BolaTinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands.

    “We have advised that it would be counter-productive for the 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 Nigerians and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God.”

    The congress debunks the reports that it had withdrawn from the protest, saying that NLC could not have withdrawn from a protest it did not organise in the first place.

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

    Read Also: NLC urges dialogue with organisers

    “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,“ Ajaero said.

    He  said the NLC has internal 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 the government.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in these very trying and excruciating times,” he added.

  • NGO targets 77,000 jobs for women

    NGO targets 77,000 jobs for women

    A non-governmental organisation (NGO), AbleGod Women Development Forum (AWDF), is set to provide job opportunities for about 77,000 women across the nation, through farm training and  empowerment schemes nationwide.

    About 2,000 women are expected to be trained in each state of the federation,while 5,000 will take part in Lagos.

    This is in line with the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, urging women to take the lead in the food security campaign and job creation .

    Senator Tinubu, who recently unveiled her vegetable garden at the State House Residence, urged first-time women farmers to participate in the Every Home A Garden Competition.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos, the President, AWDF, Amb Okedeyi Olufunmilayo Gafaru, said the objective is to provide them with practical skills and knowledge in agriculture, job creation  and enabling them to participate in this vital sector and contribute its quota in the nation’s quest for poverty alleviation and promote better life for women and men.

    She said this would be addressed at the yearly AbleGod women conference and launch of agricultural training for women on September 28, this year at Onika Stadium, Lagos State.

    She said: “We are ready to give a positive impact in our country Nigeria by following the renewed hope agenda and bring hope for Nigerians through training

    “Training women in agriculture will significantly contribute to their economic empowerment by enabling them to generate income through farming activities and job creation. This will help alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods.

    “Women play a crucial role in food production and security. By enhancing their skills in agriculture, we will increase food production, ensure food security, and promote nutrition within communities and the country.

    “Providing equal access to agricultural training opportunities for women, to promote gender equality and empowers them to take on leadership roles in farming communities”.

    Gafaru stressed that the AbleGod team was complimenting the government’s efforts in educational development and inclusiveness in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

    Read Also: Senate halts debate on S/South Development Commission Bill

    “Permit me to reiterate that the AWDF is committed to collaborations and networking with the government with unique and focused programs to stimulate economic growth, job creation, and, most importantly, poverty reduction.

    “Our doors are open to more collaborations of this nature hence the government alone cannot achieve nation-building, so all hands must be on deck to support the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to achieve his Eight-Point Agenda.

    “We also want to use the opportunity to invite the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu and other leaders to be part of the event. Your presence at the conference would not only inspire the attendees but also demonstrate your commitment to women empowerment and agricultural development in Nigeria,” she said.

    Also, the Lagos State AWDF Coordinator, Hon Princess Olumowo Folashade said AWDF was created with the aim of giving the marginalised women in-depth financial management training as well as empowering and equipping them with essential skills. She added that the training was all about transforming women who were in the trade and agricultural sectors.

    Senator Tinubu recently urged women to join the #Every Home A Garden Competition with a N25million prize.

    A statement by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, said the contest, open to women across Nigeria, aims to promote smart gardening and enhance communal living.

  • NUCFRLANMPE seeks reopening of borders

    NUCFRLANMPE seeks reopening of borders

    • 10 firms shut in six months

    The National Union of Chemical, Footwear, Rubber, Leather and Non-Metallic Employees (NUCFRLANMPE) has called on President Bola Tinubu to open the borders to allow inflow of food to lessen the effects of hunger.

    Speaking with The Nation, the National President of NUCFRLANMPE, Comrade Goke Olatunji said this became necessary following the rise in prices of food items, which many have attributed partly to the inability of farmers to access their farmland as a result of insecurity.

    He appealed to the government to reconsider its hard stance on the policy to curb hunger as reopening the borders is an immediate intervention that can make food available and affordable to the population. He called on the government to re-introduce the Price Control Board. He said this is necessary to checkmate arbitrary hikes in the prices of goods.

    Olatunji noted that about 10 companies have shuthin the last six months, adding that five more are planning to close shop or relocate to neighbouring countries.

    His words: “The Federal and state governments should expedite action in ameliorating the pain and suffering of Nigerians before it gets out of hand. This is necessary because the  increase in fuel pump price has affected all sectors of the economy.

    “We plead with the government to hasten up and come out with policies to lessen the suffering Nigerians, especially workers are going through because of the removal of subsidy on Petrol. Nigerians are suffering.

    Read Also: Why we pegged minimum wage at ₦70,000 — Tinubu

    “It is time to revive the local refineries, build infrastructure such as road networks and electricity supply as well as develop the iron and steel sector which is key to economic growth.

    “Insecurity should be tackled, multiple taxation, rent and charges should be regulated to allow manufacturing companies survive and promote Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Nigeria

    “The government should allow manufacturers direct access to forex and also tackle high rates of dollar to naira.

    Also, the hike in the electricity tariff is another terrible decision that is killing most of our companies. Some of these companies now pay millions of naira to the light that they don’t have. The situation is so bad.’’

    Olatunji noted that economic issues were affecting industrial relations, saying: “One of the effects is job losses arising from factory closure and redundancy. Some managements have devised strange practices such as outsourcing and contract staffing which are odd to normal employment practices.’’

  • NUPENG, PENGASSAN call for probe of IOCs

    NUPENG, PENGASSAN call for probe of IOCs

    The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural and Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) have written to President Bola Tinubu, demanding an investigation into the allegation that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) are plotting to undermine the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals.

    In a letter to the President, through his Chief of Staff, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, dated July 1, the unions emphasised the need for transparency and public trust in the findings.

    The letter, signed by NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, and PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, reads: “The leadership and members of our great Union and Association profoundly appreciate your commitment and dedication to restoring the economic growth and prosperity of our dear Nation, and we are also fully mobilised and committed to supporting your laudable thoughts and hard decisions towards these lofty goals.

    Read Also: Senate halts debate on S/South Development Commission Bill

    “Unfortunately, we are deeply concerned and shocked by the recent unusual allegations by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company of a deliberate plot by some International Oil Companies (IOCs) to frustrate their business efforts and continued existence.”

    The unions highlighted that the alleged sabotaging actions include denying the refinery crude oil supply and inflating market prices, forcing the Dangote Refinery to source crude oil from as far away as the United States, thereby incurring high operating costs and logistics.

    “The Dangote Refinery is not only a critical national asset but also a beacon of hope for our energy security, economic growth, and employment opportunities. The economic benefits of a local refinery with such capacity as Dangote’s in Nigeria can never be overstated,” the letter continued.

    The associations also noted their campaigns for Nigeria to require companies benefiting from joint venture agreements to establish refineries and petrochemical companies within the country.

  • Businesses should strategise to stay afloat’

    Businesses should strategise to stay afloat’

    Businesses need strategies at this difficult time to enable them to provide quality services to clients and to keep them running.

    This is necessary because the business and economic environment in Nigeria continues to be one of volatility and uncertainty.

    Disclosing this at the 11th Expo of the Association for Outsourcing Professionals of Nigeria (AOPN), the President of  the association, Mope Abudu said outsourcing service providers must be agile and innovative in their value proposition in order to stay relevant and sustainable.

    She said outsourcing provides an opportunity to optimise the skill, capacity and excellence of a third party who is able to show value and competence at the right price.

    “As professionals, we can positively improve the productivity, output and outcomes of our clients through our continuous improvement and support.

    Read Also: Why we pegged minimum wage at ₦70,000 — Tinubu

    “However, businesses need to consider the potential implications of outsourcing before deciding in that regard,” she said.

    She said outsourcing would help businesses to leverage the expertise and resources of those providers.

    Her words: “Yet, as solution providers, outsourcing service providers must be agile and innovative in their value proposition in order to stay relevant and sustainable.

    “This year’s event we are tackling how to navigate the economic volatility, strategies for sustainable outsourcing in Nigeria.

    “Outsourcing provides an opportunity to optimise the skill, capacity and excellence of a third party who is able to show value and competence at the right price.