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Tag: Ayuba Wabba

  • 45 percent of Nigerian workers are casual workers

    Says NLC wants Security overhaul

     

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said on Wednesday that about 45 percent of workers in the country are operating as casual workers with employers in the banking as well as oil and gas sector the major culprit and asked the government not to do anything that will further compound the current precarious employment situation in the country.

    The congress also asked the government to overhaul the nation’s security architecture to deal with emerging security threats that are threatening to stifle the current economic recovery and growth especially after the last recession.

    Speaking at the 61st Annual General meeting of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), President of Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said Organised Labour will soon visit those employers of Labour that specialized in subjecting Nigerians to unhealthy Labour practices.

    In his address read by the General Secretary of Congress, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, the congress said that “a Report by the Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights, 45% of Nigeria’s workforce operates as casual workers. Many employers in the downstream oil and gas and banking sub sectors still indulge in labour casualization. For such employers, we assure you that we will soon be at your doorsteps. We will dare you! We shall win”

    The congress asked the federal government to thread carefully on the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) and ensure robust consultations with labour and employers before ratifying the ACFTA.

    It said that the government should ensure that smuggling and false declarations on countries of origin do not stifle local competitiveness of Nigerian businesses if ACFTA is eventually ratified.

    The NLC also calls on government to “overhaul our security architecture to deal with emerging security threats that are threatening to stifle the current economic recovery and growth especially after the last recession.

    “Many businesses have been shut down in many of the flash point communities as many innocent Nigerians are forced to flee from their homes and take up residence in Internally Displaced Persons Camps scattered all over the country.

    “The recent resurgence of Boko Haram insurgency also needs to be tackled. While we commend the Nigerian Armed Forces for the sacrifice and commitment to restore normalcy and peace in different troubled spots in our country, we warn of the dire consequences of allowing the current gloomy security situation in Nigeria to relapse into a political recession.”

    The congress said while NECA which is the umbrella body of employers in the country has a strong bond with Nigerian workers, there are still a few employers who have refused to be on the same page with the rest of employers in taking the issue of workers’ rights and entitlements seriously.

    The congress said: “Just last week, the Nigeria Labour Congress and its civil society allies took on MTN over several and severe anti-workers policies. It is unfortunate that organized labour was forced to adopt the strategy of picketing against MTN.

    Read Also: NLC pickets MTN office in Kano

    “For more than five years now, the NLC has been trying to make MTN understand the need to allow its workers to unionize Our position is that MTN cannot reap so much profits from our country and still treat our constitution and labour laws with disdain.

    “MTN, unlike its operations elsewhere, has refused to allow its employees the freedom to join trade unions. Efforts by well meaning Nigerians including the leadership of NECA to make MTN realize that it cannot continue to break our laws without consequences failed.

    “It is unfortunate that MTN has chosen to be the face of corporate rascality in Nigeria. The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to advise MTN that it’s poorly thought out script of “industrial apartheid” has died on arrival.

    “Having fought from the frontline in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence and having resisted apartheid and neo-colonialism in South Africa and other parts of the Global South, organized labour in Nigeria will remain unwavering in its commitment to uproot every vestige of modern day industrial slavery as being championed by MTN.

    “It is very important that we sound a note of warning that last week’s picketing of MTN offices nationwide is only a first service of notice. If MTN refuses to heed the voice of reason and chooses to trudge along a perfidious path, it can be rest assured that Nigerian workers will adopt every legitimate means within its reach to ensure that workers locked up in its concentration camps are freed sooner rather than later.

    “MTN is not alone in the practice of casualization of labour and anti-unionization. We wish to remind all employers that our laws allow all workers to exercise their freedom of association to belong to unions of their choice in line with the provisions of ILO Convention 87 and Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “Casual workers in our workforce operate under very precarious conditions with near total denial of the benefits associated with permanent and decent work. Nigerian workers can no longer offer their labour to slave drivers whose only interest is profit maximization and capital mobility.

    “I wish to reiterate the commitment of organized labour to keep open our warm hands of fellowship to NECA especially given the commitment of many of your members to harmonious industrial relations. We assure you of the commitment of Nigerian workers to continue to give you their best efforts knowing full well that we are all partners in progress for the good of our country, profitable businesses and the betterment of the lives of millions of Nigerian workers who are the hands that turn the wheels of prosperity.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress will continue to stand by NECA in ensuring that we foster a suitable environment for businesses to thrive. It is in this wise that the Nigeria Labour Congress has always taken up strong advocacy and campaigns for laws and policies that improve the ease of doing business.

    “We will continue to work with our affiliate unions to ensure that high-handed taxes and tariffs by government are re-negotiated to enable businesses to thrive, ensure workers retain their employment and for government to enjoy sustained revenue.

    “Currently, the Nigeria Labour Congress is taking up the issue of the recent 500% hike in the excise duty on alcohol, spirit and tobacco. We are working with our affiliate union in the food, beverages and tobacco sector, the National Union of Food Beverages and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), to engage the Federal Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly on this issue.

    “We have already submitted a memorandum and made appearances together with NUFBTE at a Public Hearing by the Nigerian Senate on the issue of the hike.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress has adopted a traditional posture against neo-liberal tendencies of successive governments in Nigeria which we believe is extremely hurtful and deleterious to our local enterprises and employers of labour.

    “The NLC has also been proactive and vocal on the need for government to improve on critical national infrastructure. It would be foolhardy to continue to depend on generators to run our economy and expect robust competitiveness and sustained growth. The truth is that we cannot continue to operate a 19th century infrastructure and expect to experience a 21st century economy.”

  • Corruption threatens development in Africa – NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said on Wednesday that the high incidence of corruption in Africa represents a direct threat to its progress, stability and well-being which must be confronted head on if the continent must progress.

    In a statement to mark the 2018 African anti-corruption day and signed by the President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the Congress said corruption remain the most pressing governance and development challenge confronting African nations today.

    The congress said that corruption in several ways has continues to arrest growth and development, creating in the process situations of unacceptable unemployment, infrastructural decay, collapsed energy systems and capacities, massive production deficits and near absence of social justice”

    He said “Corruption has also created situations of strife or exacerbated them as was the case with the Boko Haram insurgency under the previous government.”

    Wabba said: “We would want to identify and collaborate with the AU as it marks this year’s anti-corruption day. In our view, corruption remains the most pressing governance and development challenge confronting Africa today, Nigeria inclusive.

    Read Also: NLC rejects 500 per cent tariff on local alcohol

    “Corruption in several ways continues to arrest growth and development, creating in the process situations of unacceptable unemployment, infrastructural decay, collapsed energy systems and capacities, massive production deficits and near absence of social justice.

    “Corruption has also created situations of strife or exacerbated them as was the case with the Boko Haram insurgency under the previous government. Thus, it is clearly evident that the high incidence of corruption in Africa represents a direct threat to its progress, stability and well-being.

    “We find it heartening that AU has not only recognised the enormity of this problem but has set up a day as a perpetual reminder and symbol of the fight against corruption.

    “On our part, we believe corruption is a monster that must be confronted head-long if Africa is to make any headway or be taken seriously in the comity of nations.

    “For us this fight, however, must go beyond the symbolism of marking the day to demonstrable commitment by leaders of African countries and other office holders that corruption is a reprehensible crime that should be stamped out.

    “In furtherance of this, we have held and will continue to hold anti-corruption and good governance rallies. We have held sensitisation workshops just as we have called for special anti-corruption courts and imposition of capital punishment for serious corruption cases.

    “The Thabo Mbeki report on Illicit Financial Flows in Africa clearly revealed that humunguous corruption goes on in both public and private sector-settings.

    “This underscores not just the severity of the incidence of corruption; it presents a picture of hopelessness of the African condition. But we need not despair if we are determined or committed to deal with corruption.

    “It is on this note that we at the Nigeria Labour Congress enjoin all those who want  to see a new Africa to rise with one accord and fight corruption today…. African leaders, multi-nationals, Western Financial Institutions, all of us”.

  • MTN shuts Maitama, Abuja office

    The MTN office in the Maitama District of Abuja, on Tuesday was under lock and key following the nationwide picketing of the company by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited the office, reports that it was locked with only policemen and other security personnel outside the gate.

    NAN reports that the picketing of MTN offices by NLC, which started on Monday, was in protest against non-unionisation of its workers.

    The leadership of the union and other members had barricaded the head office of the company in Lagos for about eight hours, preventing workers from carrying out their daily duties.

    A security man, who pleaded anonymity, told NAN in Abuja that there was a directive from the MTN headquarters in Lagos that all staff of the organisation should not come to work until further notice.

    “Maybe it is because of the protest by some people in our office in Lagos.

    “We were told to come to office but all other staff of the organisation were asked to stay at home till further notice, ‘’ he said.

    NAN reports that the protest in Lagos was led by the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba.

    “There are a lot of anti-labour practices by the company, which include denying the workers freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining,’’ Wabba said.

    At the time of filing the report, MTN offices in many states are still closed for business.

    Similar protests took place in Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Kano, Ibadan and other cities on Monday.

  • NLC rejects 500 percent tariff on local alchohol

    Says it may create more unemployment, job losses

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the recent policy of 500% increase in tariff on locally produced alcohol, spirits and tobacco, saying the policy will be counter-productive, while leading to job loss and the possible relocation of some affected companies.

    In a letter to the Minister of Finance, President of the Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the implementation of the policy is capable of resulting to massive job loss as well as relocation of affected industries.

    Wabba said: “While NLC commend and support the laudable efforts of government in increasing revenue and diversifying the economy in order to meet its obligations to the people, which is already yielding positive results, we however observe that the Federal Government’s recent policy of 500% increase in tariff on locally produced alcohol, spirits and tobacco will be counter-productive.

    “This policy will eventually lead to job losses and possible re-location of affected companies to neighboring African countries as was the case with Dunlop and Michelin.”

    Wabba said this astronomical increase in tariff will “lead to huge price disparity between locally produced alcohol, tobacco and spirit and the ones produced outside Nigeria or imported. It will also increase the cost of production and reduce profit margin. It will also lead to the closure and possible relocation of those industries to neighboring countries within the West African sub region.

    Read Also: It’s senseless, says NLC

    “We also wish to draw the attention of the Honorable Minister to the threat that the current hike in tariff on locally produced alcohol and tobacco poses to Nigeria’s position as the choice investment destination in the food, and tobacco industry in Africa.

    “Currently, the British American Tobacco Company (BATC) has its largest manufacturing concerns in Nigeria and actually services other markets in the sub-region from Nigeria.

    “The leadership of our union in the sector, NUFBTE, has been informed by manufacturers in the sector that they are seriously considering moving their businesses elsewhere if government goes ahead with the current hike in tariff.

    “The BATC which retains its highest manufacturing presence in Nigeria is seriously considering moving out a significant portion of its production lines out of Nigeria to other African countries. Also, many distiller companies, and Guinness Breweries which invested billions in distilling have decided to divert investments running into billions of naira to other neighboring African countries.

    “The massive job losses and social backlashes occasioned by the pull out of Michelin and Dunlop manufacturing company from Nigeria to Ghana and other neighboring African countries was a result of unfriendly policies and harsh business environment which we cannot quickly forget. We must do everything possible to prevent a re-occurrence.

    “Currently, the Food and Beverages sector employs more than 2 million workers with not less than forty million dependents. We are concerned that if the government continues with this policy, millions of Nigerian families would lose their source of livelihood. The multiplier effect of such scale of job losses and despondency is better imagined than experienced”.

    Wabba asked the Federal Government to quickly put in motion a procedure to meet and dialogue with key players in the industry to find the best balance and suspend the implementation of the policy, however laudable it is, to prevent the negative impact it will have on the economy, workers and Nigerians until after a proper consultation with key industry players.

    He said that the proposed high tariff should actually only apply to imported spirits tobacco and alcohol to protect our local market and jobs and consider embarking on actions that will encourage and relieve the concerned manufacturing companies with incentives and tax waivers that will rather stimulate the sustainability of the affected companies instead of introducing policies that will further constitute obstacles and distraction to their profitable operation.

    According to him, the policy of the current government has been to encourage Nigerians to consume what we produce as a country. This should be sustained and increase its effort towards advocacy and control of the consumption of alcohol by emphasizing and focusing on aggressive campaign and sensitization of the populace on the health hazards inherent in consuming unregulated local wines and spirits instead of imposing this kind of tariff hike that would lead to factory closures.

  • Pray for national peace, violence free election, Organised labour tells Nigerians

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and unity, while working towards a violence free and credible election during the 2019 general elections.

    The congress also asked the government to, in the spirit of the Eid-El- fits celebration listen to the cry of the Nigerian workers and approve the demand for a new minimum wage.

    In its message to Nigerian workers signed by the President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the Congress expressed the hope that during the 2019 elections, the will of the Nigerian electorates will prevail and be respected.

    The message reads: “The Nigeria Labour Congress celebrates with our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Eid-el-fitr. We congratulate all Muslim workers and indeed the Nigerian Muslim community for successfully concluding the observance of the holy month of Ramadan.

    “Eid-el-fitr is a very important event in the life of every Muslim chiefly because of the virtues it embodies. Eid-el-fitr teaches denial, dedication, discipline and diligence.

    “Eid-el-fitr is also a time of stock taking as Muslims use the period of the Ramadan fasting to take an objective assessment of their areas of strength and weakness. The strengths are consolidated while the weaknesses are strengthened.

    “Eid-el-fitr teaches us to love and to share. In view of the divisive political current flowing all over Nigeria and mainly driven by irresponsible politics, it is important that we learn that united in love and sharing, we stand; divided in prejudice and hate, we fall!

    Read Also: NLC accuses govt of plotting to disintegrate labour

    “The NLC urges every Nigerian Muslim and all citizens to fully imbibe the virtues of Eid-el-fitr. 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 organized labour for a New National Minimum Wage.

    “Organized labour appreciates all Muslims for praying for Nigeria during this year’s Ramadan. As we gradually approach another election year in 2019, we urge all Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and work towards violence free and credible elections. It is our prayer that in the 2019 elections, the will of the Nigerian electorate will prevail, be respected and the blessings of Eid-el-fitri will abide with us.”

    On its part, the the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said Nigerians must imbibe the lessons of the Ramadan in moving the country forward.

    In a statement signed by the President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Musa-Lawal Ozidi, the TUC said “We commend all Muslims faithful in Nigeria and all over the world for this all important spiritual exercise.

    “However, it goes beyond that – we must embrace the lessons of Ramadan which include personal sacrifices, piety and self-denial. The deficiency of these virtues is the fundamental reasons why countries we were at par with in the 1970s have all left us behind.

    “The time to look beyond all artificial social, political and economic divisions including minor ethnic and religious differences in society is now. All faithful must abide strictly with the teachings of the Koran and Prophet Mohammed.

    “We implore all Nigerians to be patriotic and strictly allow the cardinal principles of our respective religions to reflect in all our dealings, as it remains the way we can 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.”

  • We won’t accept further delay in approving minimum wage – NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the government not to take for granted the issue issue of a new national minimum wage for the country, saying it will not accept the continued delay in approving workers demand for N66,500 as the New National Minimum Wage.

    NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said in a statement in Abuja that it is now close to eight years since the last review of the national minimum wage took place, adding that Nigerian workers demand a Change in the humiliating culture of forcing workers to bargain too hard and wait too long for meagre increases in their salaries.

    The NLC was reacting to a statement credited to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige that the September date for the minimum wage was just a planning time line when the Minimum wage committee is expected to concluded its assignment and submit a report to the President.

    Ngige also said when the committee concludes its assignment, it will be sent to the National Economic Council and the Federal Executive Council for approval before a bill is sent to the National Assembly to legalize it.

    But the NLC is not happy with the position of the Minister, describing it as provocative and inconsistent with the fervour so far demonstrated by the tripartite committee.

    The statement reads: “Nigerian workers are shocked by statements credited to the Minister of Labour and Employment; Dr Chris Ngige, and reported by many national media houses that Nigerian workers should wait beyond September 2018 for the New National Minimum Wage.

    “We used the word “shocked” because it was the same Minister that in February 2018 without prompting or pressure announced to the whole world that by September, 2018, the Federal Government would start paying the new national minimum wage.

    “The current volte face by the Minister of Labour is not only provocative; it is also insensitive especially in the face of the excruciating suffering being endured by Nigerian workers particularly as occasioned by the increase in the cost of living.

    Read Also: Nigerian democracy serving political class’ interests, says NLC

    “Do we need to remind the Minister that he was once a civil servant who always looked forward to his monthly salary? Nigerian workers who are not privileged to earn fat salaries, allowances, estacodes and other perks of political appointment are looking forward to enjoy minimal relief in the form of the new national minimum wage.

    “The leadership of the NLC regards the gaffe as inconsistent with the fervour so far demonstrated by the tripartite committee set up by Mr President to review the National Minimum Wage.

    “The Minister’s stance is also at variance with the declaration made by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when he represented Mr. President at this year’s May Day Celebrations. He Yemi Osinbajo promised Nigerian workers that government is committed to ensuring that the issue of the new National Minimum Wage is concluded and delivered.

    “Our concern is “who is the Minister of Labour speaking for?” Nigerian workers want to know who has sent Dr. Chris Ngige on this nebulous errand. On whose side is the Minister of Labour on the upward review of the National Minimum Wage?

    “Our position was that we would expedite actions at the level of the tripartite committee on the minimum wage and ensure that discussions and negotiations are concluded by August 2018 so that Nigerian workers can start benefitting as quickly as possible from the New National Minimum Wage.

    “Finally, may we remind the Minister that the review of the National Minimum Wage is long overdue. The 2011 Belgore Tripartite Committee set up by government agreed that the review of the Minimum Wage should happen every five years.

    “It is now close to eight years that the last review of the national minimum wage took place. Nigerian workers demand a Change in the humiliating culture of forcing workers to bargain too hard and wait too long for meagre increases in their salaries.

    “It will be a great disservice to his boss; Mr. President, if he keeps taking for granted this very important issue of a new national minimum wage. For many Nigerian families, this is the difference between survival and extinction. The NLC, therefore, categorically rejects the continued delay in approving our demand of N66, 500 as the New National Minimum Wage.”

  • Democracy without equity, justice is beggarly democracy – NLC

    As the nation celebrates yet another democracy day, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on X-rayed the current democratic dispensation and concluded that the current democracy has served the interest of the political class and not the average Nigerian.

    The congress said that a democracy that does not allocate resources in such a manner that ensures equity, justice and sustained national development or  cohesion is beggarly, adding that 18 years of democracy in the country has come with very sparse rewards for the Nigerian people.

    In a statement signed by President of the Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba entitled “18 years of democracy: time to ask questions”, the NLC said it is unfortunately that those elected to serve as democratic leaders have not only turned around to serve themselves, but continue to exploit every given opportunity to turn Nigerians into paupers in their own land.

    According to the congress, Nigerian workers are frequently turned into cannon fodder by the Nigerian political elite in their high stakes political games and mindless scramble for the commonwealth, adding that despite escalating costs of living, devaluation of the Naira and general hardship in the land, the Nigerian worker is still forced to survive on N18, 000 as minimum wage with not a few states owing backlog of salaries and pensions.

    The NLC said “While we celebrate democracy’s irreplaceable gift of freedom, liberty and popular representation, the truth remains that this democracy has served the political class and not the average Nigerian.

    “Unfortunately, those we elected to serve as democratic leaders have not only turned around to serve themselves, but continue to exploit every given opportunity to turn the rest of us into paupers in our own land.

    “Besides, the frequent unlawful dipping of fingers into the public till, everything including salaries, pensions,  perquisites, ways and means are skewed in their favour to the exclusion of workers. This certainly makes a mockery of the very essence of democracy which is service to the people and for the benefit of the common good.

    “For us in the labour movement, a democracy that does not allocate resources in such a manner that ensures equity, justice and sustained national development or cohesion is beggarly.

    “We reason that Nigerian workers are frequently turned into canon fodder by the Nigerian political elite in their  high stakes political games and mindless  scramble for the commonwealth. Despite escalating costs of living, devaluation of the Naira and general hardship in the land, the Nigerian worker is still forced to survive on N18,000 as minimum wage with not a few states owing backlog of salaries and pensions.

    Read Also: NLC celebrates Falana

    “While Pensioners in not a few states wallow in misery and unimaginable suffering, the members of the political elite led by state governors as a matter of ‘law’ and policy, take in advance whopping severance packages to which they are not entitled in the first place.

    “How well has this democracy uplifted the spaces where we live and work? Without prejudice to the effort of this government, our infrastructure is still in tatters. Our roads are impassable and public electricity supply remains epileptic. Our schools and health facilities have become sorry relics of what they used to be in the first decade post-independence.

    “The spate of killings, general wave of violence and insecurity across the country further traumatise  the  hapless citizenry. In spite of the great effort by the Buhari administration to fight corruption, corruption keeps fighting back more viciously.

    “While unarguably, our electoral processes are improving by the day, the same cannot be said of elections conducted by State Electoral Commissions. Worse still, we are worried by the political intolerance of governors and their  philistinal behaviour, completely at variance with what obtains at the centre.

    “In light of the foregoing, this  May 29th should be  like no other as it  should not be devoted to false homage to democracy  but devoted to soul-searching and truth-telling, so that with commitment from all of us, we can get it right.

    “This day avails us a great  opportunity to demand for accountability from our leaders, especially governors, and also from ourselves as citizens of a great country that has potential to be greater.

    “It is a day  for us to  shift from our pliant position as citizens to a position of virility, vitality, proactivity or of asking questions, especially, those who have appropriated the machinery of democracy to feather their nests.

    “This May 29 must be seized by those who have been under-served by the chefs manning our democratic kitchen. This May 29 must be captured by those who have been left behind in our democratic journey. There is no better time to demand for accountability from political office holders than now.

    “There is also no better time to demand accountability from the popular side – ourselves – than now. What have we done with our votes? What will we do with our votes in 2019 and in elections that would take place before and after then? Our destiny is our hands to shape!

    “Yet, despite the inability of our democracy  to put on the table our expectations,  it still remains the best form of government. Accordingly, we will continue to support all processes that will enthrone or perfect our democracy.

    “For us, the  dark memories of military rule are still fresh and we pledge not to stand by as some elements seek to imperil this democracy by  their acts of  greed, insane desperation for power, petty proclivities and  inanities.

    “Nigerian workers, activists, peasants, women and students did not work so  hard to bring about this democracy – (some even paid the supreme price) – for opportunists masquerading as political leaders to loot it dry and then truncate it.

    “Nigerian workers must personally appropriate this challenge as we seek to rebuild an enduring political platform that would offer the fullest essence to our age-long struggle for a society where no one is oppressed, cheated, excluded, isolated or left behind.

    “At the risk of repetition, the  biggest gift this anniversary offers us in our view is, as part of our civic duty, to register and obtain our voters cards, vote and defend our votes. It also gives us a chance to monitor government and hold it to account

    “As a people, we have the power to elect or change  governments if only we are willing and committed. We are also obligated to support government if it is doing the right thing. On no account should we allow primordial or pristine considerations to preclude us from doing the right thing.”

  • NLC celebrates Falana

    Says he is an abiding friend of Nigerian Workers

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has describe Lagos Lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN) as an advocate against oppressive policies and actions without any religious or ethnic consideration.

    In its message of congratulation on his 60th birthday signed by the President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the Congress said Falana has always been on the same page with the Nigeria Labour Congress in so many of our campaigns for social justice, equity and national renewal.

    Wabba said further that Falana was abiding friend of Nigerian workers would only betray a struggle with the right adjectives.

    The statement reads: “The Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to celebrate a great Nigerian patriot, lawyer and defender of workers’ and people’s rights; Comrade Femi Falana as he turns sixty!

    “Femi Falana since his student days has been in the fore front of the crusade for the emancipation of the Nigerian people. As a student, even before he became a lawyer, Femi Falana was in the habit of bailing fellow student union activists who got captured by the State.

    “As a lawyer, Femi Falana has continued in the footsteps of Nigeria’s numero uno Senior Advocate of the Masses; Chief Gani Fawehinmi. Femi has always broken through the noise of silence to speak out against oppressive policies and actions of those in the corridors of political power.

    “His interventions as a human rights crusader and activist transcend ethnic, religious and political sentiments and have kept successive governments in Nigeria on their toes.

    Read Also: Omo-Agege: Falana commends Senate for obeying court order

    “Comrade Femi Falana is not just a rabble rousing activist; he is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria with an illustrious pedigree as a lawyer’s lawyer and a thorough bred professional.

    “His commitment to pristine principles has elevated him above many of his colleagues in the legal profession who hide under the principles of “adversarial litigation” and “right to defend” to go to bed with all manner of shady characters. Mr Femi Falana has continued to live above board.

    “In tandem with his avowed commitment to the liberation of the Nigerian State from retrogressive forces, Comrade Femi Falana has always been on the same page with the Nigeria Labour Congress in so many of our campaigns for social justice, equity and national renewal. To describe him as an abiding friend of Nigerian workers would only betray a struggle with the right adjectives.

    “In further demonstration of his unflinching passion for a better society, Comrade Femi Falana has continued to reach out beyond the boundaries of his professional calling to intervene in the political arena.

    “Recently, he was the Chairman of the National Conscience Party and on which platform he contested for the governorship seat of Ekiti State in 2007. Comrade Femi Falana has also been in the fore front of the call for a vibrant Workers Political Party – a collectively shared aspiration that would soon be a reality.

    “At sixty years, the Nigeria Labour Congress wishes our erudite and eminent partner in the struggle for workers’ and peoples’ rights; Comrade Femi Falana, a graceful ascent to golden years ahead”.

  • Senate invasion a threat to democracy – NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said on Friday that Wednesday’s invasion of the Senate Chamber by suspected hoodlums was a violation of the nation’s security system and threat to the current democratic dispensation.

    In a statement signed by its president, Ayuba Wabba, NLC said the episode was an unfortunate reminder of the dark days which the nation should do without.

    The statement reads: “The invasion of the hallowed chamber of the Senate on Wednesday by hoodlums and miscreants who carted away the mace and other paraphernalia of authority is a violation of the sanctity of the Senate and constitutes a threat to our democracy. It represents a throw-back to those dark old days we are better off without.

    “It is equally a sad commentary on the quality of representation. We therefore condemn it in its entirety. We similarly invite all who love Nigeria to rise and condemn this crude and sordid act or conduct.

    “The Senate, from the days of the Greeks and Romans from whom the world borrowed this concept of democracy, has always been a sacred arena for the nobility (in carriage, thought or mind), the best and the brightest, the gifted in oratory, a hatchery of the supremacy of ideas delivered in the most sublime and profound language in furtherance of the interest of fatherland.

    “As a House  packed full of representatives from different parts of the Republic, there are bound  to be differences (of opinion, tactics, strategy) and even conflicts but these are expected to be resolved in a dignified manner befitting of men and women of character and learning! It is for this reason, there are rules of engagement that every member is made to understand as a precondition to swearing in.

    “It is in consideration of this that we consider what has happened as a big anomaly. We do also believe that the National Assembly Security apparatus should be called to question for laxity or compromise.

    “Whereas they have often distinguished themselves by keeping at bay constituents and peaceful protesters from the precincts of the National Assembly, these thugs seem to have walked on a laid red carpet.

    “Could these agencies have been acting alone? What is the degree of their complicity? Whichever way, we condemn this primitive conduct and demand sanctions. Let it never happen again. There are better methods no matter the issues.”

  • NLC vows to resist attempt to slowdown review of minimum wage

    NLC vows to resist attempt to slowdown review of minimum wage

    The Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) on Monday vowed to  resist any attempt to slowdown the review of the National Minimum wage.

    Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President said this at the 40th Anniversary of the Congress in Abuja with the theme: “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow, National Unity and Social Justice”.

    Wabba said the N18, 000 minimum wage was borne out of the current reality of the high cost living, free fall of naira and the high cost of goods and service and it was long overdue.

    According to him, let us use this medium to serve notice to those who seek to slow down or frustrate the process of review that they will be resisted in like manner as our predecessors did.

    “We are prepared to deal with employers, especially governors who deny workers and pensioners their salaries and pension.

    “Workers and their families would not give them any further political support, especially their votes,” he warned.

    He noted that the Nigerian workers and other citizens had suffered from increase taxation, retrenchment from public and private sectors, non payment of salaries, gratuities and pension.

    He also said that the cost of living, transportation has increased, saying that the government has refused to honour and implement the bargain agreement.

    The NLC president said that the union has continued to use its platform to demand for a fair, just, equitable and workable political system for the Nigerian workers.

    Wabba, while speaking on the anniversary, said NLC would use the occasion to engage in self–examination of the past, present and also try to project into the future.

    “We need to celebrate our modest achievements and learn from our mistakes.

    “We need to know if we have adhered to or deviated from the fundamental principles of our organisation.

    “In celebrating these achievements, we need to think of ways of reinvigorating, revitalizing and transforming the organisation to a formidable worker organisation can stand the test of time,’’ he said.

    Also, Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment said the Federal Government has assured workers in the country that they would begin to enjoy ‎the new minimum wage by the third quarter of 2018.

    Ngige said third quarter was the minimum time for the implementation of the new wage.

    “In furtherance to the determination by the Federal Government to attain the decent work agenda, which involves opportunities for work that are productive and deliver a fair income,

    “Security in the workplace, and social protection for families; there have been overtime three minimum wage reviews and currently the tripartite committee of National Minimum Wageis set to review the current minimum wage.

    “Memoranda ‎are being received from relevant bodies and persons to enable the determination of the minimum wage for the nation, so by the third quarter, a new minimum wage would be announced for the country,” he said.

    NAN