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Tag: minimum wage

  • Minimum wage: TUC shifts battle to National Assembly

    As Nigerians continue to react to the new national minimum wage of N27,000 approved by the National Council of State on Tuesday, the organised Labour yesterday said the next phase of the struggle has shifted to the National Assembly. It hopes to lobby the lawmakers to approve N30,000 for workers nationwide.

    In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja yesterday, they said the disparity in the minimum wage for federal and state workers was uncalled for.

    A civil servant, Kenneth Nwachi, noted that the payment of N30, 000 by Federal Government and N27, 000 by state governments was no longer national minimum wage.

    Nwachi said that there was no uniformity if the federal government pays N30, 000 and the states N27, 000.

    Mr Joseph Osita, a public servant, said that the approval of N27 ,000 by the council as against the N30,000 recommended by the Tripartite Committee was unacceptable.

    According to him, countries like Chad is paying N50,000 and Libya is paying over N100,000 in spite their crisis.

    “If countries like Chad, Libya and others can have a substantial amount that can put food on the tables of their citizens, why is the Nigerian government finding it difficult?

    “Again government should ensure that they check the prices of goods so that workers can feel the impact of the increments,”Osita said.

    Mrs Folake Afuwape, a parent, said the N30, 000 minimum wage organised labour is asking for is not too much, considering the hike in prices of goods.

    Afuwape said that the government should  do the needful and put smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

    However, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commended the Federal Government for approving new minimum wage for Nigerian workers.

    Mr Adeyemi Azeez, the association’s Public Relations Officer, described government’s action as total respect for the yearnings and demands of Nigerians.

    “This is a total respect for the yearnings and demands of Nigerians, as this will no doubt go a long way in making ends meet for Nigerian workers and students.

    “NANS make bold to say that the new minimum wage will no doubt boost the economy of our dear country and also reduce the unbearable burden on our parents,” he said.

     

    Labour shifts minimum wage struggle to National Assembly

     

    Mr Bobboi Kaigama, President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), made the announcement in an interview with the labour correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

    He was reacting to the approval made by the National Council of State, which on Jan. 22, approved N30, 000 as minimum wage for federal workers and 27,000 for states.

    Government has been locked in negotiations with organised labour since 2016 over a long overdue minimum wage for public sector workers.

    “If President Muhammadu Buhari takes the N27, 000 agreed by the National Council of State to the lawmakers, organised labour will provide necessary documents and agreements reached by the tripartite committee to lobby for N30, 000,’’ Kaigama said.

    Labour had swiftly rejected the N27, 000 minimum wage, arguing that the council, made up of former heads of state and key government functionaries lacked jurisdiction on the issue.

    Public sector workers in Nigeria currently earn some of the lowest wages in the world.

    But public office holders, including members of the country’s bicameral legislature earn some of the fattest pay checks in the world, according to analysts.

    A tripartite committee set up by the government on minimum wage sat for one year and recommended N30, 000 but the sum was rejected by many state governors, who said that the sum was too much.

    Kaigama told NAN that the decision of the council of state would not be allowed to stand because it would set a wrong precedent for the future.

    “After statutory bodies have done their jobs, council of state will now sit to review it.  N30, 000 minimum wage is a product of negotiation, not legislation, not advice and not a decree,’’ he stated.

    Similarly, the President of the United Labour Congress, Mr Joe Ajaero, described the decision by the council of state on the issue as illegal.

    “If the Federal Government approved the payment of N27,000 to workers, it will be a wage award and not a national minimum wage because it negates the agreement reached by the National Tripartite Committee.’’

    He said that this would be the first time the council of state would be playing such a role as recommending a discriminatory minimum wage for the country.

    Also speaking, the Head of the International Relations Unit of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Mr Uche Ekwe, condemned the council’s decision on the matter.

    According to Ekwe, it will be needless for any further meeting either by the council of state or technical committee after the tripartite committee has concluded and reached an agreement.

    He said that workers in states, local councils and especially those in the private sector deserved to be paid N30, 000 as minimum wage.

    Workers in Nigeria currently receive N18, 000 as minimum wage.

    The figure came into effect in 2011 when former President Goodluck Jonathan signed it into law, raising the wage from the previous N7, 500.

     

    Don’t inflate prices, Kwara civil servants tell traders

     

    Kwara civil servants yesterday advised traders in the state against inflating the prices of goods, in order to make the newly-announced minimum wage of between N27,000 and N30,000 meaningful.

    The workers gave the advice in separate interviews with NAN in Ilorin.

    According to them, traders and artisans in the country always increase prices of goods and services whenever the government announces a new minimum wage.

    Mrs Aisha Bello, who works with the state government, urged the traders not to hike the prices of their goods when the manufacturers did not increase theirs.

    “It is common to start inconveniencing ourselves at the slightest opportunity; so, we are begging the traders to be merciful on the workers.

    “If the goods are not expensive from the manufacturers, they should please leave us for God’s sake and not increase the costs,’’ Bello said.

    Mr Toyin Adewole of the Federal Ministry of Information in the state, said it was time to reduce the workers’ sufferings.

    “This is our time to enjoy the benefits of the new wage. We have suffered a great deal when the prices of goods rocketed and the salary was not increased.

    “So, we are begging the traders to have the fear of God in them and let all of us enjoy this together,’’ Adewole said.

    Another state government worker, Mr Taiye Ibraheem, said it was a long walk to freedom.

    “The traders should not turn it into negative for us. Though we deserve better than what the organised labour agreed on, we appreciate the increase. The traders should not create another problem for us,’’ Ibraheem said.

    On his part, Mr Dotun Philips said that government should check the traders’ excesses by regulating the prices of goods and ensuring strict compliance.

    Mr Ayodeji Babatunde, a private sector employee, said: “I really don’t know what to say at this stage because the issue of a new national minimum wage is dragging on for too long.

    “But the question that keeps coming to my mind is that is the federal government able to pay and how sustainable is N30, 000 for states?

    “For me, I think it is reasonable for states to pay N27, 000 because it is one thing to agree to pay and another, to be able to pay.

    “You may say it is because I work in the private sector, but let’s just face reality, I think the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) should allow this to go through,’’ he said.

    Mr Femi Olaotan, a civil servant, expressed displeasure in the way the federal and state governments are treating their workers.

    “I’m not particularly happy about the whole minimum wage issue. N30, 000 is not too much, the wage review is long overdue and to think that we are going into yet another review period is raising more concerns.

    “The government should have mercy on us, as there are no other allowances and benefits coming with the new minimum wage; this is all we have to look forward to at the end of every month.

    “Gone were those days when housing was made available to civil servants, we are not talking about any car and furniture loans that we used to have access to.

    “When are we ever going to be proud Nigerian workers? Let there be a uniform minimum wage, if there won’t be uniformity, let the federal government pay its staff above N30, 000 which should be the least,’’ he said.

    Another respondent, Mrs Muibat Alao, told NAN that half a loaf was better than none.

    “One thing I know our governments for is that they can promise and fail, so it is better to allow them to pay what is convenient for them to sustain.

    “The N18, 000 before now, some states still owe, and some were paying half salaries, so what are we talking about?

    “Let the NLC give in this time, and wait for another review year to push their luck again,’’ she said.

    Traders were not left out in the reactions as some of them expressed gratitude to the government for the raise in pay.

    “We are always happy when things go well for civil servants because they are our major customers.

    “I am not saying the government has done their best, but they have tried to raise the pay, it will also impact positively on our trading activities.

    “The only fear I have now is for inflation in the prices of goods and services, especially for petrol.

    “I appeal to workers and the NLC to accept what has been offered, and leave God to handle other issues,’’ Mrs Mary Adams, a grain seller, said.

    Ibrahim Saliu, an onion seller, simply said: “it is good that government has increased workers’ salaries’’.

    NAN reports that on Tuesday, the federal government said that it would pay its workers N30, 000 while the National Council of States recommended N27, 000 as the new national minimum wage for state government employees.

     

    NUT reacts to disparity in pay

     

    The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has frowned at the N27, 000 minimum wage approved for state workers.

    The union was also not comfortable with the Federal Government’s decision to pay its workers N30,000 as minimum wage.

    In December 2018, the tripartite committee had recommended N30, 000 as minimum wage.

    Dr Mike Ene, NUT Secretary-General, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the council should make the new minimum wage equal across board.

    “It is unfair and needed to be addressed immediately because a worker is a worker everywhere in the country, either with the federal or state government.

    “The N30, 000 translate to N1, 000 per day, we insist that the 30, 000 stands for all workers in the country,’’ Ene said.

    Dr Sabiu Sani, a lecturer with the Department of Economics, University of Abuja, said that the government would have implemented the tripartite committee agreement.

    According to him, “ We are supposed to have leaders that we can trust and not those that show disrespect to contract.’’

     

    TRCN boss commends Fed Govt

     

    Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) Registrar Prof. Josiah Ajiboye  advised leadership of organised labour to accept the Federal Government’s N27,000 minimum wage offer.

    Ajiboye, who gave the advice in an interview with NAN in Abuja, commended the Federal Government for offering its workers N30,000 minimum wage.

    The TRCN boss said the approval by both the Federal Government and National Council of States was a right step in the right direction.

    “I think the government has taken a very big step especially the Federal Government.

    “Apart from the Council of States approving the N27, 000 as minimum wage from the N18,000 which has been operational since 2011, the Federal Government has also promised to top the approved N27,000 for its own workers by N3,000.

    “This is a good development and if the states are able to faithfully implement the N27,000 ,I believe very strongly it will create a big leverage for our workers especially our teachers because it will serve as motivation for them to do more.

    “Everyone agrees that things are very tight for us in the country; so any increase in salary will boost the morale of the workers especially, teachers.”

    Ajiboye called on the National Assembly to expedite action on the passage of the bill when presented to it on Wednesday, Jan. 23, to make the new minimum wage become a reality.

    On labour’s rejection of the approved N27,000 minimum wage, Ajiboye expressed optimism that the leadership of the organised labour would have a rethink based on the current economic reality.

    “I think they will have a rethink because agreements are not cast in stone; definitely they are subject to review and I believe labour will see this as a big step first.

    “There is a clause that the minimum wage will be reviewed every five years and that is what we should be working towards.

    “So, in the next two to three years, we will begin to work on how to review the situation.

    “I think labour will be persuaded at the end of the day as a reflection of the current reality of our economy and look forward to moving higher at a later date,” he said.

     

    Muslim Watch urges labour unions to accept offer

     

    The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria (MMWG) has appealed to the labour unions to accept the N27,000 new National Minimum Wage recommended by the National Council of State.

    The group gave this advice in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by its National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi.

    “Our appeal to the Labour is to shift from its hard line posture of not accepting anything less than N30, 000 even in the states and local governments.

    “This stance of the labour will create more economic hardship for the nation and the workers; as the current price of crude oil upon which the current revenue of the nation largely depends is very low.

    “Rather than rejecting the offer, our labour unions should be realistic and patriotic to accept it and commend the Federal Government for being workers friendly,” Abdullahi said.

    According to him, as the nation prepares for general elections in the next three weeks any strike by the Labour on minimum wage will surely be a disservice to the nation.

    The national coordinator said the labour must shelve any plan to order strike for now in the interest of peace, stability and progress of the nation.

    He said the group received with happiness the resolution of the Federal Executive Council and the Council of States Meetings convened by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “According to the official report, the Federal Government has approved the N30, 000 Minimum Wage demanded by the labour unions but granted states the option of paying nothing less than N27, 000.

    Read also: I will pay 100,000 minimum wage if elected president – Sowore

    “This is a good point to start from, bearing in mind the challenges faced by stakeholders when the negotiation on this matter began about a year ago.

    “We must commend President Muhamnadu Buhari for keeping to his promise of resolving this issue and keeping faith with his assurance of transmitting the Executive Bill to the National Assembly Jan. 23.”

     

    CNPP appeals to NLC to accept new minimum wage

     

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP), Edo chapter has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to accept the N27, 000 new minimum wage endorsed by the National Council of State.

    The Chairman of CNPP, Mr Roy Oribhabor, made the appeal in Benin.

    He urged the NLC to accept the new minimum wage as matter of love and patriotism, in spite of the economic hardship being experienced in the country.

    He emphasised that the appeal became necessary after a critical evaluation of the N27, 000 minimum wage in Nigeria as approved by the NCS.

    “In as much as we know things are hard, we solicit for understanding because of the reality on ground today from some states.

    “We commend the leaders of the NLC for the foresight and determination to provide acceptable wages for Nigerian workers,” Oribhabor said in a statement.

    He also called on state governors to be more prudent with management and allocations of resources for the betterment of the people.

    “Therefore, transparency and accountability should be their primary concern. Finally, we appeal to labour unions not to allow politicians to use them to advance their agenda to the detriment of the Nigerian State.

    “This is the best time to show understanding and accept the minimum wage because the process of salaries increment is never an ending negotiation, hence our appeal,” he said.

     

    Adamawa civil servants, Abuja group hail govt

     

    A cross section of civil servants in Adamawa have commended the National Council of State for resolving the National Minimum Wage issue.

    Also, an Abuja-based pressure group, Noble Youths Mass Support Association (NYMSA), hailed the government for taking action to avert nationwide industrial action.

    They said that the resolution was in the best interest of the Nigerian workers.

    Mr Idris Tarfa, a civil servant, who works with Adamawa Ministry of Works, told NAN yesterday in Yola, that the present administration made N27,000 minimum wage a basic bench mark for a Nigerian worker.

    According to him, the question of states going back to negotiate as it was the practice in the past has been put to rest.

    Alhaji Sulaiman Dauda, another civil servant with the  Ministry of Environment, said that the resolution on the new minimum wage would go a long way in boosting the living standard of  Nigerian workers.

    Dauda called on civil servants to reciprocate the gesture by giving their best for wealth creation in the country.

    Also Mrs Aisha Aliyu, a civil servant with Federal Ministry of Education said that the new minimum wage would help boost the nation’s economy.

    Aliyu noted that the development would stimulate the purchasing power of  civil servants which in turn would boost the production of goods and services in the country.

  • CNPP appeals to NLC to accept new minimum wage

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties ( CNPP ), Edo chapter, has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) to accept the N27, 000 new minimum wage endorsed by the National Council of State.

    The Chairman of CNPP, Mr Roy Oribhabor, made the appeal on Wednesday in Benin.

    He urged the NLC to accept the new minimum wage as matter of love and patriotism, in spite of the economic hardship being experienced in the country.

    He emphasised that the appeal became necessary after a critical evaluation of the N27, 000 minimum wage in Nigeria as approved by the NCS.

    “In as much as we know things are hard, we solicit for understanding because of the reality on ground today from some states.

    “We commend the leaders of the NLC for the foresight and determination to provide acceptable wages for Nigerian workers,” Oribhabor said in a statement.

    Read Also: NLC rejects N27, 000 minimum wage

    He also called on state governors to be more prudent with management and allocations of resources for the betterment of the people.

    “Therefore, transparency and accountability should be their primary concern.

    “Finally, we appeal to labour unions not to allow politicians to use them to advance their agenda to the detriment of the Nigerian State.

    “This is the best time to show understanding and accept the minimum wage because the process of salaries increment is never an ending negotiation, hence our appeal,” he said.

  • Council of State okays N27,000 minimum wage

    With yesterday’s approval of N27,000 as the minimum wage for states and N30,000 for federal workers, the stage is set for the stage for the transmission of a New National Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly.

    Labour & Employment Minister Chris Ngige briefed reporters at the State House in Abuja on the outcome of the Council of State meeting, chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    According to him, the bill approved by the Council includes N30, 000 minimum wage for federal workers and N27, 000 as the minimum for states and the private sector.

    The proposal, he said, will cover employers of labour with minimum of 25 workers.

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Economic Council (NEC) had earlier met to consider the bill, which Senator Ngige said will be transmitted to the National Assembly today.

    He said that the concerned committees in the National Assembly will work on the bill in case the National Assembly is on recess.

    Ngige said:  ”As you are aware, we have had series of consultations on the new national minimum wage, starting from the inauguration of the tripartite committee in September, 2017 by Mr. President.

    “This committee was to handle all the issues surrounding the new minimum wage. It made use of laws, constitution, conventions on minimum wage fixing and specialist bodies like the National Bureau of Statistics, NISER and all other bodies that have to do with economic research.

    “The Federal Executive Council received the report and after a tortuous debate at that level, treated it. The National Economic Council, comprising governors and the vice-president as chairman, looked at the report and finally today, the Council of State.

    “These three organs have permitted Mr. President now to transmit to the National Assembly the new National Minimum Wage Bill.

    “Thus, in consonance with the fact that the issues of national minimum wage prescription is in the exclusive list, second schedule, item 34 and being on that list, it is not a job that can be done by the executive alone.

    “The President has to transmit the bill to the National Assembly and the National Assembly will take legislative action and return the bill that has been so treated to the President for his assent.

    “So, a bill will now be transmitted to the National Assembly that will amend the 1981 Act and 2011 Act. The highlight is what you want to know. The figure of N27, 000 monthly has been approved for transmission to the National Assembly.

    “The frequency of the review of the bill is five years, to get it in consonance with pension law of the federation as enshrined in the constitution.”

    Ngige said the Federal Government will add N3, 000 to the minimum wage of N27, 000 approved for states for those on its payroll.

    According to him, state governments and private sector operators are at liberty to pay above the N27, 000 proposed in the bill.

    The minister went on: “Exemptions to this bill will be establishments that are not employing people up to the number of 25. The various times prescribed have also been altered in the bill and will be sent to the National Assembly before the close of work tomorrow (today).”

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu briefed reporters on the Council’s decision on the presentation made by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Akeredolu said: “The council was briefed by the INEC Chairman (Prof Mahmood Yakubu) and the briefing as accepted by everybody was lucid and clear. It was all encompassing. The INEC chairman took the council through all the processes that are going to be followed at the national and state elections.

    “In his briefing, he informed the council of the preparedness of INEC and everybody in the council was convinced that INEC was ready for this election. And a lot of things have been put in place and I think we all concluded that it is important for the chairman to even speak to the nation on the preparedness of INEC for this election.

    “That would convince all of us that this forthcoming election would be free and fair and then the way we see it. They have improved card readers, the details of what have been done to improve it were made known.

    “It was made known that look, the process of continuous voting and accreditation system was the best so that when you are accredited, you vote at the same time and you leave.

    “He also informed the council on all the necessary ballot boxes and everything to be used and change in the ballot boxes. He also informed us that rather than using collapsible ballot boxes, they are going to use framed ballot boxes, transparent ones because we have lost so many and a lot have been purchased.

    “He also told the council that they are not lacking in terms finance and that all the money appropriated, have been given to them and they are ready for the election.

    “And he went further to inform the council that all training and retraining of every category of staff that they will use have started and they are having consultations with every group of people, religious, artisans and trade unions and so on.

    “He has informed us that there is no way they are going to go out of the category of people they use for election when it comes to the issue of university vice-chancellors, university students at times, and NYSC members.

    Read also: Labour rejects N27, 000 offer for states

    “So, everybody was convinced. INEC as at today is ready for election and questions were put, he was interrogated and he responded and gave adequate explanations to the satisfaction of every one of us.”

    On the alarm raised by Obasanjo, Akeredolu said: “Well, let me tell you, this point you made, the chairman of INEC, without being specific, made a point. And that point is what I want all of us not only in this hall, but the whole of Nigeria, that the success of election is not by INEC alone.

    “Election will only be successful by the participation of everybody and that whatever it may be, we must take politics out of the exercise. All of us owe a duty as leaders of our people at least, to be sure that we have confidence in the electoral body so that at the end of the day, assist the electoral body to succeed.

    “And I think the message is very clear to everybody. I think that all of us in the hall have heard that look, whatever it is, we have now listened to the chairman of INEC and we are convinced that they are prepared for the election.

    “I am not sure any other person will come out to talk about INEC any longer. So, the point has been made; all of us now have our hands on deck to ensure the success. Because, without our participation and without our cooperation, INEC itself cannot be successful.”

    On the allegation that the opposition is working with terrorists to disrupt the elections, he said: “Seriously, there was no discussion on that. As we mentioned to you, what we received was briefing by INEC on how prepared they are for the election.

    “So, their level of preparedness that was what we listened to. There is no way INEC will come and tell us, they have information on what opposition is doing or what opposition is not doing but what INEC is doing is what was received and there was no discussion about that. I am not too sure that we have that fact.”

  • Labour rejects N27, 000 offer for states

    THE N27, 000 recommended approved yesterday by the National Council of State as minimum wage for states and the private sector has been rejected by Labour.

    In separate statements, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and United Labour Congress (ULC) described the decision as unfortunate and shocking.

    Lagos lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) said last night on the Council’s approval: “With profound respect, the members of the Council acted ultra vires as it has no power whatsoever to approve minimum wage. It is not an approving authority but an advisory body to the president in the areas listed in Part 1 of the Schedule to the Constitution. And the areas do not cover minimum wage.” Falana is Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)’s lawyer.

    The TUC said in the statement signed by its President Bobboi Kaigama that the decision must not be allowed to stand because it will set a wrong precedence for the future, arguing that the Council lacked the power to the position already taken be statutory bodies.

    Kaigama said: “Let it be known that N30, 000 minimum wage is a product of negotiation, not legislation, not advice and not a decree.

    “Minimum wage issue therefore, is moving to a new theatre, the National Assembly. We expect the representative of the people if really they are to do the needful during the public hearing.”

    According to the ULC, the news that the National Council of State unilaterally proposed N27, 000 as the new National Minimum Wage “is shocking and goes against the grain of all known traditions and practices of industrial relations especially as it concerns National Minimum Wage setting framework.

    Its President Joe Ajaero said: “ULC rising from its just concluded Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting today in Lagos rejects in its entirety the proposed N27, 000 which is contrary to the N30,000 agreed by the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee and which has since been submitted to the President.

    “We state that the National Council of State in a National Minimum Wage setting mechanism is an aberration. It is also important that we make it clear that the National Council of State does not have powers to approve, confirm, affirm or accept any figure as the new National Minimum Wage. What they have pretended to have done is therefore without any force of Law, standards or other known practices of Industrial Relations the world over.”

    Read also: Council of State okays N27,000 minimum wage

    He said that it is a mockery of the essence and principle behind the setting of a National Minimum Wage to attempt to segregate it between federal workers and state workers.

    “We want to state that workers are workers everywhere whether at the federal level or at the state level. They all have the same challenges; go to the same market, same schools and much more they suffer the same fate. You cannot therefore pay them differently.

    “The government’s attempt at this dichotomy is an effort at segregation and apartheid in nature. It is an attempt to put a sword within the trade union movement and to further the marginalisation of private sector workers in Nigeria thus seek to weaken the trade union movement in the country.

    “ULC saw this coming earlier in January and that was why we distanced ourselves. We will, however, in the next few days in consultation with other labour centres, if they are still in the struggle for a just national minimum wage, take steps to ensure that the interests of Nigerian workers as it concerns the National Minimum Wage are protected.”

     

  • NLC rejects N27, 000 minimum wage

    The Organised Labour has outrightly rejected the new minimum wage of N27,000 as recommended by the National Council of State.

    Trade Union Congress (TUC ) and United Labour Congress (ULC) In different statements, described the decision as unfortunate and shocking.

    TUC in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama said the decision must not be allowed to stand because it will set wrong precedence for the future, adding that after statutory bodies have done their jobs, Council of State will sit to review it.

    “Let it be known that N30,000 minimum wage is a product of negotiation, not legislation, not advise and not a decree.

    “Minimum wage issue therefore, is moving to a new theatre, the National Assembly. We expect the representative of the people if really they are to do the needful during the public hearing,” Kaigama said.

    According to ULC, the emerging news of the unfortunate decision of the Federal Government through the National Council of State to unilaterally propose N27,000 as the new National Minimum Wage is shocking and goes against the grain of all known traditions and practices of industrial relations especially as it concerns National Minimum Wage setting framework.

    ULC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero said: “ULC rising from its just-concluded Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting today in Lagos rejects in its entirety the proposed N27,000 which is contrary to the N30,000 agreed by the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee and which has since been submitted to the President.

    “We state that the National Council of State in a National Minimum Wage setting mechanism is an aberration. It is also important that we make it clear that the National Council of State does not have powers to approve, confirm, affirm or accept any figure as the new National Minimum Wage. What they have pretended to have done is therefore without any force of Law, standards or other known practices of Industrial Relations the world over”.

    He said that it is a mockery of the essence and principle behind the setting of a National Minimum Wage to attempt to segregate it between Federal Workers and State Workers.

    “We want to state that workers are workers everywhere whether at the federal level or at the state level. They all have the same challenges; go to the same market, same schools and much more they suffer the same fate. You cannot, therefore, pay them differently.

    “Government’s attempt at this dichotomy is an effort at segregation and apartheid in nature. It is an attempt to put a sword within the trade union movement and to further the marginalization of Private sector workers in Nigeria thus seek to weaken the trade union movement in the country.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: Council of State okays N30000 for Fed. workers

    “ULC saw this coming earlier in January and that was why we distanced ourselves. We will however in the next few days in consultation with other labour centres if they are still in the struggle for a just national minimum wage take steps to ensure that the interests of Nigerian workers as it concerns the National Minimum Wage are protected,’ he said.

    The union urge the President to disregard the pronouncement of the National Council of State as it ridicules the statutes and principles governing the nation, saying that the only honourable path he should tread is to transmit the N30,000 figure as agreed by the tripartite committee and even the President on the day of submission of the committee’s report.

    “We will not accept the use of any cover of state to jettison the collective will of Nigerian workers and the trade union movement,” the union said.

  • Minimum wage: Council of State okays N30000 for Fed. workers

    The National Council of State on Tuesday approved the transmission of the National minimum wage bill to the National Assembly

    The Minister of Labour Chris Ngige briefed State House correspondents at the end of the Council of State meeting chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    According to him, the bill approved by the Council includes N30000 minimum wage for Fed. workers and N27,000 for states and private sector.

    The proposal, he said, will cover employers of labour with minimum of 25 workers.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: Revenue sharing formula for review

    He explained that the Federal Executive Council and the National Economic Council meetings have already considered the bill.

    The bill, he said, will be transmitted to the National Assembly before the close of business on Wednesday.

    As the National Assembly is on recess, he said that the concerned committees in the National Assembly will continue work on the bill.

  • ‘FG must not allow workers petition God over minimum wage’

    Global Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Agbala Itura Prophet Samuel Abiara spoke with Sunday Oguntola on his remarriage, minimum wage and other issues. Excerpts:

    What’s God saying in the New Year?

    This year is a joyful, peaceful and abundant year. It is a year that those that have experienced sadness won’t experience such again. Anyone that lays his hands on something good will yield profit. This year God will protect everyone but we must get closer to God.

    Firstly, Nigerians have to be thankful because God has really favored Nigeria. Anyone that watches foreign news outlets will know God has really favoured us. If you look at the top, you will see that fire accidents, rainstorms and even wildfires in several countries.

    We are so blessed we haven’t had much of that. Aside from robberies and kidnapping with herdsmen killings, Nigeria has been largely peaceful. So, we should be grateful to God.

    This year, God told me that wicked people will have it tough with Him. His anger will burn very hotly against terrorists across the globe. The blood of the innocent is crying to God for vengeance. My counsel to them is to repent.

    We don’t know how God is going to deal with them but they should please repent by laying down their arms. They should please repent because of the anger of God.

    You said 2019 will be peaceful but there are apprehensions the general elections might make the nation explode. Do you share this?

    I want to assure Nigerians that if they must keep their minds at rest. They should not worry or panic. They must not listen to the prophets of doom. I want to reassure them that God will personally deal with those planning to tamper with the general elections. He will expose them before dealing with them.

    People say you look fresher and younger these days. Is this down to your recent remarriage?

    Thank you very much. Well, God gave me that lady and she takes good care of me every day. She ensures I eat when I should and monitor my diets. She makes sure I break whenever I am fasting on time.

    She is God-sent. God gave her to me. She takes good care of me and I take care of her too.

    But how did you meet her?

    I met her in a miraculous way some 14 years ago. I didn’t know her before until she came to London. My late wife was still with me then.

    My wife was single at that time. She had no time for men. I can say she was not even interested in any man at all. She was so concentrated on heaven that men meant nothing to her. She came to me for prayers and I prophesised that God will promote her in the office.

    At that time, she was a top civil servant. I also told her she will marry a great man of God. But she said she wasn’t interested and was only preoccupied with making heaven. I told her she should write it down.

    When my wife died, I asked her from one of her sisters that I knew. Her sister said she was always in the presence of God, praying and carrying bible. So, I sent for her and the rest is history.

    You seem to be ministering more to men these days…

    … As a matter of fact, we are holding a vigil next Friday for them in the church. God gave me a vision to gather together all men around the globe regardless of their denominations and status because men have loads to carry.

    They need helpers and that is why God asked me to call them because He wants to do a new thing in their lives. You see, the truth is the devil wants to cut short the lives of most men. There are forces arrayed against their businesses and families. We need to demobilise such forces.

    So, on Friday, all of them will be meeting here from 10pm to pray till daybreak. We will be praying for their families, children, wives and businesses as well as the nation.

    By Saturday morning, my wife will also gather women for a session till about noon. Then, on Sunday, we will have a special thanksgiving and prayers for Nigeria by the grace of God.

    At over 70, people expect you to be slowing down now but why don’t you appear interested in slowing down?

    Why should I slow down when God has imbued me with energies and power? I am not tired at all. God has endowed me with strength. So, why should I be bothered? The CAC retired me as General Evangelist because it is constitutional but I am not tired at all.

    I will keep carrying on with the gospel works. I travel all over the world, preaching and winning souls. I hold programmes here and there. So, I am not tired and will not slow down at all.

    But what are you still looking for?

    I still have many more mountains to conquer. One of them is the Abiara Divine Foundation that caters for the less privileged, orphans, widows, widowers and downtrodden. On this job, I have realized that people suffer a lot. There are people who cannot afford a meal for two days. There are people who cannot send their kids to school.

    So, we have started empowering such people since last year. We offer them scholarship and means of livelihood. We gave N50, 000 to about 100 people to start small scale businesses. It is not a loan at all but start-off grants.

    You need to see how transformed these people are one year after. This is why I tell rich Nigerians to help the poor. Many of them are too rich. What are they going to do with the cars and houses they have? Will they take them to heaven?

    Many of them have estates that they cannot even manage again. They should please give up some of these things for those who lack.

    You are backing workers on minimum wage?

    Yes, I am. What is the minimum wage? How much is N18, 000 or N30, 000 or even N50, 000? That is what some people spend on airtimes every week. Workers deserve better than government is offering them. I want to appeal to government to please attend to these workers. They must not go on strike. If they cry to God, He will fight their oppressors.

    The National Assembly too should pass the minimum wage bill with dispatch. We must not allow these workers to petition God before we attend to them.

    Lately, there have been smear attacks on men of God. What is your reaction to these criticisms?

    You see we are not bothered at all. Even Jesus was criticized. He too was wrongly accused during his earthly ministry. Jesus Christ opened our eyes to a great mystery when anyone or group of people decide to attribute the works of the Holy in the lives or through the ministry of the men of God to devil.

    It is a grievous sin in the eyes of God called blasphemy and it can never be forgiven. So, I pity those who have given themselves to Satan to use to run men of God down because the word of God says, “Woe to you, destroyer, who yourself have not been destroyed; you treacherous one, with whom none has dealt treacherously! When you have ceased to destroy, you will be destroyed; and when you have made an end of dealing treacherously, you will be dealt with treacherously” (Isaiah 33:1).

    On the other hand, it is interesting to note that some of the ministers of God these agents of darkness kept defaming are waxing stronger in the Lord.

  • Minimum wage: Revenue sharing formula for review

    Governors seem to be making progress in their age-long battle for a new revenue formula.

    The Federal Government is considering a review of the revenue allocation formula.

    The Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) requested a review of the formula as one of the conditions for states to pay the N30, 000 minimum wage being demanded by Labour for the least paid worker.

    Labour has given the Federal Government up till January 23 to send the New Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

    The 36 governors, under the aegis of the NGF, gave two conditions to pay the proposed N30, 000 – review of the allocation from the Federation Account that will make them get more money or downsizing of the workforce.

    According to the governors, accepting to pay the new wage without the fulfillment of the conditions will make the states go bankrupt.

    The tripartite committee on minimum wage, chaired by former Head of Service of the Federation Ms. Ama Pepple, recommended N30, 000 in their report. The Federal Government agreed to pay N24, 000 and the governors proposed N22, 500.

    To iron out the matter, the Federal Government on Tuesday summoned an emergency Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting where it was resolved that the matter should be tabled before the National Economic Council (NEC) for further deliberations.

    At the end of the NEC meeting yesterday, a source disclosed that the Federal Government had decided to take the governors’ request to the National Council of State at its meeting billed for January 22.

    The source said: “We are making progress. We will be meeting with the Council of State on Tuesday January 22. The governors are asking for a review of the revenue sharing formula and government is looking at that.

    “The Minimum Wage Technical Advisory Committee that was inaugurated recently is looking into the revenue sharing formula.”

    Asked to be categorical on whether the Federal Government had agreed to allocate more resources to the states, the source said: “Everything is in progress.”

    Kebbi State Governor Atiku Bagudu, who briefed reporters, only confirmed that the minimum wage issue was discussed during the meeting.

    But Labour & Employment Minister Chris Ngige said that the Council of State will take a decision on the matter next week.

    Read also: FEC holds extra-ordinary session on minimum wage

    Asked what was the resolution on the controversial minimum wage, Ngige said: “Well, there is no outcome as such; it’s a work in progress. The Information minister told you the other day after the FEC that we are taking our deliberations to the National Economic Council and then we close up on the 22nd (of January) at the National Council of State. After that, we will be able to say where we are going.

    “Figure, frequency of review, those that have exemption and everything about the bill so that people will know because by then, we will be ready to transmit it to the National Assembly in consonance with our agreement with labour that we will transmit the new bill on or before the 23rd of January.”

    Reminded that governors have been insisting that they cannot pay N30, 000, Dr. Ngige said: “Well it is not a question that the governors are saying that they cannot pay N30,000. Discussions are still ongoing and will terminate on 22nd (January) when we meet with the National council of state.”

    On whether the governors are shifting ground, the minister said: “Governors are part of Nigeria and they are part of the government side public sector. So, don’t disengage them or disarticulate them from the Federal Government, the public is the Federal Government and the state government and even the local government.”

    The Council of State meeting billed for next week consists of the President, who is the Chairman; Vice President, who is the Deputy Chairman; former presidents and Heads of State; former Chief Justices of Nigeria; President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives; governors and Attorney-General of the Federation.

     

  • FEC holds extra-ordinary session on minimum wage

    The N30,000 national minimum wage request is to be tabled tomorrow at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja.

    The request will also be presented to the National Council of State fixed for January 22, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) resolved yesterday.

    The FEC meeting, chaired by President Muhammadu Buhari, also launched a new 60-page and 10-year Nigeria international passport.

    Information Minister Lai Mohammed told State House correspondents at the end of the emergency FEC meeting that the N30,000 minimum wage was still work in progress.

    Asked to speak on the minimum wage request discussed at the meeting, he said: “l cannot; because it is work in progress; since it will also be discussed at the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting before we come out with the decision, thereafter, we can brief the media.”

    A source, who pleaded for anonymity, also disclosed that the wage request will be presented to the National Council of State.

    Members of the NEC include  governors, who mostly have opposed the N30,000 new minimum wage and agreed to pay N22,500, and ministers of Justice and Finance and the Central Bank Governor.

    Labour has given the Federal Government up till January 23 to submit an executive bill on the new pay to the National Assembly.

    As the FEC meeting was ending, President Buhari was issued a new security features-enhanced international diplomatic passport following his launch of the new series of passports for Nigerians rolled out by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

    NIS Comptroller-General Mohammad Babandede handed Buhari the new passport after the President had inspected the mobile processing stand mounted at the Villa by NIS officials.

    Babandede said new electronic passport not only has enhanced security features but would bring discipline to the passport management system.

    The new passport, he said, will be issued concurrently with  the old passports.

    Read also: NEC, National Council of State to consider N30,000 Minimum Wage

    The standard passport with 32 pages goes for N25, 000 and $130 abroad; 64 pages for five years at N35, 000 and $150 abroad. The new 60-page with 10-year validity will cost N70, 000 in Nigeria and $230 abroad.

    The new passport reform programme has 25 special features.

    According to Babandede, it is weather-friendly and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)-compliant, with polycarbonate technology that eliminates damage and other security features.

    It will save Nigerians in the diaspora frequent visits to the Embassy for new passports.

    Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Danbazzau said only Nigerians of 18 years and above will be allowed to hold the 10 years passport.

    He said the government plans “to produce the e-passport locally with the Nigeria Security, Minting and Printing Company to create jobs locally and reduce costs”.

     

  • Strike threat: Buhari summons emergency FEC meeting on new minimum wage

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari is determined to avert a labour crisis over the new minimum wage.

    He has, therefore, fixed a Special Federal Executive Council meeting for tomorrow.

    The meeting might consider the draft Bill on the new wage structure before it is sent to the National Assembly.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has made the presentation of the Bill a precondition for shelving its proposed nationwide strike.

    Labour is insisting on a N30,000 minimum wage. The Nigeria Governors Forum(NGF) is proposing N24,000.

    Labour and Employment Minister  Chris Ngige last Tuesday told labour leaders that the new Minimum Wage Bill will be transmitted to the National Assembly on or before January 23.

    The NLC plans to start its strike on January 28.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, confirmed that “all members of the FEC have been advised to cut short official visits or campaign activities in their states to be at the session”.

    Asked if the salaries of workers earning above N30,000 labour’s proposed minimum wage will be renegotiated, the source said: “It is going to be a comprehensive FEC meeting. We will look at all options.”

    Budget and National Planning Minister Udoma Udo Udoma said at the weekend: “Technical Committee on the Implementation of a new Minimum Wage inaugurated last Wednesday by President Muhammadu Buhari is to, among other things, identify additional sources of revenue.”

    He said  the panel would assist the government on how it can “meet its expenditure on other services, such as education, health, infrastructure and other important functions of government, after paying the increased salaries”.

    Udoma made the clarifications at the weekend  at a session with editors in Lagos.

    A statement by Special Adviser (Media) to the Minister, Akpandem James, said: “The committee is to ensure that government can meet the increased costs that will arise from the implementation of a new minimum wage without affecting government’s ability to meet the other obligations of government, particularly with respect to the ambitious infrastructure development plans of the government.

    “The committee is expected to, among other things, look at how to get additional revenues so that as our wage bill goes up, we are able to increase our revenues to ensure that our spending on capital projects, our spending on basic infrastructure, our spending on health, our spending on education and others is not reduced.

    “In short, the committee is to advise on ways to ensure that notwithstanding the increase in payroll costs, there continues to be adequate funding for other government activities. This is not just for the 2019 fiscal year, but going forward, thereafter.”

    On budget deficit, the minister said the government is “proposing to bring it down slightly from the N1.95 trillion projected for 2018 to N1.895 trillion in 2019. This, he said, is 1.3 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), well within the three per cent limit set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

    As regards the debt service to revenue ratio, he assured that as the country’s revenue situation improves, that ratio will come down.

    Udoma added: “Nigeria does not have a debt problem as such. Our debt is within prudent limits. However, we need to optimise our revenue generating potential. This will bring down our debt service to revenue ratio.

    “Given the size of our economy, we can, and should, be doing better in revenue generation. This explains our focus as a government on revenues and revenue generation.”

    On the alleged small size of the budget, he said the government was limited by the revenues available to it.

    Udoma said: “Some commentators have complained that the 2019 budget proposal is too small. They would like us to have a larger budget. All of us in government would also like Nigeria to have a larger budget.

    “Indeed as our revenues grow, we will be able to expand our budget size. In truth, though we have increased our budget size significantly since we took over government in 2015, our budget size is still far too small to meet all our needs.

    “However, we are limited by the size of our revenues. Our current proposal for 2019 represents the maximum size that we believe we can prudently fund from our revenue and debt sources.

    “There is no point announcing a large budget that you cannot fund. As we are able to generate more revenues in future, we will be able to continue to increase the size of our budgets.”

    Concerning unemployment, the minister said the government was working hard to improve the enabling environment for economic expansion which will lead to the creation of additional jobs.

    He was confident that as the various initiatives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (the ERGP) continue to be implemented, Nigeria will be able to create jobs at a rate that is much faster than population growth, thereby bringing down the unemployment figures.

    “Most of these jobs will be created in the private sector, particularly in agriculture, construction, manufacturing, trade and services,” Udoma said, adding that “many of the major economic indices are showing signs of improvement.”