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Tag: Minister of Labour and Employment

  • New workplace gender policy coming, says FG

    New workplace gender policy coming, says FG

    A new workplace gender policy that would address current challenges affecting women in the country is being developed, Minister of Labour and Employment Maigari Dingyadi has said.

    The minister said that a well-structured gender policy within the labour movement will serve as a benchmark for all sectors.

    While speaking at the 2025 Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Gender Conference on Tuesday in Abuja, the minister said that the ministry has “produced a world of work gender policy which is to be forwarded to the federal executive council for approval.”

    This is as the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero enjoined women to take advantage of their population and assert themselves, exploring available opportunities rather than waiting for legislations.

    The minister said the new gender policy framework which was developed in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) seeks to reflect current realities and emerging challenges.

    Dingyadi assured women of the federal government’s readiness to support them in their quest for inclusion and equity in all spheres of life.

    The NLC president, Ajaero, pledged to support the amendment of the NLC constitution to set aside a certain percentage of NLC funds for the Women’s Commission.

    Ajaero said that since he shared concerns over Gender violence, such attention should be given to all manner of violence currently ravaging the country to address them.

    The NLC president, who declared the conference open, said there is need to prioritise actions that unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all where none is left behind in the pursuit of rights, access, empowerment and active participation of women to ensure that women’s voices are heard, rights upheld and dreams are realised in the home, workplace and the society generally.

    Ajaero challenged women to rise up to the challenge of making themselves relevant in the scheme of things rather than dwell on advocacies for review of gender policies.

    In particular, Ajaero tasked female workers to take advantage of their dominance in some of the unions to take control of the leadership.

    According to him, NLC seeks through its gender policy to promote gender equality, non-discrimination and harassment of women, equal access and opportunity for all in the world of work and society at large.

    He said the theme of the Conference, which is “Accelerate Action towards Achieving Gender Equality: Imperative for a New NLC Gender Policy,” speaks to the commitment of the Congress in promoting and upholding the dignity of women and all working people.

    “We are determined to ensure that women have equal representation in unions and leadership positions,” he added.

    While welcoming participants, the Chairperson of the NLC Women Commission, Salamatu Aliu, said that gender discrimination has denied women life’s opportunities, which has negatively affected their social status.

    She said the 6th National Gender conference will provide the opportunity and platform for women in the trade unions to make their input in strengthening the review of the gender policy aimed at enhancing gender equality within the NLC and affiliate unions.

    She said the conference will also create the platform for women workers to develop strategies, build synergy and advocacy plans for the social, economic and political advancement, as well as provide a voice for the voiceless, especially women in the informal sector.

    “The Theme of the Conference: “Accelerate Action for Achieving Gender Equality: Imperative for a New NLC Gender Policy” is therefore a strategic response in addressing the issue of male dominance in the trade union movement as a result of the patriarchal culture, some negative traditional and religious practices that tend to place women in disadvantaged positions,” she said.

    Country Director of ILO, Vanessa Phala said the conference was a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in addressing the complexities and challenges associated with gender parity and equality.

    Read Also: FG declares public holiday

    She said the ILO was pleased to acknowledge the progress recorded so far by the federal government and the NLC in this regard.

    The ILO rep said: “One of these achievements is the revision of the NLC Gender Policy, which is aimed at fostering gender equality within the NLC, its affiliate unions, and the broader labour movement.

    “The easy part is to revise the policy; however, the more engaging part is to implement the tenets of the policy, and the real work begins now. You can count on the ILO for its continued support.”

    Speaking in support of more women inclusion in politics and governance, former Chairman of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Prof Sam Amadi said that countries with more women participation in governance are doing far better than others.

  • Ngige, APC petition INEC over alleged stolen materials for election

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged stolen electoral materials meant for two constituencies.

    The petition was addressed to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji.

    Addressing reporters yesterday, Ngige said the two constituencies were Ihiala I and Awka South I, stressing that electoral materials kept in the custody of the local government chairmen were stolen.

    According to him,  “So far, there are reported cases of pilfering of INEC materials at Ihiala I and Awka South I, where our party agents have reported that materials kept in custody of the local government chairmen were no longer complete on the morning of the election at the RAC.”

    “We have petitioned the INEC through the REC, bringing his attention to that situation otherwise the elections in those two places would have been compromised ab initio,” he said.

    On the election, the Minister said, “Anambra is not doing governorship, we are doing legislative House and it has somehow affected the turnout of voters.”

    “But be that as it may, it’s a very important election as it affords the Anambra people the opportunity to form one arm of the government, State Assembly, which is for making state laws and which is the ambit of governance that is nearer to the people.”

    However, he said card reader was not much of a problem this time; adding that INEC should look into it very seriously as majority were still rejecting peoples thumbs.

  • Community ends seven-year crisis

    Minister of Labour and Employment Senator Chris Ngige and his Alor community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State have hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for making it possible for peace to return to the area after seven years of crisis

    Ngige and his kinsmen spoke yesterday at Nkwo Alor market square, after the inauguration of executive members of the town union, led by Chief Uzoma Igbonwa and 17 others.

    The community congratulated the elected officials, urging them to strive to restore peace, unity, harmony, brotherliness and solidarity among Alor indigenes and their neighbours.

    Read also: 31 stolen INEC’s card readers recovered from Rivers’ bush

    The community also urged Alor indigenes, both home and abroad, to support the executive to succeed.

    They deplored the actions of some disgruntled elements within the community, who, with the support of the Anambra State government, tried to scuttle the court-ordered election.

    The community appealed to state government to allow democracy thrive in Alor by resisting the pressure from some misguided elements bent on causing trouble and disharmony.

  • Breaking: ASUU suspends strikes, reaches agreement with FG

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Thursday suspended its three-month strike following an agreement it reached with the Federal Government.

    As a result of the agreement which was signed between the union leaders and government officials, the leadership of ASUU announced the suspension of the strike action.

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige told newsmen at the end of the two hours meeting that all eight areas in contention have been resolved by both parties while implementation of some the agreement has already commenced.

    The Minister listed areas in contention which has been resolved to include the Nigeria University Pension Company, constitution of visitation panels, shortfall in Salaries, Earned Academic Allowance and revitalization funds for universities, adding that while the union has already collected the certificate for NUPENCO, government has made money available for the payment of the shortfall in salaries as well as Earned Academic Allowances.

    He also said the government has agreed to release N25 billion as revitalization fund between April and May 2019 after which it will commence full implementation of the 2009 agreement, while allowances of lecturers of University of Ilorin is to be paid immediately.

    The parties, he said also agreed that the Babalakin Committee which is charged with renegotiating the agreement should reconvene latest 18th February and March 29, 2019.

    Addressing newsmen later, President of ASUU, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi announced that the leadership of the union has agreed to suspend the strike action immediately beginning from Friday, February 8, 2019 with the condition that it will not hesitate to resume the action if the government failed to meet there part of the agreement.

    He, however, lamented the role played by some Vice Chancellors who attempted to break the rank of the union, adding that it will not hesitate to tackle them head-on.

    Ogunyemi said that “Based on the initial proposals from Government, the Union made extensive consultations through its various organs.

    “The final level of consultation was the meeting of the National Executive Council (NBC) which took place 6th-7th February, 2019. NEC resolved that: Following a careful review of the report of engagements with the Federal Government on proposals for addressing all outstanding in the 2013 M011 and 2017 MoA, NEC resolved that the current strike action by the Union should be suspended conditionally with effect from 12.01 am on Friday 8, February, 2019”.

    “However, should the government fail to fulfil its part of the agreement as reflected in the 2019 Memorandum of Action, ASUU shall resume its suspended strike action as the Union deems necessary”.

    “ASUU notes, with serious concern, the covert and overt roles of some vice Chancellors in the management and application of funds attracted by our Union to Nigeria’s public universities. Consequently, we condemn, in the strongest terms, Vice-Chancellors who have made efforts to undermine and, in some cases, attempted to break our patriotic struggles for the revitalization of public universities in Nigeria.

    “ASUU will not shy away from taking headlong those Vice-Chancellors who are reputed for acts of impunity, nepotism and other forms of conduct which are antithetic to university culture and the progressive development of our universities. Our union will compile all their shenanigans and forward them to relevant authorities for further action.”

     

  • Osinbajo, governors meet over minimum wage 

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday led the Economic Management Team (EMT) to a closed-doors meeting with representatives of state governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    At the meeting were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Ministers of Labour, Finance, Budget and National Planning, Boss Mustapha, Senator Chris Ngige, Mrs Zainab Ahmed and Udoma Udo Udoma, respectively.

    Read Also:Minimum Wage: Minister updates Buhari, Osinbajo as FG, Governors meet on Monday

    Also at the meeting were the Head of Service to the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, the Director General, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Chief Richard Egbule and Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris.

    The Governors at the meeting included the Chairman of Nigeria’s Governors Forum, and Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, Osun State, Rauf Aragbesola and Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong.

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Ngige had briefed State House correspondents on Friday last week after meeting behind closed-doors with President Muhammadu Buhari had announced that the Economic Management Team would meet on Monday with the Governors to take position on the new minimum wage.

    The Federal Government has insisted on N24, 000 as new minimum wage, the organised labour had on their own maintained that in the last Minimum Wage Negotiation Tripartite Committee, the sum of N30, 000 which the government objected to, claiming that there was no consensus on that.

    Ngige maintained that in fixing the minimum wage, the paramount thing was the ability to pay and that government cannot force employers to pay what they cannot afford.

    But the organised labour has accused the government of playing games with the minimum wage and threatened to embark on strike November 6.

     

    Details Later….

  • Labour to Ngige: You are economical with the truth

    Organised Labour has reacted to claims by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige that the tripartite committee on the new National minimum wage was yet to agree on a figure with Organised Labour, but was still negotiating with them.

    In a statement signed by Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Comrade Bala Bobboi Kaigama and Comrade Joe Ajaero, Organised Labour said the Minister was being economical with the truth, pointing out that the committee arrived at a figure which is to be presented to the President.

    He said the subcommittee on figure chaired by the Minister presented four different figures which the committee deliberated on for several hours before agreeing on a figure.

    The statement said “Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige claiming that no amount has been agreed by the Tripartite Committee recommendation to government. The report further claimed that the Minister said that government was still negotiating with Labour.

    “It is rather unfortunate and sad if indeed, the Honourable Minister made those statements. For the avoidance of doubt, organised labour representatives wish to state unequivocally that the Tripartite Committee concluded is work, adopted a figure through a formal motion moved, seconded and adopted in the absence of any counter motion.

    “This was after a thorough debate of a report from the subcommittee figure, chaired by Senator Ngige himself which presented four scenarios for consideration.

    “The subcommittee worked on the basis of a figure proposed by the Federal Government, figures proposed by a number of state governments: as well as proposals submitted by the Organised Private Sector and Organised Labour.

    “The Committee formally adjourned its sitting with a decision that a date will be communicated to members for the signing of the report and submission of same to Mr. President.

    “Organised Labour therefore frowns at the manipulation and bending of facts in an attempt to delay or derail the processes needed to promulgate a new National Minimum Wage. We call on the government to take immediate necessary steps to ensure the enactment of a new National Minimum Wage as we cannot guarantee Industrial peace and harmony.”

  • Minimum Wage: No agreement on N30,000, Says FG

    *FEC okays N5.2 billion for roads in Sokoto State

     

    The Federal Government on Wednesday disagreed with the report claiming that N30,000 minimum wage has been agreed upon for the new national minimum wage.

    This was disclosed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige at the end of Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He was with the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed and the Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing, Suleiman Hassan.

    According to Ngige, the Federal Government has not shifted ground on its N24,000 proposal.

    He said that the issue of National minimum wage is a law that is binding on all.

    State governments, the private sector and the organized labour, he said, proposed N20,000, N25,000 and N30,000 as national minimum wage, respectively.

    He said the federal government would continue to discuss with the organized labour and all other stakeholders informally to arrive at a figure.

    He said “If you can recollect we spoke on the 26 of September and I did inform you that I was going to meet with the organised labour to see what we can do to stop the impending strike which was slates for the 27th.

    “We met in my office and we agreed to reconvene the National minimum wage tripartite committee for the 4th and 5th of October, that was the issue in contention at the time and the idea was to enable them get back to their council and call off the strike.

    Read Also:Minimum Wage: No agreement on N30,000, Says FG

    “However, one thing led to the other and the strike took place and they called it off on the 30th.
    We reconvened for the minimum wage committee on the 4th and 5th, and we had adequate representation of all the three partners. Tri partite means the three groups that are negotiating; the first group is the organised labour, the second is the organised private sector and the third group is the government, which is called the authentic authority by the ILO.

    “So we met and if you could remember the contentious issue as per that meeting was for figures to be fixed and we had all proposed our figures, but throughout the negotiations figures were adjusted; the labour unions adjusted their figures and came down to 30,000 per month, organised private’s sectors also adjusted their figures from 25 which they had earlier proposed to N30,000.

    “Federal Government is carrying on its own team, the governors so its a bi-focal arrangement when it comes to the federal government.
    Governors had their own figure, which was different from the figure of the federal government; both the federal government figure and that of the state governors were also presented and we discussed because the cardinal principle of wage fixing mechanism under the ILO is the ability to pay because the issue of minimum wage under convention 131, the fixing mechanism takes that into account and also says that there must be a consensual agreement.” he said

    Ngige added “So we have a figure of the federal government and the state government have theirs. The state government figure at the last time was N20,000, the Federal government had a figure of N24,000 and that was where we all stood.

    “This negotiation took into account this irreducible offers on the different governments but we could not arrive at a consensus. Even though we adjourned our meeting and said we will put up a report that will reflect this position, we are still continuing to discuss informally to see if we can arrive at a common figure.

    “National Salaries and Incomes and Wages Commission have also done…for the government and presented to the economic management team, so discussions are still ongoing and that is where we are.

    “This information becomes very pertinent because I saw all your papers, the dailies yesterday awash with the news that we have all agreed on N30,000, that is not true, the federal government has not agreed on N30,000.

    “The federal government is also carrying the states along with them because a lot of the workers are in the states and its a very sensitive matter, we cannot..because the issue of minimum wage is item 34 and an exclusive legislation by the federal government through the National Assembly to go and fix an amount which the states will find difficult to pay resulting may be in retrenchment of workers in the states.

    “This government doesn’t want any retrenchment and Mr President has always reiterated it that no worker should retrenched for as long as this administration is on; no worker will be denied his promotion for as long as this administration is on and recruitment to replace people who have retired or people who are dead should continue to be done so that we face the issue of unemployment a d do what we can through such recruitment. So this is the situation.” he said

    Suleiman Hassan said that FEC approved N5.2 billion for roads in Sokoto State

    He said “This afternoon, we approved the award of contract for the construction of Kagigi, Jaro, Goraye, and Takwaco road in Sokoto state.

    “This is a 28.75 kilometer road joining Sokoto and Zamfara states. It is in a very good agricultural zone. It will able to ferry agricuktural goods and humna traffic between these two states and onto the neighbouring countries of Niger, and Benin Republic.

    “These contract is awarded to messrs Sky Technical and Construction company limited at the cost of N5.202 billion.” he added

     

  • FG committed to promoting Social Security — Ngige

    The Federal Government is committed to promoting social security in order to eradicate poverty, ensure inclusion and address contemporary socio-economic challenges in the country.

    Sen. Chris Ngige, the Minister of Labour and Employment, gave the assurance during the Induction/Award of Fellows Ceremony of the Institute for Social Security Development (ISSDEV) in Abuja.

    Ngige was represented by Mrs Dorcas Ajiboye, Director, Social Security and Occupational Safety and Health, and Cooperative Development Department in the ministry.

    The minister said that the event provided the opportunity to highlight the importance of social security in enhancing socio-economic stability in the country.

    According to him, the promotion of social security “emphatically proves the commitment of the government to its change agenda in ensuring the welfare of all citizens”.

    “With the emergence of various ongoing programmes in the Social Security, Social Protection and Social Safety net, different groups of vulnerable persons, unemployed and employed Nigerians have benefited, thereby ensuring and advancing good governance.

    “Social Security is generally considered as the panacea to poverty eradication, social inclusion, peace and other contemporary socio-economic challenges.”

    Noting that social security in Nigeria is fragmented, Ngige underscored the need to sufficiently prioritise the premise on which social security is built and called for more efforts to address the noticeable gaps.

    He gave assurance of the ministry’s commitment to work with all Social Security stakeholders for greater achievements.

    “More than ever, we all need to work closely in addressing this variance.

    “It is pertinent that deliberate and dedicated support from all sides be given to achieve comprehensive social security coverage in all strata of the society,” Ngige said.

    Read Also: Teachers’ Day: NUT holds special prayers for end to Plateau killings

    Also speaking, Mr Issa Aremu, General Secretary, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), noted that Nigeria was one of the few countries lagging behind on the issue of social security.

    According to Aremu, who is also the Labour Party Governorship Candidate in Kwara, described social security as a set of policies and programmes designed to reduce poverty in any country.

    “I am happy that an institute is being formed to really raise awareness towards the improvement of social security in the country.

    “We can absolutely agree that social security is a human right; it is the right of every one.”

    Aremu said that the ongoing negotiation of the new National Minimum Wage should be used to also factor in the minimum pay for pensioners.

    “It is not just minimum wage for those who are working, I think there should be minimum pay for pensioners.”

    The Labour leader charged the institute to revisit the 2014 National Conference Report on the issue of Social Security as well as champion the cause for the creation of a Social Security Development Fund that would cater for the aged and vulnerable in the society.

    Earlier, Sen. Chris Adighije, President of the institute, said it was envisioned to assist the government, employers and workers towards building social protection floors and comprehensive social security system in the country.

    Adighije, who is also the institute’s Council Chairman, charged the new inductees on absolute diligence, commitment and professionalism in the discharge of their various assignments.

    He added that this is with a view to attracting more members so that the institute would grow to enviable heights.

    In a remark, the Registrar, Mr Johnny Okoronkwo, said the institute’s mission included enhancing the knowledge base on social security issues through capacity building and strategic partnership with relevant stakeholders, to ensure the development of a comprehensive social security system in the country.

    Okoronkwo said the institute would also promote public awareness on social security services and administration.

    “We will promote and support all social security interventions and ensure their adherence to national and international standards,” Okoronkwo said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has played a major role in developing an internationally defined normative framework guiding the establishment, development and maintenance of social security systems across the world.

    It has become the world’s leading point of reference as stated in Convention No. 102, which is the flagship of the up-to-date social security Conventions since it is deemed to embody the internationally accepted definition of the principle of social security.

    The UN agency defines social security as the protection that a society provides to individuals and households to ensure access to health care and to guarantee income security, particularly in cases of old age, unemployment, sickness, invalidity, work injury, maternity or loss of a breadwinner.

    Nigeria is a signatory to the ILO Convention 102.

  • Stop Ngige from committing Illegality, Pensioners union tells Buhari

    Members of the Electricity Sector of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) have asked President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Minister of Labour and Employment to desist from going against the laws of the land by registering another union to cater for the pie interest.

    The Labour Laws of the country does not allow foe the registration of a union to represent workers where a union already exists, but the union insists that the Minister is interfering in the internal affairs of the union and plan to register another union with the aim of divine the union.

    The pensioner who led a protest to the ministry of Labour and Employment also accused the Minister of prevailing on the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate to stop deducting check off from their Pension.

    They claimed that they have been reliably informed that the minister has concluded plans to register Chief Temple Ubani’s ESREWA to run parallel with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners.

    Read Also: Ngige and the parable of the stolen fowl

    Addressing journalists during the protest chairman of the NUP electricity sector branch, Alhaji Idi Bawa cautioned Dr Ngige “to desist from any act or acts that will not only bring his office to disrepute but also serve as a bad precedence in the annals of Trade Unionism.”

    Bawa explained that In defiance of disciplinary action taken against him in accordance with the regulations of the constitution, Chief Ubani and his cohorts voluntarily pulled out of the Union and formed an Association (ESREWA) to run parallel with the Union.

    He said, “Such an act if allowed is tantamount to illegality and against the rule of law.  In all circumstances, rule of law must prevail in accordance with the mantra of the present government.

    We are also reliably informed that the deductions of check-off dues was stopped by PTAD in contravention of Trade Unions Act section 17a&b, CAPT 17 of the 2004 at the intervention of the Hon. Minister.”

     

  • Nigeria not lagging behind on ILO standard – Ngige

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige said on Wednesday that the country was not lagging behind in submitting its report on Labour standards to International Labour Organisation (ILO).

    While reacting to a report credited to a team of experts from the ILO that the country was not up to date in its reports on Labour Standards, the Minister said the government constantly submits its report to the world Labour body as required.

    The Nation had quoted visiting officials of the International Labour Organisation, as saying that the country was lagging behind in reporting Labour Standards to the world body.

    He however told The Nation on phone that the nation was only having difficulty in handling certain technical reports and sought the assistance of the ILO in handling those technical issues.

    “We invited the ILO to help with with technical support because there are some areas where we are having problems. We invited the team you saw and they came to train our people on how to handle those technical areas.

    Read Also: ILO: Ngige accuses NLC of undermining national interest

    “The training was attended by our people (government officials), Labour and employers. We now know how to handle the reports which will be submitted to the ILO latest 1st of September this year. So, it will be wrong to say that we are lagging behind in reporting on Labour Standard in the country”

    On the inability of the government to set up the Nigeria Labour Advisory Council, the Minister said that lack of resources was delaying the composition of the council, adding that inspite of that, he has constantly held regular meetings with all those who are supposed to be represented on the council on how to move the Labour sector forward.

    Meanwhile, the Minister has reinstated the commitment of the federal government to job creation for the citizenry and called on the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) to expand its skills acquisition programmes in order to reduce the nation’s unemployment index.

    Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Board of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), the Minister said the NDE is a multipurpose vehicle whose mandate is anchored on creating varying programmes   to ginger creativity, skills acquisition and self-reliance.

    “The whole essence is to create a sustainable mechanism for job creation through skills development paradigm capable of producing a self-dependent generation of Nigerians who will not only empower themselves but also transfer the skills and replicate jobs,” the Minister said.

    He regretted that this noble ideal was being hampered by paucity of funds, saying “NDE as of today is not well funded. If it were to be rich, its mandate centering around training and equipping of trainees, empowering them with loans to set up their own businesses such as carpentry, tailoring, metal fabrication and welding, computer- based technology, mechatronics among others would be easy. But that’s not to say the NDE is not doing its best within the limit of available resources.”

    He however added, it was impossible for government alone to be charged with job creation as the private sector either alone or in liaison with the government has a huge role to play, saying that the public sector which the government controls is not expected to give more than 20% of jobs in a well-structured economy.

    Ngige further said that part of the mandate of the NDE included the comprehensive national data on unemployment and therefore enjoined it  to work in alliance with the National Identity Card Commission, who is currently creating a Single Data Base for the  entire country.