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Tag: Minister of Labour and Employment

  • FG appeal to ASUU to shelve warning strike

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige has appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to rescind its decision to embark on a nationwide warning strike from Wednesday.

    The Minister said in a statement Tuesday night that the union should give the Buhari administration an opportunity to discuss all contending issues arising from the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) it reached with the past administration.

    The Minister however said that “the claims of nationwide consultations by ASUU cannot be true as the Ministry of Labour and Employment which is the chief conciliator of industrial relations disputes is yet to receive a direct petition from ASUU against the Federal Government who is the jurisdictional employer”.

    The statement signed by the Deputy Director Press, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Samuel Olowokere emphasized the need for proper re-negotiation of  the Collective Bargaining Agreement which ASUU reached with the previous administrations through a clear channel of social dialogue, starting with its immediate employer, the Ministry of Education, and the Labour Ministry.

    It explained that in view of the prevailing circumstances, the issuance of warning strike by ASUU was unconstitutional as the body was yet to exhaust the conflict resolution mechanisms clearly mapped out in the labour laws.

    The Minister therefore appealed to ASUU to give the present administration the opportunity to fully address its grievances which stemmed from the inactions of the past administration.

  • Senate to summon Ngige over unemployment rate

    Senate to summon Ngige over unemployment rate

    The Senate on Tuesday resolved to invite the Minister of Labour and Employment to provide insight into government’s roadmap towards tackling unemployment in the country.

    This followed a motion by Sen. Duro Faseyi (PDP-Ekiti), who called on the President Muhammadu Buhari to declare a state of emergency on unemployment with a view to confront the challenge “frontally and radically”.

    “The economic recession which has hit the country would integrally multiply the level of unemployment in the country as more companies have started considering downsizing in order to cut cost and optimise profit,” he said.

    Faseyi lamented that the unemployment figure in the country had created social tension and crisis in the society, which was evident in cases of kidnapping and insurgency.

    He advised that urgent and results-oriented steps should be taken to tackle the “unpalatable unemployment” situation in the country.

    Supporting the motion, Sen. Sabi Abdullahi (APC-Niger) said that the time was ripe for the National Assembly to proffer solution to unemployment in the country.

    “There is no better time than now, especially as we are moving towards next year’s budget proposal.

    “The policy intent of government with respect to unemployment is not unambiguous because government has accepted that the unemployment rate is something to worry about,” Abdullahi said.

    He said that what was worrisome was the issue of translating policy intent into programmes and actions that would address the issue of unemployment.

    “The Committee on Labour and Employment was on oversight just last week.

    “It was revealed that the National Directorate for Employment has very innovative programmes that cut across various sectors in various locations across the federation.

    “In the budget of N1.8 billion, as at November, they were only given N74 million, yet it is expected that from the programmes they have, they are expected to train youths and various interest groups.

    “This would enable the youths to begin to do something by way of employing themselves or even creating small and micro enterprises where they can employ one or two persons,” he said.

    The lawmaker urged members of the senate to find a yardstick in determining how much the Ministry of Labour and Employment would receive to tackle unemployment. (NAN)

    After debate on the motion, the lawmakers adopted it with a resolution to invite Labour Minister for some explanation.

    The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided at the plenary, directed the Clerk of the Senate to invite the minister.

  • Govt to NLC: return to negotiation table

    Govt to NLC: return to negotiation table

    The federal government said yesterday it will return to the negotiation table with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the increase in the price of petrol.

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige said in a statement that it expects Labour back after NLC President Ayuba Wabba walked out of a meeting on Tuesday night.

    The statement said: “The Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige is constrained to respond to a number of issues which were raised today by the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba after he led the NLC to withdraw from the negotiation between the Federal Government and organised labour yesterday,  Tuesday, May 17 2016.

    “It is instructive to note that most Nigerians have shown great understanding of the fact that the current problem is not a subsidy removal issue, but how to deal with the non-availability of foreign exchange, a situation that leaves the federal government with no other choice than to deregulate the downstream of the petroleum sector which resulted in rise in pump price of petroleum.

    “In view of the above, the Federal Government is fully committed to the quick implementation of the palliatives in the 2016 budget, while developing other ways to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.

    “The federal government appreciates all the important issues raised by the labour unions and has taken them into consideration. Government is resolute in making sure that the economy is not only strong, but able to provide jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians.

    “The federal government went to court to seek an injunction restraining labour from embarking on strike because there is a clear process of declaring labour strike under the law. It is therefore the view of government that those processes were not complied with before the NLC called the strike.

    “I wish to further state that series of meetings and consultations were held between the federal government through the Minister of State Petroleum, the Office of the Vice President, the Minister of Labour and Employment and organised labour unions.

    “It bears putting on record that on the 4th of May 2016 while discussing the template put forward by the Minister of State Petroleum, the NLC, TUC, NUPENG, PENGASSAN and other major stakeholders even advised that the NNPC pricing should be same with that of the Independent Petroleum Marketing Companies at N140 per litre.

    “There was another meeting on May 11, 2016 where Governors, National Assembly leadership and some ministers were in attendance with NLC, TUC, PENGASSAN and NUPENG promising  to take the decision of the meeting to their respective organs for further necessary actions.

    “It was therefore surprising that the NLC, at the maiden meeting, put forward the issue of non-consultation as a major non-compliance issue on the part of the government but was out rightly debunked by the NNPC and Ministry of Petroleum.

    “Hence, I wish to use this forum as the major conciliator in this critical national issue to appeal to NLC to return to the negotiating table to conclude the negotiations that have been kick-started.

    “Other brother federation unions, TUC, NUPENG, PENGASAN, NUEE! NUBUIFE and other sensitive unions have signed a memorandum of understanding with the government negotiating team on the modalities for the implementation of the palliatives, needed to cushion the adverse effects of the increase in the pump price of petroleum.

  • Labour must reinvent its unity -Aremu

    Labour must reinvent its unity -Aremu

    The National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, on Thursday called on all labour unions to unite for the common good of the labour movement in Nigeria

    Mr Issa Aremu, the General Secretary of the union made the call in a press statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna.

    According to him, the current division in the labour movement over fuel hike will spell doom for the unions.

    He said that labour unions must reinvent and return to the vibrant movement they used to be, instead of undermining each other.

    “If we operate separately, we will be defeated separately, but if we operate in unity, we will triumph as one.

    “The recent 70 per cent fuel increase is indiscriminate in its impact on transport cost and cost of living in general.

    “The response of organised labour must, therefore, be inclusive and uniform, not disjointed as we recently witnessed.”

    Aremu stressed that worsening poverty, rising inflation, job losses and bad governance must task the imaginations of labour leaders to work as one instead of seeking for recognition from governments and employers.

    He added that the current divisiveness in the movement would not deliver tangible results for the working men and women in the country.

    “It is commendable and reassuring that Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, says government had no intention of factionalising the labour movement.

    “Therefore, we call on the minister of labour and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to initiate another round of all inclusive engagement with NLC and TUC on the recent fuel price increase.

    “Textile Union is not happy that NLC could not have a common collective action on the fuel price increase just as we could not organize a joint May Day in spite of the joint resolutions of all the parties to put the past behind.

    “Its time we close ranks to ensure we have a labour movement that commands the confidence of workers, that is trusted by the public, respected by the government and employers.

    “We need a united NLC to fight the issue of unpaid salaries, the struggle for improved minimum wage, the war against corruption, revival of industries and creation of mass decent employment among others,“ Aremu said.

  • 85 percent of Nigerians live in poverty – Ngige

    85 percent of Nigerians live in poverty – Ngige

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige said Tuesday that about 85 percent of Nigerians were living in poverty, but was however quick to add that the Buhari government was taking concrete steps to address the high level of poverty in the land.

    The Minister who spoke at a productivity awareness lecture for staff of the Ministry assured that the present government was a government for the down trodden in the society and will stop at nothing to ensure a better life for Nigerians.

    According to him, the Buhari government came into office based on its three cardinal campaign promises of addressing insecurity, revamping the economy and fighting corruption in the land.

    While saying that the primary purpose of government was the security and welfare of the people, the Minister said the Buhari government was fighting insurgency in the country with a lot of vigor, giving assurance that the government will be civil service friendly.

    The Minister announced the introduction of complaint boxes in all agencies and departments of the Ministry to serve as cross fertilization of ideas between the staff and the Minister, saying “I will read all the letters you drop in the box. But don’t write frivolous petitions because I don’t like such things.”

    Senator Ngige told the workers that productivity is universally acknowledged as crucial and critical to a country’s competitiveness and its integration into the global economy.

    He said further that it has also been acknowledged that economic downturn, decline and stagnation can be traced to low productivity, saying “It is in realization of this fact that the federal government has continued to invest heavily on reform programmes directed at transforming the public service to tackle head on the various challenges that have threatened our survival as a nation, impaired our productive growth and denied us the full dividends of democracy.

    “There is no doubt that the service needs to be attuned to its responsibilities not only as a source of policy advice and primary executor of programmes, but as the custodian of data and information on which decisions are to be based. It is a matter if regret that rather than record incremental improvement in the discharge of these and other statutory responsibilities, productivities, productivity has remained extremely low in the sector.”

    He stressed that the concept of productivity as it relates to the management of human and material resources is an issue that must be tackled assiduously in the public service in order to obtain optimal performance.

    He told them that the overall objective of the awareness lecture is to sharpen the skills and competence of the human resources in the Ministry and its agencies as well as to build their knowledge on productivity improvement tools and techniques in order to enhance their capacity for efficient and effective service delivery.

    Director General of the National Productivity Centre, Kashim Yunusa Akor said the agency was established to facilitate socio economic growth and development. Through productivity improvement.

    He said the lecture is seen as a veritable tool for the centre to implement the presidential directive on the establishment of productivity units in the public service as well as assist in the development and training of productivity practitioners who will then serve as agents to be used in spreading the productivity message.

  • Ngige: I’m hale and hearty

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has denied the rumours making the round that he collapsed during National Assembly budget defence.

    He described the report which trended on social media as a ruse and failed attempt by politicians to malign his ability and personality.

    Senator Ngige who spoke to our correspondent aboard an aircraft from South Africa described the rumours of his collapse as laughable and a failed cannon targeted at him by never do well politicians for selfish interest.

    He said: “I am not in Nigeria, I attended special morning session function in Zambia and am airborne to South Africa where I will be coming into the country tomorrow.

    “The rumours in social media and other quarters shows how petty people can be, I don’t see it as anything but I wish to tell those who still play this outdated and obsolete politics of bitterness to embrace change and know that it is no longer business as usual”

    He expressed explicit confidence in President Buhari’s administration to weed the country off of corrupt leaders who have retarded development in the pass.

    He reiterated that his ministry shall continue to play the complimentary role of promoting good governance in the country.

  • Call for massive youth employment, false – Minister

    Call for massive youth employment, false – Minister

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has denied an online report calling for the submission of Curriculum Vitae (CV) by unemployed youths to the ministry.

    The minister said this on Monday in Abuja in a statement signed by the Deputy Director of Press in the Ministry, Samuel Olowookere.

    According to him, the attention of the minister had been drawn to the online publication requesting unemployed Nigerian youths to submit application for employment in the ministry.

    The statement noted that the online publication requested unemployed Nigerian youths to submit the CVs at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Headquarters and its Zonal offices nationwide.

    “The general public is hereby advised to disregard this false directive as it did not emanate from the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    “In view of the apprehension the above false information has generated, it is pertinent to point out that the present administration is committed to the creation of decent employment opportunities for the teeming unemployed Nigerians.

    “It has perfected plans for massive job creation through well thought out programmes such as Graduate Teachers Conversion Programme and Graduate Internship Scheme (GIS), among others.”

    The statement said that the general public would be informed in due course when any of these programmes/scheme would be rolled out.

  • FG to partner TUC on employment generation – Ngige

    FG to partner TUC on employment generation – Ngige

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, said on Monday that the Federal Government would partner Trade Union Congress (TUC) to create jobs for the teeming youths across the country.

    Ngige said this when he met with the leadership of the union in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was convened in respect of numerous issues bordering on labour administration in the country.

    Ngige said that the major focus of the present administration included job creation, security and anti-corruption war.

    “We are going to partner with you in terms of these three and especially in employment generation, as we are going to do massive employment in the country.

    “We are also going to do some social responsibility work in terms of gathering so many Nigerians in the social safety net, in order for their life to be meaningful.

    “At the same time, we want to touch the valuable groups — women and youths –; there are a lot youths that are unemployed now.

    “I want to assure you that in the 2016 budget of the Federal Government, we have mapped out many poverty intervention projects, especially those that will give jobs to our youths.”

    The minister said that if meaningful jobs were created in the country, the issue of insurgency would be a thing of the past.

    He said that the ministry would collaborate with the union in ensuring that machinery was put in motion for the government to create jobs for youths.

    He said that the issue of unemployment was what prompted President Muhammadu Buhari to rename the ministry as the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    “Mr President wants the ministry to stand on what its name stands for, which is employment generation.”

    He also called on the union to assist government in fighting corrupting, saying that it was the union’s duty to assist the government block the leakages.

    “You must help the government to fight corruption, because this is why our resources are being mismanaged, stolen and frittered away over the years.”

    The minister said that the Federal Government would honour all outstanding arrears of promotion, adding that civil servants would be paid their dues within effective dates of their promotion.

    Ngige said that other issues pertaining to the welfare of workers such as casualisation, and contract staffing, among others, would be addressed.

    Earlier, TUC President Bobboi Kaigama, urged the minister to include the union as part of the National Labour Advisory Council.

    Kaigama also urged the minister to resolve the crisis in Owena Hotel, the issues of casualisation, the health sector crisis as well as the payment of outstanding arrears allowances owed to workers by the Federal Government.

  • Full list of Buhari’s ministers and portfolio

    Full list of Buhari’s ministers and portfolio

    President Muhammadu Buhari announces self as Minister of Petroleum, while other Ministers and portfolio is as follows:

    1. Lai Mohammed – (Kwara) Minister of Information and Communication
    2. Chris Ngige – (Anambra) Minister of Labour & Employmen
    3. Babatunde Fashola – (Lagos) Minister of Power, Works and Housing
    4. Abdulrahman Dambazau – (Kano) Minister of Interior
    5. Kayode Fayemi- (Ekiti) Minister of Solid Minerals
    6. Rotimi Amaechi – (Rivers) Minister of Transportation
    7. Aisha Alhassan – (Taraba) Minister of Women Affairs
    8. Ogbonaya Onu – (Ebonyi) Minister of Science and Technology
    9. Kemi Adeosun – (Ogun) Minister of Finance
    10. Abubakar Malami – (Kebbi) Minister of Justice & Attorney-General
    11. Sen Hadi Sirika – (Katsina) Minister of State, Aviation
    12. Suleiman Adamu – (Jigawa) Minister of Water Resources
    13. Solomon Dalong – (Plateau) Minister for Youth and Sports
    14. Barr. Adebayo Shittu – (Oyo) Minister of Communication
    15. Ibe Kachikwu – (Delta) Minister of State, Petroleum
    16. Osagie Ehanire – (Edo) Minister of State, Health
    17. Audu Ogbeh – (Benue) Minister of Agriculture
    18. Udo Udo Udoma – (Akwa Ibom) Minister of Budget & National Planning
    19. Amina Mohammed – (Gombe) Minister of Environment
    20. Ibrahim Usman Jibril – (Nasarawa) Minister of State, Environment
    21. Hajia Khadija Bukar Ibrahim- (Yobe) Minister of State, Foreign Affairs
    22. Cladius Omoleye Daramola (Ondo) Minister of State, Niger Delta
    23. Prof Anthony Onwuka (Imo) Minister of State, Education
    24. Geoffrey Onyema (Enugu) Minister of Foreign Affairs
    25. Dan Ali (Zamfara) Minister of Defence
    26. Barr James Ocholi (Kogi) Minister of State, Labour & Employment
    27. Zainab Ahmed (Kaduna) Minister of State Budget and National Planning
    28. Okechukwu Enelamah (Abia) Minister of Trade, Investment & Industry
    29. Muhammadu Bello (Adamawa) Minister of Federal Capital Territory
    30. Pastor Usani Uguru (Cross River) Minister of Niger Delta
    31. Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Bornu) Minister of State, Power
    32. Aisha Abubakar (Sokoto) Minister of State, Trade & Investment
    33. Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa) Minister of State, Agriculture
    34. Adamu Adamu (Bauchi) Minister of Education
    35. Isaac Adewole (Osun) Minister of Health
    36. Abubakar Bawa Bwari (Niger) Minister of State, Solid Minerals