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Tag: new minimum wage

  • ‘Governors opposed to new minimum wage will lose election’

    Mr Adamu Garba, Vice Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Gombe State, has warned that governors opposed to the new minimum wage will lose election for second term.

    Garba gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Thursday.

    Read Also:Minimum wage: Meeting with labour not deadlocked – Minister

    “Majority of governors that fail to implement the minimum wage may not come back for their second term. Instead they will be voted out of office, because of lack of political will.

    “Many governorship aspirants are willing to implement the minimum wage if given the chance in their various states, ‘’ the NLC chieftain said.

    He said that the state council of NLC would not compromise its resolve to ensure compliance with the directives of the National Secretariat on the strike, to press for a new national minimum wage for workers in the state.

    “All affiliates of NLC have been directed to comply fully with the nationwide strike. We have mobilised our members to ensure total compliance,’’ Garba said.

    According to him, NLC has achieved more than 90 per cent on the implementation of 2011 minimum wage of N18, 000.

    He was optimistic that the struggle would yield the anticipated victory for serving and retired civil servants.

  • Organized labour allege minister of scuttling talks on minimum wage

    The leadership of the organized labour in Kogi State, on Wednesday laid blame for the alleged discontinuation of talks on the proposed new minimum wage, at the doorstep of the Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige.

    They therefore directed workers to join in the seven days warning strike called by the national secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), beginning midnight Wednesday.

    In a bulletin which jointly signed by Comrades Onuh Edoka, Ranti Ojo and Aaron Akeji, chairmen of the state councils of the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Public Service Joint Negotiation Council (PSJNC) respectively and the state secretaries, they charged that all lawful means, including the notice of a 14-day ultimatum to make the Federal Government committee deliver on its mandate, yielded no result.

    They added: “The (30-man tripartite national minimum wage committee) went into a series of meetings and consultations, including receiving of memorandum from various stakeholders and conducting public hearing in the six geo-political zones of the country and Abuja, in which Glass House of the Government House, Lokoja, Kogi State, played host to the North Central geo-political zone on the 27th April, 2018.

    “To the amazement of the members of the tripartite committee, particularly, organized labour and the general public, a representative of the federal government on the committee and Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, on the day the committee was supposed to submit its report, unilaterally announced an indefinite postponement of the sitting of the committee, thereby putting the realization of the New Minimum Wage in jeopardy.

    “Consequent upon this, organized Labour, utilizing lawful means, including Notice of 14-day ultimatum, to make the committee deliver on its mandate, did not yield positive result, as the federal government did not do the needful.

    “This is to bring to your notice therefore, that sequel to the directive from the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, the entire workers in the country will be proceeding on a (7) seven days warning strike beginning from the midnight, Wednesday 26th September, 2018.

  • New Minimum Wage: Labour issues two weeks ultimatum as Fed Govt gives assurance

    Labour leaders in Nigeria yesterday cautioned the Federal Government to stop foot dragging on the New Minimum Wage and allow the tripartite committeeconclude its job to avoid industrial crisis.

    The ultimatum coincided with an assurance from the Federal Government on the new minimum wage.

    The labour leaders, who are members of the Minimum Wage Committee at a joint news conference addressed in Lagos, gave the federal government 14 days to ensure that the committee conclude its work or be ready to face industrial action.

    Mr Ayuba Wabba , Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, said that the committee was not pleased with the comments alleged to have been made by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.

    According to him, Ngige had last week allegedly said that the committee should adjourn indefinitely to enable him do further consultations with the government.

    “We view his supposed pronouncement with great concern, suspicion and outrage.

    “This new antic certainly is not acceptable to Nigerian workers, who had expected a New National Minimum Wage since 2016, “he said.

    The NLC president said that in the course of the meeting, the committee members had time to consult and received memoranda and inputs from 21 state governments, specialized Agencies of the Federal Government, the Organized Private Sector, Organised Labour and the general public.

    Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the United Labour Congress, (ULC) said that issues concerning the minimum wage has been concluded and that the committee was expecting government representative to pronounce their own figure.

    Ajaero, however, refused to give a likely figure that could be approved as minimum wage and also did not give a clear answer on whether government was sincere on paying the new wage.

    He said that the call for a new minimum wage became necessary because it was already overdue, and in view of the increasing cost of goods and services.

    The news conference was attended by top labour leaders from NLC, TUC and ULC.

    The Presidency on Wednesday reassured workers of the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to an increase in the minimum wage.

    Sen. Ita Enang, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate) gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Enang spoke in response to alleged lack of commitment by the Federal Government to an upward review of the minimum wage, which has been N18, 000 for over eight years.

    “I want to assure you that the Buhari-led administration is very honest and committed to reviewing the salaries of workers.

    “If he was not, he would not have set up a committee on minimum wage headed by a retired Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. This is a sign of commitment, the Minister of Labour is part of it.

    “So, it shows the level of commitment, and it is not a committee of the Federal Executive Council, it is a presidential committee set up and inaugurated by the president.”

    Enang urged NLC to consider unemployed Nigerians in its demand for salary increment.

    ”The workers and labour should include all those who are qualified to be employed but are not yet employed.

    “So, when we are talking about increase in the salaries of workers, let us also make allowance for new people to be employed.

    “That is; thinking about those you and I have trained who have graduated, who out of frustration sometimes act and behave in a manner which they ought not to, and sometimes take to social media to harass the government and you.

    “Sometimes, they even revolt against you in the house because they do not have what to do.

    “So, when we are talking about increase in salaries, I agree to it, but I think we should also factor along creating employment for those who are yet to have.”

    The presidential aide said the Federal Government was already working towards achieving that by encouraging its agencies and parastatals to employ young and qualified Nigerians.

    Enang stated that the government was also creating self-employment opportunities for enterprising youths through its social investment programme.

    He said the government was equally creating the enabling environment in the agricultural and technological sectors for young Nigerians.

    The tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee, made up of 29 members drawn from organised labour and the federal and state governments, was inaugurated in May, 2017.

    Although the committee was given till Sept. 1 to submit its report, it could not meet the deadline due to disagreement over the minimum wage figure.

    On Aug. 21, Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Chris Ngige, however, blamed the delay on the inability of state governors to agree on a figure.

    According to the minister, the Federal Government through its Economic Management Team, is working with the governors to find a common ground

    Until then, the minister said he could not tell when the new minimum wage would be implemented.

    The NLC on Monday said the Committee on National Minimum Wage was yet to agree only on a figure for the new minimum wage for the Nigerian workers.

    Wabba said: “However, just before we conclude, the Minister of Labour spoke at that occasion as a representative of the Federal Government, saying the they needed to go and consult before arriving at a figure.

    “We felt that since this committee was inaugurated in November and everybody was aware that all stakeholders needed to tidy up whatever consultations they needed to do and make sure that we are able to work within that timeline.

    “Clearly speaking, they were not prepared to produce a figure by that date. But our report has been completed. What is left is just to agree on a particular figure as minimum wage.

    “All the parameters to be used to arrive at a figure are there. I can say clearly that states have sent in memorandums.

    “In fact, 21 states sent in memorandums, with about 12 quoting figures, NECA has submitted a figure, organised labour has submitted a figure.

    “With this new development, they are saying that they want to consult, we could say that it is not a fair process if somebody is saying at this point that he has not consulted,” he said.

    Wabba noted that the organised labour, would meet formally and issue a formal statement, and also see how they would ensure that the interest of Nigerian worker was not in any way undermined.

    According to him, this is where we are and we think that it is proper that we put the fact before our members.

    “Labour leaders have already called for our organ meetings where we will brief our members.

    “Already, it is in public domain that both the government and labour agreed that the timeline must be respected and they were saying that September is not feasible.

    “We are committed to respecting the timeline and that is why we left everything we are doing to do the needful to be able to do a good job.

    ”All the parameters you can think of have been considered and the report is ready. But the only thing missing is the issue of the figure.”

    The NLC president also recalled that individual states had quoted figures and every state was given the opportunity to make its own presentation.

    He also noted that a letter was written to every state by the secretariat to send in their memo, making their inputs and 21 of them actually made inputs.

    “You are aware of the figures quoted by organised labour. We have enough data to do justice to the work and we have actually done justice to the work. I am telling you that this is what has happened.

    “So there was enough time for everybody to make input. This should have been consummated but some people are saying they need time for consultation.

    ”We thought that should not have been the situation, because of the importance of the issue to Nigerian workers; and the workers can also not continue to be patient,” he said.

  • New minimum wage ‘not ready’

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba has said the National Minimum Wage Committee is yet to submit its report to President Muhammadu Buhari, because it is yet to agree on a figure.

    He added that the Federal Government had failed to come up with a figure to be agreed on.

    Comrade Wabba said in an interview in Abuja that while the committee had concluded its deliberation, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, told members that the government needed to consult before coming up with its figure, a position, he noted, negated the earlier agreement to work within its time limit.

    The minister told reporters in Anambra State that governors were frustrating the committee.

    But Wabba said 21 states made presentation to the committee with many of them quoting figures, while some said they would abide by whatever decision was arrived at.

    He said the organised labour had called a meeting of its organs, to inform them of the development, adding that a position would be announced after the meeting, “as the minimum wage is already two years behind the scheduled date.”

  • Anxiety mounts over new minimum wage

    Will the planned new minimum wage’s implementation take off this month? The Federal Government promised September as the take-off date, but workers are worried by the slow pace of things. Their concern was fuelled by Labour & Productivity Minister Chris Ngige that implementation may have to wait. TOBA AGBOOLA writes on the workers’ expectations

    SEPTEMBER is here. Workers, agitated, are waiting for the Federal Government to announce a minimum wage. But, they have to wait a little longer. The 30-member tripartite committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to review the minimum wage has not wrapped up work on its report.

    So, the possibility of having a new minimum wage as expected remains dicey. The inability of employers to reach an agreeable wage is dealing the submission of the report.

    The workers, under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are seeking the review of the minimum wage from 18, 000 to 65,500.

    Countdown to deadline for the submission of the committee’s report, there is strain in the relationship between the organised labour and the Federal Government. The workers’ unions suspect the latter might breach the minimum wage agreement.

    At its inauguration on November 27, last year, President Muhammadu Buhari plegded to implement whatever is recommended in the wage review panel’s report, due for submission this month.

    But, weeks into the submission deadline, Labour & Employment Minister Chris Ngige spoke of the possibility of pushing the implementation of a new minimum wage till next year. According to him the September dateline was no longer feasible given the hurdles the committee was facing in arriving at an agreeable new minimum wage.

    The labour leadership warned the government of the implications of shifting the goal post in the middle of the match.

    Taking on the labour minister, NLC President Ayuba Wabba said: “Nigerian workers are shocked by statements credited to the minister of Labour & Employment and reported by many national media houses that Nigerian workers should wait beyond September 2018 for the new national minimum wage.

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

    “It will be a great disservice to his boss, Mr. President, if he keeps taking for granted this very important issue of a new national minimum wage.

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

    “Do we need to remind the minister that he was once a civil servant who always looked forward to his monthly salary?”

    According to the labour leader, the workers have been anxious to enjoy the minimum wage as agreed by the government.

    He said: “Nigerian workers who are not privileged to earn fat salaries, allowances, estacodes and other perks of political appointment are looking forward to enjoy minimal relief in the form of the new national minimum wage.

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

    The minister’s stance is also at variance with the declaration made by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo when he represented Mr. President at this year’s May Day celebrations.

    “He, Yemi Osinbajo, promised Nigerian workers that government is committed to ensuring that the issue of the new National Minimum Wage is concluded and delivered.”

    “NLC’s “concern is who is the minister speaking for? Nigerian workers want to know who has sent Dr. Ngige on this nebulous errand. On whose side is the minister on the upward review of the national minimum eage?”

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

    “Finally, may we remind the minister that the review of the national minimum wage is long overdue. The 2011 Belgore Tripartite Committee set up by government agreed that the review of the minimum wage should happen every five years.

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

    “For many Nigerian families, this is the difference between survival and extinction. The NLC, therefore, categorically rejects the continued delay in approving our demand of N66, 500 as the new national minimum wage.”

    To the workers’ unions, the minister’s hint was a kite to test the waters and their reaction through Wabba was a signal to government to brace for a showdown for being insensitive to workers’ welfare.

    The unions warned of the consequences of the government’s failure to take Nigerians out of the prevailing economic crunch, which they attributed to “deliberate and inhuman policies”. Indications suggest

    Labour was jolted two weeks ago when Ngige told reporters in Anambra that the implementation of the new minimum wage would no longer be possible in September as earlier promised.

    The minister said the state governors, who he as critical partners in wage determination, were yet to come up with an agreed figure.

    Ngige said that as an insider and a realist, he would not want to give any date or month when the minimum wage would be implemented.

    He said: “We have a tripartite committee on that. I am a member of the committee. I’m its deputy chairman, so to say. We have a timetable and we would have finished everything about it by the end of this August, but it is no longer tenable because the committee is not yet done with certain things.

    “We couldn’t agree on a figure because of two reasons, partly the state governors have not come up with a figure and the state governors are a critical constituent of this discussion.

    “We have six governors in the committee, one from each geopolitical zone. So, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has not come up with their figure; they said they were still working on it; that was the last submission they made to us and the Federal Government team.

    “We are working through the Economic Management Team (EMT) and this team dictates the economy of the country and they will now take whatever the governors say and fine-tune it with that of the Federal Government. So, that is where we are.

    “The national minimum wage tripartite committee is at work and it is until that body brings out its figures, brings out its recommendations pertaining to national minimum wage, it’s only after that, that a bill can be sent to the National Assembly for them to process and send to Mr. President for assent before it can become a National Minimum Wage Act. If it happens in 2018, it becomes Act 2018.”

    With the minister’s new position, labour appears set to head for the trenches. Wabba said his members will not accept the continued delay in approving workers’ demand for a new national minimum wage.

    Wabba, said it was now close to eight years since the last review of the national minimum wage took place, adding that Nigerian workers are demanding a change in the humiliating culture of forcing workers to bargain too hard and wait too long for meagre increases in their salaries.

    Wabba’s TUC counterpart Bobboi Kaigama said labour took the statement credited to the minister as a rumour, adding that workers would rather wait to hear from the horse’s mouth.

    “We don’t want to say anything to that statement. We want the date to come first. If they (government) fail us, then we shall see what will happen,” Kaigama said.

    He, however, affirmed that labour stands by the September deadline, saying there would not be any room for extension.

    On the fears that the National Assembly recess will affect the implementation process, Bobboi said it was possible that the National Assembly will reconvene if it becomes necessary.

    “You know the recess is political. I don’t think it will affect the process. Ours is to get the job done and send to the executive arm of government,” he said.

    Why governors must back workers’ request

    In Bayelsa, the state chapter of the TUC appealed to governors and stakeholders to support efforts by the Federal Government to implement a new minimum wage.

    Congress Chairman Tari Dounana told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa that the appeal became imperative considering the current standard of living of workers across the states of the federation.

    He said: “It is necessary that the government begin the new minimum wage because cost of living is no longer the same. We paid N150, 000 for one bedroom flat as house rent as far back as 2011, but now it is over N250, 000.

    “So, if you look at the variable and inflation that the workers are passing through, no employer of labour with right thinking will say that there is no need for the new minimum wage.”

    According to him, the new minimum wage is about adding value to the society and the lives of people, especially the Nigerian workers.

    Dounana said: “So, we are urging the governors to support the move and ensure that it is approved.

    “The governors should be able to touch the lives of workers and avoid anything that causes delay over the implementation of the new minimum wage.

    “They (governors) should know that the workers have been pertinently working with them. There is nothing one can gain than touching the lives of people that are close to you.”

    Dounana pleaded with the governors not to oppose the new minimum wage, and advised workers to be focused and believe that their new package will come to pass.

     

    Civil servants rise against extension

     

    Those on the payroll of the three tiers of governments have rejected any extension of the take-off date for the new minimum wage implementation.

    Their umbrella union Nigerian Civil Service Union (NCSU) urged the Federal Government to live up to its promise, warning that it will not brook any laxity on the issue.

    NCSU’s President Lawrence Amechi said: “The Federal Government must match its words with actions so that the high expectations of workers on the implementation of the new minimum wage would be realised on or before September 2018.  Failing to do this, the entire members of the union will not take it with levity.”

    Also at the end of its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), expressed concern at the remarks credited to Dr. Ngige.

    It said in a communique: “NAAT is aware that NLC and TUC have jointly made a submission of N66, 500.00 as a new minimum wage, and that tripartite meetings in this regard are ongoing. As an affiliate of NLC, NAAT is in agreement with NLC and TUC on the submission made.

    “However, the union urges parties in the new minimum wage negotiations to fast-track the process to ensure implementation this year, 2018. Undue delay would be unacceptable.”

    NLC General Secretary Peter Esson said the wage negotiation committee had been meeting every day in the last one week to meet the deadline.

    Dr. Esson said: “On our part, we are doing everything possible to ensure that we meet the deadline and ensure the report is submitted this month. Ours is to ensure that the work is completed this month and transmitted to the president.”

    The next hurdle

    After receiving the committee’s report, the Federal Government will pass it on to the National Council of State and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval. It will thereafter be sent in form of bill to the National Assembly legislative action. Once passed, it will return to the President’s table for assent.

    The National Assembly, which shut down in July for vacation is expected to resume on September 25. But, Esson expressed the workers confidence that both chambers of the National Assembly would reconvene and accord the bill accelerated consideration once the bill gets to their desk.

     

  • Lesotho workers get $138 as new minimum wage

    THE government of Lesotho has finally agreed to a minimum wage of LSL2,000 ($138) for factory workers.

    This followed a petition to the government, marches and demonstrations by thousands of workers to the Ministry of Labour and to the parliament.

    According to Industriall Global, when it seemed the government was not yielding, the unions called for a shutdown at textile factories in Maseru, Maputsoe and Nyenye’s industrial areas. Then the government succumbed when ministers recommended the minimum wage to the Wages Advisory Board, which advises the minister of labour on wages and conditions of employment.

    According to Lesotho laws, workers cannot be paid below the mandated minimum wage. The unions are also pressing for wages to be increased by 15 per cent across other sectors.

    The minimum wage is significant for the poorly paid workers who are struggling to pay for basics like housing and transport.

    For example, a general worker earning the previous minimum of LSL1, 238 ($85), will get an increase of 62 per cent. Unions have long described the low pay in the garment and textile sector as poverty wages.

    Independent Democratic Union of Lesotho (IDUL), an affiliate of IndustriALL, in collaboration with other unions, has been campaigning for the announcement of better minimum wages, which, according to the labour laws, should have been done in April.

    “After sustained pressure the government addressed our demands exactly the way we wanted. The increase in minimum wages boosts workers’ confidence in trade unions. We have been fighting for better wages for many years, and now we know that we have been struggling for a worthy cause,” said Daniel Theko, IDUL General Secretary.

    “We welcome the minimum wage, but will continue to support IDUL in its campaigns for better wages and working conditions in Lesotho,” said Paule France Ndessomin, IndustriALL regional secretary for Sub-Saharan Africa.

    Employing over 35,000 workers, over 80 per cent of whom are women, the garment and textile sector in Lesotho is an important player in the economy and the second largest employer after the government.

  • Workers insist on Sept deadline for new minimum wage

    As  the countdown to the deadline for the passage of a new minimum wage approaches, the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) has urged the Federal Government to match its words with actions and ensure that the new minimum wage is implemented on or before September.

    The NCSU President, Comrade Lawrence Amaechi, expressed concern over what he described as the inconsistencies in the utterances and body language of the Federal Government in actualising the September 2018 deadline for the minimum wage.

    “To this end, we urge the Federal Government to match its words with actions so that the high expectations of workers on the implementation of the new minimum wage would be realised on or before September, 2018, failing which the entire members of the union will not take it with levity,” he said.

    He also decried the high and intimidating rate of unemployment in Nigeria, saying it posed very serious security risk and threat to national peace and unity.

    “We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to look inwards and device a policy that will generate massive employment opportunities for able-bodied youths.

    “In this direction, infrastructural and industrial development should be at the front burner so as to nip in the bud possible revolution that may erupt as a result of massive unemployment in Nigeria today,” Amaechi said.

    He condemned the spate of consistent and unwarranted killings and bloodshed in Nigeria and observed with pains and regrets that the killings were synonymous with ethnic and religious cleansing.

    Amaechi described the killings and kidnappings as major threat to national unity, masking other issues that should get national attention.

    He also urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, overhaul its security architecture and apparatus so as to enable the security operatives arrest the collapse in the security sector headlong.

  • Buhari committed to new minimum wage for workers, says Oshiomhole

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman Adams Oshiomhole has assured  workers that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to the implementation of a new national minimum wage.

    He asked workers to disregard anyone, who says the President would not implement the new minimum wage.

    Oshiomhole, a former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, also said the President would not be part of any act that tends to undermine the gains that workers have achieved over the years.

    Oshiomhole, who spoke while receiving a delegation of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) led by its President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama, at the APC National secretariat, said he was proud of his labour background since the trade union prepared him for the position he is occupying today.

    He added that he would, therefore, consider the trade union movement as his first and primary constituency.

    He told them to ignore any voice within the APC family that tends to suggest that the Buhari administration would superintend over abolition of the National Minimum Wage, saying that would be the wishful thinking of such individual.

    Accompanied on the visit by the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the TUC delegation include Olusoji Salako (1st Deputy President), Francis Olabode Johnson (2nd Deputy President), Oyinkan Olasanoye (Chairman of TUC Women Commission), Quadri Olaleye (National Treasurer), Musa Lawal (Secretary-General) and Salihu Anka (Asst. Secretary-General).

    Oshiomhole said: “The trade union movement and the working class represent part of the constituency that President Buhari believes in. That is why on occasions like this, I can safely assure the TUC and NLC that if you hear any voice within the APC family talking in a way as to suggest that President Buhari’s government will superintend over abolition of the National Minimum Wage that will be the individual’s wishful thinking. President Muhammadu Buhari will not dismantle any of the gains that the working class has achieved over the years.

    “One of which is the idea of a National Minimum Wage to provide a social club below which no Nigerian workers should be engaged. I think there is no better evidence of this than the fact that even at a time many people were calling for the abolition of the National Minimum Wage, President Buhari decided to set up a panel to review upward the existing National Minimum Wage. As they say, action speaks louder than words.”

    The APC National Chairman expressed his resolve to use his position to influence government policies in a way that it will benefit the Nigerian worker.

    Oshiomhole also said Buhari remained committed to worker’s welfare, the fight against corruption and the unity of the country, despite resistance from a section of the political elite.

    He said: “My understanding of the Nigerian condition is deepened by the fact that I had the opportunity as a factory worker and an industrial union leader and later as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). I am very proud when people acknowledge that what qualifies me for the present position is the rich trade union background, where I was able to manage a pan-Nigeria institution and mobilise the people for a good course without recourse to ethnic, religious and primordial sentiments.

    “That is the challenge of the political class today because many are still afflicted by these primordial sentiments. I am very proud of those values that I had to imbibe as a union leader. I know the struggles that we waged together.”

     

  • Osinbajo: govt’ll deliver on new minimum wage

    Workers got good news yesterday as they marked May Day. They will get a new minimum wage soon, the Federal Government assured them during the celebration of Workers Day at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who broke the news, did not state the minimum wage. Labour is demanding N66,500 as minimum wage.

    Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, said: “It is my hope that the Tripartite Committee comprising government, labour, and the private sector, will expedite its assignment to enable the Federal Government to present an Executive Bill on a new National Minimum Wage to the National Assembly for passage into law, as soon as possible.”

    The theme for the May Day Celebration was: “Labour movement in national development: Dare to struggle, dare to win.’’

    Present were Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) leaders and workers from unions that make up the NLC. Senate President Bukola Saraki was represented by Senator Victor Umeh (APGA, Anambra).

    Others at the event include former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, a one-time NLC president and some other former labour leaders and federal lawmakers.

    The government, Osinbajo said, would stick to the Constitution in the negotiation for the new wage. Under the Constitution, only the Federal Government can negotiate wages with workers because the issue is on the Executive List. Governors have been clamouring that they be allowed to negotiate with workers what to pay them.

    Osinbajo said since the issue is on the Exclusive List, it is the Federal Government’s responsibility to establish necessary social protection floor for workers.

    He said: “The argument for a national minimum wage, therefore, cannot be faulted because minimum wage is the minimum amount of compensation an employee must receive for putting in his or her labour and as such should be anchored on the principles of social justice, equity, and fairness. We believe that those who can pay above the social protection floor are free to do so, as many have been doing in many states and sectors of the economy.

    “This administration has no intention of presiding over the dismantling of the gains organised labour secured for its members almost four decades ago.

    “This administration has remained committed to improving the welfare of the Nigerian people. When we came into office at least 22 states were owing salaries, some for a whole year. If you recall in November 2015, the President said and I quote, ‘all my life I have always earned a salary, so I understand what it means when your salary is not paid or when it is not enough’.

    “Just last year, Mr. President speaking to governors visiting him again went back to the issue of salaries, ‘I don’t know how any of you can go to sleep at night knowing that your workers have not been paid’. The President’s concern for workers is not a theoretical or rhetorical one , but one borne out of experience and respect for the sweat of the working classes.

    “This is why we evolved mechanisms to bail out all the 36 states of the federation, to the tune of N1.91 trillion, in recognition of the shortfalls in their finances arising from the oil shocks of 2015/2016. We have extended this support regardless of party affiliation, to enable them settle the backlog of arrears of salaries and pensions of workers.

    “At the inauguration of the National Economic Council in 2015, President Buhari publicly declared that our administration will extend support to every state, because poverty is no respecter of ethnic group, religion or party affiliation.

    “While we do recognise that payment of salaries and pensions is essential; we are also conscious of the fact that the increasing cost of living and the recognition to ensure a fair and decent living wage has rendered the minimum wage Instrument obsolete. Accordingly, President Buhari inaugurated, on November 27, 2017, a Tripartite National Minimum Wage Committee to renegotiate the National Minimum Wage for our workers”.

    Labour, Osinbajo noted, has always been in the forefront of the push for a better Nigeria, starting from the struggles for independence; right through to the clamour for the restoration of the democratic order, and, in the last 19 years, for the sustenance of the freedoms guaranteed by our democracy.

    “I must also say that Nigerian organised labour has contributed actively towards helping Nigeria get out, in record time, of an economic recession arising from past economic mismanagement.

    He said: “It is regrettable that despite the enormous revenues Nigeria earned from oil in recent past, we still have problems with payment of salaries and pensions of workers due to mismanagement and corruption. I assure you that under our administration, we will ensure that we expend every kobo of public funds towards securing the welfare of all Nigerians”.

    On the country’s security challenges, the vice president said the government was “determined to secure the country more than ever before.

    “To this end, Mr President and the security council have been engaging in rigorous stock taking with a view to restructuring our security architecture to meet the challenges of the mindless killings in some parts of the country including marauding herdsmen, cattle rustlers and bandits.

    “It is our duty to secure the rights of farmers, and all citizens and to ensure that herders also can rear cattle in well-resourced ranches. But there are also criminals who want to stoke religious and ethnic crises. What is the explanation for anyone to go into a church to kill priests and worshippers?

    “We recognise that while the protection of lives and property is a primary responsibility of government; it is also incumbent on the citizens to share in this responsibility, as security is a collective responsibility.

    “Our country is great because of the talents of our people, from every tribe, tongue, and religion. Our diversities are our strength. We must reject every attempt to divide us, our focus must be on developing our economy,  providing opportunities in industry, manufacturing, technology for our young people.”

    NLC President Ayuba Wabba urged the government to improve on security intelligence across the nation.

    He said the unemployment rate had increased to 18.80 per cent in the third quarter of 2017 from 16.20 per cent in the second quarter of 2017.

    According to him, the crisis of widening unemployment has been exacerbated by indiscriminate sack and retrenchment of workers by some public and private employers.

    “Unfortunately, the different levels of government that should be more concerned about protecting our people are the ones leading the campaign to push more Nigerians into the unemployment market.

    “That is why unemployment has remained high with an alarming proportion of our youth jobless.

    “The few that have a semblance of employment operate under very precarious conditions denoted by job insecurity, poor work conditions and gender discrimination.

    “The trend of factory closures has continued to spiral out of control turning our once lively centres of economic productivity into worship and entertainment centres”, he said.

    The NLC president said the increasing rate of unemployment has led to escalating poverty.

    More than 70 per cent of the population, he said, lived below the poverty line.

    “In fact, a number of international economic reports forecast that despite the significant difference in our population size, Nigeria may soon overtake India as the poverty capital of the world.

    “The reasons for endemic poverty in Nigeria are not far-fetched. Our economic structure does not provide the enabling space for mass industrialisation imbued with the capacity for sustainable jobs.

    “Our public policies and consumption pattern still encourage the export of jobs and the import of poverty,” he added.

    Wabba said industrialisation was a key driver of sustainable jobs and development for national economies and the foundation of good living standards.

    The NLC president noted that millions of youth joined the labour market annually without jobs, making them voluntary slaves to Europe and America.

    He said only the industry can provide sustainable jobs, living wages and necessary revenues for government to provide the needed infrastructure for development.

    For Nigeria to meet the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, especially SDG 9 dealing with industry and innovation, he said it must urgently innovate, revive closed textile, steel and engineering mills.

    “We must industrialise. We must copy China’s industrialisation drive which has within 20 years moved over 250 million people out of poverty through manufacturing and industrialisation.

    “We must stop exporting raw cottons, crude oil, mineral resources only to be importing finished textile, petroleum products from China, Europe and America.

    “Nigeria must make what it consumes, otherwise it will be consumed by the rest of the world, ‘’Wabba said.

    He hailed the Federal Government for refusing to succumb to the Economic Partnership Agreement, noting the cautious approach of the government to the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (CFTA).

    “The NLC is delighted that a broad and an inclusive group has been constituted to re-examine the contents of the CFTA in the overall interest of Nigerians”, he added.

    Wabba asked the government to invest in energy mix of hydro, solar and nuclear to drive industrialisation.

    He added: “We wish to call for a reduction of tariff duties on solar panels and other solar products instead of the recent increase in these duties.

    TUC President Bobboi Kaigama urged the government to implement the National Automotive Policy initiative.

    Kaigama said if the automobile sector works, it will contribute meaningfully to the economy in terms of job creation.

     

  • New minimum wage: States must pay, says Labour

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned states and the Organised Private Sector against coming up with excuses on implementation of the new national minimum wage currently being negotiated for Nigerian workers.

    The Congress said the minimum wage was implementable, asking state government to cut down on its numerous expenses and extravagant spending.

    Its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, who spoke at a public hearing on the new national minimum wage organised for the north central zone in Lokoja, said implementation of whatever is arrived at by the committee is implementable if state governments cut down on their excesses and large number of political appointees.

    He spoke on the heels of the shunning of the hearing by state governments within the zone and the Organised Private Sector led by the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association.

    Our correspondent observed the employers’ body was conspicuously missing at the Abuja and Lokoja public hearings while Benue, Kwara and Niger states were also not represented at the event organised by the Tripartite Committee on the new national minimum wage to collect from Nigerians into the work of the committee.

    It was not immediately clear if the states and employers’ body had submitted any written submission to the committee for consideration.

    While Kogi pledged to abide by outcomes of the committee recommendations, Plateau state said there has to be a corresponding increase in internally generated revenue and allocation from the federation account for the state to implement the new wages that will be recommended.

    Wabba, who is a member of the committee, said it was unfortunate that some of those who are supposed to make their input into the work of the committee through the public hearing chose to stay away, adding they should not turn round later to complain of not being carried along.

    He said further that states and employers of Labour have always complained of inability to pay new wages, adding that the problem of the country was not lack of resources but ability to manage available resources.

    He pointed out states like Jigawa, which did not access the bailout fund, have been able to pay salaries as and when due as well as made one of the highest proposals on the new minimum wage to the committee.