The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)

  • JUST IN: Edo NLC ignores Assembly, inaugurates Caretaker Committee

    JUST IN: Edo NLC ignores Assembly, inaugurates Caretaker Committee

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday morning inaugurated the Caretaker Committee of the Edo chapter headed by Prof. Monday Igbafen. 

    This was despite a resolution of the Edo House of Assembly on Tuesday, asking the NLC to shelve its planned inauguration of the Committee and work with Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide. 

    Comrade Egwakhide was said to have the backing of the State Government. 

    The Adams Oshiomhole Labour House where the inauguration was scheduled to take place was placed under lock and key in an apparent move to stop the inauguration. 

    Read Also: Airtel Nigeria eyes resilient network with new investments

    Security wys tightened at the venue but the labour leaders from the National Secretariat led by Comrade Oluwole Adeleye Sunday picked the ASUU Secretariat inside the Ugbowo campus of the University of Benin. 

    It was gathered the venue was leaked and the NLC leaders moved to another venue where the inauguration took place. 

    Comrade Oluwole urged the Caretaker Committee to resolve all issues and ensure new executives are elected. 

    The Caretaker Chairman promised to reunite all Edo NLC factions. 

    Details shortly

  • Strike: Our meeting with Ogun govt inconclusive, says Labour

    Strike: Our meeting with Ogun govt inconclusive, says Labour

    Activities in Ogun State Government agencies – schools, local governments, hospitals and judiciary have remained paralysed for three days, as Organised Labour yesterday sustained its directive, asking workers to stay away from their duty posts.

    An emergency meeting summoned on Wednesday at the Governor’s Office by Governor Dapo Abiodun to persuade the leadership of the Organised Labour – Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC)- to suspend the strike and ask their members to resume work ended without any commitment from the union leaders.

    The meeting started around 5:30pm and ended a few minutes after 9pm without any decision reached.

    “The meeting was inconclusive, the government has scheduled another meeting for later today, but the strike continues,” Akeem Lasisi, TUC chairman, told our reporter.

    Read Also: FG pledges to uphold Buhari’s legacy as Shettima, Sambo, others pay tribute in Daura

    The Nation reports that civil servants in the state withdrew their services indefinitely, following

    unresolved issues bordering on state government’s failure to remit 14 years pension deductions, non- implementation of the national minimum wage, non-payment of eight years’ leave allowances and deferment of promotion benefits for workers.

    Investigation showed that workers at Abeokuta Grammar School, Asero High School, Egba High School, Lisabi Grammar School and Baptist Boys High School stayed away and the classrooms remained shut.

    The strike has also disrupted the Third Term examinations, which were in progress in state public schools before the workers began strike.

  • NLC strike paralyses govt activities in Ogun

    NLC strike paralyses govt activities in Ogun

    The indefinite strike by Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other labour unions has crippled government activities.

    A correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the strike in Ota yesterday, reports that all government agencies were under lock and key.

    NAN reports that the Magistrate’s Court, High Court and Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government premises were also locked.

    NAN recalls that NLC on Monday directed civil and public servants to withdraw their services indefinitely over unresolved issues surrounding the state Pension Reform Law.

    NAN also reports that only security guards were sighted on duty around the premises, turning visitors back at the gates.

    A lawyer at the Magistrate’s Court in Ota, Mr Temitayo Banjo, said he came to court to perfect the bail conditions for his client, but found that the court did not open.

    He appealed to the state government to address the workers’ demand.

    “I have wasted my time and money to buy fuel for my car this morning,” he said.

    Another lawyer at the High Court, Ota, Mr Kunle Carew, said the strike had devastating effect on court activities.

    Read Also: No leader in Nigeria has Buhari’s intimidating profile today – Lukman

    He said the impact of the workers’ action on court activities would depend on how quickly the state government would resolve the conflict with NLC.

    He urged the government to always do the needful to prevent unnecessary strikes in the state.

    An official of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Mrs Olubunmi Odusanya, said it was unfair the way the government was treating the workers.

    She said workers were the engine room of any government, adding that they deserved better working conditions.

    “We are, therefore, appealing to the government to urgently remit our pension deductions and implement Ogun State Pension Reform Law,” she said.

    She said workers would not continue to suffer and smile, pretending that all was well.

    The workers said for 14 years, the state government could not remit over N82 billion, being the contributory pension deductions from the workers to the fund.

    They said the action was in breach of the pension law, and a serious threat to their future upon retirement.

  • NLC, TUC, CNG reject 50% telecom tariff hike

    NLC, TUC, CNG reject 50% telecom tariff hike

    • Labour: it is ill-timed, insensitive
    • Northern groups  demand immediate reversal
    • It’s a good take-off point, say operators
    • FCCPC to monitor compliance by service providers

    A wave of opposition grew yesterday against the 50 per cent telecommunications tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) described it as insensitive.

    They said it came at a time  workers and the masses were grappling with unprecedented economic hardship.

    Labour condemned the hike, saying it was a “clear assault on workers welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.”

    TUC called it “one hike too many”, while CNG called for an immediate reversal.

    But telecom operators disagreed.

    They backed the 50 per cent tariff hike approved for end users of telecom services.

    Mobile network operators (MNOs) hailed the approval by the NCC, saying it was a good way to start the recovery of the ailing sector.

    MNOs had pushed for a 100 per cent tariff hike, citing soaring inflation, devaluation of the naira and fuel subsidy removal.

    NCC approved 50 per cent, balancing affordability with sustainability.

    NLC, in a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero, acknowledged the importance of telecom services in the areas of work, and access to information.

    It contended that on the average Nigerian spends around 10 per cent on accessing telecom services.

    “Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information.

    “Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10per cent of their wages on telecom charges.

    “For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month or 15per cent of his salary—a cost that is unsustainable.

    “This hike exemplifies the government’s apparent ease in prioritisng corporate profits over citizens’ welfare.

    “It is shocking that the government approved this 50 per cent tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for workers, despite the rising cost of living and inflation eroding purchasing power.

    “This glaring disparity underscores a troubling reality: the government appears more aligned with the interests of wealthy corporations than with the needs of the workers and citizens it is meant to serve.

    “We must ask: when will the government stand for the people it swore to protect?

    “When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority? When will the common man heave a sigh of relief in Nigeria?

    “NLC is not opposed to a tariff review but disagrees with the approved rate of increase.

    “We therefore call on the government, the NCC and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of this ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around it.

    “If the dialogue agrees on the need for the hike, then, we can all seek a more humane increase and definitely not this 50 per cent hike.

    “The NLC calls on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this unjustifiable tariff hike.

    “We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase.

    “This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.

    “The NLC remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses.

    “We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality.

    Read Also: NELFUND disburses ₦136.7m student loan to Joseph Sarwan Tarka varsity

    “Together, we will do our best to resist this injustice and demand that the government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests.”

    TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, called for a rethink.

    He said: “This is one hike too many. The government should have a rethink on the spate of increase in essential services.”

    CNG demands reversal

    CNG rejected the hike, describing it as an assault on the already strained livelihoods of Nigerians.

    The coalition emphasised that the tariff increase, introduced amidst widespread economic hardship marked by hyperinflation, unemployment, and poverty, demonstrates a lack of consideration for the plight of the average Nigerian.

    In a statement, the National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, condemned the decision, calling it an act of insensitivity and economic injustice.

    The coalition called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to resist the tariff hike and demand its reversal.

    Charanchi said: “This decision, coming at a time when Nigerians are reeling in immense economic hardship, is nothing short of an assault on the dignity and livelihoods of the people that have been economically pauperised.

    “We are appalled by the insensitivity and lack of foresight demonstrated by the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Communications in approving such an exorbitant tariff hike.

    “The CNG observes that at a time when millions of Nigerians are struggling to make ends meet due to hyper-inflation, rising unemployment, and the pervasive effects of economic mismanagement, this decision is utterly indefensible.

    “The NCC and the ministry leadership have proven to protect their personal interests and have become insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

    “Therefore, we call for the resignation or immediate dismissal of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC and the Minister of Communications for their failure to prioritise the welfare of Nigerian citizens over corporate and personal interests.”

    The CNG vowed to take all necessary legal steps to protect the rights and welfare of Nigerians.

    The group faulted the assertion that the decision followed “extensive consultations” with stakeholders, wondering who was consulted.

    It added: “Approving this hike, we contend, the NCC has jeopardised access to communication, education, healthcare, and commerce for the average Nigerian and further expanded the frontiers of the digital divide in the country.

    “We, therefore, call for the immediate suspension of the 50 per cent hike in the tariffs and recommend instead a more reasonable adjustment of a maximum of 10 per cent, which balances industry sustainability with the current economic realities in Nigeria.

    “We also demand that the NCC engage in genuine, inclusive consultations with consumer advocacy groups, civil society organisations, and other grassroots stakeholders before implementing any tariff adjustments.”

    MNOs: hike a welcome devt

    The MNOs, under the aegis of Association of Licensed Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), welcomed the development, saying the recovery of the distressed telecom sector would now begin.

    Chairman of the ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, in a telephone conversation, hailed the decision of the NCC, describing the 50 per cent “as a good way to begin”.

    Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Dinesh Balsingh, expressed the company’s appreciation of the decision to allow for a tariff increase.

    According to him, the development underscores the regulator’s commitment to fostering sustainability and enhancing investment in the telecommunications industry for superior service delivery.

    He said: “The tariff adjustment reflects a balanced approach to ensuring the sustainability of the telecommunications sector while safeguarding the interests of consumers.

    “The price increase, which was highly needed for the survival and continued growth of the industry, will enable us to continue investing in network infrastructure, expanding coverage, and delivering improved products and services that meet the evolving needs of our customers.

    “We are confident that this development will pave the way for even greater advancements in telecommunications services across the country.

    “Our focus remains on providing exceptional customer satisfaction while contributing to the long-term sustainability of the industry.”

    FCCPC cautions operators

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) advised telecom consumers to report any unfair practices or concerns through its official channels to ensure effective resolution.

    In a statement by Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, it expects that tariff adjustments will “directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers”.

    It vowed to monitor the impact of the tariff adjustments to ensure compliance with established regulatory standards.

    The statement reads: “The FCCPC acknowledges the intense pressure faced by the NCC over the years to approve tariff increases due to the rising operational costs experienced by telecom operators, which became more pronounced in recent times.

    “It is non-negotiable that telecom operators must prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment.

    “The rationale for the increase must be reflected in better services for consumers who rely on telecommunications for both personal and business purposes.

    “Operators are expected to allocate increased revenues responsibly, with an emphasis on infrastructure development and service delivery improvements.

    “Clear mechanisms must be established to monitor how these funds are utilised, ensuring that consumers directly benefit from the adjustments.

    “Operators must also clearly communicate the rationale for the tariff adjustments to consumers.

    “This includes ensuring that consumers are fully informed about the nature of the changes, their benefits, and how they align with efforts to improve service delivery and infrastructure.

    “We are also pleased with the NCC’s directive to operators to ensure that, henceforth, tariffs are clear, straightforward, and free of hidden charges or complexities.”

  • Minimum wage: We await govt final decision – Oyo NLC

    Minimum wage: We await govt final decision – Oyo NLC

    The Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stated that it is still awaiting the government’s final decision on consequential adjustments and the implementation timeline for the new minimum wage.

    Governor Seyi Makinde had earlier announced plans to pay a minimum wage of N80,000 to workers in the state.

    However, the NLC Chairman in Oyo State, Comrade Kayode Martins, revealed that negotiations on related matters remain unresolved. 

    According to him, several meetings have been held, during which labour leaders presented various payment options to the government. 

    He said the administration has yet to decide which option to implement.

    Read Also: Afro Brazilians seek Nigerian citizenship

    Martins expressed optimism that the government would choose an option that aligns with the interests of the workforce.

    He said the workers and the labour leaders are optimistic that the government will choose the one that best suit the interest of the workforce.

    He also added that the negotiation table is still open as the workers are expecting to hear from the government team who form the committee to decide on the matter.

    He said until the meeting is concluded, questions as to when payment will commence and how impactful it would be on the workers can’t be answered yet.

  • NLC to workers: don’t give up on Nigeria

    NLC to workers: don’t give up on Nigeria

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged “downtrodden Nigerians who bear the marks or burden of broken promises, exploitation and corruption not to give up hope on their country.”

    President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero said this in a statement to workers and Nigerians on independence day on Monday. 

    The statement reads: “On the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary celebration, we congratulate all Nigerians, especially workers for their sacrifice, resilience or robust spirit in spite of serial acts of betrayal of monumental proportions by the political leadership at various times and levels.

    “We urge the downtrodden Nigerians who bear the marks or burden of these broken promises, exploitation and corruption to not give up hope on their country. 

    “In light of the fact that their sacrifice has been taken for granted for so long, they should learn to protest within the limits of the law against injustices and subversion of democratic norms, culture and values by the dominant political elite.

    Read Also: NLC, Ajaero, media and Tinubu presidency

    “It should be apparent to the citizenry that the leading political elite are not ready to do the right thing except they are compelled to do so.

    “In the same vein, we would like to sound a note of caution to our political elite whose pre-occupation is to circumvent the principles and practice of popular democracy that undermining our democratic institutions can no longer be business as usual.

    “The consequences of their acts of commission or omission brought us this far. It is time to turn a new leaf. Let it be the beginning of a new low.”

  • Maximum wahala

    Only people from outer space would not have seen the present imbroglio between Nigerian workers as represented by their unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Federal Government, coming. The truth of the matter is that Labour has left undone those things it ought to have done and has almost always done those things it should not have done. I have said it several times on this page that it would profit Nigerian workers more to fight for good governance than to be asking for unrealistic minimum wage whenever the issue comes to the front burner of national discourse. If we have had good governance, our currency which exchanged for two Naira to one Pound Sterling in 1973 would not be exchanging for N450 to one Pound today. This would naturally have negated the urge for the steep rise in minimum wage whenever we remember that salaries must be reviewed..

    It is not that salary reviews are alien to Nigeria. Indeed, its history predates the country’s political independence in 1960, and several commissions had been set up, including the Hunt Commission (1934), Bridges Committee of Enquiry (1941) and the Public Service Review Commission (Udoji Report) (1974), with a view to evolving an enduring pay structure and incomes policy in the country.

    This time around, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, on Thursday, gave an insight into what it would cost the Federal Government to implement the new wage on Labour’s terms –  a whopping N580billion more annually. The minister has said it point blank: “There is no problem with disagreement in the labour system, we can sometimes disagree to later agree, on the national minimum wage, it will translate to an additional N580billion if government agrees to the consequential adjustment labour is proposing.

    “Government cannot afford that kind of money now, besides, the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is more interested in the lowest cadre of workers which are those on grade level 1 step 1 and level 6 step 1, these are the ones who the N30,000 will have greater impact on.”

    If you ask me though, when we juxtapose the N580billion against what our National Assembly (NASS) members alone earn in the year, it is not much for the hundreds of thousands of workers that would benefit from the pay rise. I will return to this shortly.

    Before then, however, is labour aware of the need to tie salaries and wages to productivity? I doubt if many people in this country think along that line. And we are not thinking along that line because we have steady flow if income from the oil-rich Niger Delta where everyone runs to at the end of every month for cash. If state governments are to pay their workers based on their internally generated revenue (IGR), how many of them will in true conscience agree to pay N30,000 minimum wage? How many of them can afford it?

    Read Also: Kwara workers yet to receive N18,000 minimum wage – NLC

    Another issue is Labour’s reluctance to accept the reality of retrenchment when wages have to be reviewed upwards. Ngige gave that as condition to meet the workers’ demand. What some of us would want to see is a situation where Labour would take on the governments with facts and figures, instead of singing solidarity songs and embarking on road shows across the country and at the end achieve nothing. Agreed, minimum wage is just the benchmark below which employers of labour cannot go. But then, what says workers in Kogi or Adamawa must earn the same minimum wage as those in Lagos, or Port Harcourt, or Kano? Are states equally endowed? You may say the state governments were well represented on the panel to review the wages; much of what happened was political agreement. Apparently, the N30,000 was ‘agreed‘ to by many state governments because elections were approaching when the negotiations were going on. And not many state governments could afford the wrath of Labour then. Now is time to face reality. It is either workers are retrenched or we return to the era when salaries would be paid in arrears, or paid according to what each state government earns.

    Again, nothing I have said should be misconstrued to mean support for the Federal Government’s position; or that there is no profligacy in government. Far from it. Indeed, one area we should take seriously, as I said earlier, is the humongous pay that our NASS members take home. It is sickening, ungodly and inhuman for anyone to be taking home such money and yet be telling workers and other less fortunate Nigerians that there is no money to meet their own demands. What are our NASS members doing that other lawmakers are not doing in other parts of the world? What entitles them to such outrageous pay, which several people have said to be the highest in any civilised part of the world? Parliamentarians in Britain and the United States go about in public transport, including trains and buses. They live in moderate apartments. But our own NASS members want the best of exotic cars; they want very expensive apartments which they can also buy at rock-bottom prices after their stint in the National Assembly. What special contributions are today’s NASS members making to legislation that their predecessors did not do far better on part time basis?

    For me, this is one place for Labour to begin the crusade against bad governance. A government fighting corruption should be sensitised (if it cannot see the need itself) to the fact that this NASS members’ pay is intolerable and it is corruption by some other means. What annoys me is that, when you challenge them on this score, they simply tell you to beam the searchlight also on the executive arm of government. Yet, we have an idea of what these categories of public officials should get monthly given what is recommended by the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC).

    Labour leaders would do well to realise that their proposed strike might not be total because the government has been able to satisfy the lowest cadres in the public service, that is those on Levels 1 to 6, step 1. Tell me, how those ones would be interested in strike when their interest has been taken care of. This might be a deliberate attempt to break the ranks of the workers, or it was just a coincidence because government’s intention is to reduce the gap in the wages of the different categories of workers. At any rate, I do not know what exactly the Labour leaders want; are they saying they want the same percentage rise for every worker as it has been done to those on Levels 1 to Six? That cannot work. Oftentimes too, salary adjustments are done to reduce the gap between the lowest and highest paid workers. Not to talk of now that the government said we cannot afford it.

    Let workers embark on strike in some states till thy kingdom come, nothing would come out of it. In the first place, elections are far away and many of our political leaders only do good when elections are approaching. So, whatever you want to get from them make sure you get it when elections are approaching, or forget it. Once the elections are over, the people that you saw before elections without filling any forms you would now have to wait in their offices (if you are lucky to get that far) only to be told after sitting for hours that you should come back some other time. What we cannot lose sight of is the fact that some of the state governments, the way things are, cannot pay the new wage the way Labour is demanding from the Federal Government. And if they must pay, something must give. And that something is that some of Labour’s members would lose their jobs.

    Let no one get me wrong. I am not saying there is anything inherently bad in asking for minimum wage increase. Or that Nigerian workers should still be earning N18,000 minimum wage which, by today’s standard, is hopelessly inadequate. No. That, indeed, is the standard practice all over the world: workers’ wages are usually reviewed or adjusted periodically in many countries, to reflect inflationary trends and ensure that workers’ take home pay can really take them home. In many countries, wages are reviewed every five years.

    Be that as it may, as Ngige noted, it is in everybody’s interest for the government and Labour to agree on a meaningful review for those on Levels 7 to 14, and 15 -17. But Labour would do well to align with non-governmental organisations like the Socio-Economic Right And Accountability Project (SERAP), which has been championing the democratic cause and the need for transparency and accountability in government. I have always said it; and I repeat it, that governments would always find it convenient to grant minimum wage than want Labour getting seriously involved in asking for good governance. It is just that this time around, Labour seems to be asking for too much for the Federal Government not to grumble. We need no soothsayer to tell us that some state governments would soon join it to grumble aloud.

  • NLC berates IPOB for incessant attack on Ohanaeze leader

    The Enugu State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)  has condemned the incessant attacks on the Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s President-General, John Nnia Nwodo, by the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB).

    NLC Chairman in the state Virginus Nwobodo, who other union leaders to visit Chief Nwodo at home, described as  unfortunate that rather than pour accolades on Nwodo, the group hauls insults on him.

    He described the Ohanaeze chief as a solid and progressive with a rare leadership quality, adding that the NLC “condemns unequivocally the venomous outburst, insults and boundless vituperative attacks on one of the great leaders of Igbo nation.”

    The unionist described Nwodo as an “erudite, courageous, eloquent and well respected son.”

    Read Also: I leave IPOB leader’s threat to God and the law, says Nwodo

    Decrying any situation that could lead to another war, he urged IPOB to embrace peace that can lead to a referendum/restructuring.

    Nwodo thanked the NLC for their unflinching support, especially at this critical period in the nation’s history, regretting that after campaigning for the release of the IPOB leader from detention and defending IPOB at different fora, including outside the country, he would become the object of invectives and abuse by the group.

    He expressed satisfaction for awakening the consciousness of Ndigbo and Nigerians at large to the need for an equitable and egalitarian society.

    Nwodo pledged to use the remaining 15 months of his tenure to work assiduously not to disappoint those who support and believe in him.

  • Labour, Afenifere, Catholic bishop: Fed. Govt must protect our people

    ORGANISED Labour and the Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere have called on President Muhammad Buhari to take protect lives and property of Nigerians in South Africa.

    Afenifere condemned the dastard attack on Nigerians by South Africans, alleging the federal government of docility on the incidence.

    The group spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, described the attacks on Nigerians as unfortunate and disheartening, saying the actions of the Federal Government have not been impressive.

    Odumakin noted that for the ongoing mob attacks on South African investment in Nigeria to stop, President Buhari must against all odds take domestic measures that would send strong signals to the country that Nigerians were in pains.

    He said: “The actions are so regretful but the reaction of the Nigerian government has not been impressive. It is quite tardy and lethargic. Even the kind of reactions we see during cattle rustling, we have not seen that in the killing of Nigerians in South Africa. Until this afternoon that the government said they are boycotting World Economic Forum.”

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said the constant and frequent attack and killing of Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa were unacceptable. It appealed for restraint and against any form of retaliation by Nigerians.

    In its statement by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, the NLC said attacking South African businesses in Nigeria would amount to attacking businesses owned by Nigerians as the majority of the businesses associated with South Africa in Nigeria are owned by Nigerians.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Nigeria to recall ambassador to South Africa

    The NLC said: “We at the Nigeria Labour Congress condemn in strongest terms, the attacks on businesses and killings of Nigerians by South Africans in South Africa. These attacks and killings are beastly and unacceptable.

    “The frequency and escalation of these attacks are not only reprehensible but are capable of undermining the illustrious bilateral relations between the government and people of Nigeria and the government and people of South Africa.”

    A statement by TUC President, Comrade Quadri A. Olaleye and General Secretary, Comrade Musa-Lawal Ozigi, said: “Nigerian government must adopt stringent diplomatic measures and also urge other African countries to follow suit. For us, the Congress believes strongly that the South African government is guilty of the dastardly act by association. The question is, what do they hope to achieve? How can killings go on for years without the government bringing culprits to book? This is very unfortunate.

    “Nigeria is a country that accommodates all and sundry. South African companies own several multi-billion dollar investments on our soils yet, we co-exist despite all the aggression against our people in their home country. To make issues worse, these same companies are involved in anti-labour practices.”

    The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. Alfred Adewale Martins, has condemned in strong terms the continuous attacks on Nigerians in particular and other Africans in South Africa.

    Martins said on Wednesday in Lagos that the attacks were barbaric, reprehensible and an attack on the very core of African brotherhood.

    He urged the Federal Government to deal decisively with the issue using very strong diplomatic means to stem the tide of the attacks.

    “The South African Police officials seen publicly rousing the peoples’ anger against foreigners in their country without any visible repercussion gives an impression of some official endorsement of the mob action.

    “Our government needs to pursue this to its logical conclusion.

    “It is the responsibility of every government to protect the lives and properties of its citizens within and outside the country,” he said in a statement.

    “Any attack on Nigerian citizens should elicit a swift response from the government not to talk of them being killed with impunity.

    “The insufficient response of our government in confronting the matter with the seriousness it deserves does not project us in a good light as a country that cares enough for the welfare of its citizens.

    “My fear is that if decisive diplomatic measures are not taken now, this matter may go out of hand with enormous consequences for all.”

    Martins wondered why fellow blacks who had and are still benefiting from their relationship with the nation had chosen to pay us back by unleashing so much violence against Nigerian citizens.

    “This is not the kind of South Africa that Nelson Mandela laboured for.”

    According to him, this marks another wake-up call for Nigerian leaders to work even more assiduously so that the social and economic situation of the nation can be better.”

     

  • NLC calls for review of obsolete labour laws

    THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba on Tuesday called for a review of obsolete labour laws in the country to bring them up to date with international best practices.

    He said doing so would make the laws more effective to defend the rights of workers across the country.

    Wabba spoke at the inauguration of the International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

    The NLC president frowned at a situation where issues affecting workers are treated on ad hoc basis instead of following the standard stipulated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which recommends a tripartite body to address issues concerning workers.

    He said the absence of the Nigeria Labour Advisory Council had relegated issues on workers’ rights to an ad hoc arrangement against the ILO conventions that employers, government and labour should sit at a round-table to address issues on workers.

    Read Also: NLC cautions Fed Govt over delay in new wage

    Wabba maintained that among the strongest pillars of democracy are the civil society groups and organised labour.

    He noted that “once you weaken those two institutions, it then means that democracy itself will be weakened and the rule of law will also be weakened”.

    The NLC president said the inauguration of the body would “provide us yet another opportunity to synergise because there have been a lot of changes in the world of work”.