The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)

  • Workman society commend Ngige, organised Labour for ensuring industrial harmony

    The Workman Society of Nigeria has commended the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige and the leadership of the organised labour in the country for their efforts at ensuring industrial harmony which the said is necessary for optimum national productivity.

    In a statement signed by the Chairman, Mohammed Ibn Yunusa and Secretary , Cyril-William Jaja and made available to The Nation in Abuja, the group said that notwithstanding the recent faceoff between the Minister and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) over the chairmanship of the board of the Nigerian Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), the positive engagement of the Minister with all social partners in the last four years of the Buhari administration has yielded enormous dividends that cannot be ignored.

    According to them, the synergy between the Minister and the social partners comprising the  labour unions and the organized private sector has been of immense benefit and has yielded multiple dividends for Nigeria, regretting however that the recent imbroglio in the tripartite community over the NSITF was an overcast on the towering efforts of the Minister.

    “Under a competent Minister of Labour and Employment, the Buhari Change Era made a remarkable difference in Nigeria’s labour administration. It met Nigerian workers who were hungry and restive with months of unpaid salaries and allowances and immediately released bailout funds to the states.

    “Even under the recession, the Federal Government sacked none of its workers and through prudent management, recruited thousands of Nigerians into its ministries and agencies. Any previous government in the circumstance of the Buhari Change Era would have placed an embargo and sack workers,” it said.

    They also commended the Minister for intervening and bringing the captains as well as union leaders in the Petroleum, Construction and Financial sectors to a discussion table in 2016 where they reached separate agreements that stemmed massive job sack in the sectors.

    They said: “the Minister will be remembered as one that changed national focus from the dwindling white collar jobs to the limitless opportunities offered by blue collar world. Apart from revitalizing skills acquisition centres scattered across Nigeria, he standardized their training programmes and enhanced the Trade Test Certificates to an international status.

    Read Also: NLC Threat: Police assure Ngige’s family of safety

    “We commend him for further developing a programme with the European Union under which qualified skilled Nigerians could migrate and work in Europe. We recall that he also partnered the International Organization on Migration to establish a Migration Information Centre in Benin City , Edo State in order to tackle illegal migration at the roots.”

    The group also recalled that the  administration met an age long, seemingly intractable issues leading to perennial strikes by unions  and other stakeholders including ASUU, NASU, JOHESU, NARD, NMA, NUNPENG, PENGASSAN among others, saying that the Buhari government  did not only settle these issues but also paid off decades- long arrears of allowances owed to federal Civil Servants.

    They praised the efforts of the Minister restoring Nigeria back to reckoning in the International Labour Organization(ILO) with a deputy (who will become a titular member in 2020) on the Governing Board after over decade in limbo,  while moving Nigeria from point zero to the Deputy Chairmanship of the Africa Regional Labour Administrative Centre (ARLAC)

    The group was also full of praises for organised labour made up of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the United Labour Congress (ULC) for standing tall in defence of the welfare of the Nigerian workers.

    They Pay special tribute to the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba for his numerous spirited struggles on behalf of the workers, especially his dogged resistance to attempts by State Governors to derail the recent National Minimum Wage negotiation, it urged him to ensure the compliance of all tiers of government towards its faithful implementation.

     

  • Be more committed: Ondo APC urges workers

    The All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Ondo State has urged public servants in the state to be more committed to their duties for greater development.

    The party commended the State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for promoting harmonious working relationship between the government and its members.

    A statement by its spokesman, Alex Kalejaye said the party regarded the State workforce as the pillar on which implementation of government policies rest.

    It therefore called for more sincerity and further commitment on the part of the workers to ensure the public derived maximum benefits from such policies.

    Read Also: Abe: I remain committed to APC

    The party assured that the APC would never shy away from supporting quality welfare package for the workers, believing that no government can succeed without the effective cooperation of its workforce.

    According to the statement “It is for this reason that Ondo State Government is among the first few states to announce its willingness to consider implementation of the new minimum wage.

    “We congratulate the State NLC on its recent election, and emergence of a new dynamic team, under Comrade Sunday Adeleye, to pilot the affairs of the chapter.

  • FG restates commitment to workers welfare

    The Federal government on Thursday said that President Muhammadu Buhari led administration was committed to the promotion of healthy working conditions for Nigerian workers in line with International Labour Standards.

    Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mrs Ibukun Odusote, who disclosed this Thursday at a three day workshop on Report Rendition on International Labour Organisation (ILO) Unratified Conventions and Recommendations in Abuja, said the Federal Government recognized that a stable and harmonious industrial relations climate and decent work for all are critical instruments for the realization of the goals and targets of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in terms of job creation, improved livelihoods and sustainable development in Nigeria.

    According to her, “I wish to emphasise that the effective implementation or application of International Labour Standards and prompt reporting on them is recognized as one of the best strategies of strengthening labour administration and promoting decent work world over. The Federal Government recognized that a stable and harmonious industrial relations climate and decent work for all are critical instruments for the realisation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.”

    Represented by the Director Human Resources Management, Ibrahim Ajibola the Permanent Secretary urged participants to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the workshop as the task of reports rendition was not an easy one.

    “The responses to be compiled by the various Ministries, Department and Agencies as well as the social partners gathered here will go a long way in charting the way forward with regards to current and emergent trends and employment arrangements which have gained great relevance with the transformation of the world of work as a result of globalisation.

    “I wish to acknowledge that the Ministry is aware that some of you will be reporting on Unratified Conventions for the first time. This workshop is therefore directed at developing and strengthening the capacity of focal persons within the Ministries and Social Partners to effectively report on ILO Unratified Conventions. I, therefore enjoin all participants to seize this opportunity and utilize it to their full advantage,” she urged.

    Read Also: Gunmen kidnap two Bowen varsity workers

    Earlier, in his remarks, the Director, Productivity Measurement and Labour Standards, Eyewumi Neburagho said that the workshop was aimed at developing the capacity of focal officers to know the relevance of effective reporting of ILO instruments, believing that if this objective was met, Nigeria’s reports would be developed according to the international best standard.

    In their separate remarks, the representatives of the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Mr Adewale Oyerinde, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Com. Benson Upah and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Com. Musa Lawal appreciated the Ministry for the opportunity and pledged the unalloyed support of the social partners to efforts at ensuring prompt report rendition to the International Labour Organisation.

  • Kano agrees to pay N30,600 minimum wage‎

    The Government of Kano State has restated its commitment to pay the new minimum wage of N30,000 with additional N600.

    Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano disclosed this when members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) staged a peaceful protest to the government house on Tuesday in Kano.

    He said that his administration has given priority to the welfare of civil servants in the state.

    Represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Nasiru Gawuna, he said that Kano state was among the few States in the country that pays monthly salary on time.

    “We are ready to pay N30,000 monthly salary because welfare of our workers is paramount to anything and we will always give it preference.

    “We will pay the N30,600 as soon as all processes are completed,” he added.

    Read Also: We’ll make workers smile soon-Ajimobi

    Ganduje then urged ‎women and youths to stay away from drug abuse and addiction due to their harmful effects to health.‎

    ‎”Our women, particularly married women and youths must say no to drug abuse and addiction. They should stop abusing it because it will ultimately damage their systems and cut short their lives,” he warned.‎

    ‎Earlier, the NLC Chairman in the state, Mr Kabiru Minjibir, commended the governor for his commitment to pay the minimum wage of N30,600.‎

    ‎”We are not surprise for this kind gesture taking into consideration your labour friendly disposition.

    “We also urge your excellency to convey our polite gesture to your co-governors to enlighten the public on new national minimum wage and it’s speedy enactment into law,” he added.

  • Our concern with new minimum wage – NGF

    The Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) has reinstated its  concern with new minimum wage, even as it claimed not to be against the upward review of workers pay.

    The chairman of the forum, Governor Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara, said the concerns bothers on the ability or resources to pay the agreed minimum wage.

    He disclosed these while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the forum meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He posited that NGF is not in anyway against the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to get minimum wage reviewed.

    “But, the problem of state is the capacity to pay what is agreed. As we are talking today we are struggling with N18,000. Some of the states are paying 35 per cent, some 50 per cent and still some states have salary arrears,” he said.

    “So, it is not about only reviewing it but how we are going to get the resources to cater for it,” he stressed.

    On the use of London and Paris club refunds, he said that the National President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, was invited to brief the forum on states performance.

    Read Also: NGF hosts states tax officers

    The Federal Government disbursed the fund to states with the condition to use larger percentage of the money to pay workers’ salaries.

    He said while some states had recorded some progress in line with the condition they signed with the Federal Government, others were still owing arrears.

    “So, we invited the National President of NLC to give us details on how some states performed. Some other states that are not up to date, where are they.

    So they have signed Memorandum of Understanding with the NLC at the national level and their representative in states on when they are going to overcome the issue of salary arrears.

    “That has been done and it has been taken to the Central Bank Governor to ensure that those states were also paid.”

    Mr Yari also disclosed that the forum took far reaching decisions on the state of security in the country, he however said that the decisions would be channelled to the right quarters for appropriate actions.

    An update was also received from the NGF Secretariat on Polio and Primary Healthcare Under One Roof.

    He said governors expressed commitment to facilitate the development of a minimum package and investment plan for State Primary Healthcare Boards.

    He added that observations were raised about the issue of PHC, including concern that the function of the local governments was being taken away.

    “It was made clear by some governors that the PHC has nothing to do with the national, that it is just a domestic issue of local governments.

    “Those issues were raised, debated and we are going to put a memo in place to the National Economic Council so that it can be discussed.”

    The forum according to him also received briefing on the forthcoming 24th Nigerian Economic Summit (NES) from Mr Laoye Jaiyeola, the Chief Executive Officer of the NES Group.

  • Workers’ strike paralyses Lagos judiciary

    The court rooms of the Lagos State Judiciary were shut to adjudication of cases as workers stayed away to observe the nationwide strike called by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to press home their demand improved minimum wage.

    As a result, lawyers and litigants who came to the courts were turned back at the gate by security guards keeping watch over the court premises.

    The NLC and TUC are asking for N50,000 as against the present N18,000  as minimum wage for workers in the public and organized private sectors across the country.

    The premises of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja was quiet like a grave yard on Thursday.

    All the doors of the court rooms were chained and padlocked by workers to prevent proceedings from taking place.

    The Chief Registrar, Mrs Taiwo Olatokun who arrived Ikeja High Court could not gain access to her office as the main door of the administrative building was also put in chain and padlocked.

    Mrs Olatokun stood by the main gate and was seen discussing with some heads of departments of the judiciary. They left when it became clear that workers were not going to open the offices.

    However, the security men spread out all over the premises of Ikeja high court to ensure safety of properety.

    None of the officials of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) were on ground to answer media enquiries on Thursday.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress had on Wednesday directed all its members and affiliate unions to commence a nationwide strike yesterday after a stalemated meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.

    The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, said the industrial action would commence due to the refusal of the Federal Government to reconvene the meeting of the tripartite national minimum wage committee to enable it to conclude its work.

    He said, “In compliance with this mandate, all workers and private sector at all levels across the country have been directed to comply.

    “All public and private institutions, offices, banks, schools, public and private business premises, including filling station, are to remain shut till further notice.

  • Oyo NLC shuts MTN offices in Ibadan

    Nigerian workers under the aegis of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State Chapter, on Monday, shut down the operations at all the offices of telecommunication giant, MTN across Ibadan, the Oyo state capital over the allegation that the company over the years refused to allow its members of staff unionise.

    Oyo State NLC Chairman, Mr Waheed Olojede, who led other labour leaders and members in the exercise, said the action became inevitable owing to continuous noncompliance of MTN to its calls for adherence to conventions of the International Labour Organisation which demands that workers be members of a union.

    The NLC boss who was accompanied by his counterpart from the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr Emmanuel Ogundiran, expressed optimism that MTN will within the next three days, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), to the effect that the organisation will inaugurate leadership of their union.

    During the Monday exercise, MTN offices in areas like Idi Ape, Mobil and Secretariat were among those picketed, with Olojede assuring that more operational offices of the telecommunications company will be visited today (Tuesday).

    Speaking on why the labour union decided on MTN among other telecommunication companies, Olojede explained that the State chapter only complied with the directive of its national leadership.

    He warned that other telecom companies may be picketed next week if the needful is not done.

    Olojede said, “By the directive of the Central Working Committee of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), we are here to say no to the anti-labour practices of MTN in Nigeria. Over the years, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has engaged the management in negotiations, consultations on the need to allow workers under the employ of MTN to unionise.

    “Unionization within establishment is internationally accepted. It is captured by the conventions of the International Labour Organisation. Here in Nigeria, the laws of the federal republic of Nigeria, Article 30 allows it. The constitution also allows for freedom of association. It worries NLC as to why MTN is not allowing its workers to unionise.

    “When all negotiations between the management of MTN and the leadership of NLC is not producing the desired result, hence the need for this action. The meeting in Kaduna decided to employ legal instrument of picketing and lockout to tell the management of MTN in Nigeria that their actions are illegal, anti-labour and uncivilized.

    “Within three days, MTN is expected to enter a Memorandum of Understanding with the NLC in ensuring that unionization is allowed. It is a three day action nationwide. Once they sign an agreement and we see those organizations inaugurating leadership of their union, we will suppress action.

    “One thing some employers of labour do not know so well is that peace, decorum and tranquility resides in an environment where you have industrial union. This is an opportunity for the two key parties to negotiate dialogue and create industrial peace and harmony. Almost all telecom companies are guilty of this offence. But MTN being the largest of them all, they are the first we are picketing and the instruction is narrowed down to MTN.

    “I believe the Central Working Committee of the NLC will decide the next line of action concerning other telecommunication companies. I am sure this action is sending signals to other telecommunication companies that their practices are illegal and the labour movement will not stand akimbo to watch all these actions continue unabated,” Olojede said.

  • Obaseki assures Edo workers of timely completion of Labour House, industrial harmony

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has assured workers in the state, that the construction of the Labour House Complex would be completed in record time.

    Obaseki gave the assurance at the foundation laying ceremony for the proposed State Labour House Complex, in Ikpoba Hill, Benin City, Edo State, noting, “the state government will work closely with workers to ensure that we do not record strikes in the state.”

    He said the state will work to ensure that the edifice is completed by meeting its obligations, stressing, “This beautiful edifice would be completed in record time. If there is delay in completing the building, the contractor should be held accountable.”

    He commended the foresight of his predecessor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the steps taken to ensure the State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) gets a befitting complex, adding, “I am here today to execute what Comrade Oshiomhole started.”

    Obaseki noted that Comrade Oshiomhole allocated the land for the project, completed the building design and came up with a plan to source fund for the project.

    “It was his vision that, since the state has produced great labour leaders for the union in the past, it would only be befitting to have a beautiful edifice to serve as the Labour House.

    Chairman, Edo State Council of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Emmanuel Ademokuo, commended the Godwin Obaseki-led administration for his worker-friendly policies, which have improved workers’ productivity.

    He thanked the former governor of the state for taking the bold step to ensure that Labour as a body in the state, has a befitting building to call its own.

    Ademokuo expressed appreciation to the former governor Oshiomhole for uniting the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and NLC in the state, noting “In developing the plan for the proposed labour house, the former governor insisted that the complex should accommodate both groups.”

    He assured Governor Obaseki of workers’ support and assured, “We will continue to support your administration to ensure that it delivers the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.”

    Chairman of the State Council of the TUC, Comrade Marshal Orhue, said members of the TUC are confident that the Obaseki-led administration’s developmental strides will deliver expected benefits to the state and her people.

    Read Also: Better days ahead, Obaseki tells Edo pensioners

  • Tambuwal restates commitment to recruit more workers, improve welfare

    Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State on Tuesday said that the state government would embark on recruitment of more workers to facilitate improve manpower in state and local services.

    Tambuwal stated this at 2018 Workers Day celebration in Sokoto, saying that 2, 500 primary and secondary teachers had already been recruited between 2017 and 2018 in the state.

    He described workers as `catalyst in channelling state resources’ to productive means aimed at improving the living condition of people.

    Tambuwal added that health workers and others would be recruited to enhance effective service delivery.

    He disclosed that no fewer than 200 students have been sponsored to study medicine abroad and come back to work in states’ hospitals.

    The governor added that his administration had conducted computer training programme for all categories of workers besides sponsoring workshops to enhance their productivity.

    According to him, the present administration had ensure steady and prompt payment of salaries and pension stressing that more than N4 billion gratuity had been settled from 2016 to date while others were under way.

    He said in view of the importance the government attached to workers Welfare, it had commenced the sale of government houses to workers besides many other Nigerians welfare packages.

    Tambuwal reiterated that government would continue to execute viable programmes toward improving workers welfare and assured continuous harmonious working relationship.

    Read Also: Tinubu condoles with Ajimobi, Tambuwal

    The Federal Controller of Labour in Sokoto State, Mr Sa’idu Muhammad, said the event was being conducted to review achievements, challenges and others for improved service delivery.

    In his address, Mr Aminu Umar, the State Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress ( NLC ), lauded governor’s efforts on workers welfare in the state.

    Umar acknowledged that about 10, 000 workers were recruited since his election as state governor despite prompt payment of entitlements and others packages.

    The labour leader assured that workers would continue to live up to the expectation to reciprocate the commitment and urged workers to support leaderships at all levels.

    The newsmen reports that special prayer led by Comrade Hassan Abdullahi, was offered for late governor’s Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Malam Imam Imam, who died last week.

    The newsmen also reports that no fewer than 80 unions participated in the rally held at the occasion.

    NAN

  • Borno NLC urges lawmakers to challenge govt. on workers’ demands

    The Borno Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress ( NLC ), has urged the State House of Assembly to challenge the state government on workers’ demands.

    Mr Titus Abana, the NLC State Chairman, made the call at the International Workers Day celebrations held on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

    Abana said that the labour should not be allowed to shoulder responsibility of championing the course of the workers alone.

    He lamented that the labour had been putting up its request to the government every year without any meaningful positive outcome.

    “There is no gain in repeating the dictum that whatever affects the nose should be of interest to the eyes.

    “The workers are also part of the electorate; their welfare should therefore be of concern to you.

    “The legislators must work towards guaranteeing that the right of the citizens for a better living is protected.

    “The government has enjoyed tremendous goodwill from workers translating into the successes recorded in the state.

    “We therefore call on the government to appreciate and reciprocate this gesture by putting smiles on faces of workers by addressing all their demands,’’ he said.

    Read Also:

    However, the state governor, Kashim Shettima, said the labour unions and the government have enjoyed cordial relationship that had yielded positive result.

    Shettima, who was represented by his Deputy, Usman Durkwa, said that the government was proactive towards responding to all demands of the people.

    He said that the government was constructing and renovating hospitals to enhance quality health care delivery system.

    “The government had also concluded plans to employ 1,000 teachers to boost quality of education in the state,’’ he said.

    NAN