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  • Govt to TUC, NLC: respect court order barring strike

    Govt to TUC, NLC: respect court order barring strike

    • AGF writes unions, Falana, DSS, IG, NSA
    • It’s judicial terrorism, breach of rights, says Labour

    Labour yesterday got an advisory from government: Its planned strike, on October 3, will amount to “a violation of the subsisting order and a disregard to the dignity and integrity of the court”.

    Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF)/Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) stated this in a letter to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN).

    The letter, dated September 26,  urged the unions to respect a subsisting ruling barring workers from going on strike over petrol subsidy removal and its aftermath.

    It also urged Falana to advise his clients accordingly.

    Copies of the letter were sent to the Labour and Employment Minister; Chief of Staff to the President (CoS);  National Security Adviser (NSA); Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS).

    But in a swift response, the NLC described the AGF advisory as “judicial terrorism.”

    Fagbemi noted that from the communique issued by the NLC after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of August 31 and the September 26 joint communique by the NLC and TUC presidents, it was obvious that “the proposed strike  is premised principally in furtherance of issues connected with fuel subsidy removal, hike in fuel price and consequential matters of making provisions for palliatives and workers welfare.

    Fagbemi said: “These are undoubtedly issues that have been submitted to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.

    “Therefore, the proposed strike  is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted on June 5, 2023, restraining both Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress from embarking on any industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending motion on notice.

    “We wish to reiterate that a court order, regardless of the opinion of any party on it, remains binding and enforceable until set aside.

    “It is the expectation of the public that the labour unions would lead in obedience and observance of court orders and not in its breach.

    “It is therefore the earnest expectation of this office that your distinguished law firm will advise the Labour unions on the need to protect the integrity of courts and observe the sanctity of court orders.

    “Consequently, you are kindly requested to impress it upon the organised labour unions to note the fact that their proposed strike  is in gross breach of the subsisting court order, as well as the appropriateness of addressing their grievances/demands within the ambit of the law.

    “Hence, the need for them to be more accommodating and show greater appreciation of the effect of the order of the court, by shelving the strike .

    “The foregoing will afford parties more room for further mutual engagements, for a holistic and sustainable resolution of all outstanding issues on this matter in the overall national interest.”

    In the June 5 verdict, Justice Olufunke Anuwe of the National Industrial Court (NIC) restrained the NLC and TUC from proceeding with their plan to embark on strike from June 7 over the removal of fuel subsidy.

    Read Also: NUPENG directs members to mobilise for proposed strike

    Justice Anuwe gave the order while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) which was moved by Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, Director, Civil Litigation, Federal Ministry of Justice.

    Justice Anuwe said the order shall remain in force pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice dated June 5 which was filed by the Federal Government through the office of the AGF.

    ‘Judicial terrorism’

    Criticising the AGF, Head of Information and Public Affairs, NLC, Benson Upah noted that a restraining order couldn’t be equated to a permanent or perpetual injunction.

    Upah’s response followed the calls by the AGF asking the organised labour to respect the June 5 order issued by the National Industrial Court, restraining both the NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action over fuel subsidy removal and related issues.

    Upah said: “The first reason why that order cannot subsist is:

    * Restraining order cannot be equated to a permanent or perpetual injunction.

    *The parties are different.

    *The issues are different.

    “Finally, it will be operating against our fundamental rights, our rights to freely associate, freely speak and freely organise as provided by the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    “What the Attorney General of the Federation is trying to do or say amounts to an infringement of our constitutional rights and we call it judicial terrorism or litigious terrorism. The AGF doesn’t have the wherewithal to hold the people of this country hostage. His powers do not extend to that.”

    No pact with govt to drop planned action

    Also yesterday, the NLC said it has is no agreement with the Federal Government to suspend its planned strike.

    In a statement the Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, the NLC said there was no planned meeting with the government to discuss the possibility of rolling back its decision.

    According to the NLC spokesman, the issues at hand were beyond what the Ministry of Labour and Employment ca n handle.  

  • Negotiate with state govts, NEC tells NLC, TUC

    Negotiate with state govts, NEC tells NLC, TUC

    The National Economic Council (NEC) yesterday urged labour leaders to halt their strike plan and give government more time to address their concerns.

    The NEC, an economic advisory body made up of some federal agencies, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and governors, is chaired by the Vice President.

    It decided yesterday to advise labour to negotiate with through the governors in pursuit of redress to their grievances over the subsidy removal pain.

    Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, announced the decision to reporters after the meeting held at the council chambers in Aso Villa.

    The governor said: “Council noted the notice by the national leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress to proceed on an indefinite strike from October 3, 2023. The Council noted further the implication of this strike for the economy and the nation and thus urged members to continue to engage with the leadership of their respective states and to appeal to them to shelve the action and continue on the path of dialogue with the federal government. This is the appeal of Council”.

    Mutfwang enforcing strike at this time would further damage the economy.

    He appealed for more time for government to work on addressing the concerns of Labour. He noted that there are feelers indicating that leadership at every level genuinely wants the issues raised by the Labour addressed once and for all.

    “NEC actually expressed genuine concern on the situation in the country and appreciates the concern by Labour to have those issues addressed. That is why NEC is appealing for patience, appealing for time to be able to address the concerns of Labour. We also believe that Mr. President will be addressing the nation first of October and some of the concerns of Labour will be appropriately addressed in the President’s speech. 

    Read Also: Don’t go on strike, respect court order, AGF tells NLC

    “Whatever happens Labour is represented in all the 36 states and the FCT and NEC is appealing that discussions should continue at the state levels because there will be peculiarities as to the issues to be addressed concerning the demands of Labour, therefore dialogue is the way to go. 

    “The nation is at a very critical moment at this time, some of the states, when they took over on May 29, the workers were on strike, some of those issues have just been resolved for the workers to return to work. To ask them to go back immediately, it’s going to further damage the economy. 

    “Therefore NEC, while expressing genuine concern about the situation in the country, appeals for calm and patience and I want to believe that the leadership across the nation at this point in time wants to truly address the issues that concern Labour and the general populace and move the country forward”, he said.

    Responding to a question on the probability of the administration drawing up a supplementary budget, the governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, said there was no need for such yet, going by the presentations before the NEC, hence no supplementary budget as at yet.

    Speaking to a question around the $3 billion loan taken by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to achieve stabilization of the Naira against foreign currencies, Governor Sule said the new team at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would require some time to put its acts together to be able to take steps to achieve the stabilization.

    Also speaking during the briefing, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said Council threw its support behind the eight point agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which it says has the key to Nigeria’s development.

    “The meeting appreciates all the eight-point agenda of President Bola Tinubu and his investment drive around the world and measures he has taken so far”, he said.

    The Minister said the Council was satisfied with the collaborations between the central and State governments in Nigeria and advised the sub-nationals to explore opportunities that now abound in the energy sector in line with the new Electricity Act.

    “In particular the meeting agreed that there should be vigorous implementation of key resolutions in collaboration between the States and the Federal government. One of the resolutions highlighted is the energy sufficiency for sustainable economic development, government at all levels should promote the migration of heavy duty industry system from fossil fuel to gas infrastructure as well as acknowledging that the new Electricity Act empowers States and individuals to participate in all components of the energy sector,” he said.

    Bagudu stressed that state governments were encouraged to carry out energy audits in order to determine their energy needs as well as explore areas of collaboration with the private sector based on their competitive advantages.

    Also speaking, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Nyesom Wike, said Council, after receiving the report of the special Committee on impact of Flood and Disaster Across the States, adopted the groupings of the States according to what they suffered from flooding.

    Wike listed the states under their various categories “Group A: (states with over 15 points (most affected) Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Rivers, Enugu, Kano, Oyo, Yobe, Zamfara.

    “Group B: (States with 10-15 points)Cross River, Delta, Jigawa, Kwara, Ondo.

    “Group C: (states with less than 10 points) Katsina, Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, FCT”, he said.

    He said the council directed the National emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately provide intervention to the affected States adding that a road map would be developed and articulated by NEC in collaboration with the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum.

    Also, the governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, gave an update on the distribution of palliatives, as presented by the chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, and governor of Kwara State, Abdulraman Abdulrazaq.

    Radda, who reaffirmed that the federal government had released N2 billion to each state and the FCT, added that the NGF Chairman informed Council that members were making progress and urged them to re-double efforts as states looked forward for more interventions.

    The Accountant-General of the Federation, Mrs Oluwatoyin Madein, told journalists that the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, made presentation to the NEC on the fiscal policy and Tax Reforms, stating that the Committee was set up by President Bola Tinubu to review and redesign Nigeria’s fiscal system with respect to revenue mobilization through both tax and non-tax; quality of government spending and; and sustainable debt management in addition, the committee will identify relevant measures to make Nigeria an attractive destination for investment and facilitate inclusive Economic growth.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, gave details of balances in the nation’s excess crude and other accounts as follows: Excess Crude Account, $473,754.57; Stabilization Account, N34,936,868,803.58; Development of Natural Resources, N128,330,636,441.14.

    Meanwhile, speaking during the meeting, according to a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said government at the federal, state and local government levels must remain committed to reevaluating their priorities, streamlining processes, and making bold decisions that would reflect key social issues, including social protection, social investment and nutrition.

    In his opening address at the NEC meeting titled, ‘Planning for Stability: Our Agenda for Economic Growth in 2024’, Vice President Shetimma reminded the governors and other members of NEC that the weight of the tough decisions to rescue Nigeria’s economy depends on their cooperation and goodwill.

    He noted that what has set President Bola Ahmed Tinubu apart as a Nigerian leader is the courage to embark on fixing the country’s economy through bold reforms.

    Identifying stability as a major priority in next year’s economic agenda, the VP said, “It took courage to embark on fixing an economy hindered by decades of political lip service. But that’s what has set President Bola Ahmed Tinubu apart: his bold reforms to reposition the economy and save it from further erosion. 

  • Don’t go on strike, respect court order, AGF tells NLC

    Don’t go on strike, respect court order, AGF tells NLC

    The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has asked the organised labour to respect the June 5 order issued by the National Industrial Court, restraining both Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) from embarking on any industrial action over fuel subsidy removal and related issues.

    Fagbemi, in a September 26 letter to the lawyer to the NLC and TUC, Femi Falana (SAN), argued that the plan by both labour bodies to embark on indefinite strike from October 3 was a violation of the subsisting order and a different a disregard to the dignity and integrity of the court.

    The AGF urged Falana to prevail on his clients to respect the order of the court and allow room for ongoing negotiations between parties on how to address the challenges associated with the fuel subsidy removal.

    He noted that from the communique issued by the NLC after its National Executive Council meeting on August 31 and the September 26 joint communique by the Presidents of the NLC and TUC, it was obvious that “the proposed strike action is premised principally in furtherance of issues connected with the removal of fuel subsidy, hike in fuel price and consequential matters of making provisions for palliatives and workers welfare.

    Read Also: BREAKING: NLC, TUC direct workers to withdraw services Oct 3

    Fagbemi said: “These are undoubtedly issues that have been submitted to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.

    “Therefore, the proposed strike action is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted on 5th June 2023 restraining both Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress from embarking on any industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending motion on notice.

    “We wish to reiterate that a court order, regardless of the opinion of any party on it, remains binding and enforceable until set aside.

    “It is the expectation of the public that the labour unions would lead in obedience and observance of court orders and not in its breach.

    “It is, therefore, the earnest expectation of this office that your distinguished law firm will advise the labour unions on the need to protect the integrity of courts and observe the sanctity of court orders.

    “Consequently, you are kindly requested to impress it upon the organized labour unions to note the fact that their proposed strike action is in gross breach of the subsisting court order, as well as the appropriateness of addressing their grievances/demands within the ambit of the law.

    “Hence, the need for them to be more accommodating and show greater appreciation of the effect of the order of the court, by shelving the strike action.

    “The foregoing will afford parties more room for further mutual engagements, for a holistic and sustainable resolution of all outstanding issues on this matter in the overall national interest.”

    Copies of the letter have also been sent to the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Chief of Staff to the President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director General of State Security Service.

  • No agreement with FG to suspend strike – NLC

    No agreement with FG to suspend strike – NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it has no agreement with the Federal Government to call off the planned indefinite strike for Oct. 3.

    Mr Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs in NLC said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had at the end of the joint National Executive Council meeting declared an indefinite strike beginning from Tuesday to press home their demands.

    Upah was reacting to a statement allegedly issued by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    Upah said there were some inconsistencies in the statement which include the proposed strike and the illegal occupation of the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

    “Accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. Firstly, we do not have any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike action.

    “Neither do we have any date for a meeting with the government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike.

    “While we do not intend to demean or minimise the office of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the Ministry.

    Read Also: Stock up your homes, Labour tells Nigerians as NLC, TUC declare strike Oct 3

    “This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting,” he added.

    He, therefore, commended the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the NURTW from unlawful, illegal police detention.

    Upah added: ”We take exception to the ministry describing these executives as factional leaders.

    “They were lawfully elected into office. We still find it necessary to advise the police and those elements behind their travails to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct.

    “They are advised to retrace their steps. If democracy is to be of meaning to us, then we should resist the urge or temptation for impunity. Enough is enough.”

    (NAN)

  • CSO opposes NLC planned strike

    CSO opposes NLC planned strike

    A Civil Society Organisation under the aegis of Civil Society and Workers Dialogue Forum (CSWDF) has expressed its disapproval of the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) scheduled to commence on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

    The organisation in a statement issued by its Convener, Abubakar Ibrahim and Rafiu Shaibu, Co-convener, Bashir Faisal, in Abuja on Wednesday described the action as an economic sabotage.

    It described the planned action as a deliberate mischief given that the NLC is insensitive to its own part of dialogue with the Federal Government over the petrol subsidy removal impasse.

    The CSO assured that it would always lend its voice if the NLC decides to toe the path of nobility, embrace dialogue and shelve the strike.

    The CSO said the NLC had fully agreed to the withdrawal of fuel subsidy which it had earlier advocated for.

    It added that “having the subsidy that has been draining government for years removed should be supported by all stakeholders,  rather than ‘evil kick’ as it were.”

    Read Also: Stock up your homes, Labour tells Nigerians as NLC, TUC declare strike Oct 3

    The group said it acknowledged difficulty faced by Nigerians and explained that the Federal Government had made deft moves in rehabilitating the refineries to reduce the cost of PMS and gas importation.

    It added that the recent distribution of palliatives to the tune of N5 billion to each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory is part of efforts to mitigate the effects until things normalise.

    It added that no government anywhere in the world derives pleasure in the suffering of its people.

    “The wage increase of workers is being negotiated with NLC constituting membership of the committee, hence we are appalled at what the proposed strike intends to achieve.

    “As opposed to the past, the NLC has always been on the negotiation table before any decision was taken by this administration,” the group said.

    The CSO recalled that in June 2023, “the labour union was in talks with the Federal Government over fuel subsidy removal without carrying other stakeholders along which we protested our exclusion.

    “Having agreed with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, only for the workers union to recant and proposed an indefinite strike is counter-productive and we will mobilise our members across the 36 states and FCT for anti-NLC protest,”  the CSO said.

    It added that the statement should serve as official notice to the Director of State Service, Inspector General of Police and other security agencies, that it is going to mobilise to streets against NLC on Oct. 3.

    The group said that some states had purchased buses for public transportation and has also added fund to the FG’s offer to them to cushion effects of the subsidy removal in their respective states.

    It insisted that the proposed strike is inappropriate thereby calling on citizens not to allow themselves to be used against the genuine interest of government.

    (NAN)

  • Stock up your homes, Labour tells Nigerians as NLC, TUC declare strike Oct 3

    Stock up your homes, Labour tells Nigerians as NLC, TUC declare strike Oct 3

    Organised Labour has asked Nigerians to stock up their homes ahead of a nationwide strike billed to commence October 3.

    General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Emmanuel Ugboaja said this during a joint briefing addressed by the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Festus Osifo on Tuesday in Abuja. 

    The labour leaders said the National Executive Councils (NEC) of the NLC and TUC in their various meetings “deeply analysed the current situation in the country, taking into cognisance the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting our citizens across all states of the federation and unanimously condemned the apparent conscious lethargy and tardiness in handling the consequences of its petrol price hike on Nigerians.”

    Barring last minute intervention by the Federal Government, the organised labour has directed all workers in Nigeria to withdraw their services from their respective workplaces commencing from the 3rd of October.

    It directed all affiliates and state councils to immediately start mobilising for industrial action, urging them to organise street protests and rallies until the government responded positively to its demands.

    Labour’s position followed the expiration of a 21 – day ultimatum issued to the government on September 1.

    That ultimatum ended on Friday.

    Prior to the expiration of the 21 day ultimatum, the NLC had embarked on a two – day warning strike between 5th and 6th of this month to drive home its demands. 

    The TUC didn’t take part in the warning strike, saying it preferred to dialogue with the government before resorting to industrial action. 

    Some of the demands put before the government by labour included wage award and tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers.

    Others are: provision of Compressed Natural Gas buses, release of modalities for the N70bn for Small and Medium Enterprises, release of officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers by the police, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria crisis in Lagos, among others. 

    The demands also included the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the Federal Government, including the recent hike in PMS price, increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salaries of university teachers and workers as well as the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).

    On Friday the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong secured the release of the elected members of NURTW. 

    The release of the officials was one of the key demands of the NLC. The other is the wage award. 

    Speaking during the joint press conference at the end of an emergency NEC to review discussions with government, Ajaero said there was no “disagreement between Labour and government on the existence of massive suffering, impoverishment and hunger in the country as a result of the hike in the price of Petrol which demands an urgent need for remedial action.”

    The labour leader said the government had “totally abdicated its responsibility” and had “shown gross unwillingness to act abandoning Nigerian people and workers to excruciating poverty and affliction.”

    According to him, the federal government has continued to “grandstand and forestall all avenues to peaceful dialogue with organised labour on ways to save Nigerians from the huge hunger and suffering experienced across the nation as a result of the unconscionable hike in the price of petrol (PMS) by the government.”

    Ajaero said: “The National Executive Councils (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in their various meetings deeply analyzed the current situation in the country, taking into cognisance the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting our citizens across all states of the federation unanimously condemned the apparent conscious lethargy and tardiness in handling the consequences of its Petrol Price hike on Nigerians. 

    “The councils deliberated on the continued refusal of the federal Government to engage in a meaningful and constructive dialogue within the ambits of good faith given the 21 days ultimatum and the subsequent successful 2-Day nationwide warning strike of the 5th and 6th of September and other meetings that were supposed to demonstrate the preparedness of Nigerian workers to push through their decision to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike if their demands were not met.

    “The Government has continued to demonstrate not just an unwillingness to mitigate the massive hardship in the country but also a complete lack of intention to take positive steps and empathy for the multi-dimensionally impoverished citizens of Nigeria.

    “The federal Government has therefore not met in any substantial way, the demands of Nigerian workers and peoples as previously canvassed in our mutually agreed roadmap to salvaging the economy and protecting workers and Nigerians from the monumental hardship.

    “The grace period given by the two labour centres has expired. 

    “Trade unions continue to face severe threat from the State via the brutal and suppressive power of the Police and Government. The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) continues to be illegally occupied by the Government via the instrumentally of the Police who have cloned the leadership of NURTW. The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) continues to be illegally occupied by the Lagos state government in total disregard to the Courts and the statutes.

    “That the State within the life of the ultimatum via the Police has caused loss of lives and properties with untold injuries on Nigerian workers who were on their way to go back to their Union’s national Headquarters in Abuja.

    “That the State has continued to blackmail and sponsor serious campaigns of calumny against trade union leaders in the social media using its buying and coercive powers instead of making efforts to lift the burden on the masses.”

    Reading the resolutions reached at the NEC meeting, Osifo said: “To, in the spirit of the Independence Day celebration and to demonstrate our resolve for a truly independent Nigeria to take our destinies in our own hands and rescue our nation.

    “To embark on an indefinite and total shutdown of the nation beginning on zero hours Tuesday, the 3rd day of October, 2023.

    Read Also: Tribunal: Labour Party vows to appeal judgement on Governor Mbah

    “To direct all workers in Nigeria to withdraw their services from their respective workplaces commencing from the 3rd of October.

    “To direct all affiliates and state councils to immediately start mobilising accordingly for action to organise street protests and rallies until the government responds positively to our demands.

    “To enjoin all patriotic Nigerians to join hands across the nation to assist this government put the people back at the centre of its policies and programmes.”

    Lalong couldn’t be reached for comments.

    The minister was yet to respond to a text message sent to him as of the time of filing this report. 

    But the Director of Press and Public Relations of the ministry, Olajide Oshundun said: “Before the end of the one week, I can assure you there will be development and that strike will not hold.”

  • BREAKING: NLC, TUC direct workers to withdraw services Oct 3

    BREAKING: NLC, TUC direct workers to withdraw services Oct 3

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have agreed to withdraw their services nationwide from Tuesday, October 3.

    The two labour centres directed their affiliates to mobilise for protests from October 3

    Labour took the decision after a joint National Executive Council between TUC and NLC meeting on Tuesday, September 26, in Abuja.

    Ajaero said the government has “substantially failed to meet its demands after the removal of fuel subsidy.”

    Recall that on September 5th and 6th, the NLC embarked on a two-day warning strike which led to the partial crippling of economic activities in some states.

    It gave the government a 21-day ultimatum to meet its demands.

    Ajaero said the grace period given by the two labour centres had expired.

    Read Also: Indefinite strike: MAN, NECA, others kick as NLC decides Tuesday

    He asked Nigerians to stock their homes ahead of the planned nationwide strike.

    The organised labour is demanding wage awards for public workers and a new minimum wage.

    The other demands made by the NLC to cushion the effects of the May 29 subsidy removal are tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers, provision of Compressed Natural Gas buses, the release of modalities for the N70 billion for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the Federal Government.

    It also wants a stop to the increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salaries of university teachers and workers as well as the increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).

  • BREAKING: NLC, TUC to hold joint press briefing to announce indefinite strike

    BREAKING: NLC, TUC to hold joint press briefing to announce indefinite strike

    Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), would conduct a joint press conference at 3 p.m. today to announce a statewide indefinite strike.

    The Nation reported that between Tuesday, September 5, and Wednesday 6, 2023, NLC without the TUC went on a two-day warning strike to urge the government to address the mass painful suffering of Nigerians, particularly workers.

    According to reports, the leaders of the two labour unions have settled their disputes, which caused only the NLC to go on a two-day warning strike without the cooperation of the TUC.

    Read Also: Don’t embark on strike now, Reps speaker begs NLC

    Following their separate organs’ meetings, the two centres would hold a joint press conference at 3 p.m. to announce an indefinite nationwide strike in response to the Federal Government’s failure to address the suffering and other socioeconomic hardships caused by the removal of subsidies on Premium Motor, PMS, commonly known as petrol.

    Details shortly…

  • Don’t embark on strike now, Reps speaker begs NLC

    Don’t embark on strike now, Reps speaker begs NLC

    The speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen on Tuesday, September 26, appealed to organised Labour not to embark on their planned strike, saying that taking such action at this juncture would worsen an already challenging situation in the country

    Abbas, who spoke while addressing members of the House on resumption from their two-month break, said the organised Labour should give the parliament more time to engage the executive on issues raised by them.

    He said the NLC appeared to have run out of patience with the plans being put in place by the government for wage increases and palliatives for workers.

    He acknowledged the hardship being faced by the Nigerian people as a result of the harsh economic environment in the country and the removal of petroleum subsidy.

    The speaker said: “Our economic challenges remain as daunting as they were before the recess. The country is challenged on several economic fronts: the cost of living crisis occasioned by the high cost of energy, the cost of food is skyrocketing daily, lack of livable wages, the negative effects of the unpredictable and fluctuating foreign exchange rates, a disappearing middle class and a host of other issues.

    “When people are hungry and despondent, what is needed is a leadership with a clear vision, a leadership that on a daily basis, demonstrates its commitment and capacity to tackle the challenges at hand; a leadership that should be innovative in proffering short and long-term solutions.

    “That is what Nigerians need at this time and as Representatives of the people, we must rise up to the occasion.

    “While the Executive Arm of government is engaging the citizens and trying to work out strategies to tackle the hardship in the country, our legislative actions must therefore be dictated by a clear robust vision aimed at supporting the Executive in restoring our citizens on the path of prosperity.

    “We must deploy the necessary legislative instruments to create jobs, ensure payment of living wages in the civil service, pull Nigerians out of poverty, address the prevailing infrastructure deficit, rid the country of crippling insurgency; ensure the security of lives and property and affordable functional education so that no child is left behind.

    He further stated: “On account of these economic challenges, the organized labour under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) seems to have lost patience with the painstaking effort of the government to plan and provide sustainable minimum wage and palliatives to citizens.

    Read Also: I am not fighting Gov Uzodinma, Reps speaker Abbas denies fake report

    “The organized labour it appears would embark on a nationwide strike by this midnight following the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum issued to the government. As the people’s representatives, we feel and equally share in the pains of our people at these very difficult times.

    “However, I would like to appeal to the Nigerian Labour Congress to consider the various actions being taken by the Federal Government to alleviate the current hardship faced by Nigerians.

    “As promised earlier, this House remains committed to getting a survival wage to all Nigerian workers.

    “The 10th House had assured Nigerians that we would be interfacing between the organized labour and the government to quickly work out a realistic new national minimum wage and such other palliatives to enable citizens to cope with the economic impact of fuel subsidy removal, the downward fall of the naira to the dollar, skyrocketing cost of food and general high cost of living in the country.

    “It is our considered opinion that embarking on a nationwide strike at this point will only aggravate an already bad situation. I therefore urge the leadership of Labour Unions to give us the benefit of the doubt and suspend any planned strike action while we engage the executive.”

  • Indefinite strike: MAN, NECA, others kick as NLC decides Tuesday

    Indefinite strike: MAN, NECA, others kick as NLC decides Tuesday

    • TUC threatens protest Monday in Lagos over RTEAN crisis

    The business community warned yesterday that the planned nationwide strike by organised labour over workers’ welfare does not bode well for the country and the economy at this particular time.

    The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is scheduled to convene on Tuesday to take a decision on the strike, NLC National President Joe Ajaero told The Nation on the phone yesterday.

    The meeting comes at the expiration yesterday of the 21-day ultimatum given by labour to the federal government to provide palliatives for Nigerians to cushion the hardship triggered by the fuel subsidy removal.

    It is demanding a review of the minimum wage, tax exemptions and allowances for public sector workers, among others.

    Congress said the planned indefinite action, which is a follow-up to its recent warning industrial action, would shut down commercial and economic activities across the country.

    But the business community fears that any shutdown of the economy at this time would not augur well for the country and the generality of the citizens.

    The Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said last night that a national strike now would complicate the present economic situation.

    “Like we have always said, when the labour union goes on strike, the economy is negatively impacted,” Ajayi-Kadir said.

    It is not government that suffers, but the masses, he said.

    Read Also: NLC NEC to decide on strike as ultimatum ends

    Continuing, he said: “There are fears that if that strike is accompanied by violent protests, it will have implications for maintenance of peace.

    “Whichever way you look at it, I think strikes by the labour union even at the normal time will negatively affect the economy, not to mention now that our economy is going through a lot of challenges.

    “You are aware that this administration is barely 100 days old and there are quite a number of policy initiatives the government has taken that are supposed to help the pace for economic reflation in the country.

    Those policies are yet to fully mature to start to yield any positive outcomes. In my own opinion, all hands should be on deck to get the economy on the path of recovery and reflation of the economy.

    “A strike at this time is going to set back the process and may lead to further hardship for the people and the economy.”

    He appealed to government and labour to resolve their differences on the issue, stressing: “I will particularly appeal to the labour union to consider other means of driving home their demands rather than grounding the economy because the most impacted will not be the government; it will be the people that they speak for.

    “There is very high consumer apathy, very high cost of inputs. Even the movement of workers continue to be constrained due to the high cost of fuel and transportation especially.”

    The Director-General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Mr. Adewale Oyerinde, said on TVC that Nigeria cannot afford another strike at this point in time because of the adverse effects this might cause to the financial health and stability of the economy.

    A stock market operator, Peter Adebola, said stock market activities may also be grounded should organised labour make good its threat to embark on indefinite strike, especially if the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) join the action.

    “All stock market macroeconomic indicators would also go down. This is because the macroeconomic indicators that would influence the stocks would be negative.”

    The last meeting between the federal government and labour had ended in a deadlock.

    Labour Minister Simon Lalong emerged from a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday optimistic that the matter would be resolved.

    “I don’t think there is any problem. We don’t have any fears about some of the things they (labour) put on the table, and also the suggestions and the package of the Federal Government,” he said.

    “As for me, I don’t think there is any problem. We have fully spent time with the Nigerian labour, and the posture of the President too is towards the welfare and prosperity of workers.

    “We have no doubt, and that’s why in many of our meetings with them, we did not end up boxing ourselves. We hope that the best is going to come.”

    FG increases salaries of tertiary institutions’ staff by 25 per cent

    Amidst fears of the impeding strike, the Federal Government has increased the salaries of academic and non-academic staff of its tertiary institutions by 25 per cent.

    It confirmed the approval of the new percentage increment in salaries through the National Salaries, Wages and Income Commission (NSWIC).

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the NSWIC, Ekpo Nta, in a memo entitled

    ‘RE: Implementation of the 35% and 23.5% salary increment for staff of tertiary institutions,’ and sighted by The Nation, reads: “I refer to your letter No. FME/IS/UNI/ASUU/CII/IIIT2/90 dated 8th September 2023 in respect of the above-subject. Find attached the circulars pertaining to the four salary structures in the Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education for your information (attached).

    It was addressed to the Minister of Education on September 14, 2023, and says:

    “The 23.5 per cent earlier reflected in our letter SWC/S/04/S.149/I/59 of 28 July 2022 and stated in paragraph 2 of your letter has been increased to 25 per cent which accounted for the increased cost implications.

    “This Commission is really pleased with the success your informal discussions have achieved. We shall endeavour to support all your efforts aimed at repositioning the education sector. Please accept the assurances of my warm regards.”

    Another letter from the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation (OAuGF) dated September 21, 2023 also confirmed the increment.

    The letter which was signed on behalf of the Director of Human Resource of the OAuGF, Ajanaku F.O, reads: “I am directed to inform you that the Presidential Committee on Salaries at its 13th meeting having taken into consideration the different stages of collective bargaining in various sectors and specifically engagements between the Federal Ministry of Education and Tertiary Institutions-based Unions and consequently the Federal Government’s approval is hereby conveyed as revised for the following:

    “Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Salary Structure for Academic Staff of Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Education with effect from 1st January, 2023.

    “Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure II for non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities, with effect from 1st January, 2023.

    “Consolidated Tertiary Education Institutions Salary Structure for non-Academic Staff of Federal Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, with effect from 1st January, 2023.

    “Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure II (CONUASS II) for Academic Staff of Federal University with effect from 1st January, 2023.”

    TUC threatens to ground economic activities in Lagos over banning of RTEAN by state govt

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in a separate threat says it will ground economic activities in Lagos State to protest the ban on the operations of its affiliate union, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) by the state government.

    Ahead of the planned action, the TUC has directed its members to mobilise for a one-day protest on Monday as a warning ahead of total withdrawal of service by its members.

    President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, said in Abuja that all affiliate unions of TUC including Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) and others would join the action.

    Osifo said TUC has employed all the necessary tools of engagement for amicable resolution, including writing letters and holding meetings with the Lagos State Government on the issue.

    He added that the RTEAN also went to court and got a judgment from the National Industrial Court which said the state government had no powers to proscribe a trade union legally registered by the Federal Government.

    Osifo added that the state government refused to allow the union to operate.

    He therefore said TUC would utilise trade unionism powers to protest the ban on its affiliate union.

    The labour leader asked the Ministry of Labour and Employment which has the powers to register and deregister trade unions to call the Lagos State Government to order.

    He said: “The National Industrial Court, Lagos State division in its judgment told the state government to unlock the offices of RTEAN. The Court expressly said also that Lagos State Government has no powers to proscribe a registered trade union. But the Lagos State Government refused to comply with the judgment.

    “On the 4th of September this year, we wrote another letter to the Lagos State Government drawing their attention to the government judgment and the meeting we had earlier with them where they promised that the issue will be resolved, but there was no response. All other attempts to reach the state governor were to no avail.

    “In fact we have even reported to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and to people in the federal government that are from Lagos State to call the governor to order. What they are doing to RTEAN is the same thing they are doing to NURTW today. So this is fundamentally wrong.

    “It is against this backdrop that we said on the 4th of September: within two weeks, if the Lagos State Government remains adamant in resolving the issue, we are going to carry out a protest and after the protest and there is no resolution in sight, there is going to be a total shutdown in Lagos State. Because what the State government is doing against a legally registered trade union is not acceptable to us.

    “So in order for us to carry out a successful protest in Lagos on Monday, we informed the DG of DSS, IGP and the National Security Adviser. The reason is that we want them to provide us with adequate security. And we have informed all our affiliates to proceed to Lagos next week.”