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Tag: Sen. Chris Ngige

  • NLC Threat: Police assure Ngige’s family of safety

    The Police in Anambra on Tuesday promised to protect lives and property of relations of Minister for Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige.

    The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Mohammed Haruna, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Tuesday.

    Haruna advised members of the family to report any incident of insecurity, at the nearest police station in the state of insecurity.

    He assured that the command would provide adequate security in the community.

    “The command will provide security at the minister’s village and ensure that nothing happens there but they have to report to the nearest police station to the community,” he said.

    Meanwhile, a member of local vigilance group in Alor, who craved anonymity, told journalists said the group had strengthened security operations in the area to forestall breach of peace.

    Nwankwo said that the group feared that there may be an invasion of the town by labour officials following the threat of the national leadership.

    “We may call it rumour but we cannot leave anything to chance as some people may cash in on the statements of the labour union to cause trouble.

    “Besides, he is our brother and we cannot allow this to happen in our community,” he said.

  • Ngige, APC petition INEC over alleged stolen materials for election

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, and the All Progressives Congress (APC), have petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over alleged stolen electoral materials meant for two constituencies.

    The petition was addressed to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra State, Dr. Nkwachukwu Orji.

    Addressing reporters yesterday, Ngige said the two constituencies were Ihiala I and Awka South I, stressing that electoral materials kept in the custody of the local government chairmen were stolen.

    According to him,  “So far, there are reported cases of pilfering of INEC materials at Ihiala I and Awka South I, where our party agents have reported that materials kept in custody of the local government chairmen were no longer complete on the morning of the election at the RAC.”

    “We have petitioned the INEC through the REC, bringing his attention to that situation otherwise the elections in those two places would have been compromised ab initio,” he said.

    On the election, the Minister said, “Anambra is not doing governorship, we are doing legislative House and it has somehow affected the turnout of voters.”

    “But be that as it may, it’s a very important election as it affords the Anambra people the opportunity to form one arm of the government, State Assembly, which is for making state laws and which is the ambit of governance that is nearer to the people.”

    However, he said card reader was not much of a problem this time; adding that INEC should look into it very seriously as majority were still rejecting peoples thumbs.

  • ASUU continues reconciliation meeting with FG

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) on Monday continued with its reconciliation meeting with the Federal Government.

    Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, ASUU President who refused to speak with newsmen after the two hours meeting said, “go and ask the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige”.

    The meeting which was called at the instance of the minister was aimed at finding ways of ending the strike, which commenced on Nov. 5.

    ASUU demands included some areas of understanding in the implementation of the Memorandum of Action agreed to in 2017.

    Some of these areas include shortfall in salaries of some Federal universities’ workers and lecturers, earned allowances, revitalisation that are part of 2009 agreement, among others.

    Ngige, while addressing newsmen, said the meeting was a continuation meeting from last Monday meeting.

    According to him, we gave ourselves some assignment with different Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) on what to do.

    “They brought their reports today and we took the reports and we were supposed to do some implementation on the reports.

    “So we are going to give ourselves some days for it to be done and to see whether we can accomplish them before Christmas,” he said.

    The Minister also denied any walk out by the union, saying there is no walk out, “we held the meeting and we even broke into an executive session and we discussed.

    He added that there is no dissatisfaction by the union as “we have already agreed on implementation and we have given ourselves some work plan”.

    He, however, said that the only difference for the implementation on the agreement reached was only a matter of days before Christmas for the discussions.

    “So that for students who are home, will have some hope of resuming in January and those who have missed their exams this time will also have hope for first week in January.

    “So, the issue of shortfall in salaries are being worked on, among other major issues, and I will be meeting with the Minister of Finance tomorrow to find out the stage of implementation of that. So there is progress,” Ngige said.

    He also said the meeting was adjourned indefinitely.

  • Workers’ Day: FG pledges commitment to enhance workers’ welfare

    The Federal Government has pledged its commitment to enhance workers’ welfare and prosperity for all citizens in the country.

    Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, made this pledge in a statement signed by Mr Samuel Olowookere, Director of Press in the ministry to mark the 2018 Workers’ Day celebration.

    Ngige said that workers should use the occasion to reminisce on the positive outcomes of the labour’s struggle for a better working conditions and decent work environment.

    According to him, this is an administration that places a lot of premium on the welfare of workers and all citizenry and has done so in very transparent manner.

    “Our openness is to provide enough window for all Nigerians to appreciate the state of the nation and the efforts of the government.

    “Our modest achievement in creating equable condition for job security and improved welfare for workers.

    “This is as evident in the fact that no Federal civil or public servant has lost his or her job in the last three years of the administration despite economic downturn.

    “This is as well as the ongoing effort to give effect to a new national minimum wage easily bear out Federal Government’s commitment to the upliftment of the workforce.

    Read Also:  Workers’ Day: NANS urges FG, states to implement new minimum wage

    “This year’s celebration therefore presents an opportunity for a collective reflection on the contributions of the labour movement to national growth.

    “We should also reflect on the steadfastness of the Buhari administration to the welfare of workers on the other,‘’ he said.

    He, however, called for the continuous support for the success of administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    He said the cardinal objective of the present administration was the revival of the economy; enhancement of the security of the nation and zero tolerance for corruption.

    “ The Federal Government has so far covered a considerable millage notwithstanding teething challenges.

    “ I therefore solicit your continued support towards bringing these national goals to fruition,’’ he added.

    He further assured all workers of better days ahead.

    NAN

  • Ngige faults US report on Child Soldiers

    Ngige faults US report on Child Soldiers

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen Chris Ngige has faulted reports by the United States of America Department of Labour alleging that Nigeria was engaged in the use of child soldering in its fight against Boko Haram, saying the country does not encourage child soldiering or the participation of children in the Civilian JTF.

    The Minister who speak while receiving the new Labour Attache of the United States of America in Nigeria, Mirna Torres however sought the collaboration of the US government in its effort at eradicating the menace of child labour and the provision of decent employment for its teeming unemployed youths through collaborative efforts between Nigeria and United States Department of Labour (USDOL).

    Ngige said the Nigerian government “will continue to ask for collaboration from the government of the United States of America, nothing stops you from assisting us in building more schools as well as collaborate with us in the implementation of the school feeding and conditional cash transfer programme of President Muhammadu Buhari which is aimed at bringing succor to the vulnerable group.”

    While faulting the US report on child soldiers, the Minister said: “Nigeria does not recruit child soldiers, rather Nigeria is fighting Boko Haram terrorist group that captures children and use them as child soldier and shield to fight the Nigerian Army. We do not allow children to participate in the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) as well.

    “Similarly in the mining and agricultural sector, we have put in place centres that monitor, report and discourage the use of children for mining. In view of these deliberate efforts of the Federal Government, there is a significant decline in child labour in Nigeria. As much as I don’t want to fault your data but I know it is over blotted nevertheless it will spur us to put more efforts towards the eradication of child labour.”

    In addition, he emphasized that Nigeria is a signatory to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 138 and 182 that prohibit child labour. Furthermore, Nigeria has not only ratified (ILO) Convention 138 and 182 but has domesticated them into laws, the review of which is currently before the National Assembly for enactment into law.

    Minister of State Labour and Employment, Prof. Stephen Ocheni attributed the reduction in child labour in Nigeria according to the 2016 child labour report as presented by the Labour Attache of the United States of America, to the deliberate and coordinated efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari. 

    He assured the envoy of the commitment of the Federal Government to the eradication of child labour in the Country.

    Speaking earlier, the Labour Attache of the United States of America in Nigeria, Mirna Torres revealed that Nigeria has made progress and improvement in the fight against child labour, she added that towards consolidating on the achievements made so far, the United State is seeking to partner Nigeria in the area of workplace inspections to understand the kind of work and environment under which Nigerians work with the aim of getting first-hand information.

    She said “we see Nigeria having made modern advancement and has improved on the matter of child labour, the only thing I want to mention is if it is possible for us to work together in the future on the issues of inspections. 

    “We have not been able to receive much information as to the numbers of inspectors currently working in the Ministry, where they are deployed and the kind of inspections they carried out. This is not aimed at critic but to know the kind of work Nigeria is doing and ensure we give you the credit.” 

  • Strike: FG, non-teaching varsity workers reach agreement

    Strike: FG, non-teaching varsity workers reach agreement

    The Federal Government and the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the non-teaching staff of Nigerian Universities have  reached an agreement over the ongoing  strike by the workers.

    The Minister of  Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige,  said this at a conciliatory meeting with the leadership of the JAC of the unions and other officials of the Ministry of Education on Friday in Abuja.

    It would be recalled that the non-teaching staff of Nigerian universities under the auspices of JAC embarked on  strike on Monday  over non- implementation of the 2009 agreement.

    The workers belong to the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities ( SSANU).

    The demands of the unions included  the payment of earned allowances, a review of the governance system in universities and  improved funding in line with UNESCO recommendations.

    Other demands included  provision  of infrastructure  in universities and payment of salary shortfall being owed members, implementation of the National Industrial Court judgment on university staff schools and  registration of NUPEMCO, the Pension Fund Administrator  proposed for university workers.

    Ngige, however, said agreements had been reached on all  the issues raised by the workers.

    “We held discussions on all these areas and we reached agreement  on all of them;  government has already approved and released  some N23 billion for earned allowances in the universities.

    “This is for teaching and non-teaching staff of the various universities in Nigeria.

    “ We agreed on this that the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation is to expedite action on  mandate for this payment.

    “We have the issue of  shortfall;  the issue is already being addressed and some universities are already credited with some amount of money for their short falls, ‘’ he said.

    On the implementation of  NIC judgment  for  staff schools, he said that government through the National Universities Commission had  issued circulars directing the universities to implement the judgement.

    He also said  the Salaries and Wages Income Commission had  initiated the process of ensuring compliance with the NIC judgment, expressing the hope that this would  be completed within four weeks.

    On  non-registration of NUPEMCO as Pension Fund Administrator, he said  that the process had begun and a  consultant would be handling  this  on behalf of the unions.

    “ We have also reiterated our commitment that the appropriate filled forms and particulars be  submitted within one week while the Federal Ministry of Education will expedite action to bringing out the certificates.

    “ Also on the negotiation of the 2009 agreement,  we realised that Babalakin  Committee is handling that and has collected memorandum from the various unions,’’ he added.

    Ngige, who also reacted to the issue of inadequate infrastructure and  poor funding of universities, said the Ministry of Education was in the process of inaugurating a nine-man committee that would develop an alternative means of sourcing for  funds.

    He also said that the meeting jointly agreed that government should intensify  efforts  to checkmate the excesses of corrupt officials in the university system.

    The meeting  further  agreed that  universities  should also operate the Treasury Single Account  and that the office of the Accountant General of the Federation should  investigate cases of those operating multiple accounts.

    “We also agreed that government should expedite action and send visitation panels to federal universities that have not been visited and revisit the previous visitation panels for the purpose of implementation of their recommendations.

    “ Again on whistle blowing which is the new anti-corruption policy of this administration, government agreed with the unions that  whistle blowers should be protected

    “On the issue of CONTISS  14 and CONTISS  15 for technologists,  the technologists’  union, NAAT,  is to provide the Federal Ministry of Education with information that would assist the ministry to develop appropriate scheme of service for the new cadres  among others.

    “Finally,  it was agreed that the union members should not be victimised on  account of this journey they have undertaken to go on strike and the unions also are to revert to government on Wednesday,  Sept. 20,   after presenting  this to their  National Executive Councils, ‘’he said.

    Mr Samson Ugwoke, the National Chairman of JAC,  commended the labour minister  for his  honesty and commitment  in ensuring that the strike was called off.

    “We have all dotted these items one by one and agreed on  them, but you know we are messengers;  we were sent  here by our principals and we cannot endorse any of these as either  an agreement or MOU

    “So, what we agreed on today, on these issues that  we have put our heads together  on,  will be taken back to our various National Executive Councils  for deliberation  and we will  report by Wednesday, Sept. 20, ”  he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting between the Federal Government and the unions lasted about  11 hours.

  • Strike: FG says ULC not yet recongised Trade Union

    Strike: FG says ULC not yet recongised Trade Union

    The Federal Government said on Thursday that the United Labour Congress (ULC) was not a yet a registered and recognised Federation of the Trade Unions in the country.

    Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment said this at a news briefing in Abuja.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the ULC had earlier issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, which expired on Sept. 8.

    The association further issued another seven-day strike notice that would expire on Sept. 15 with a threat to shut down the oil, power and the aviation sectors.

    The demand includes that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment should set up a task force immediately to carry out factory inspection; that Government should review the privatisation of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

    Others are that the Army and Police should withdraw their men in different work places where they are currently stationed as they intimidate and harass workers in such establishment.

    While also that the ULC demands the immediate release of its “Registration Certificate”.

    According to Ngige, Mr Didi Adodo, Secretary General of ULC in a statement gave false impression that this Association is a Government recognised Federation of Trade Unions.

    “Our immediate reaction is to remind the promoters of this Association that they are not yet a Federal Government recognised Federation of Trade Unions and hence cannot speak on behalf of any Trade union.

    “The Trade Union Act. CAP T14, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, is explicitly clear on how a group of Trade Unions can coalesce to form a Federation of Trade Unions.

    “Section 35(1)(b) states inter alia “A Federation of Trade Unions may be registered by the Registrar if it is made up of 12 or more Trade Unions none of which shall have been a member of another registered Federation of the Trade Unions.

    “The promoters of ULC should fulfill this requirement to qualify to be registered.

    “To call out workers on essential services for a national strike without any major trade dispute with their direct employers will be tantamount to blatant violation of our extant labour laws and International standards.’’

    He said that Nigerians known that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was the Oldest Federation of the Trade Unions in Nigeria.

    He said NLC has been factionalised since after her elections in 2015 and the Ministry of Labour and Employment has been making efforts to resolve the controversies that arose from the disputed elections.

    He added that this to government is democracy in the practice of Trade Unionism in Nigeria, saying that a group of Trade Unions are free to ask for registration as a federation if they are dissatisfied with their present federation.

    Ngige, however, said they must satisfy the conditions of having 12 new Trade Unions that were not previously affiliate of any of the existing federations; In this case, the Nigeria Labour Congrees(NLC) and Trade Union Congress(TUC).

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the Government will not fold her hands and allow any group of persons take the law into their hands.

    “That is  by brazenly threatening to commit Economic Sabotage by shutting down essential services in the Oil and Gas, Power, and Aviation Sectors as threatened by the promoters of ULC.

    “Members of the Trade Unions who are sympathetic to the ULC mentioned are advised to go about their duties in the interest of a peaceful industrial relations environment and for the good of our national economy,” Ngige said.

    The minister assured all Nigerians that government would ensure security in all work places.

  • Doctors gear towards suspending strike

    Doctors gear towards suspending strike

    The National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD) has accepted to present outcome of re-negotiated Memorandum of Terms of Settlement (MTS) reached with Federal Government to members on Sept. 8.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new MTS was reached at the end of the meeting between federal delegate and the Executives of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and NARD.

    Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment had led the Federal Government delegation.

    NAN reports that representatives of Ministry of Health, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and Office of the Accountant General of the Federation attended the meeting.

    Also in attendance were representatives of Budget Office of the Federation and National Salaries, as well as Income and Wages Commission.

    Speaking to newsmen after the session, Ngige said the meeting resolved that executive of NARD should present the outcome of the re-negotiated MTS to its members at an emergency session on Sept.8

    “This is with a view to suspending the strike once there is evidence of payment of the Mandate to the affected Institutions as presented at the meeting.

    “No member of NARD will be victimised as a result of this strike if suspended.

    “This reconciliation meeting is, however, adjourned to re-convene on Nov. 2,’’ he said.

    On the issue of salary shortfalls, Ngige said the meeting resolved that payment would be made directly to the affected Federal Tertiary Health Institutions for Doctors and Staff that had been verified.

    The minister also said the meeting agreed with NARD’s demand for a 100 per cent payment of salaries to its members.

    He said the meeting also observed that the shortfalls were basically experienced by those who were not on the IPPIS platform termed “Non Regular Allowances/Payments”.

    “In this regard, it is expected that the 100 per cent payment will be implemented as from October,’’ he said.

    He, however, said the meeting also agreed that all Resident Doctors should be captured on IPPIS platform by the end of October.

    He also said the Federal Government would appeal to State Governments and Organisations that owe salary shortfalls/emoluments to Health workers to make genuine efforts to liquidate them.

    Ngige said this was in the spirit of revamping the Health Care System in the country.

  • FG, striking doctors meet Wednesday

    FG, striking doctors meet Wednesday

    The Federal Government is expected to meet with leadership of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Wednesday to resolve the ongoing industrial action by the doctors.

    A statement signed by the Deputy Director, Press in the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Samuel Olowookere, said the leadership of the striking doctors, the leadership of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and officials of the Federal Ministry of Health are expected to be part of the meeting scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at the conference hall of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

    The doctors had on Monday embarked on an indefinite strike to press home their demands few days after signing a memorandum of understanding with the government after a meeting which lasted over 12 hours.

    The statement said: “Towards apprehending the strike action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government on issues in dispute, the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, is scheduled to hold a crucial conciliatory meeting with the President and Executive of NARD, President and Executive of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), officials of the Federal Ministry of Health led by the Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole and other stakeholders.”

     

  • Strike: Govt, ASUU to meet Thursday  

    Strike: Govt, ASUU to meet Thursday  

    The meeting between leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU ) and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige aimed at prevailing on the striking university lecturers to call off their strike is to resume on Thursday, the Ministry of Labour has said.

    The decision to resume the meeting was taking on Tuesday after a meeting between the Minister and the leadership of the union at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Secretariat.

    A statement last night signed by the Deputy Director Press in the Ministry, Samuel Olowookere said the Tuesday’s meeting took significant steps towards the quick resolution of the issues raised by ASUU.

    The statement said that the meeting particularly agreed on the forensic audit of the sum of 30 billion Naira earlier given to ASUU in 2010 and further agreed on monthly remittances to ASUU while the audit lasts.

    “The Minister hence wishes to assure members of ASUU; in deed all Nigerians that government is already at work   to resolve all outstanding issues in line with the resolve of the present administration to cast any form of disruption of universities’ academic calendar into the dust bin of history.”