Tag: The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the Federal Government to stop threatening members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) with its “unproductive ‘no work, no pay’ policy.”

The Congress said it would not hesitate to mobilise all workers across the country including those in critical sectors to paralyse the economy if the federal government failed to heed the request of ASUU.

President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, stated this in a statement on Monday in Abuja. 

The labour leader called on the federal government to immediately set aside its threat against ASUU and use the two-week window to resolve all pending issues.

ASUU members embarked on a two-week total and comprehensive warning strike against the federal government on Monday over unmet demands.

In response to the strike, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa directed Vice – Chancellors of public universities to implement the “no work, no pay.”

Reacting to the development, Ajaero said ASUU’s struggle was not a fight of university teachers alone but a fight for Nigeria’s future, insisting that any attempt by the federal government to implement the policy will be met with stiff resistance.

The statement said: “This struggle extends beyond an isolated industrial dispute. It reflects a broader societal issue. While the children of the elite attend private institutions or study abroad, the children of the working class and the poor are left in a public education system being systematically weakened.

“This creates an educational divide that limits social mobility and perpetuates inequality. An educated populace is essential for a progressive nation, and the current approach appears designed to reserve quality education as a commodity for the privileged few.

Read Also: UK-based Nigerian innovators to unveil CVI AI

“In light of this, the Nigeria Labour Congress hereby declares its full solidarity with ASUU and all other unions in the tertiary education sector. Consequently, we state the following:

“We call on the Federal Government to immediately set aside its threats and address the core issues in the negotiated agreements with ASUU.

“We serve notice that if, after this two-week warning strike, the government remains unresponsive, the NLC will not stand idly by.

“The NLC will convene an emergency meeting with its affiliates in the tertiary education sector to develop a comprehensive strategy for engaging the government.

“The struggle of ASUU is our struggle. The fight for public education is a fight for Nigeria’s future. We will no longer allow these unions to stand alone.

“We demand that the Federal Government use this two-week window to present a concrete plan for the full implementation of all agreements.

“The choice is clear: honour the agreements and salvage public education, or face the resolute and unified force of the entire Nigerian workforce.”

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the management of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) on Friday locked horns over a plot of land allocated by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

While NSITF claimed it lost the documents of the land allocation with the Plot Numbers MISC 54707 and MISC 54824 respectively, the NLC said the agency is ignorant of how things are done regarding land allocation.

The Managing Director of the NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye, in an advertorial published in two national dailies on Thursday claimed his agency lost the Certificate of Occupancy, Power of Attorney and Deed of Assignment for the plots.

Faleye urged the Department of Land Administration, FCTA and the Abuja Geographical Information System (AGIS) to issue Certified True Copies (CTC) or re-issue replacement processes or documents in favour of his agency.

The NSITF boss went to appeal to FCT authorities vested with the powers of issuing documents about land allocation in the nation’s capital not to deal with anyone who may be in possession of the said original title documents.

In response to the NSITF’s claims, President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, described Faleye’s claims as “mischievous or utterly ridiculous, an act of sheer ignorance,” arguing that the plots belong to the NLC.

Ajaero said: “We find this publication as mischievous or utterly ridiculous or hopefully, an act of sheer ignorance because the aforesaid plots of land  have always belonged to the Nigeria Labour Congress, belong to the Nigeria Labour Congress and will continue to belong to the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“Coupled with this, the Congress has been in possession of the aforesaid plots of land. In a few words, therefore, both the proprietary and possesory rights on, over and about those plots reside with the Nigeria Labour Congress.

Read Also: Ms. Kanyin ignites bold chapter in Nigerian horror genre

“It is trite knowledge that one cannot claim loss or issue loss notice over that which one has neither possesory nor proprietary right.

“Accordingly, NSITF is advised to withdraw this notice. We are neither pressing charges nor asking for damages for the embarrassment this public notice has caused us for now.

“NSITF is equally advised to consult the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trust Fund Pensions for the true position of the aforesaid plots of land,” the labour leader said.

Ajaero, however, called on the general public, FCTA, AGIS and other relevant authorities to ignore what he described as baseless notice by the NSITF.

He said, “Finally, the general public, FCTA, AGIS and other authorities vested with powers on land titling are urged to ignore this notice.”

However, in a terse statement signed by its management, the organisation said it stood by its publications. 

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) has taken note of the press release issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in reaction to our recent publication relating to plots referenced under file numbers MISC 54707 and MISC 54824.

“The Fund reaffirms its position as stated in its previous publication and maintains full confidence that the appropriate authorities will resolve the matter in accordance with the law.”

The Lagos state Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Mrs. Funmi Sessy has advocated a shift from aggressive unionism to strategic engagements.

She said this during the 2-day capacity-building workshop for executive members of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Lagos Chapter.

Held at the Lagos State Assembly premises, the event themed: ‘The Role of Unionism in a Political Environment,’ had many dignitaries in attendance such as Mrs. Adenike Oshinowo, Deputy Clerk; Mrs. Kemi Quadri, Director of Finance; Princess Jumoke Sotonwa, Director of Training and Mrs Branco Adekoya Abisola , Director of Public Affairs.

Read Also: Tinubu inaugurates ships, helicopters into Nigerian Navy fleet

While appreciating the Speaker of the House, RT. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and the Clerk , Barr. Onafeko Olakekan for supporting the training, Sessy said; “Now it is about using strategy and knowledge. This kind of programme equips union members with practical understanding and operational skills.”

She urged continued training and capacity-building initiatives to keep PASAN members aligned with their counterparts across the state.

Chairman of the association, Mr. Babatunde Ogunlana, stressed the need for executive members to fully understand their responsibilities within a political setting. He pointed out the significance of revisiting the union’s involvement in the events of January 13 at the assembly, noting that it serves as a backdrop for the workshop.

…laments exclusion from bills formulation 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the National Assembly to suspend work on the tax reform bills to allow for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers.

The congress criticised its exclusion from the formulation process of the bills, describing it as “unacceptable and a violation of the principles of tax justice.”

This position was outlined in a communiqué issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held in Owerri, Imo State. 

The document, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, was made public on Thursday in Abuja.

It said: “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) emphasizes that the primary aim of taxation is to generate revenue for running the government. However, the justification of any tax system lies in its impact on the lives of the people. A fair and equitable tax system must prioritise fiscal discipline, transparency, and effectiveness in the use of tax funds to deliver tangible benefits to the citizenry.

“The NLC strongly asserts that discussions on taxation in a serious nation cannot exclude those who bear the brunt of the tax burden. The exclusion of organised labour in the formulation of the current Tax Bill is unacceptable and undermines the principles of tax justice. If labour is not at the table, it is effectively on the menu.

“The Congress demands that the Tax Bill currently before the National Assembly be halted for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers. The politicisation of the Bill and alienation of key stakeholders is worrying and robs it of its capacity as an effective tool to revamp the economy and develop our nation. We must go back to this basic. Only through inclusive dialogue can we ensure a just and equitable tax system that benefits all citizens.”

Read Also: SEC orders public companies to publish financial statements online by Jan 2025

The NLC also lamented the scarcity of cash in circulation, calling on the Federal Government to intervene to rectify “this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights.”

“The NEC expressed grave concern over the persistent cash scarcity in Nigeria, describing it as an unfortunate and exploitative burden on the already struggling populace. The Council noted that Nigerians are being forced to forfeit 5% of their funds each time they access cash, an unacceptable situation that exacerbates the economic woes faced by millions. The impact of this on small businesses and other informal Economy operatives is huge as the situation poses serious disproportionate challenge to the poor and struggling workers and masses. 

“The NLC demands immediate government intervention to rectify this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights. We expect the Central Bank Governor to take steps to ensure that cash is made available to the citizenry to enable small business transactions and stimulate Economic growth,” the communique said. 

On security, the Congress called on the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevailed.

“The NEC raised alarms over the worsening insecurity in the country, referencing disturbing reports that Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransom this year alone across 51.8 million recorded crime incidents. 614,937 Nigerians lost their lives while 2,235,954 others were kidnapped within one year. This appalling state of insecurity underscores the urgent need for the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and property, restore public confidence, and ensure the rule of law prevails. Majority of the citizens who either lost their lives or are maimed as a result are workers,” the communique added.

While acknowledging the overwhelming suffering endured this year, the NLC urged citizens to find moments of hope, resilience, and togetherness during the festive season. 

“NEC urged citizens to be united to co-create a better nation in 2025. Resolving to build collective power would create needed synergies to successfully engage all the retrogressive forces holding our nation down and forge a breakthrough next year.

“NEC therefore reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers and the broader Nigerian populace. And finally, once again applauded the Government on the donation of the CNG buses but reminded it of the need for the outstanding buses to be handed over as pledged. It further reiterated its commitment to working with others to build our nation while remaining steadfast in its mission to protect the collective interests of workers and to champion a future rooted in justice, equity, and national progress,” the Congress said. 

It condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor of Edo State for allegedly orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat. 

“The NEC strongly condemned the actions of the Police and the Governor of Edo State in orchestrating an invasion of the NLC State Secretariat. This brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers. 

“The NEC therefore, resolved to give the Edo State Government and the Police a deadline of 14 working days, up to January 8, 2025, to vacate the Secretariat premises, return all confiscated properties to the Congress, and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities. Failure to comply will compel the Congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defense of workers’ and trade union rights,” the communique added.