The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

     

  • TUC reads riot act to employers

    The new National President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Quadri Olaleye has said that for the trade union movement in the country to succeed in this new dispensation, it must be determined to tackle myriads of problems plaguing the labour movement and the nation at large.

    Olaleye who emerged President at the 11th triennial delegates conference of the Congress in Abuja at the weekend told employers of labour in the country that it will no longer be business as usual, but said his leadership was prepared to work in harmony with government and employers to ensure industrial peace in the country.

    He assured that the TUC will continue its collaboration with its sister Congress, the Nigeria Labour Congress to ensure that Nigerian workers are not denied their rights.

    While promising to run an open and transparent union, he stressed the need to reposition the labour centre in line with the dreams of the founding fathers, pointing out that being elected as President of the Congress was a dream come true.

    He said “I thank God Almighty for the grace he has given to me to see this memorable occasion in the history of my union. This is the first time my Association would clinch the position of the President of the Congress, in more than four (4) decades of its existence.

    “This opportunity came as a surprise to me after we have conceded for peace to reign. Indeed, it is God ordained! What we are witnessing today is more than just a change baton; it is also a call to service. Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, by this election, has just fulfilled the aspirations of the founding fathers of my great union -FOBTOB and has also chosen to reaffirm the confidence we have in the current leadership of this great Congress.

    “In the past few months, we have engaged each other on the way forward for the Congress likewise, charting a new course in order to further build on the democratic process that was established by the founding fathers of the congress.

    Read Also: Ekiti NLC, TUC disclaim fraud allegation

    “These efforts made us to realize that majority of our comrades are eager and determined to build a new Congress that is respected and also enjoys the confidence of the Nigeria working people. Change is the only constant thing in life.

    “I must affirm here that for the Trade Union in Nigeria to succeed in this new dispensation, it must be determined to tackle myriads of problems plaguing the labour movement and the nation at large.

    “In this new dawn, it would no longer be business as usual if we want a congress that works for everyone. As I mentioned earlier, this came as surprise. Notwithstanding, the unflinching support of seasoned professionals, in diverse fields, in our various affiliates, would made this task achievable.

    “Moreover, you would agree with me that our Congress has gone through turbulent periods in the time past, but the challenges facing our Trade unions are real and cannot be solved in a short span of time. Consequently, with determination and our resolution to choose hope over fear; unity of purpose over conflict and discord all will become history.

    “I want to mention here without mincing words that the task ahead is arduous. I am confident that with the help of Almighty God, we will surely succeed. Let me therefore reaffirm my commitment to work assiduously to pursue our planned programs and implement them with a high sense of responsibility, honesty and integrity and in line with the constitution of the congress, without undermining the collective efforts of other elected Officers.

    He however admonished his colleagues to be good ambassadors of the Congress, saying “the world of work has changed, our nation has changed, our union has changed and we must be ready to key into the change mantra without wavering.”

    Those elected alongside are Olaleye are Comrades Innocent Bola Audu of Association of Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, as 1st Deputy President, Oyinkan Olasanoye of Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) as 2nd Deputy President, Hygenius Chika Onuegbu of Petroleum and Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, as 3rd Deputy President.

    Others are; Comrades Muhammed Yunusa of Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations, Government Owned Companies (SSASSCGOC) as National Treasurer, Isaac Egbugara of Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association, CCESSA, as Financial Secretary, Dr. Chris Okonkwo of Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies, SSEA&AC as Auditor I, Dr. Obinna Ogbonna of Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professions, NUAHP, as Auditor II, Ambi Karu of Textile Union as Public Relations Officer, PRO, Dr. Benjamin Akintola as Trustee I, Dr. Adeyemi Ademola of Hotel and Personnel Services Union as Trustee II and Samuel Omaje of Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, ASSUS, as Trustee III.

    Also elected are; Comrades Shaibu Afisatu of ASCSN as Chairperson, TUC Women Commission while the immediate past president of Congress, Dr. Bobboi Bala Kaigama is an ex-Officio.

  • We’ll continue to picket TCN despite attacks on our members – TUC

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has vowed to continue to picket offices of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) despite attack on its members by people suspected to be thugs hired by the management to halt the picketing.

    President of TUC, Comrade Bala Bobboi Kaigama who spoke at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday said the attack on its members during the picketing exercise on Monday was illegal as the laws of the land allow workers to picket their employers.

    Kaigama said it is within the right of workers to picket her employer in the case of unresolved dispute, describing as primitive the action of the Managing Director of TCN to hired suspected thugs to attack workers who are on a peaceful protest/picketing.

    Read Also: TCN explains collapse of national grid

    Kaigama said the demands of the workers are that the existing conditions of service be maintain while calling for investigation into the monumental corruption going on in the organisation, stop harassment and intimidation of the union members and release promotion to the deserving workers rather than to only those who are loyal to the Managing Director.

    He said: “We are insisting that the picketing of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) must continue until our demands are met. The Managing Director of TCN is behaving as he is even bigger than the President that appointed him.

    “We also want an urgent investigation into the attacked on our members by suspected thugs at the premises of TCN. What we were doing is legal why should a sine human being hired suspected thugs against peaceful workers.

    “The monumental corruption in the company is alarming; we want investigation into the finances of the company under the MD”.

    Comrade Kaigama said the union has written to the Inspector General of Police, through the FCT Commissioner of Police with a view of bringing the culprits to book, adding that the Managing Director of TCN should be held responsible should anything go wrong with any members of the union.

     

  • Minimum wage: Organised Labour wants immediate implementation

    Organised Labour made up of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has asked employers of labour in the country, especially states and federal government to immediately commence the implementation off the N30, 000 minimum wage following the signing into law of the minimum wage bill by the President.

    In separate statements made available to The Nation, the NLC and TUC commended the President for signing into law the new national minimum wage bill of N30,.

    General Secretary of the NLC, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson said in a statement made available to newsmen that signing the bill into law was only the first step and call for the immediate implementation of the law, given the fact that this process has dragged on for nearly two years.

    Read Also: NLC to partner MINILS on capacity building

    He urged employers, particularly federal and state governments, to commence immediate negotiations with the appropriate unions on the impact of the new law on the wage structure with a view to timely and judicious implementation.

    Also, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said it was gladdening that the bill passed by both chambers of the National Assembly before the general election has been signed by the President

    In a statement signed by the President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade Musa-Lawal Ozigi, the TUC said the new wage would in no small measure give workers a sense of belonging.

    The TUC said while organised labour appreciates the approval of the new wage, it is also instructive to note that its gains have been eroded by inflation, adding that prices of commodities have gone up even when employers have not commenced payment.

    The statement said “the N30, 000 monthly National Minimum Wage that we are even asking for to a family of six actually amounts to less than N50 per meal per person. It is exclusive of utility bills, school fees, etc.

    “Given our extended family system as Africans we are also expected to once in a while extend hands of fellowship to parents, in-laws, relations, friends who have lost their jobs, brothers and people of the same faith.

    “We recall that some lawmakers promised to give the wage bill supersonic attention whenever it was brought before them and they have kept to their word. To us it means we still have men and women with milk of kindness left in them.”

    The TUC asked the President, the National Assembly and well-meaning Nigerians to prevail on governors to pay workers their salaries and pension to pensioners as and when due to avoid crisis in the industrial sector.

     

  • TUC to Fed Govt: don’t intimidate voters

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the Federal Government to avoid intimidating Nigerians in the general elections.

    Its President-General, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, gave the advice in a communique at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, which deliberated on the state of the nation and the challenges confronting the labour movement.

    The NEC called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be impartial, and have the interest of Nigerians at heart.

    It tasked on the police, the military and other security agents to be diligent.

    Read also: Bankers’ Committee assures funding for creative, IT industries

    The congress reiterated the rate of insecurity, urging the Federal Government to intensify efforts to wipe out killings, kidnapping and insurgency.

    NEC commended the government for the fight against corruption but urged it to respect the rule of law.

    Meanwhile, the NEC has commended the House of Representatives for approving N30,000 as minimum wage. It urged the Senate to do so without delay.

    In a related development, NEC frowns at the proposed increase of international passport and drivers licence by the Federal Government. It asked the Federal Government to maintain the status quo and formulate policies that will be more beneficial to the masses.

  • FG, politicians playing politics with minimum wage, says TUC

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has said that it was unfortunate that the government and members of the political class was playing politics with the issue of minimum wage for Nigerian workers, saying Nigerian workers will never sleep on their right.

    In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and General Secretary, Comrade Musa-Lawal Ozigi also asked those seeking elective offices ahead of the 2019 general election to play by the rules and not plunge the country into crisis as they will have no other country to call their own when they finish destroying the country.

    While wishing Nigerians a happy Christmas celebration, the union said it is quite unfortunate that instead of the problems facing the country, Nigerian leaders seem to be playing politics at the expense of the lives of the Nigerian people.

    According to the union, the internal wrangling within the political parties and insincerities are further tearing the country apart leading the lost the usual national cohesion and progress we so much desire.

    The statement reads: “In a time such as this, it is only very appropriate that we appreciate God for life and provisions. More deeply, it is indeed a wonderful time to celebrate our faith, family, togetherness as a country and the long-standing tradition of giving and receiving gifts from friends, families, organizations, etc.

    “While we appreciate government at their respective levels for their efforts at ensuring safety of lives and properties, payment of salaries and provision of infrastructure, it is imperative that they do not become numb to our myriads of challenges if they truly are appreciative of the virtues and principles Jesus Christ stood for.

    “The yuletide is a period people like traveling to visit their loved ones. Ironically in or clime it is also synonymous with yearly hikes and vices. The anniversary of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ should exude peace, joy, happiness, and not the pains and agonies we are made to go through.

    Read Also: TUC urges INEC, security agencies on credible election

    “It is quite unfortunate that instead of addressing these issues our leaders seem to be playing politics at the expense of our lives. The internal wrangling within the political parties and insincerities are further tearing the country apart. We have lost the usual national cohesion and progress we so much desire.

    “It is our prayer that such disagreements would soon be settled so that as the electioneering campaigns gather momentum, each party would educate its members to ensure the next year’s elections is held under the atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

    “We want to assume that all the Presidential aspirants may have good intentions for the country; however, Congress will like to remind them that in every national election, it is only one candidate who will emerge.

    “Finally, if you tear the country apart because of politics, it then means that you never meant well for the country in the first place. The Congress wishes Nigerians well and warns against indulgences that could lead to any form of violence. We enjoin all Nigerians to however be vigilant even as we celebrate Christmas and New Year because the times ahead are perilous.

    “The minimum wage to workers is being politicized by government and workers will not sleep on their rights. “

  • Workers protest seven months unpaid salaries in Rivers

    Many workers of Murphy Shipping and Commercial Services Limited in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Thursday barricaded the gates of the company to protest their unpaid salaries for seven months; gratuities, pensions and other entitlements for many years.

    The protesting workers, who are members of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) protested with placards bearing various inscriptions, thereby demanding justice.

    Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Shipping, Clearing and Forwarding Agents (SSASCFA) Branch of TUC, Murphy Unit, Comrade Leonard  Madu, while addressing reporters during the protest, stated that the ill-treatment of the hardworking, committed and dedicated workers necessitated the peaceful protest.

    He expressed disappointment that in spite of reaching out to the management of the company, nothing was done in the last three months, stressing that the workers were fed up.

    Madu said: “We have written series of letters to the management of the company on the salary arrears, gratuities and pensions for some of our members who retired over four years ago without response.

    “We have also written to the Rivers State House of Assembly and heads of all the security agencies in the state on the matter, but the management has refused to hearken to our demands.”

    While also speaking, the Vice-Chairman of MWUN, Murphy Unit, Comrade Fidelis Amaraha, noted that the neglected workers did not have plan to embark on a full-blown strike, hence the peaceful picketing of the company, while calling on the company’s management to live up to its responsibilities by paying them their salary arrears and other entitlements, to save them from further suffering.

    The Taskforce Chairman of TUC and MWUN, Comrade Richardson Chimenum, in his remarks, accused the management of Murphy Shipping and Commercial Services Limited of diverting the pensions deducted from the workers, without remitting them to IBTC, their pension managers.

    Read Also: Rivers PDP senator joins APC

     

    Chimenum disclosed that some of the workers who ought to benefit from the entitlements had died, their children sent out of school and the workers who are still alive really suffering and finding it extremely difficult to make ends meet, vowing that the protest would continue until management of the company was able to positively respond to their demands.

    General Manager of the Port Harcourt branch of the company, Mrs. Uche Iregbu, stated that only the top officials at the head office could respond and handle personnel matters, stressing that she was not competent to comment on the workers’ protest and demands, while declining to provide the contacts of her bosses at the company’s headquarters who could formally respond.

  • TUC wants Justice for Elizabeth Ochanya

    …says rape is crime against humanity

     

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has asked Nigerians not to keep quiet about issues of rape which it described a crime against humanity, insisting that the government must bring to justice the 51 year lecturer of Benue state Polytechnic arrested for serially raping a 13 year old girl along with his son.

    Chairperson of the TUC Women Commission, Comrade Oyinkan Olasanoye said in a statement in Abuja that they will not keep quiet on this matter, adding that justice to Elizabeth on this case is justice to the thousands of women all over the world who have suffered same.

    Read Also:Lecturer remanded for alleged rape, murder

    The statement reads: “We have received with a deep shock the news of the death of Miss Elizabeth Ochanya Ogbanje, a 13-year-old pupil of Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Gboko, Benue State.

    “We feel more saddened that her death was caused by a health condition called “Vesicovaginal Fistula” and other related diseases that arose from the several sexual abuses a 51-year-old lecturer in the Department of Catering and Hotel Management, Benue State Polytechnic, Mr Andrew Ogbuja, and his son, Victor, a student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Markurdi. The deceased was living with them and for many years they defiled her through her virgina and anus.

    “Truth be told, the incidences of rape have continued because the country is not doing enough to curb it. The act in itself is bad, but worse when minors are the victim. To imagine the mental torture the deceased went through in itself should be a torture to sane minds, especially women.

    “One however wonders how these things happened under the roof of Mrs Ogbuja without her knowledge: we suspect a foul play here!

    “We want to cease this opportunity to condemn the “loud silence” of victims and relatives when a rape has taken place. If rape is a crime of aggression with the sole aim of having sexual intercourse without the consent of the other person then we must not keep quiet.

    “The shame and stigmatization of rape victims have been going on for long and it has not done the womenfolk any good. Statistics of incidences of rape cases available has shown that if the country (especially the lawmakers, security agencies, Trade Unions and Non-Governmental Organisations) do nothing drastic, soon the magnitude will so increase that every home becomes a potential victim.

    “The time for parents to stop taking things for granted is now. From the look of things our children are no longer safe with uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, and even people of the same faith. It is Elizabeth Ochanya today, who knows who would be next?
    “On our part as Women in Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), we will not keep quiet or do nothing on this matter. Justice to Elizabeth on this case is justice to the thousands of women all over the world who have suffered same fate.

    “To have carnal knowledge of a little girl through the anus and vagina since she was eight is unimaginable and a crime against humanity, especially the womenfolk. We urged the judiciary and security agents not to sweep this very case under the carpet.”

     

  • Labour seek new approach to security challenges

    Organised Labour which is made up of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa state, Prof. Onje Gyewado wants a change of approach to the fight against insurgents in the country, saying there can be no development in the country if the current wave of insecurity in the land is allowed to continue unabated.

    Specifically, Prof. Gyewado who is a professor of Law with the University of Jos wants the government to criminalize the current mass killings across the country, while those responsible should be treated as criminals if the killings must stop.

    Speaking at the Pre-May day lecture in Abuja, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba said it was just not enough to condemn the killings going on across the country without any concrete step being taken to bring to book all those responsible for the actions.

    Wabba said the government need to adopt a new approach to the issue as it was scaring away potential investors from the country.

    He said: “There is no development that can make any impact if, as a nation, the life of any citizen is being threatened or where the continuous shedding of innocent blood will continue unabated. I just read this morning that in three months, 136 lives were lost in Zamfara.

    “The case of Benue and other states across the country is something that is known to us. The primary purpose of governance is first the security of the people. Why appreciating whatever our armed forces and police have been able to do, I think more need to be done because the safety of every citizen is very important.

    “As we celebrate this May Day, we call on all relevant agencies to be mindful of what is happening in terms of the security of the citizens. No complain or condemnation will be enough.

    “What is required is a new approach and action that will bring the issues to an end. That is what will make Nigerians happy and bring about people that would want to invest in our country. The story outside the country is that every day, people are being killed and that nothing is going to happen. So, for us to prepare very veritable ground for investors to come in and for the country to continue to develop, the issue of security must be taken seriously.”

    Delivering a paper entitled “Labour and national development: not cowards, not traitors”, Prof. Gyewado challenged organised Labour to rise up to the challenge fed posed by the current security challenges in the country and take a definite stand.

    He said: “the Nigerian state is highly militarized. Our constitution provides that the military shall provide assistance to civil authority. But they are not providing assistance to civil authority now because they are now in it, the first line of action should be the police and civil defense.

    “But there is no zone now that there is no military establishment. It is not good for the psyche of a democratic nation. We must find a way of providing the basis to curtail this situation.

    “As Labour interrogate this challenge, I think that our attitude should be that if we don’t want to declare Boko Haram as insurgents, if we don’t what to declare whoever is marauding as killers as murderers, then we have a challenge. We now need.

    “More than ever before to isolate these areas and say anybody who is involved in this is a criminal and should be treated as a criminal. If you use insurgency, it has implication in international relations and so, we must criminalist these activities because if we don’t, the government lacks the capacity to negotiate.

    “I remember that the Borno Elders Forum were always complaining that you can’t continue to kill our children and yet won’t offer any solution and yet won’t bring them for negotiation, at which point can you negotiate or play love game with those who are causing us immeasurable damages and loss of lives. Injury to one is injury to all.

    “So, for those of us who are parents, we must feel the pain of the insecurity in this country and Labour must take a definite position on this. We must take our stand because we are the only dispassionate group and are not concerned about emotive things.”

    Prof. Gyewado said one of the biggest problem we have in our security architecture is lack of synergy among the various security outfit, saying “they are in competition with themselves against this country because they are not working for this country.”

    He said that the struggle of organised Labour is to reposition Nigeria and this has come over time, right from the colonial time, adding that “Over 70 percent of those in governance are not ready for governance. We do not understand what the issues are and by the time you want to tell a story, they perceived it as if you are coming from a foreign land. I do know that as unions, we do not want to go outside our regimes. I have been there and so. I also take responsibility of some of the policies that has affected our Labour.

    Labour, he said must continue to be the vanguard of the struggle. It is organised Labour that can co tenure to play that role and we won’t have challenges because it is already intrinsic in Labour to continue to show leadership.

    Read Also: New minimum wage: States must pay, says Labour

  • We’ll resist planned increase in electricity tariff – TUC

    We’ll resist planned increase in electricity tariff – TUC

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has vowed to mobilize Nigerians to resist the proposed increase in electricity tariff as canvassed by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, saying it was not the solution to the energy crisis in the country.

    The congress also asked Political actors in the country to avoid hate speeches in the count down to the 2019 general elections, while expressing concern over the increasing volatile political terrain which it said is not good for the nation’s fledging democracy.

    The Congress, in a communique at the end of its National Executive Council meeting also expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country, especially the resurgence of the Boko Haram insurgency and the persistent killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen in parts of the country.

    In the communique signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Musa Lawal M. Ozigi, the congress wants the government to declare a state of emergency in the power sector as no nation can develop with power.

    The TUC said it was worried about the worsening security situation in the country and in particular condemned the recent killings across the country by Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen and militiamen and asked the Federal Government to take drastic action to build citizens confidence in the system and ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to book.

    It  observed that our political terrain has become volatile once again and therefore enjoins all political leaders to ensure that peace and order are maintained amongst their followers, adding that “Politicians should avoid hate speeches so that both the common man and workers can attain fulfillment.  It also calls on the Governors owing workers to pay and not convert public funds and workers salaries for election purposes.”

    In the lingering fuel situation in the country, the TUC that thee current situation in which the NNPC is the sole provider of fuel to the nation and absorbing subsidies is not healthy for the nation and the corporation and advises government to reimburse the NNPC so as to enable it to perform its primary obligation to the country.

    It want the Federal Government to begin the immediate payment of all outstanding subsidy claims by the petroleum marketers under the PPPRA-administered Petroleum Support Fund (PSF) to avoid consequential job losses which the nation can least afford.

    The congress said that the delay in paying outstanding claims has stopped the payments of wages/salaries in the downstream sector in a scary dimension which must not be allowed to degenerate further.

    It stressed that “It is expected that the Government would engage the Marketers as social partners under a special intervention arrangement that enables product marketer purchase foreign exchange (FOREX) at concessionary rates from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This will keep the prices at their current levels as well as encourage more participants. Government is called on to revamp the public owned refineries as well.”

    While commending the Federal Government for the commencement of the Minimum Wage Committee it implores the Committee to speed up proceedings to ensure that a new minimum wage will take effect not later than the agreed third quarter of the year.

    The TUC said further that the fight against corruption will not achieve the desired result without addressing the injustices being perpetrated by political office holders who collect multiple pensions and gratuities while still serving government in another capacity, saying this is not good for the economy.

    It asked the Federal Government to declare emergency in the power sector as no nation can develop without power, while expressing dismay that several billions of naira has been expended in the sector to no avail, adding that the call for tariff hike cannot be a solution and will be resisted.