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Tag: Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)

  • 57 years after independence: Nigeria still dancing naked in public – TUC

    57 years after independence: Nigeria still dancing naked in public – TUC

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said Friday that 57 years after the nation’s independence, Nigeria was still “dancing naked” in the public to the full glare of the whole world while its roof is still on fire and challenge the nation’s leadership to see this year’s independence celebration as an opportunity to reposition the country.

    President of the Congress, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama said in his Independence Day message that Nigerians must look at the reality in our country dispassionately, honestly and work to achieve a better Nigeria for our children.

    He said: “ordinarily it should not be out of place if we roll out our drums today to celebrate this feat, but we cannot, because like they say “you don’t participate in a dance competition when your house is on fire.” Nigeria is dancing at the market square naked to the full glare of the whole world when our roof is on fire.”

    According to him, over a 100-year after the north and south were amalgamated with the sole aim of complementing each other and the attainment of independence on in 1960, many had thought that progress and development would be rapid. Pointing out that this has not been so.

    He said that as a progressive organisation, the “Trade Union Congress of Nigeria appreciates the fact that we have stayed together as a country. It is something to cheer about like I noted earlier but our staying together has been at the cost of innocent blood and outright violation of the fundamental rights of Nigerians.

    “This day should remind us of our heritage, the vision and struggles of the founding fathers unfortunately some have had cause to question the rationale behind the quest for independence in the first place. Our tale is that of a conundrum with insurgencies, collapsed educational system, gross unemployment, ritual killing, cultism, prostitution/rape, mass emigration, de-industrialisation, tribalism and nepotism, inept leadership, environmental challenge, infrastructural decay, gender issues, badoo, kidnapping, yahooPlus, corruption and anti-graft, and a host of others.”

    The Congress regretted that while Nigeria remain one of the 17 countries that attained independence in 1960, “Nigeria is not at par with many of these countries today even when they do not have one-tenth of what we have in terms of human and natural resources. Nature has been fair to Nigeria but Nigeria is not fair to itself.

    “Our plight as a country beats the imagination of the world. Why? We have an ocean behind our house yet bath with spittle. The United State of America has enjoyed nationhood for over 250 years, yet still together with its components states. Politicians frustrate every effort to make our country healthier.

    “How do we reconcile it that in a country where state governments claim they cannot pay ordinary N18, 000 national minimum a lawmaker who barely attends three sessions per week smiles home with over N30m per month? Isn’t it laughable that our lawmakers now compete with stand-up comedians, musical artists and professional dancers? If people fail to agitate under this circumstance then it means we are ill-fated.

    “It is a good thing to have the I-CAN-DO-IT attitude but it is also wisdom to bring on board those who can help actualise your aspiration. At home and in diaspora are many Nigerians that have excelled in their businesses and contributed meaningfully in building the economies of host countries: Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi is a Nigerian and he bought three foreign Airports through his private firm in six years; Mr. Philips Emegwali was christened the father of computer and Mr. Jelani Aliyu, the designer who produced General Motor (GM’s) most electrifying advanced technology vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt concept.

    “Given the enormous wealth of human and natural resources that the Creator out of His magnanimity has bestowed to this country, we should not lack any basic need of life?  The pain we bear is a needless one.

    “We challenge the leadership and Nigerians to see this year’s independence anniversary as a vintage opportunity to reflect on our polity, economy and society at large. We must all look at the reality in our country dispassionately, honestly and work to achieve a better Nigeria for our children.

    “Life has become unbearable for majority of Nigerians. It is laughable that our leaders travel abroad, but do not replicate what they saw over there. Why will the country not be hit by recession when politicians spend 80% of their jumbo pay in buying properties in Dubai, UK, US, South Africa, etc?

    “How can the education sector run a full session without strike when the children of politicians school abroad? The deplorable state of our roads is not a priority because they fly? When the system favours them there are no comments seen; but when it is otherwise they import arms and assemble youth to distabilise the system.

    “The outcome of disenchantment is the crises and agitations we see everywhere. Our key functionaries and institutions must be made to work respectively and religiously like it is done elsewhere. Insecticides and deodorants have their roles. You cannot achieve result when you misapply the two liquids.

    “The Congress, nay Nigerians are worried that the things we watch in films are now common sights. Recently the Nigerian Customs Services declared that no fewer than 2,500 pump Action guns have so far intercepted. For what purpose were they imported if not to throw the country into major crisis?

    “What is the value of life in Nigeria? It is shameful that beyond the despicable situation the so-called elites have forced us into they still acquire guns and fanned the embers of disunity for us to kill ourselves. They take advantage of our frustrated children while theirs are in different parts of Europe spending our money. We are wiser now.

    “Notwithstanding the myriad of challenges confronting the country, the Congress believes Nigeria can be great if the leadership wants. The world dismisses us but we must not dismiss ourselves.

    “The world is pessimistic about the future of the most populated black nation but we must resolve to shame them. The country must not be allowed to snowball into a theatre of war and a ready-made market for arms and ammunitions. No. Never again! It is natural to despair but the Congress sees light at the end of the tunnel.

    “We wish to appeal to the Federal Government to remember its “change mantra”. It makes no sense accusing and condemning the previous administrations for corruption only for the recovered money to be re-looted. Mere leaving a political party for the ruling party must not make anybody a saint.

    “Anti-graft agencies and the judiciary must prosecute those who were caught with our money. We know corruption is fighting back but we are confident that the war over evil will always emerge victorious.

    “The world is watching and waiting for the pride of Africa and most populated black nation to blossom. The Federal Government’s economic recovery plan must not fail.  No more excuses.”

  • Labour to FG: Recall Nigeria’s envoy to South Africa now

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) Monday asked the federal government to immediately recall Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South African in protest against the continued killing of Nigerians by what they described as individuals and the silence of the South African government over the matter.

    In a statement signed by the President of the Congress, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama and General Secretary, Comrade (Barr.) Musa-Lawal Ozigi, the Union also wants the government to immediate begin a process of evacuating Nigerians resident in that country.

    The congress said there was a grand conspiracy by the South African government and state security apparatus to mindlessly waste lives and take over people’s properties of innocent and harmless fellow Africans.

    The statement reads: “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria expresses serious concern over the ongoing xenophobic attacks against foreigners in South Africa and calls for the immediate recall of the country’s High Commissioner to the country.

    “From all indications, it appears there is a grand conspiracy by the government cum state security apparatus to continue to mindlessly waste lives and take over people’s properties of innocent and harmless fellow Africans.

    “First and foremost their anger is misplaced and probably borne out of the inferiority complex suffered from years of oppression and apartheid. As a credible organization we condemn crimes in all its forms and support punishment for those found culpable.

    “But in this case no one has mentioned any case of crime; it is rather a case of a country whose freedom we staked our lives, financed and spent other resources to fight for and today we get xenophobia as returns.

    “How do we refer to this anti-Nigeria, nay Africa attitude? On Nigeria, One wonders what these South Africans are turning to. Is it a case of ingratitude or lack of historical documentation by their leaders, of the unmatched leadership role Nigeria played in the 80s towards the dismantling of apartheid?

    “It is on record that thousands of South African children were brought to Nigerian and distributed across all the unity schools in Nigeria and were fed and housed free courtesy of Nigerian govt and Nigerians. They were welcomed with open arms!  How have their youth missed this history that Nigerians have become objects for destruction in modern day South Africa?

    “It should further be noted that out that out of about 2.3 million immigrants living in South Africa, only 1.6 million are Africans and they are engaged in small shops, vending, service industries etc. How come South Africans are not killing the whites that control about 8.7% of the population and controls over 85% wealth is a question begging for answer.

    “The Chinese, Indians, Europeans, etc control the land and economy of South Africa yet they kill fellow Africans under the watch of security officials. African immigrants do not own lands neither do they run companies nor own mining companies, etc.

    “Why should South Africans see fellow Africans as competitor instead of a fellow compatriot looking for a greener pasture?  We feel pained that despite the apparent position attitude of the Mr. Jacob Zuma-led administration to investigate and punish those involved in accordance with the provisions of the law of the land over the years nothing was ever done.

    “It is indeed quite unfortunate South Africa has forgotten in a hurry how Nigeria and the rest of the world rallied and mobilized support for the country during its apartheid experience.

    “”In Nigeria here South African has over 100 companies and virtually all of them are seriously involved in anti-labour practices especially MTN, Shoprite and DSTV yet we did not shut down the companies neither did we kill. Over 50% of products sold at Shoprite are imported from South Africa yet we accommodate it. That is civility.

    “Efforts were made to unionise MTN and others all to no avail which cannot happen in their country. It is important at this juncture that we let the African Union (AU) and United Nations Organisation (UNO) caution South Africans and let them know that no individuals or country has a monopoly of violence.

    “We are calling on the Federal Government to put modalities in place to evacuate Nigerians in South Africa and recall the High Commissioner immediately to save the situation as further killing may lead to a major crisis. They own several multi-billion dollar investments on our soils yet, we co-exist despite all odds.

    “This killing and duhumanisation of Nigerians must stop. Not anymore. This must stop! If killing and maiming of Nigerians is the sacrifice required for us to maintain a cordial relationship, we are not willing to make it anymore”.

  • TUC rejects proposed increase in data tarrif

    TUC rejects proposed increase in data tarrif

    …Says it is against Nigerians
    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), said Tuesday that the proposed increase in data rate by the telecoms operators in the country was a conspiracy against the collective interest of the common man in the country.

    In a statement made available to newsmen and signed by the President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Acting Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Simeso Amachree, the Congress said the proposed increase was unacceptable as if is aimed at frustrating the lives of the Nigerian people.

    If said rather than increase awareness for greater citizens’ participation especially in ICT, they are doing the opposite, pointing out that while the government is banking on ICT for youth empowerment, the NCC is trying to cut youth participation.

    The statement reads: “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria warns against the on-going conspiracy between the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and some major telecom companies, especially MTN to further increase their data rates from December 1, 2016. It is really startling the extent government and its capitalist’s cronies would go to frustrate the lives of Nigerians.

    “We feel particularly awful about the move because data is one of the cheapest ways to empower the teaming youth. This move if allowed would make it unaffordable. In our view, this is insensitive and criminal on the part of the parties involved.

    “We are not surprised that MTN has thrown its whole weight behind the policy; but the telecom giant should realized that trying to lobby the government will not save the organization when the chips are down. Of course, this cannot happen in South Africa.

    “Naturally, we had expected that government would increase awareness for greater citizens’ participation especially in ICT, but unfortunately they are doing the opposite. One cannot really situate Federal government policy direction these days.

    “On the one hand, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is banking on ICT for youth empowerment while on the other, the NCC is trying to cut youth participation. All the promises made to the Chief Executive Officer of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg when he visited the country cannot be achieved if the policy is implemented.

    “This is not the best way to make money. This move is spineless and should be done away with. What then would be the benefit of the policy to the self-employed who depend on data for their businesses? The truth is, cheap internet data is a vehicle of some sort to economic development.

    “It is very unfortunate, very unreasonable and inhuman to come up with such idea at a period of recession. Any call for increase in anything for now is most unreasonable, uncalled for and a calculated attempt to record more suicide cases and insecurity in our already tension-soaked country.

    “The telecoms sector was often used as a case study to justify the removal of fuel subsidy. But the question is, is the telecoms sector truly deregulated? What happens to the issue of free market in the telecoms sector?

    “There is so much deceit and insincerity in the system. We are calling on government to come up with godly policies that would encourage investment and stimulate growth, instead of deliberately trying to stifle businesses.”

  • Sack of bank staff: Labour, NECA disagrees on unionisation

    Organised Labour made up of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) are heading for a coalition course with employers of labour over the recent mass sack of workers in the banking sector and non-unionisation of workers by some banks.

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige had asked the banks to put on hold the mass sack of workers, threatening that the government “know what to do” to any of the banks that fail to comply with the directive, while asking the unions not to picket the banks.

    President to the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama told newsmen at a news conference in Geneva that they were ready to engage the banks frontally and do everything within their power to protect the interest of workers in the banks.

    They accuse the banks of undermining the principle of collective bargaining agreement which require employers to engage the unions before taking decisions to lay off workers.

    But Director General of the Nigeria Employers Consultative Assembly, Segun Oshinowo said the union leaders were being economical with the truth and challenge them to come out with evidence of any bank denying their workers the right to unionise, and faulted the position of government for the banks not to sack workers.

    President of the Trade Union Congress, Bobboi Kaigama said organised labour was ready to prove to the bank that has sacked their members that they don’t have a monopoly of disobeying collective bargaining agreement and the laws of the land.

    He said: Just like the employer has the right to hire and fire, they should also know that they must play by the rules. The rules are very clear and in every industry, there is a collective bargaining procedure in place where issues like that are addressed.

    “You are aware that while we are here, some of these banks have gone ahead to retrench their workers and the minister has made a kind of position that the government frown at that. Probably, the government cannot impose its position on the employers.

    “But you should know that the government is a referee and as tripartite partners, organised labour wants to observe the rules. But if the rules regarding redundancy are not followed, obviously, we will frown at that.

    “This thing happened while we are here and when we get back to Nigeria, we will sit down and address it. We assure you that we will do something about it. Even if it means picketing these banks, just as they disobey the laws of collective bargaining when it comes to retrenching our members, we will also show them that they don’t have the monopoly of disobedience of law.

    “If the employer feels that it is in monopoly because of the downturn, simple courtesy demand that you call for a review of some of these collective bargaining agreements so that you all jointly own up to this and make sure that this problem of retrenchment and underemployment will be addressed.

    “If these things which are in place are not followed, obviously, they should expect the wrath of organised labour.”

    President of the NLC said the unions will not sit back and watch the workers being treated like slaves in their own country, adding that as workers, organised labour must protect the interest of the workers.

    Wabba said “these workers are Nigerians and they need our protection. The fact that people wants to exploit any loophole and take advantage of them is uncalled for.

    “There is a difference between mass sack and the issue of hire and fire. In this case, it is mass sack and we can’t allow a situation where these workers are exploited or their rights denied. We are aware of what is happening in the banking sector because they refuse their workers from being unionised.

    “They refused unionisation and the issue is on the table and so, you can’t come back and say these workers are not unionised. We must respect our laws because that is the major issue.

    “As a union, we have human and trade union rights and it is a matter we have discussed here. It is within the context of human and trade union rights that this issue is situated. Therefore, as workers, we must protect them.

    “Already, we are discussing how best to protect these workers because they are Nigerians? Do we allow employers to continue to exploit them? In one of the banks, those that they disengaged last year are yet to be paid their entitlement. Do we allow the situation to continue?

    “Was it not the same banks that got bailout from the government few years ago when they were in trouble. Was the money not from public coffer? We know that the employers must protect their members and we must also defend our members.

    “We are working together and whatever it will take to protect these poor workers, we will do it because it was not their fault that they were denied unionisation. We have many of the banks that we are having pending cases with.

    “We have written them officially that the workers want to unionise and they were dilly dally. The point now is how to protect these workers who have been thrown out of their jobs. Government should be concerned about any Nigerians who will be thrown out of the job.

    “So, what the ministry did is right to say, wait and let us discuss this issue first. How can that be an issue that will not be accepted? Except there is something hidden there.

    “Otherwise, I think the pronouncement of the minister is what is expected because when they had difficulty, it was government that gave them a bailout from our collective wealth”.

    Reacting to the development, NECA Director General,  Segun Oshinowo said; “I have been on the ground for long to fault that submission. When the current governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole was the President of the NLC, we had this issue in the banking industry with one of the very big banks whom the unions had accused of de-unionisation. We were able to sit down and agree on the resolution of the matter.

    “In fact the ministry of Labour was involved in it. One of the options we were to consider then was to create an environment where individual workers in the banks will anonymously express whether they want to join the union or not. But we didn’t have to go that far because it was not necessary.

    “It is the responsibility of the unions to organise their members where ever they are. If the union should experience any obstacle in the course of that, they have the right to take the employer to court by making the point that the employer has denied their members being unionised. The question we should be asking them is whether they have tested this in court.

    “One would have expected them to take any employer that deny their staff the right to unionise to the National Industrial Court so that the court can make a pronouncement on it. Until they provide that evidence, every statement they are making is an allegation which they cannot substantiate”

  • New fuel price: We are disappointed – TUC

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said Thursday that government never consulted them on the recent price hike of premium motor spirit otherwise known as Petrol nor allow them to make input before the announcement.

    In a state signed by the President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Acting Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Simeso Amachree described the presence of organised labour at the meeting where the decision was taken as

    “premeditated ambush by the government which clearly did not invite us for any dialogue”.

    The Congress said they were unaware of how the government arrived at the new price as well as the decision of the government to allow market forces alone determine the cost of the product.

    The statement explain that when the government brought up the issue of a price increase, leaders of organised labour present at the meeting requested for time to consult their various organs and report back and were allowed to leave the meeting for consultation.

    The statement reads: “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria wishes to state emphatically that we do not know how the Federal Government arrived at the new price of N145 for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol. Neither do we appreciate how they arrived at their decision to allow market forces alone determine the cost of the product.

    “The Congress wants to use this opportunity to put the records straight concerning the development.  The organised labour received a 24-hour notice inviting us to meet with Vice President Osinbajo and some other key government functionaries including the Minister of Labour and Employment, the Minister of Information, the Chairman of the Governor’s Forum, and the Minister of State for Petroleum.

    “Others include the principal officers of the National Assembly led by the Deputy Senate President, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the Chairmen of the respective Committees on Petroleum in both chambers of the Assembly.

    “The meeting held yesterday. The call for meeting stated no specific agenda, and we were left to conjecture. Little did we know that the government had already concluded plans to hike the price of petrol.  Indeed we were taken aback.

    “The meeting had the leadership of labour in attendance, but we never made any input.  Not with the shock we experienced at the premeditated “ambush” by the government which clearly did not invite us for any dialogue.

    “When they stated their plan to introduce the new prices, our response was to ask for time to consult with our respective executive organs and subsequently revert appropriately. The government representatives agreed.  And so we left.

    “We were therefore totally confounded and shocked when we got to know that they later went on air announcing new prices for petrol. But our focus and hope remain strong.  We know what to do.

    “Thus the TUC has scheduled an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) for Friday 13 May, 2016 to x-ray the government’s pronouncement and take a stand on the matter in the best interest of Nigerian workers and the masses of our people.

    “To say Nigerians are disappointed and dismayed at the fuel price hike would be a colossal understatement, especially as the present APC government repeatedly insisted during their pre-2015 election campaigns that there was already nothing like subsidy during the immediate past administration.  Alas, what a great volte face!  What betrayal in high places!

    “For sure, we know that the fuel scarcity the nation is currently experiencing is artificial, and we have observed comments of those benefiting from the system commending the latest development.
    “For us, the fact that petrol is currently selling for between N150 and N250 per litre does not mean that such outlandish prices should be maintained, least of all endorsed as official policy. We are meeting soon and will come out with our position.  God bless Nigeria and her people”.