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Tag: TUC

  • NLC, TUC shelve planned protest

    NLC, TUC shelve planned protest

    • Unions direct FCTA workers to resume work

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike has brokered a late-night truce with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), ending the strike that paralysed parts of Abuja.

    The development has now paved the way for the workers to return to their duty posts immediately.

    The parties reached the agreement around 3.50 a.m. yesterday after over three hours of negotiations chaired by the Senate Committee on the FCT, led by Senator Mohammed Bomoi.

    The meeting, which started a few minutes before midnight on Monday, ended around 3.50 a.m. yesterday.

    Key figures at the meeting with Wike included NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo.

    The secretaries of both labour centres, as well as other key stakeholders, were also present.

    The Nation reports that organised labour, comprising the two labour unions, had on Monday insisted that there would be no going back on the planned massive protest to press home the demands of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) workers.

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    Police authorities in the FCT had cautioned the unions to reschedule their action in the “interest of safety”.

    They added that there were plots by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN/Shi’ites) and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the planned protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.  

    Wike had also obtained an interim court order restraining the NLC and the TUC from embarking on the action.

    A statement issued after the meeting and signed by NLC and TUC revealed that the parties agreed that, arising from the strike, no worker would be victimised in any way.

    TUC’s Secretary Nuhu Toro and other labour leaders also announced that all outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) would be withdrawn immediately.

    He added: “All affiliates are hereby informed that a conciliatory meeting was held between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the instance of the Chairman of the Senate Committee on FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi.

    “At the conclusion of the meeting, the following resolutions were reached: All complaints presented by JUAC members were taken one after the other and fully addressed.

    “The honourable minister assured organised labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward.”

    He announced that all workers in the FCT had been directed to resume duties immediately.

    “Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT (MFCT) are hereby directed to resume work immediately.

    “All affiliates are enjoined to comply strictly with this directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony, in good faith,” Toro said.

  • NLC, TUC issue FG 14-day ultimatum overdelayed implementation of CONHESS

    NLC, TUC issue FG 14-day ultimatum overdelayed implementation of CONHESS

    The two labour centres – Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to implement the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), which was submitted in 2021.

     The ultimatum was contained in a statement jointly signed by the TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro and Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah on Saturday in Abuja.

     The two labour centres demanded the immediate implementation of the report of the Technical Committee on the adjustment of the CONHESS, which was submitted in 2021.

     The unions described the continued delay as a deliberate act of injustice against health workers.

     According to them, the report, chaired by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, addressed salary distortions in the health sector.

     The statement read: “Health workers have waited long enough for over five years. The Ministry must act without further delay.

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     “Failure to implement the CONHESS report is a direct affront to organised labour and the hardworking health professionals who sustain the nation.”

     They stated that the non-implementation shows bad faith and institutional disrespect for organised labour.

     The unions recalled that similar adjustments for the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) were implemented without delay.

     They said that the selective application of salary adjustments exposes the government’s insincerity and discrimination.

     The unions highlighted repeated engagements and interventions that yielded no response from the Federal Ministry of Health.

     They warned that failure to act within the 14-day period could trigger nationwide industrial action.

     The statement added: “We have exercised restraint for years, but our patience has run out. The Ministry must act now.

     “Should the government fail to implement the CONHESS report within the stipulated period, organised labour will mobilise all Nigerian workers for coordinated industrial action.”

     They added that industrial action could include mass protests, picketing of health institutions, and withdrawal of services across the country.

     The unions said health workers’ labour sustains the nation and cannot continue to be ignored.

     They added that bureaucratic excuses and promises without action will no longer be tolerated.

     The statement said: “TUC and NLC therefore place all affiliates, including state councils and the FCT, on red alert for mobilisation.”

     They called on the government to avert avoidable industrial action by complying within the ultimatum period.

  • TUC, SWAN, others honoured at competition

    TUC, SWAN, others honoured at competition

    Chairman of Oyo State chapter of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Bosun Olabiyi, and his counterpart from Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ayomiku Ajibola, were among awardees at the fourth edition of Olawale Ogunbusola School Competition & Awards.

    Speaking at the event held in Ibadan, the convener, Olawale Ogunbusola, said the essence of the project was to deepen competence, confidence and exposure among youths for a competitive future.

    He said the event was also to recognise the awardees for their impact and productivity, as well as to motivate them to do more.

    Former Head of Department (HOD) at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Jacob Ayantayo, urged young learners to remain resilient, focused and determined in their studies and careers.

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    He advised them to jettison religious biases for a united, progressive and healthy society.

    The Chief Executive Director of Buff-I-Limited, Anthony Adeniji, an engineer, who spoke on the menace of fire and flood in Oyo State and Nigeria, advocated obedience of land use and building regulations.

    Assistant Director at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Olagunju Adelayo, called for sincere mentoring, good parenting and re-introduction of moral instruction into the nation’s curriculum against widespread cult practices in elementary and secondary schools.

    The Chairman of the occasion, Kunle Olatunji, hailed the convener for his instincts in building the society within his scope.

    He pledged support for the project annually and called on the government, philanthropists and other well-meaning Nigerians to back the project

  • Aladetan emerges as TUC Lagos council chairman, pledges workers’ welfare

    Aladetan emerges as TUC Lagos council chairman, pledges workers’ welfare

    Abiodun Aladetan has emerged as the newly elected chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

    Aladetan, who is an affiliate member of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), was elected alongside seven other executive committee members.

    The election, which took place at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Yaba, on Thursday, had Chinatu Iregbeyen from the Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI) as vice-chairman; Hannah Omeje from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) as secretary; and Egbukichi Veronica from Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN).

    Others are: Samsondeen Ajala from Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) as treasurer; Salau Oladele from Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) as financial secretary; Kabiawu Gbolahan from Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) as public relations officer, and Martins Adesanoye from Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) as auditor.

    Aladetan, in his acceptance speech, promised to enhance the welfare of his members, saying that his administration would focus more on areas, particularly in the private and informal sectors, where workers are being treated unfairly with unfavourable practices happening.

    “We have a lot of challenges presently in the world of work. The world of work is going through a lot of transformation and automation, such as artificial intelligence (AI).

    “We have seen a lot of workers’ rights being trampled upon, particularly when you look at employers from the private sector; workers are literally treated unfairly. It is one area I think this administration is going to focus on, because the practice over the years is that people attribute labour centres basically to public services. I think it is beyond that because most of our affiliates are actually not even in the public sector; they are in the private sector.

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    “So for this administration, we are going to focus more on those areas so that we can help protect and safeguard the rights of Nigerian workers, particularly those in the informal sector,” he said.

    The new Lagos TUC Chairman also said he plans to pursue the mega project on the mass housing scheme for workers and ensure the Council moves away from rented apartments to its own secretariat.

    “Presently, we operate from rented apartments, but it is a goal that we must achieve to have our own secretariat. We have a committee also to ensure that we empower our members in terms of agriculture so that they can become self-sufficient even in retirement.

    “Even our pensioners, there are existing discussions about ensuring that retirees enjoy certain benefits such as free medical treatment and free transportation. We will engage the government so that they can extend it further,” he said.

    He dismissed claims about any faction, saying, “As far as Lagos State is concerned, there is only one TUC. Let me set the record straight. The guidelines of the TUC and the delegates’ list were released by the national secretariat. The first election was suspended. People showed interest in picking up nomination forms, and the nomination process was closed.

    “It was based on the fact that the election we have conducted here today is in line with those who have obtained nomination. The records are there. You can confirm even from the security agencies. They have those reports even before today.

    “The names of those who were declared here today are those who truly vied for those positions. There were attempts by some unions to manipulate the process to favour certain candidates, but when we saw what the people did, they came out and defended their rights. What we have seen here today is the triumph of truth over falsehood.”

  • TUC threatens nationwide strike over 5% petroleum tax

    TUC threatens nationwide strike over 5% petroleum tax

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to withdraw its proposed five per cent tax on petroleum products.

    Mr Festus Osifo, TUC President General, said this in a statement he jointly signed with Mr Nuhu Toro, General Secretary of the union on Monday in Abuja.

    TUC described the policy as “economic wickedness” against already overburdened citizens battling subsidy removal, soaring fuel prices, food inflation, and a weakening naira.

    “To now introduce another levy is to deliberately compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions of citizens deeper into poverty.

    “Nigerians cannot continue to be used as sacrificial lambs for economic experiments and the tax proposal is anti-people, unacceptable,” the union said.

    The TUC therefore urged the Federal Government to immediately stop the anti-people’s plan in its entirety.

    It added that the failure to do so would leave us with no option but to mobilise Nigerians and the masses for a total nationwide resistance.

    “Strike action is firmly on the table if government dares to ignore this warning and go ahead to implement this policy,” it said.

    The TUC further directed all state councils, affiliates, and structures to remain vigilant and await further communication that could culminate in decisive action.

    The union further called on civil society groups, professional bodies, student unions, faith leaders, and market associations to join in solidarity against what it described as an unjust economic policy.

    “Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not endless punishment,” it said.

    Meanwhile, in another statement, the TUC also condemned alleged anti-labour practices, intimidation, and harassment of workers across Dangote Group companies.

    It would be recalled that NUPENG have accused Dangote companies of denying workers’ rights to unionize and assaulting their dignity through persistent intimidation.

    “We will not fold our arms while Dangote treats Nigerian workers as slaves in their own country. No employer, no matter how wealthy, will be allowed to trample on labour,” the statement said.

    The union therefore urged Dangote to address PENGASSAN and NUPENG’s complaints, and also to recognise the rights of all affected unions immediately and unconditionally.

    It said that failure to comply, would trigger nationwide solidarity action, with TUC and its affiliates standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    “This is not an appeal. It is a final warning. An injury to one is an injury to all. Touch PENGASSAN, CANMPSSAN, TGTSSAN, and NUPENG, you touch the entire labour movement,” it added.(NAN)

  • Why we resisted Lagos TUC council election, by members

    Why we resisted Lagos TUC council election, by members

    Concerned congress members of Association of Senior Civil Service of Nigeria have said Lagos State Council of Trade Union Congress election was aborted on August 27 because of an alleged attempt to impose a candidate.

    They faulted a report:  “Unions must resist state capture to protect workers’ dignity,” saying it misrepresented the facts.

    A statement by Saheed Kadiri, on their behalf, said “a section of disgruntled members of ASCSN, in collaboration with Lagos State TUC chair, attempted to impose the secretary, who is not a financial member, to contest against his chairman”.

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    Kadiri said the move was resisted because it contravened election guidelines.

    It reads: “This plan was resisted because it undermines due process, violates constitutional provisions, and compromises congress autonomy and members’ rights.

    ”TUC’s constitution and election guidelines are designed to guarantee fair play, credibility, and transparency.

    ”The secretary’s eligibility is challenged on constitutionality—not on personal or sentimental considerations.

    ”Our struggle is anchored on respect for due process, adherence to guidelines, and protection of democratic values. Our insistence on fairness has been interpreted to imply interference.’’

    Kadiri said the Concerned Congress Members would “uphold the constitution and election guidelines.”

    He added: “We reaffirm our dedication to protecting the rights, welfare, and interests of members and ensuring transparency, accountability, and credibility in all processes.”

  • TUC, JOHESU absolve Yaba hospital’s boss over doctors’ unpaid salaries

    TUC, JOHESU absolve Yaba hospital’s boss over doctors’ unpaid salaries

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have said the acting Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba,

    Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye is not to blame for the delay in the payment of salaries of newly employed doctors.

    The unions were responding to complaints by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), which said the new doctors working in the hospital had not received their salaries in months.

    In a statement yesterday by Adegoke Monsuru, for the Lagos TUC Chairman, Olugbenga Ekundayo, the unions explained that the hospital does not pay salaries.

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    According to the unions, salaries are paid by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation through a system called IPPIS (Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System).

    The unions explained that the new doctors were only added to the IPPIS payroll in May. Since then, Dr. Owoeye has made efforts to pay the doctors their salaries.

    Last week, he was at the IPPIS office in Abuja to push for the payment and was told that the doctors would get their salaries this month.

    The unions said it was wrong and unfair to blame Dr. Owoeye for the delay. They blamed some people for trying to tarnish his image, despite his efforts to solve the problem.

    TUC and JOHESU added that Dr. Owoeye has always cared about the well-being of the hospital’s workers. They said his recent actions showed that he is serious about fixing problems.

    They said: “The hospital belongs to all health workers, not just one group. No association should act like it owns the hospital or controls who leads it. We urge the Federal Ministry of Health and the Presidency to ignore these distractions and continue to support the good work going on at the hospital.”

    The unions urged all health professionals to work together so that patients can get better care and the hospital can remain stable.

  • TUC, JOHESU defend Yaba hospital boss over unpaid doctors’ salaries

    TUC, JOHESU defend Yaba hospital boss over unpaid doctors’ salaries

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have absolved the Acting Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Dr. Olugbenga Owoeye, of any blame regarding the delayed salaries of newly employed doctors.

    This clarification comes in response to allegations from the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), who had accused the hospital’s management of failing to pay new doctors for several months.

    In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Comrade Adegoke Monsuru on behalf of the Lagos TUC Chairman, Comrade Olugbenga Ekundayo, the unions emphasized that salary payments are not handled by the hospital but by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation via the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

    The unions explained that the affected doctors were only added to the IPPIS payroll in May 2025, and since then, Dr. Owoeye has taken active steps to ensure they are paid. 

    Just last week, he reportedly travelled to Abuja to follow up directly with the IPPIS office, and the salaries are expected to be paid by July.

    They described the attacks on Dr. Owoeye as unfair, noting that he has shown commitment to staff welfare and hospital development. 

    The unions also warned against politicizing the matter or misdirecting blame toward the hospital’s leadership.

    They called on all stakeholders to support the current management in its efforts to improve healthcare delivery and sustain the progress achieved so far.

    They said, “The hospital belongs to all health workers, not just one group. No association should act like it owns the hospital or controls who leads it. We urge the Federal Ministry of Health and the Presidency to ignore these distractions and continue to support the good work going on at the hospital.”

    The unions said all health professionals should work together so patients can get better care and the hospital can remain stable.

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    Earlier in the news, the NMA Lagos chapter had held a press conference where they said that some of the new doctors had worked for up to six months without receiving any salary. 

    They also said this was similar to what happened in 2024 when some doctors were not paid for four months until NMA stepped in.

    The NMA has also been against the reappointment of Dr. Owoeye as acting Medical Director. After he completed a four-year term as the hospital’s main boss, the government reappointed him as acting MD, but the NMA asked that the decision be cancelled immediately.

    In reaction, the TUC in Lagos accused the NMA of trying to ruin Dr. Owoeye’s name. The union said the claims made by the NMA about problems at the hospital were not true and were aimed at stopping the progress being made.

    At the press briefing, Ekundayo, said the NMA’s statements were “a well-organised attack by people who are afraid of fairness, professionalism, and the positive changes happening under Dr. Owoeye’s leadership.”

  • TUC elects new executives as Ogbonna emerges chairman in Anambra

    TUC elects new executives as Ogbonna emerges chairman in Anambra

    • Union hails Soludo over N82,000 wage, appeals for land

    Anambra state chapter of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, has returned comrade Chris Ogbonna as its chairman, alongside nine other Executive members

    The election, held at the Havila hotels and Suites in Awka, was supervised by the union’s national body, represented by the national secretary, comrade Dr Nuhu Toro.

    Others at the venue of the quadrennial Congress of the TUC were the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, comrade Nwafor, members of the Department of State Service, DSS among others

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    The national secretary, Toro, represented by the Principal Assistant Secretary General of TUC, comrade Kenneth Mokwenye, wept about the insecurity in the country

    He said the killings, kidnappings and other crimes had become worrisome, while calling on governments at all levels to do more in other to tame the monsters

    But however, commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for being the only governor in the zone who has surpassed the payment of the 70,000 naira minimum wage, adding that paying 82,000 naira was not a mean feat,” we’re like Oliver Twist, we demand for more “

    The Head of Service, HoS, Dame Okwy Igwegbe, a Lawyer, assured the workers that Soludo would always do more for the people of the state with the right cooperation.

  • TUC barricades finance ministry over unpaid allowances

    TUC barricades finance ministry over unpaid allowances

    Official activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance were disrupted on Tuesday morning as members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) staged a protest over unpaid allowances.

    The demonstrators, dressed in red jackets and carrying placards, barricaded the main entrance of the ministry headquarters in Abuja, bringing operations to a standstill.

    The protest, which started early in the day, created a tense atmosphere at the ministry complex. Many staff members and visitors found it difficult to access the building as the union members blocked entry points and refused to allow anyone through. 

    The usually busy entrance of the ministry was taken over by the protesting workers who expressed their frustration through chants and inscriptions on their placards.

    Though the TUC officials and participants declined to grant interviews to the media, the messages on the placards conveyed a clear demand — immediate payment of allowances owed to staff. Phrases such as “Pay Us Our Entitlements” and “No More Delays” were prominently displayed as the protest continued throughout the morning.

    A civil servant who managed to enter the premises amidst the commotion shared his thoughts with The Nation: “Every time they bring protest here. Let them go to the villa now.” His remark reflects a growing sense of fatigue among workers witnessing repeated protests over the same issue.

    Efforts by ministry officials to calm the situation and open a channel of dialogue were rebuffed by the protesters. A senior staff member of the ministry who initially attempted to engage with the union members was turned away. 

    Later, Mr. Raymond O. Omachi, the Permanent Secretary in charge of Special Duties at the ministry, came to address the crowd at the gate but was also refused an audience.

    The protesters insisted that they would only speak with the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. According to them, previous attempts to resolve the matter with lower-ranking officials had yielded no results. 

    “We will not listen to anyone else except the Minister,” one of the union members was overheard saying, while others echoed his demand.

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    As of press time, there was no official statement from the Ministry of Finance regarding the protest or the status of the unpaid allowances. 

    It remains unclear whether the Minister will meet with the TUC as demanded or when the issue will be resolved.

    This latest demonstration adds to the string of industrial actions in recent months linked to labour grievances over salary arrears, benefits, and welfare in several government ministries and agencies. 

    The TUC’s insistence on ministerial-level engagement may be signaling a new approach by labour unions to hold top government officials directly accountable for addressing workers’ demands.

    Security personnel were seen around the premises monitoring the situation, though the protest remained peaceful.