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Tag: TUC

  • Our expectations from Labour Minister, by NLC, TUC

    Our expectations from Labour Minister, by NLC, TUC

    Labour – the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) – has outlined workers’ expectations from the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige.

    NLC President Comrade Ayuba Wabba said the appointment of  Ngige and the Minister of State, James Ocholi, came at a time Nigeria is weighed down by challenges. He said the ministers have the task of ensuring industrial peace and harmony.

    He said the ministry was unique in that it handles industrial relations matters, adding that the ministers must address casualisation.

    He said the ministers must tackle the “prevalent cases of casualisation and outsourcing of workers, which a number of employers have resorted to as a way of cutting costs and maximising profits that cut across both public and private sectors.”

    Wabba said there was the need for the ministers to sufficiently equip the ministry’s Factory Inspectorate Division to function optimally.

    “The Ministry is a specialised one because it deals with issues of industrial relations, labour treaties and convention and it’s a tripartite platform. Therefore, the ministers need to understand the workings of the ministry,” he said.

    “People think the ministry of labour exists just to manage strikes, but it goes beyond that. It is about managing people. The greatest asset that we have is the human resources, therefore, it is the most viable asset outside capital. In fact, labour is more important than capital because you can’t have the capital if you don’t have the mix of expertise and human resources,” he said.

    Wabba also said the ministers must address unemployment,  arguing that casualisation and outsourcing of workers are burning issues, which must not be left unresolved by the administration. He said employers resorted to casualisation and outsourcing because they don’t want to pay terminal benefits and decent wages to their workers.

    On the challenges before the new ministers, TUC Secretary-General Comrade Mohammed Lawal said the appointment of the ministers was a welcome development. He said Ngige, who was once a governor and civil servant, would bring his experience to bear on the labour sector, especially now that the sector is engulfed in minimum wage crisis.

    He said the ministers would have to stabilise the relationship between labour and the Federal Government. Another challenge before Ngige, he said, is how to resolve the crisis arising from the planned reversal of the minimum wage by some state governments.

    According to him, the new minister will also need to use the labour sector to promote the change mantra being championed by President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    He said TUC was ready to partner with the new ministers to resolve labour issues and promote economic growth.

    However, the Deputy President, National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade Ntukubes Mbang, said Ngige was a square peg in a round hole. He argued that as a medical doctor, he lacked the finesse and skills to resolve or manage industrial crisis.

    He, however, said the new minister would be challenged on how to tackle the hydra-headed problem of casualisation and outsourcing in the  sector.

  • TUC vows to resist electricity tariff hike

    TUC vows to resist electricity tariff hike

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has described the proposed increase in electricity tariff by the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) as an invitation to anarchy.

    It warned that organised labour would resist the move, which it described as oppressive, indefensible and retrogressive.

    In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Musa Lawal, TUC said the proposed tariff increase  by an average of 49.4 per cent is wrong and lacked human face.

    He said:“There is no gainsaying the fact that the present billing system is crazy, and any increase in tariff at this time is bound to make it even crazier. Why should the masses be at the receiving end of every wrong and retrogressive policy in the country? Why must they always pay for what the rich consume more of?  What sense does it make for a man who earns less than N20, 000 per month to be made to pay over N8, 000 for electricity bill alone within the same month?”

    He  wondered why people should pay so much for what they do not use regularly enough, with officials of the DisCos rarely bothering to read the analogue metres. “Why should these questionable issues that are spared no thought in other climes always take centre stage in Nigeria?” He asked rhetorically, insisting that Nigerians deserve a much better deal.

    TUC said the proposed increase could explains why the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been foot-dragging on the issue of making prepaid meters  available to consumers of electricity so as to sustain excessive billing being imposed on the consumers.

    He said: “NERC is considering introducing measures that will facilitate reduction of the rate of the fixed charge on consumers. What has been happening all along is same with what is obtainable in the telecommunications sector. They either assign tones to subscribers or enrol them on plans that attract daily, weekly or monthly deductions. We say no to this. The N750 charge is fundamentally fraudulent and unjust and must be abolished. Anyone canvassing its sustenance or any increase in tariff does a grave disservice to the nation.”

    The TUC said NERC and the DisCos would do well to shun anything that would attract the wrath of the masses. He said  rather than a hike in electricity tariff, Nigerians expected the power firms to earnestly adopt genuine consumer-friendly policies.

    It harped that the fact that power supply is relatively improved within the last few months does not mean that the myriad of challenges bedevilling the sector are over.

  • TUC kicks against N2.7b cash for NERC board

    TUC kicks against N2.7b cash for NERC board

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) yesterday opposed the proposed payment of about N2.7 billion as severance allowance and gratuity to Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) board members. The group described the proposal as a reflection of the fact that the agency has lost touch with prevailing economic realities.

    A statement by Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Musa Lawal, president and secretary-general, warned that paying that huge sum of money at a time the government is suffering from cash crunch would be a disservice to the people.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the TUC has been drawn to reports of a resolution by the board of the NERC to pay the sum of N2.7billion to just seven of its members whose five-year tenure expires on 22nd of December, 2015. We consider the report as the most expensive jokes in recent times.

    “The sum of N400 million is said to be projected for the Chairman of the Commission and N380 million for other members of the board.  This is happening at a time when both the federal and state governments are crying over financial challenges. This can best be described as the peak of insensitivity and cruelty.”

    The workers wondered why only seven government employees should be paid salaries upfront for two years after leaving office during which they would not be eligible to work in the power sector.

    TUC said the situation becomes worse as the colossal sum of money, curiously termed “severance and gratuity,” includes the cost of their official cars, phone calls, electricity, rebate allowances, and others for their ‘part-service years.’

    “How much does an average retiring civil servant who has served the country for 35 years get as severance benefits and gratuity? How justifiable is it for board members of a commission that tactfully midwived the ripping-off of Nigerians be paid such mind boggling sum of money for five-year “service” to their fatherland? Why must the people at the lower rung of the ladder always be made to subsidise the greedy and insatiable appetites of the privileged few? The workers asked rhetorically.

    The group said the NERC board members premised their claim on their proposed self-aggrandisement on the argument that their predecessors also received the same largesse.

    “Furthermore, does the recent slump in price of oil in the international market from between $80 and $90 per barrel to between $45 and $50 not suggest the need for more frugal management of our national wealth? What rationale do these board members who championed crazy policies and bills to validate hike in electricity tariff have for their nauseating craving for such unholy windfall? The group asked rhetorically.

  • TUC vows to resist electricity tariff hike

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has described the proposed increase in electricity tariff by the electricity distribution companies (DisCos) as an invitation to anarchy.

    It warned that organised labour would resist the move, adding that it is totally oppressive, indefensible and retrogressive.

    In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Musa Lawal, TUC said the proposed tariff increase  by an average of 49.4 per cent is wrong and lacked human face.

    He said:“There is no gainsaying the fact that the present billing system is crazy, and any increase in tariff at this time is bound to make it even crazier. Why should the masses be at the receiving end of every wrong and retrogressive policy in the country? Why must they always pay for what the rich consume more of?  What sense does it make for a man who earns less than N20, 000 per month to be made to pay over N8, 000 for electricity bill alone within the same month?”

    He  wondered why people should pay so much for what they do not use regularly enough, with officials of the DisCos rarely bothering to read the analogue metres. “Why should these questionable issues that are spared no thought in other climes always take centre stage in Nigeria?” He asked rhetorically, insisting that Nigerians deserve a much better deal.

    TUC said the proposed increase could explains why the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been foot-dragging on the issue of making prepaid meters  available to consumers of electricity so as to sustain excessive billing being imposed on the consumers.

    He said: “NERC is considering introducing measures that will facilitate reduction of the rate of the fixed charge on consumers. What has been happening all along is same with what is obtainable in the telecommunications sector. They either assign tones to subscribers or enrol them on plans that attract daily, weekly or monthly deductions. We say no to this. The N750 charge is fundamentally fraudulent and unjust and must be abolished. Anyone canvassing its sustenance or any increase in tariff does a grave disservice to the nation.”

    The TUC said NERC and the DisCos would do well to shun anything that would attract the wrath of the masses. He said  rather than a hike in electricity tariff, Nigerians expected the power firms to earnestly adopt genuine consumer-friendly policies.

    It harped that the fact that power supply is relatively improved within the last few months does not mean that the myriad of challenges bedevilling the sector are over.

  • TUC to FG: Investigate sources of Boko Haram weapons

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has asked the Federal Government to carry out detailed investigation of the sources of arms for the Boko Haram sect and step up intelligence gathering in order to stamp out insurgency in the country.

    TUC in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade Musa Lawal, condemned last week’s bombings in Abuja and Maiduguri, describing the attacks as needless and mindless.

    Militants affiliated to the Islamic State have since claimed responsibility for Friday’s suicide bombings Kuje and Nyanya areas of Abuja.

    The congress appealed to the sect to stop its attacks on innocent citizens, adding that human life is sacrosanct and should not be taken for whatever reason by any person.

    The TUC said security agents should be drafted to cities, including the interior villages to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

    The congress said, “It is expedient now that intelligence reports be stepped up especially as it is being rumoured that the insurgents could have sent out more suicide bombers to the FCT and some states in the Northeast.

    “Everyone knows that the security operatives are doing so much to curtail the activities of the sect. But we would like to add that they become more and more proactive, to prove superiority of strategies. It is bad the attacks took place, but worse that it happened a day after the nation’s 55th independence.”

     

  • TUC mourns HID Awolowo

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) mourns Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, the matriarch of the Awolowo family and wife of late Obafemi Awolowo, who reportedly died last week in her sleep at her Ikenne, Ogun state home.

    In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary-General, Comrade Musa Lawal, said the woman once described as “ jewel of inestimable value” by her husband has left so much to be desired.

    According to the congress, the nonagenarian until her husband’s demise on May 9, 1987 was his pillar of strength, adding that though mama was old yet “we had wished she lived more years to see the dream of her husband concerning Nigeria come to pass.”

    While we mourn Mama’s demise, we take solace in the fact that she left a worthy legacy behind. There was no doubt that she was a woman of uncommon strength and virtue. It takes a lot of gut to sustain the laudable political legacies and values of her husband, the great Chief Awolowo.

  • TUC lauds Ambode for creating Wealth Ministry

    TUC lauds Ambode for creating Wealth Ministry

    Lagos State chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has  hailed Governor Akinwunmi  Ambode for creating the Ministry of Wealth Creation and Empowerment.

    Its Chairman,  Comrade Akeem Kazeem, said the development would impact the citizens, urging the governor to appoint a personal assistant or consultant on labour matters in his cabinet.

    He said: “Labour is also in support of the on-going restructuring in the state civil service. Round pegs are being put in round holes. Merit and excellence is now recognised and put into consideration in appointments in the state.’’

    Kazeem noted that the advertisement for teachers and surveyors jobs was a positive step to reduce unemployment, urging the Federal and the state governments to embrace the idea.

    “We commend the good work being done in the area of security and the marginal improvement in power supply, particularly in Lagos State. This trend should be sustained and improved upon,’’ he said.

    Also, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has criticised the claim by Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) that government plans to sell off hospitals under the guise of public-private partnerships (PPP).

    The association said the union was afraid of the work place discipline that private sector control would bring to hospitals.

    Dr Joseph Ana, head of NMA’s clinical governance committee, accused JOHESU of backing its members to continue with their bad work ethics.

    He said the private sector’s involvement in health would ensure corporate efficiency, discipline and resources which government alone cannot afford, if it is to deliver on its health promises.

  • NLC, TUC march against corruption in Abuja

    Organised labour in the country, made up of the affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) practically shut down the nation’s capital for about five hours on Thursday when they marched on the streets of Abuja in support of the anti corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    There was however a mild drama at the first gate to the National Assembly as security agents stationed there locked the gates, preventing labour and civil society organisations from gaining access the Assembly to deliver their protest letters.

    The angry workers who were kept at the first gate to the National Assembly for about 10 minutes threatened to pull down the gates if they are not allowed access into the National Assembly.

    They were eventually allowed access when it was obvious that they were ready to pull down the gates.

    The workers and civil society organisations who began their match at the Unity Fountain took the campaign to the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Assembly and the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with various inscriptions.

    Some of the placards read: “Payment of workers’ salaries is non –negotiable,” “Stop corruption, Nigeria can create million of jobs alone in agriculture,” “Invest in agriculture today, corruption had damaged our communication sector,” “Stop it, recover our monies in the hands of past leaders now,” “Corruption has increased poverty, fight it now,” and “If we don’t kill corruption, corruption will kill us,” among others.

    Addressing the workers, the SGF, David Babachir Lawal, commend labour for supporting the Buhari’s administration in its quest to make corruption a thing of the past in the country, assuring that the government will not fail Nigerians in the fight against corruption.

    The SGF said the Buhari government considers organised labour as partners in the development of the country and not enemies, pointing out that with the workers supporting the government fight against corruption, the fight is almost won.

     

  • Amosun promises to pay workers’ deductions

    Amosun promises to pay workers’ deductions

    Ogun State Governor,  Ibikunle Amosun, on Tuesday said he will pay backlog of deductions owed the state’s workers soon.

    Amosun said this while receiving the President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Bala Kaigama, in his office in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    The governor noted that he was not unmindful of the fact that the success or otherwise of any government largely depends on its relationship with its workers, saying he would continue to create enabling environment that would foster harmonious relationship between the government and its workforce.

    He said: “We are determined to continue to do the needful, provide better condition of service and pay up all the monies owed the workers soon in other to motivate them to get the best from them.

    “The totality of the deductions owed the workers is equal to one month salary for the workers. But we cannot afford to let other sectors suffer.

    “Should we concentrate on paying salaries alone, we won’t be owing any money but we can’t afford to render other sectors comatose.

    “And I know the workers would not like that because they are also beneficiaries of the social services we render.”

    Kaigama lauded the governor for being workers’ friendly and appealed to him to expedite action on the payment of the deductions, saying it was the only proceed from the worker’s salary which they depend on to fund their individual projects or meet personal needs.

    He said: “The monthly reports from across the state councils show you are a workers’ friendly governor and we have no reason to antagonize your government.”

  • Buhari, Atiku, TUC mourn Borno deputy governor

    Buhari, Atiku, TUC mourn Borno deputy governor

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday eulogised the late Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Zanna Umar Mustapha.

    He extolled his  commitment to excellence and service.

    In a tribute to Alhaji Zannah, read on his behalf by the National Security Adviser, Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd.), who led a presidential delegation to condole with the government and people of Borno State, Buhari said the young, hardworking politician would be missed.

    Former Vice President and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Atiku Abubakar and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) said the death of Zanna was a great loss to the generation of young politicians.

    Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said: “His was a life of service and excellence as attested to by many people who interacted with him,”

    He prayed that Almighty Allah would comfort members of Zanna’s family as well as the government and people of Borno State, on his sudden death, and grant the late deputy governor a peaceful rest.

    Governor Kashim Shettima, who received the delegation in company of the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn-Garbai El-Kanemi; the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari Ibn Umar Ibrahim El-Kanemi and the Shehu of Dikwa, Alhaji Abba Tor-Masta, described the late deputy governor as a perfect deputy who was “simply irreplaceable”.

    The governor thanked President Buhari for his sympathy and the solidarity of the Federal Government with the  government and the  people of the state.

    He expressed  the people’s  appreciation of the effort by the military to end the Boko Haram insurgency, which, he said was yielding positive results.

    Other members of the presidential delegation were Alhaji Bukar Goni, the permanent secretary, General Services, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Household Matters, Mohammed Sarki Abba and the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.

    In a condolence message from his Media Office in Abuja, Atiku said the death was a big loss.

    He expressed deep grief at the death of such a vibrant politician, whom he said, represented the hopes and aspirations of new-breed politicians.

    The former Vice President said the fact that the late Zannah proved himself in office in a crisis-ridden state, such as Borno reinforced his faith and confidence in the abilities of young politicians.

    He said if given the opportunities, youths could prove themselves in every role, adding that the deceased was a perfect and shining example of what young politicians could achieve if given the opportunity.