The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Union

  • NiMet, Union reach agreement to postpone strike

    NiMet, Union reach agreement to postpone strike

    The leadership of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the agency-based unions have reached an agreement to postpone the planned strike by the union.

    The strike by the unions; National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), and Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), was scheduled to begin on Tuesday, 4th of February 2025.

    A statement by the agency on Monday stated that the unions’ representatives announced the postponement of the strike action following an agreement reached between the national and branch officers of the unions and the management of NiMet.

    According to the statement, both sides noted that the interests of NiMet workers were the focus of the discussions and negotiations.

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    In the negotiations which led to the signing of the agreement by both parties, timelines of actions were agreed by both parties on the various issues raised by the unions.

    The Director General of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, has said that NiMet management will always champion the cause of workers’ welfare but within realistic economic conditions.

    He said: “I welcome the efforts of the National Officers of NiMet agency-based unions and the input of the branches. We are not over the line yet on the issues but I am happy that we have been able to convince the unions’ leadership to postpone their planned strike action. This will enable management to continue with its ongoing efforts towards obtaining the necessary approvals from the federal government on the issues raised by unions.”

    The President of the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Comrade Benjamin Nnabue, who led the negotiations on behalf of the unions said that the unions were not in the habit of embarking on strikes and antagonizing management but usually resort to such as a last option.

     “These issues with NiMet management may be inherited but government is a continuum. Our interest is the overall welfare of the staff of NiMet”.

    The Director of Labour in the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Olusoga Adebayo, who observed the discussions between both parties, commended both parties. He said the parties have been able to reach an amicable solution through dialogue.

    According to the agreement jointly signed by the unions and NiMet management, both parties recognized that miscommunication contributed to the gap in addressing unions’ concerns. They committed to strengthening consultation and engagement channels to prevent re-occurrence.

    All parties also reaffirmed their commitment to fostering a progressive partnership that enhances industrial peace and promotes the welfare of NiMet staff, while the unions agreed to postpone the industrial action until further notice as a gesture of goodwill in consultation with their relevant organs.

  • Union appoints caretaker committee

    Union appoints caretaker committee

    National Butchers Union of Nigeria has announced a 12-member caretaker committee for Lagos branch, pending election of executive members.

    This was conveyed in a letter signed by Alhaji Elesinmeta, Southwest and Kwara State coordinator to Commissioner for Agriculture.

    “I write to inform you that after expiration of the executive committee of Lagos chapter of our union, headed by Alhaji Kazeem Bamidele, the national body has set up a caretaker committee from Lagos chapter to oversee  affairs of the union, pending election of executives.

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    ‘’The members include Shola Adetele (chairman), Onifade Dauda, Olanrewaju Aremu (secretary), Akanji Okedara, Lukmon Adeyemo, Yakubu Shehu, Wasiu Akowo, Samad, Akintoye Rasak, Taofeek Abolade, Yaro Musibau and Arigbabuwo Kazeem.’’

  • Protest: Shongai Packaging Industry, Union reach agreement

    Protest: Shongai Packaging Industry, Union reach agreement

    The Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CANMPSSAN) and Shongai Packaging Industry Limited, Sango-Otta, Ogun State have reached an agreement, following a protest by the union over inhuman treatment and casualisation of its members.

     The protest, on Wednesday, spearheaded by the CANMPSSAN and allied unions, was led by the President of CANMPSSAN, Comrade Segun Samson David. It paralysed activities at the company’s office.

     The workers, who gathered at the entrance of the company as early as 7am, sang solidarity songs and blocked the entrance of the company to stop people from going in.

     Addressing the workers, David lamented the alleged inhuman treatment. He said the union responded to complaints by the their members over poor working conditions at the site.

    According to David, the management engaged the workers on ad-hoc basis without conditions of service.

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    He pointed out the cases of two members who were sacked in October 2022 without any compensation. “Our members’ appointments were terminated in October 2022 without paying them their benefits; instead their appointments were converted to contract staff. This has been going on for so long and nothing was done,” David said.

    He said the picketing would continue if the company refused to take action.   To assuage the aggrieved workers, the management of Shogai called for meeting to address the situation. At the end, the following agreements were reached: The two retired staff would be paid gratuity based on their current salary;  the welfare facilities would be improved; the yearly performance appraisal exercise would be concluded and implemented; regularisation of casual workers; accident victims in the organisation would be adequately compensated, among others.

  • CBN appoints new managers for dissolved Union, Keystone, Polaris banks

    CBN appoints new managers for dissolved Union, Keystone, Polaris banks

    Hours after it announced the dissolution of the boards and managements of three banks yesterday, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has named new executives to oversee the operations of Union, Keystone and Polaris banks.

    The apex bank acted to maintain the stability and continuity of the affected institutions in the face of the restructuring.

    It said the appointments take immediate effect.

    In a statement issued in the early hours of today, CBN Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, announced the appointments.

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    She named: Yetunde Oni as Union Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Mannir Ubali Ringim as Executive Director.

    Keystone Bank has Hassa Imam as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer and Chioma A. Many as its Executive Director Polaris Bank had its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer as Lawal Mudathir Omokayode Akintola and Chris Onyeka Ofikulu as Executive Director.

    The statement reads: “The appointments take immediate effect,” Ms. Sidi-Ali added, emphasizing the CBN’s commitment to immediate action and minimising disruption.

    She said “This move to reinstate leadership in the affected banks demonstrates the CBN’s prioritisation of maintaining confidence and stability in the financial system.”

  • Why CBN sacked boards of Union, Keystone, Polaris banks

    Why CBN sacked boards of Union, Keystone, Polaris banks

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) moved yesterday to protect the financial system. It sacked the boards and managements of three banks – Union, Keystone and Polaris.

    It announced the dissolution in a statement by its Acting Director, Corporate Communications, Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali.

    The apex bank said the action was necessitated by the “non-compliance of these banks and their respective boards with the provisions of Section 12(c), (f), (g), (h) of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020.”

    The CBN statement chronicled the infractions of the Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), ranging from “regulatory non-compliance, corporate governance failure, disregarding the conditions under which their licenses were granted, and involvement in activities that pose a threat to financial stability, among others.”

    The specific details of the banks’ non-compliance were not given by the apex bank.

    But, regulatory non-compliance could involve issues like capital adequacy ratios, loan-to-deposit ratios, or risk management practices falling below acceptable standards.

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    Corporate governance failures could encompass mismanagement of funds, conflicts of interest, or lack of transparency.

    Disregarding licensing conditions could involve exceeding authorised activities or operating outside permitted geographical areas.

    And involvement in activities that pose a threat to financial stability could mean anything from reckless lending practices to money laundering or even outright fraud.

    Provisions of Section 12(c), (f), (g), and (h) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2020, Section 12(c)  prohibits directors, managers, and officers of banks from having personal interest in any advance, loan, or credit facility granted by the bank. They must declare any such interest to the bank.  Additionally, they are prohibited from granting loans or credit facilities without authorization and proper security as per the bank’s rules and regulations.

    Violating this section is an offense punishable by a fine of ¦ 100,000 or imprisonment for three years and any gains or benefits gained through such contravention will be forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Section 12(f) requires banks to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and directives issued by the CBN. Failure to comply with this section can result in regulatory sanctions, including fines, limitations on operations, or even revocation of the bank’s license.

    Section 12(g) sets restrictions on the types of investments banks can make.

    It allows them to invest in: Government securities with maturity not exceeding 25 years and publicly offered for sale; securities of the Federal Government on behalf of internal funds like staff pension funds; foreign currencies and bills of exchange maturing within 184 days; securities of freely convertible governments or international financial institutions of which Nigeria is a member.

    Others are: redeemable bonds for regularising currency exchange exercises and exceeding these investment limits without proper authorisation could be considered non-compliance.

    Section 12(h) empowers the CBN to issue additional directives to banks as it deems necessary for the purposes of the Act. Disregarding any such directives could also be considered a violation of Section 12(f).

    An official of the CBN, who spoke to The Nation about the development, said: “These are serious accusations, and the CBN’s swift response demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a safe, sound, and robust financial system in Nigeria.

    “The CBN’s action sends a strong message to all financial institutions in Nigeria that it will not tolerate any behavior that jeopardises the integrity and stability of the financial system. This is particularly important in the current economic climate, where Nigeria, like many other countries, is facing significant headwinds due to global factors and domestic challenges.

    “A strong and stable financial system is essential for weathering these storms and supporting economic growth, and the CBN’s decisive action shows it is committed to protecting Nigerians’ financial security.”

    The CBN statement, however, promised to protect the funds of Nigerians in the affected banks.

    It reads: “The CBN assures the public of the safety and security of depositors’ funds and remains resolute in fulfilling its mandate to uphold a safe, sound and robust financial system in Nigeria. Our banking system remains strong and resilient.”

    On what to expect, the bank official further said: “In the coming days and weeks, we can expect more information to emerge about the specific reasons for the CBN’s action and the steps it will take to ensure a smooth transition for the affected banks.”

    These developments followed a report submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Special Investigator on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Related Entities, Jim Obazee.

    The report raised concerns about the acquisition of Union Bank of Nigeria by Titan Trust Bank (TTB) and implicated individuals such as Mr. Tunde Lemo, Mr. Cornelius Vink, and Rahul Savara.

    The report recommended that the Nigerian government take over the banks due to the inability of their shareholders to prove the legitimacy of their ownership.

    In response, Mr. Lemo rejected the accusations and requested seven days to provide the necessary documents to prove ownership.

    Failure to do so, according to Lemo, would result in the forfeiture of Titan Trust Bank and Union Bank of Nigeria to the Federal Government.

    The dissolution of the boards and managements of Union, Keystone and Polaris banks marks an important step by the CBN towards maintaining a sound and secure financial system in Nigeria.

    The details regarding the banks’ non-compliance and the subsequent actions taken to ensure a smooth transition are expect to unfold in the coming weeks.

  • CBN sacks boards of Union, Titan, Keystone, Polaris banks

    CBN sacks boards of Union, Titan, Keystone, Polaris banks

    The Central Bank of Nigeria has, with immediate effect, sacked the entire Board of Directors of Polaris, Titan, Union and Keystone Banks.

    This action, according to a press release signed by Mrs. Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director, Corporate Communications, was necessitated by the “non-compliance of these banks and their respective boards with the provisions of Section 12(c), (f), (g), (h) of Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020.”

    The press release further details the banks’ infractions, stating they range from “regulatory non-compliance, corporate governance failure, disregarding the conditions under which their licenses were granted, and involvement in activities that pose a threat to financial stability, among others.”

    The specific details of the banks’ non-compliance remain unclear, but the potential implications are concerning. Regulatory non-compliance could involve issues like capital adequacy ratios, loan-to-deposit ratios, or risk management practices falling below regulatory standards.

    Corporate governance failures could encompass mismanagement of funds, conflicts of interest, or lack of transparency. Disregarding licensing conditions could involve exceeding authorized activities or operating outside permitted geographical areas. And involvement in activities that pose a threat to financial stability could encompass anything from reckless lending practices to money laundering or even outright fraud.
    Provisions of Section 12(c), (f), (g), and (h) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020
    Section 12(c). Prohibits directors, managers, and officers of banks from having personal interest in any advance, loan, or credit facility granted by the bank. They must declare any such interest to the bank. Additionally, they are prohibited from granting loans or credit facilities without authorization and proper security as per the bank’s rules and regulations. Violating this section is an offense punishable by a fine of ₦100,000 or imprisonment for 3 years, and any gains or benefits gained through such contravention will be forfeited to the Federal Government.

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    Section 12(f): Requires banks to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and directives issued by the CBN. Failure to comply with this section can result in regulatory sanctions, including fines, limitations on operations, or even revocation of the bank’s license.

    Section 12(g): Sets restrictions on the types of investments banks can make. It allows them to invest in: Government securities with maturity not exceeding 25 years and publicly offered for sale. Securities of the Federal Government on behalf of internal funds like staff pension funds. Foreign currencies and bills of exchange maturing within 184 days. Securities of freely convertible governments or international financial institutions of which Nigeria is a member. Redeemable bonds for regularizing currency exchange exercises. Exceeding these investment limits without proper authorization could be considered non-compliance.

    Section 12(h): Empowers the CBN to issue additional directives to banks as it deems necessary for the purposes of the Act. Disregarding any such directives issued by the CBN could also be considered a violation of Section 12(f).

    An official of the CBN who spoke to The Nation about the development said “these are serious accusations, and the CBN’s swift response demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a safe, sound, and robust financial system in Nigeria”.

    “The CBN’s action sends a strong message to all financial institutions in Nigeria that it will not tolerate any behavior that jeopardizes the integrity and stability of the financial system. This is particularly important in the current economic climate, where Nigeria, like many other countries, is facing significant headwinds due to global factors and domestic challenges” he said.

    He added that “a strong and stable financial system is essential for weathering these storms and supporting economic growth, and the CBN’s decisive action shows it is committed to protecting Nigerians’ financial security”.

    The press release also assured the public of the safety and security of depositors’ funds and vowed to “take all necessary steps to ensure that depositors of Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank are not left worse off due to these events”.

    “In the coming days and weeks, we can expect more information to emerge about the specific reasons for the CBN’s action and the steps it will take to ensure a smooth transition for the affected banks” the CBN official said.

    These developments followed a report submitted to President Bola Tinubu by the Special Investigator on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Related Entities, Jim Obazee. The report raised concerns about the acquisition of Union Bank of Nigeria by Titan Trust Bank (TTB) and implicated individuals such as Mr. Tunde Lemo, Mr. Cornelius Vink, and Rahul Savara. The report recommended that the Nigerian government take over the banks due to the inability of the shareholders to prove the legitimacy of their ownership.

    In response, Mr. Lemo rejected the accusations and requested seven days to provide the necessary documents to prove ownership. Failure to do so, according to Lemo, would result in the forfeit of Titan Trust Bank and Union Bank of Nigeria to the Federal Government.

    The dissolution of the Boards and Managements of Union Bank, Keystone Bank, and Polaris Bank marks an important step by the CBN towards maintaining a sound and secure financial system in Nigeria. The details regarding the banks’ non-compliance and the subsequent actions taken to ensure a smooth transition will be closely watched in the coming weeks.

  • Stop intimidating union leaders, workers with police, Lagos traditional ruler warns National Theatre management

    Stop intimidating union leaders, workers with police, Lagos traditional ruler warns National Theatre management

    The Traditional Ruler of the Otumara community in Lagos mainland, High Chief Kehinde Kalejaiye, has issued a warning to the National Theatre management against using the police to intimidate and harass workers, especially union leaders.

    The caution follows the recent arrest and detention of Comrade Habib Usman and Comrade Monday Alonge, the Chairman and Secretary of the Radio, Television, Theatre, and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), National Theatre chapter, by policemen attached to the Special Enquiry Bureau (SEB) of the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

    The unionists, according to the traditional ruler, were arrested having been petitioned against by the General Manager of the parastatal, Prof Sunny Ododo for condemning the attitude of the management towards the welfare of the workers.

    The union through petitions written to the Minister for Arts and Culture and the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, dated March 6th and October 4th, 2023, alleged unfair, unjust, and one-sided disciplinary actions against its member and thus demanded the immediate suspension of the General Manager.

    Consequently, the management through a letter issued and signed by the Director, Human Resources Department, Agbo Ita, for the General Manager, invited Comrades Usman and Alonge to the FCID, Alagbon, for interrogation.

    Kalejaiye queried the arrest and subsequent detention of the union leaders while describing it as unwarranted and undeserved.

    While condemning the act, he wondered when the FCID, Alagbon becomes the disciplinary arm of the National Theatre saddled with the responsibility of arresting and detaining vocal union leaders and workers.

    He, however, implored the Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hajia Hanatu Musawa to intervene before it further degenerates into a crisis situation. 

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    Speaking on the consequence of such tyranny on the workers, he said: “It would affect the level of productivity of the workers and also the activism of the union leaders. If any worker or even the union or its leaders are found wanting, one would expect the management to set up a fact-finding panel to investigate the alleged wrongdoings and then come up with their recommendations.

    “It is out of place for the management to hand over its workers to the police when no criminal act has been established against such workers. The workers are in fear of who could be the next victim of persecution.

    “We are all stakeholders in the Nigerian project. We want a better Nigeria and that is why we should endeavour to do what is right at all times. To this end, I want to appeal to Minister Hanatu Musawa to investigate this matter and ensure fairness, equity, and probity are attained.”

  • MC Oluomo blames ex-NURTW President for union crisis

    MC Oluomo blames ex-NURTW President for union crisis

    The chairman of National Union of Road Transport Worker (NURTW), Lagos State Council, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya (aka MC Oluomo), has blamed the immediate past National President, Tajudeen Baruwa, for the crisis in the union.

    In a statement on Monday, Akinsanya said Baruwa’s overbearing actions without recourse to the union’s constitution were responsible for the crisis.

    He accused Baruwa of trying to create fracas in the Lagos chapter of the union when he appointed another state chairman to handle the tricycle operators (Keke Marwa) thus having two chairmen in one state, which became a panacea for anarchy.

    Akinsanya recalled that he was instrumental to the emergence of Baruwa as President of the union in 2019.

    He said: “As Chairman of the Lagos State Chapter, I performed my duties diligently fulfilling all my constitutional responsibilities and maintaining the hard won peace in Lagos State. This role was admirably felt all over the Southwest and I was also elected as the Zonal Vice-Chairman of Zone 2. In all of these, I have conducted myself within the ambit of the law and constitution guiding our operations in NURTW.

    “All went well until the illegal and unconstitutional interference in the affairs of the Lagos State Chapter, and by extension, the Southwest by the Baruwa when he decided to appoint another state chairman to handle the tricycle operators (Keke Marwa) thus having two chairmen in one state, which became a panacea for anarchy. This appointment, which was strange to our constitution and a sinister move to destabilize our operations in Lagos State, led to outright panic.

    “The intervention of notable Lagosians and unionists did not go down well with Baruwa who only saw Lagos State as part of a grand design to annihilate the Southwest.

    “When Baruwa went ahead to purportedly suspend me from the union, I had the option of staying put and allowing all we have achieved in terms of peace in Lagos State to go down or to activate a Plan B. I opted for the latter. As a strong believer in the Rule of Law, I caused a suit to be filed at the National Industrial Court challenging the various illegal conducts of Baruwa, I moved to the Lagos State Parks and Garages and interestingly, the entire union members in Lagos State followed me as they believed in my leadership.”

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    Akinsanya accused Baruwa of “disrupting union activities in the Southwest that Lagos Oyo, Ogun, Osun Ondo had no union at all and this has led to institution of court cases at the National Industrial Court where the court granted an Order of Status Quo ante bellum as at April 12. The implication of that was that the South West Zone could not have held any zonal election after April 12. This stalemate led to the inauguration of a Caretaker Committee headed by Alhaji Tajudeen Agbede and 24 other notable unionists across Nigeria.

    “This Caretaker Committee in order to move forward has reached out to all members who were forced out by Baruwa and we have embraced peace and returned home.

    “Let me state that the National Elders are not the first set of people to call for reconciliation. Various Governors in Southwest had done the same. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) under Comrade Ayuba Wabba as President and Alhaji Najeemdeen Yasin as the deputy president also made efforts. We were invited three different times. While we wasted money for flights to and fro Abuja, Baruwa did not honour any of the NLC invitations.

    “The constitution of the NURTW in order to allow for inclusiveness has zoned their offices from time to time. The current zoning arrangement has zoned the President, Vice President and Trustee to Zone 2, which is the Southwest for two terms of four years each. For any member to aspire for these posts, the zone must nominate such individuals at a Special Zonal Conference/Delegate Conference for onward ratification by the National body at a special Delegate Conference. It is also noteworthy that during the administration of Baruwa, the activities of NURTW were suspended in five of the six states. The only state functioning was Ekiti. The legal position is that with the expiration of the term of office of Baruwa, the term of the chairmen of the various states has also expired. With the new found reconciliation, a Zonal Congress can now be convened where nominees for National Offices will be done.

    This is in contrast to the sinister and unconstitutional motive of Organizing the Kangaroo Delegate Conference in Nasarawa, which can be described as Awadakerikeri.”

    Akinsanya appealed to NLC leadership to allow the union to organise themselvess without undue interference and bias.

    “The outgone president is still a member of our great union and if he is still interested in seeking re-election, he should make recourse to the Zone 2 (Southwest) for nomination and adoption,” he said.

  • Student union kicks as OAU increases fees by 300%

    Student union kicks as OAU increases fees by 300%

    The student union of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, Osun State has kicked against the management after increment of tuition fee by 300 per cent.

    The the Public Relations Officer of the institution, Abiodun Olarewaju, in a release stated that the decision was taken by the Senate of the University at its emergency meeting on Tuesday.

    According to him: “For those in the faculties of Arts, Law and Humanities , the ‘freshers’ will pay N151, 200 while returning students of the same faculties will pay N89,200.

    “For those in the faculties of Technology and Science, the new students will pay N163, 200 and the returning students of the same faculties are to pay N101,200.”

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    He added those in the in the College of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Pharmacy are to pay N190, 200 ( new students) and N128, 200 (returning students) respectively.”

    However, the leadership of Student union in a statement on Wednesday night jointly signed by the President Ojo Akinremi and Secretary, Akinboni Opeyemi kicked against the hike and called for reversal.

    The students said: “We held an emergency meeting and 80 students’ leaders were present. We resolved that, there should be a total reversal of the approved increment by the school management, on no account should any student pay the proposed school charges even if the payment portal is activated and a physical congress will be called tomorrow.”

  • Union decries sack of 13 workers

    Union decries sack of 13 workers

    Automobile Boatyards Transport Equipment and Allied Senior Staff Association (AUTOBATE) has accused Nigerdock Free Zone Establishment (FZE) of laying off its members in disobedience to labour laws.

    Its President, Michael Ugwuadu, told a news conference 13 of the union’s members at Nigerdock were sacked without the union’s input.

    “On February 24, Nigerdock FZE declared 13 members of of AUTOBATE Senior Staff Association, redundant and terminated their contracts…

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      “This violates Section 20 of Labour Act, which stipulates that an employer who wishes to reduce its workforce must inform the trade union or workers’ representatives and Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.