The Nation Newspaper

Tag: workers

  • Railway workers seek repeal of NRC Act

    The Nigeria Union of Railway workers (NUR) has called for the repeal of the Nigeria Railways Corporation (NRC) Act of 1955. The law gives the corporation the monopoly of rail transportation business. The union is praying the government to encourage private investment in the sector.

    It called for a law that would ensure a level playing field for public and private investors.

    Its President, Saidu Garba, said the union would not stop the government from selling its assets, but the sale should be done transparently in a way to address the infrastructure deficit in the sector.

    He expressed the hope that the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), which  was headed by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo would address breaches of due diligence in  NRC’s planned privatisation.

    “We have not been fortunate enough to get privatisation or concession really right in this country probably because of our policy inconsistency, corruption and lack of political will. With the hasty way railway concession is being pursued, we feel that caution should be taken.

    “We wonder why all the inventories on the entire assets of Nigerian Railways should be handed over to a preferred concessionaire whose document of expression of interest predates the newspaper advert for the bidding,” Garba said.

    The union alleged that the Ministry of Transportation (MoT) dubiously concessioned the corporation’s 3,505-kilometre narrow gauge system to the American consortium, General Electric (GE).

    Its Secretary-General, Segun Esan, in a statement, praised the government for NCP’s reconstitution, stating that the council would curtail MoT’s  excesses in concession of NRC to GE.

    It alleged that the ministry unilaterally concessioned the NRC to GE for 30 years.

    The process, said the union,  was not transparent and workers were not carried along in the exercise.

    The NUR called on Prof Osinbajo to probe the process.

    “GE’s expression of interest was dated September 2016 and advert for expression of interest for the bidding was in January 2017. Apart from this, GE requested for a zero per cent transfer of workers, while the Ministry of Transportation is saying that 20 per cent of the workforce would be absorbed by GE and the remaining 80 per cent of the workforce will be sent to a University of Railway Technology that will be established by the concessionaire,” said the workers’ union.

    It argued that this was bizarre and indicated dishonesty. “An honest and public-spirited concession would squarely address all labour engagement and disengagement issues. It would be transparent enough to accommodate the workers’ union representatives to determine what happens to them before and after concession,” the NUR said.

  • Only 10.9% workers have retirement savings account, says NBS

    Only 10.9% workers have retirement savings account, says NBS

    The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that only 10.93 percent of Nigeria’s working population has retirement savings account (RSA), as at the end of the second quarter of 2017. This implies that more than 89 percent of the nation’s workforce is without pension accounts.

    NBS, however, noted in its latest report that the assessment was based on available data, and that Q2’17 data would be updated as soon as it is available.

    The report stated: “The retirement savings account, RSA, membership distribution data for Q2 2017 reflected that 7,589,936 workers are registered under the pension scheme compared to 7,493,590 registered workers in Q1 2017 out of a total working population of 69,470,901 recorded as at Q4 2016. This represents 10.93 percent of the total working population.

    The report, however, said it is not surprising that the largely informal structure of the Nigerian labour force, with about 50 percent of the workforce engaged in subsistence agriculture and informal trading. Micro businesses for example account for over 90 percent of Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in the country.

    NBS further noted that RSA membership is dominated by the private sector. It stated: “The Federal level had 1,898,199 registered RSA members under the national pension scheme as at Q2 2017 of which 1,384,579 or 72.94 percent were male and 513,620 or 27.06 percent were female compared to 1,889,143 registered RSA members of which 1,378,382 or 72.96 percent were male and 510,761 or 27.04 percent were female in Q1 2017. This may indicate that there are a lot more male employees in the Federal public service than female”.

    It also stated that at the state, including local government level, 1,537,138 state public workers are registered under the national pension scheme with 863,605 or 56.18 percent male and 673,533 or 43.82 percent female as at Q2 2017 compared to 1,525,748 registered public workers of which 858,365 or 56.26 per cent were male and 667,383 or 43.74 percent were female in Q1 2017. This the report stated that  the Federal Public Service is larger than that of all 36 States combined and similar to the Federal service with men dominate with respect to number of employees.

    “Private firms had 4,154,599 registered RSA members under the pension scheme as at Q1 2017 of which 3,143,703 or 75.67 percent were male and 1,010,896 or 24.33 percent were female compared to 4,078,699 registered RSA members of which 3,091,288 or 75.79 percent were male and 987,411 or 24.21 percent were female in Q1 2017,” he added

  • APC, hear the cry of the workers

    SIR: It is pertinent to remind the leaders of the ruling All Progress Congress (APC) that, that in spite of the effort made by the President Muhammadu Buhari in sending bailout funds to all states to offsets the outstanding salaries and arrears of the workers, the situation is still worrisome in some of the states. President Buhari once said, “I am worried that states are unable to pay workers’ salaries”. On that basis, he sent double bailout funds to all states to pay all outstanding salaries and allowances of the workers. The monthly statutory allocation from the Federation Account has also been regular since the beginning of this administration. Likewise, the recently released Paris Club refunds are meant to clear these outstanding workers’ salaries. But reports say no fewer than 12 states still owe their workers a backlog of salaries and allowances.

    It is very sad to hear that all these intervention funds have been diverted for other purposes by various states governors leaving the poor workers to suffer most. These people voted en masse for the ruling party in order to get rid of bad leaders created by the PDP who were less concerned about the welfare of the people. They think, things will get better in the new party and the leadership of the party seeing what is happening seems to be comfortable by not taking any action. There is no supervisory organ or monitoring group from either the government or party to look into the plight of the workers. And no governors have been called to order.

    Things now look as if the leadership of the ruling party is making mockery of the workers who voted overwhelmingly for the party.

    It is imperative for the leadership of the party to heed to advice by taking urgent steps to do needful. Constitute a monitoring team to checkmate these governors in order to settle all outstanding salaries arrears and allowances of these state workers as soon as possible. A stitch in time saves nine.

     

    • Adeyemi Omotunde,

    omodeyemi1@yahoo.com

  • Minister to council chiefs: use N684m Paris Refund to pay salaries

    Worried by the workers’ poor welfare, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Minister Malam Muhammad Bello has urged chairmen of Area Councils to use the recently received N684 million Paris Refund cash to defray the arrears of staff salaries.

    Bello gave the advice while answering questions asked by the Senate Committee on FCT during the Committee’s hearing on the Bill for the Political and Administrative Structure of FCT Area Councils.

    Asked by the Committee Chairman, Senator Dino Melaye whether he intends to place a demand for the Paris Refund considering the N1.6 billion the Administration gave as bailout to Area Councils in the recent past, the Minister disclosed that the repayment of the bailout money given the councils was not a priority now but to see that the Area Council staff gets paid the arrears of salaries owed them.

    He also disclosed that the FCT Administration had not yet benefitted from the Paris Refund as what hit its account was meant for the Area Councils.

    In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary, Cosmas Uzodinma, the minister also suggested a special fund to ensure prompt payment of severance packages to Area Council political office holders.

    This he indicated could be by setting aside a percentage of the Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) of the Area Councils upon collection.

    He stressed that while he had read that FCT was to receive N1.2 Billion and N684 Million representing first and second tranches of Paris Refund, respectively, it was only on Friday last week that the second tranche hit the FCT Account, saying the Administration is yet to receive the first tranche.

    Bello invited the Committee to look into the subject of the collection of Tenement Rates in the Federal Capital City (FCC) against the background of the huge investment the FCT Administration makes in the development of infrastructure and provision of services in the Capital City.

    The Minister acknowledged the support and guidance of the Senate Committee on FCT in the efforts to provide infrastructure and services in the Territory, saying: “We look at the Area Councils as an extension of the FCT Administration, we don’t intend to ask them to refund the bailout but as the days go by we would find the ways and means around it.

    “It is however, very important that this distinguished Committee be able to really recognize the critical role of FCC, which is the 250sqkm where you find the Presidency, the Diplomatic Community and the Ministries. We have had instances where the consultants go to seal up diplomatic building, being unmindful of such international treaties like the Geneva Convention on the status of Diplomatic persons and institutions.

    “When you are looking at the political structure, we hope the Committee recognizes this unique position and even when the subject of taxes is being considered; it could be done in such a way that the FCT Internal Revenue Services is the one to handle them to avoid embarrassments.”

    The Committee Chairman, Senator Dino Melaye revealed that the Committee intends to pass the Bill on the Political and Administrative structure of FCT Area Councils into law before the end of the year, to give a permanent solution to the various areas of concern.

    He commended the parties in the suit challenging the FCT Administration and the House of Representatives on the legality or otherwise of stopping the Abuja Municipal Area Councils from collecting Tenement Rates, for withdrawing the suit. He said it was a welcome development to exhaust all avenues of dialogue.

    FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye informed the Committee of the drastic decline in the FCT Administration’s allocation from the Federation Account from N4.3 Billion  two years ago to between N1.9Billion and N2.1Billion currently.

    The Permanent Secretary lamented that with staff strength of over 28,000; FCTA’s wage bill is over N4 Billion monthly, coupled with the huge responsibilities for the provision of infrastructure and services in the Territory.

    This, he said has made it imperative for the FCT Administration to rely heavily on its Internal Revenue Generation capacity to fund these projects and services.

     

  • Army recovers 21 bodies in oil exploration workers rescue operation

    Army recovers 21 bodies in oil exploration workers rescue operation

    The Nigeria Army on  said it has recovered 21 additional bodies in an operation to rescue oil exploration crew abducted by the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno.

    A statement signed by Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, Director Army Public Relations, released in Maiduguri, said that the army recovered vehicles and various calibres of weapons in the operation.

    “So far the search and rescue team has recovered additional bodies of five soldiers, 11 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and five members of the exploration team.

    “Contrary to reports in some media, six out of the 12 members of the exploration team that went out are still missing, while one of the NNPC staff returned to base alive,” Kukasheka said

    Kukasheka, who described the incident as unfortunate, said that the error emanated from the statement issued by the army on the rescue mission was not ‘deliberate’.

    “The incident of 25th July 2017, where Boko Haram insurgents ambushed our troops including members of the CJTF) escorting some staff of the NNPC as well as that of University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) on oil exploration in Yesu District of Magumeri Local Government Area of the state is unfortunate and highly regrettable.

    “Most regrettable also is my earlier release on the said incident about the rescue of all NNPC Staff. The error in the statement was not deliberate”.

    It will be recalled that the Nigerian Army had earlier claimed to have rescued all the abducted university’s personnel.

    However, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Ibrahim Njodi, said the army only rescued five dead bodies while four staff were still missing.

    The army spokesman said the Nigerian Army was reputed for timely dissemination of information on its activities in the counter-insurgency operations.

    He reiterated the readiness of the army to always inform Nigerians  of its activities.

    Kukasheka said the army had redoubled efforts in the pursuit of the insurgents to rescue the abducted personnel.

    “Search and rescue is still ongoing to secure the safe return of the remaining civilians.

    “The Nigerian Army condoles with the families of all that lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident,” the statement said.

    According to him, the army has recovered three of its gun trucks from the insurgents, in addition to four Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG), four RPG chargers, six AK-47 rifles, one Anti-Aircraft Gun, one General Purpose Machine Gun, one Anti-Aircraft Gun Barrel, one RPG tube, four dane guns, eight tyres and two rims.

    Other items recovered include one pumping machine gun, two tyre jacks, one super battery, five reflective jackets, three Toyota Hilux, four jerry cans filled with petrol, one Motorola radio, one Geographical Positioning System (GPS), 21 empty jerry cans, two shovels and three food coolers.

    Troops also recovered 122 rounds of PKM ammunition, 213 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 1255 Anti-Aircraft Guns ammunition, four boxes of API 12.7mm ammunition, one AK-47 Rifle Magazine, a digger, two bows and 13 Arrows, two LLG bombs, assorted drugs and working tools.

    “We are counting on the goodwill and support of the populace in volunteering valuable information that could help in the search and rescue operation”.

  • Better deal for Ogun workers

    Another tranche of N243 billion Paris Club Refunds was recently released to states of the federation, majorly for the payment of salaries and pension. The funds were released to state governments as part of the wider efforts to stimulate the economy and were specifically designed to support states in meeting salary and other obligations, thereby alleviating the challenges faced by workers.

    The release was conditional upon a minimum of 75 percent being applied to the payment of workers’ salaries and pensions for states that owe salaries and pension. Ogun State Commissioner for Finance, Wale Oshinowo, said Governor Ibikunle Amosun had approved that N4.5 billion of the N5.7billion received should be spent on cooperative deduction arrears to all categories of workers.

    Oshinowo said N3.4 billion had been disbursed for the payment of six months’ arrears of outstanding cooperative deductions to all categories of the workforce at the state level; N1.1 billion was disbursed for the payment of three months of outstanding cooperative deductions to workers at the local government level. The balance of N1.2 billion would go into state expenditure.

    He said whereas the Federal Government had advised state governments to use at least 50 per cent for payment of workers’ emolument, Amosun had apportioned 79 per cent to the workforce.

    In December 2016, Governor Amosun had also approved the total sum of N12.5 billion for the payment of gratuities, cooperative deductions arrears and severance allowance of former political office holders in the state. In the earlier transaction, the sum of N5.5billion was disbursed for the payment of six months arrears of outstanding cooperative deductions to all categories of the workforce.

    Another N6 billion was disbursed for the payment of gratuities to pensioners covering the period between November 2012 and January 2014. Not less than 2,429 retirees benefitted from the gratuity payment.

    The Amosun-led administration on assumption of office in 2011 started clearing the backlog of gratuity payments from 2007.

    It should also be noted that in December 2016, the governor had approved the payment of N1 billion to clear the balance of severance allowance due to political office holders who served the immediate past administration of former Governor Gbenga Daniel between 2007 and 2011 as well as those who served between 2011 and 2015. The payment in 2016 came from the N10.6 billion Ogun State government received from the Paris Club refund, which the federal government shared to different states of the federation.

    Whereas the federal government had advised state governments to use only 50 per cent of the fund for payment of workers’ emolument, the Ogun State governor decided to spend it all on the workforce.  “Ogun State is not only using the entire fund it received but has also added N1.9 billion,” the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa had said.

    He added then that this was aside the fact that the state government had paid December 2016 salary plus 13th month salary to all categories of workers at both state and local government levels.

    The Civil Service remains the engine room of every successful administration and a vital instrument for the formulation and execution of all government policies in Nigeria. It is the organ of government established by the constitution to ensure continuity through the provision of records and procedures guiding the activities of the successive administration. They also often use historical precedents for reference and guidance, and ensure that similar cases or problems are treated according to the extant laws, rules and regulations.

    Governor Amosun has consistently reaffirmed the important roles that civil servants have played in the execution of major well-thought programmes embarked upon by his administration. In his words, “the Ogun State Civil Service has remained as an indispensable partner to the current administration in the state resulting in the monumental success so far recorded in the area of socio-economic development.”

    The governor is of the opinion that the success or failure of any government largely depended on its relationship with the workforce, admitting that though the economy of the nation was not buoyant; his government would not relent in providing better welfare package for the workers.

    His administration has always viewed Ogun State Civil Servants as the bedrock of any meaningful development in the state. The governor considers that any government that desires to have unassailable achievements must not down-play the all-embracing roles of the civil servants as a needed catalyst for the positive and rapid transformation of the society. It is the sincere conviction of the governor that this cooperation must not only be acknowledged but also celebrated.

    In the past six years, the administration of Governor Amosun has not only continually explored avenues to enhance the efficiency and productivity of the Ogun State workers, he has also been able to put forward a series of exciting programmes and activities to foster amity among the workers across all agencies.

    It is part of the governor’s commitment towards the welfare of the civil servants that he approved the sum of N4.5billion for the payment of cooperative deductions arrears to all categories of workers in the state.

    This is because the governor is not oblivious of the fact that a well-rounded and productive Civil Service is deserving of a whole range of emolument: salaries, running cost, leave bonus and promotion. Governor Amosun has been giving tremendous support and inspiration to the entire Ogun State civil service since his assumption of the mantle of governance of the state in May 2011. To demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of the workers, Ogun was one of the first states to implement the new minimum wage across board in Nigeria. The state had set the base as N18, 250 which is more than the national minimum wage. It also ensures timely payment of workers’ salaries. Indeed, Ogun is one of the few states that have survived the biting economic challenge occasioned by the dwindling allocation from the federal government which has made it impossible for many of the states of the federation to pay their workers’ salary.

    While the governor is not unmindful of the fact that he needed to do more, the fact must be appreciated that the state government is being handicapped by the current economic challenges, which the country is gradually climbing out of. But, all efforts are in top gear to see that the government continues to deliver on its commitments and obligations in pursuit of further enhancing the welfare of its workers.

    As Governor Amosun pledges the commitment of his administration to continue to see to the welfare of the workers, it is important for the entire workforce to continue be partners in progress and avoid unwholesome tendencies that may lead both parties on the path of ignominy, retrogression and unnecessary confrontation. Together, both parties will reap the fruits of patience, sacrifices, pains and hard labour to the greater good of Ogun State.

     

    • Durojaiye is the Special Adviser, Information & Strategy to Governor Amosun.

  • Senior health workers seek end to hate speeches

    Nigerians have been called upon to dissociate themselves from hate speeches. According to the executives of Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), the dangerous trend of hate speeches is becoming alarming. Also the call for disintegration of the country should be promptly and vigorously attended to.

    SSAUTHRIAI executives made this known at the end of their two-day meeting in Makurdi, Benue.

    They said after thorough discussion and critical evaluation of the situation, council agreed that the solution to the problem was for the government to allow true Federalism as suggested by many eminent Nigerians and governors.

    “The council noted that no progress is made towards the implementation of the agreements with JOHESU which prompted again JOHESU’s letter ref. HQ/JOHESU/ADM/ VOL. 11/380 of 12th May, 2017 to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Council urged the Federal Government to expedite action on the release of necessary circulars on adjusted CONHESS, 65 years retirement age and funds to settle all the issues in dispute to prevent another crisis in the health sector. We hereby use this medium to call on Mr. President to prevail on the Minister of Health and other Agencies of Government to implement agreements reached with unions.

    “Council observed the non-payment of arrears of promotion (years 2011 to 2016), relativity allowance and other allowances due to members of the union by the various managements of our tertiary hospitals. The council hereby urged the Federal Government to urgently release funds for the payment of all outstanding arrears failing which the union may embark on industrial action. Council also noted the action of the Federal Ministry of health (FMOH) in directing that promotion of our members who have skipped CONHESS 10 and are now on CONHESS 11 and above, should be on the same grade level. This directive is not only absurd, but also negates the dictates of the Public Service Rules. Council, therefore, calls on the Minister of Health to reverse the directive in order to ensure continuous industrial harmony.”

  • Workers urge govt to vote more funds for infrastructure

    Workers in the construction sector have appealed to the Federal Government to allocate more funds for infrastructure development.

    National Union of Civil Engineering, Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFW) President Amechi Asugwuni  made the appeal when the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leaders toured  some  affiliate unions.

    NLC leaders, led by its President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, were on a tour of affiliate unions to partner and find solutions to their challenges.

    According to Asugwuni, infrastructure development is slow and any country that does not build its infrastructure, the growth and employment creation will be stagnated.

    He advised the government to ensure the establishment of a fund for infrastructure development and fast track the construction of roads and other infrastructure.

    He called on the government to pay employers in the sector money owed them.

    The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, said the construction sector was the pillar of every economy, adding that, no country could develop without adequate infrastructure in place.

    “How can we encourage small and medium scale enterprise if there is no steady power supply and good road network? The cost of doing business in Nigeria is higher than any other country.

    “The conditions of the roads are a nightmare, especially from Lagos to the Southsouth, and Southwest and the North. They are all in dire need of rehabilitation,” he said.

    Wabba said it was sad that the government did not prioritise development of infrastructure in spite of deficit in the budget.

    He said labour was focused on social justice in the system because without it, workers would not have decent lives.

    He said the NLC would ensure that the government committed enough resources to building important infrastructure in the country.

  • Workers shut CAC office

    Workers shut CAC office

    The protest rocking the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has entered its third day with the worhers refusing to open the gate and doors for resumption of work.

    The workers say until the Commission meets the agreement on the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed by both parties, work will not resume.

    The Registrar General, Bello Mahmud told reporters that no salary is owed any worker, and no one can intimidate the management for not paying what is not approved by the government.

    He said: “The closure of the office has paralysed the activities of the Commission. On agreement signed with the union, the agreement contains some policy issues and this has to be cleared by the board.

    “Presently, the CAC does not have a board so the issue is left for the minister to deal with. The management has agreed with the minister on what area to touch.”

  • Gombe College threaten workers with ‘no work no pay’

    The management of the Federal College of Education (Technical), Gombe State has warned striking lecturers to return to work or risk implementation of the ‘no work no pay’ policy.

    This was contained in a statement yesterday by the Director, Establishment and Council Affairs, Ibrahim Shehu, on behalf of the Registrar.

    Shehu described the strike as ‘uncalled for’, saying it left the management with the option of applying the ‘no-work no-pay’ policy.

    The management accused the lecturers of insensitivity to its constraints, especially with the prevailing financial situation in the country.

    The statement said the crisis, which led to the indefinite strike, began shortly after the current executive of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) was inaugurated in April.

    According to him, the union, precisely on April 19, engaged the management over salary shortfalls (February till date); outstanding payment of Peculiar Academic Allowance (PAA) arrears, and inclusion of some in their monthly salaries, among other demands.

    The statement reads: “The management informed COEASU that the school’s finances could not accommodate their demands at the moment. However, one month PPA and 25 per cent of the Conference Attendance Allowance (CAA) were paid.

    “It was agreed that when the Federal Government releases funds for 2015 promotion arrears and salary shortfalls, these would be paid without delay.”

    But COEASU, barely a month after this, wrote the management, requesting for the payment of the balance of 50 per cent of the CAA, PAA, salary shortfalls and 2015 promotion arrears,” Shehu added.

    He said the management in response set up a committee to negotiate with the union but could not reach conclusive agreement as the lecturers insisted they must be paid balance of the PAA and at least one month’s CAA.