Blackout As Electricity Workers Shut Down National Grid

In compliance with the joint directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to down tools on Monday over the new minimum wage, electricity workers have shut down the National Grid, resulting in nationwide blackout. This was disclosed by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, on Monday morning. TCN said workers were driven away from their duty posts while others were beaten and wounded at some power facilities. It added that all its efforts at grid recovery were being frustrated by the unionists. “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby informs the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in black out nationwide. The national grid shut down occured at about 2.19am this morning, 3rd June 2024. “At about 1:15am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff that resisted were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Center was brought to zero. “Other transmission substations that were shut down, by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union. “On the power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants, the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down on very high frequency. The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19am. “At about 3.23am, however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. The situation is such that the labour Union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide. “We will continue to make effort to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide,” TCN stated.

Nationwide Strike to Go on: Negotiations Between NASS and Labour End in Deadlock

Efforts by the leadership of the National Assembly to mediate between the federal government and Labour unions hit a roadblock as the latter insists on continuing the strike. Despite last-minute discussions, the unions remained adamant in their demand for a ₦494,000 minimum wage while negotiations persist. In a bid to resolve the ongoing impasse between the federal government and Labour unions, the leadership of the National Assembly convened a meeting aimed at finding common ground. However, despite extensive deliberations, the parties failed to reach a consensus. Labour unions, represented by their leadership, reiterated their stance that the strike action must continue until their demands are met. Central to their demands is the insistence on a ₦494,000 minimum wage, which they argue is necessary to address the pressing needs of workers across various sectors. Meanwhile, the federal government has expressed its commitment to ongoing negotiations but maintains that any decision regarding the minimum wage must be approached with careful consideration of economic realities and sustainability. The deadlock in negotiations underscores the challenges faced by both parties in finding a balance between addressing the legitimate concerns of workers and ensuring the long-term viability of government policies. As the strike enters its next phase, the impact on essential services and the economy at large is expected to escalate, further underscoring the urgency for a resolution to be reached. With negotiations at an impasse and the strike set to continue, the onus is on both the federal government and Labour unions to redouble their efforts to find a mutually acceptable solution. The welfare of workers and the stability of the economy hang in the balance as stakeholders navigate this challenging period of labor relations.

Alleged unresolved murder: IGP sued over failure to release report on Asabe

The Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, has been dragged before a Federal High Court in Abuja, over failure to release the probe report of an “unresolved murder” case on one Asabe Waziri, a staff of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL. Fourteen years after police investigation on Mrs Waziri who was said to have intentionally hit a pregnant woman with her car, the prosecution agency is yet to release the report. According to a petition to the IGP, dated May 2, 2024, by a civil society organisation, Global Integrity Crusade Network(GICN) the police probed the incident but had failed since then to release its findings. In originating summons with suit number FHC/ABM/CS/742/2024, the, plaintiff prayed the court for an order of granting leaveto the applicant to apply for judicial review by way of Order of Mandamus compelling the Respondent to forthwith release to the Applicant based on the demand letter dated 2nd May, 2024 and attached hereto as EXHIBIT GICN 4 the FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORT of the case involving Asabe Waziri who intentionally hit a pregnant woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso, with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja, on or about 30th May, 2010. The suit dated May 29, 2024, sought a declaration that the failure, refusal and or neglect by the Respondent to release the information and documents requested for by the Applicant vide their letter to the Respondent dated 274 May, 2024amounts to a violation of Sections 4 and 5 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 and therefore unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal. The plaintiff also prayed the court to declare that that by a true interpretation of Section 1 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 the Applicant being a Public Official cum custodian of information at Nigeria Police Force which is a Public Institution within the meaning of Section 31 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 is obligated to furnish on request by the Applicant a comprehensive, just and fair information and documents as enumerated in their letter to the Respondent dated 2″¢May, 2024. In the suit, the plaintiff listed the following as facts in support of the grounds of the suit: That Section 4 of the Police Act, 2020gives the Nigeria Police Force power for the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations with which they are directly charged; amongst other duties within or outside Nigeria. “On 2nd May, 2024 the Applicant wrote a letter to the Respondent requesting for acomprehensive and detailed FINAL INVESTIGATION REPORTof the case involving Asabe Waziri who intentionally hit a pregnant woman named Mrs. Shitua Aso with her car in front of the FCT Police Command, Garki 2, Abuja on 30 May, 2010. “Till date, the Respondent has failed, refused and or neglected to avail the Applicant access to the information and documents requested vide their letter dated 2″4 May, 2024 which was received at the office of the Respondent on 3” May, 2024. “The 7 (Seven) days within which the Respondent is required by Section 4 (a) of the Freedom of Information Act. 2011 to furnish the Applicant with the information and documents sought began to run from 4th May, 2024 and elapsed on 10 May, 2024. “However, the Respondent did not comply with Section 4 (b) of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011 by giving notice to the Applicant that access to all or part of the information sought will not be granted, stating reasons for the denial and the Section of the Act under which the denial is made. “Unless and until the Respondent is compelled by an Order of this Honourable Court, he will continue to refuse the Applicant access to the information and documents sought by them from the Respondent. “The failure, refusal and or neglect by the Respondent to give the Applicant access to the information and documents sought is unjustifiable, wrongful and illegal. “The Applicant is aggrieved and hereby applies that this Honourable Court invokes the provisions of Freedom of Information Act, 2011 particularly Section 1 (3) thereof by issuing a Writ of Mandamus compelling the Respondent to allow the Applicant access to the information and documents sought in their letter dated 2 4May, 2024submitted to the Respondent in line with his duty under Section”. No date has been fixed for the hearing of the matter

Lawyer drags First Bank before CBN over alleged N550m fraud

A civil society organisation, Centre For Social and Economic Justice, has dragged First Bank of Nigeria before the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, over allegation of funds diversion to the tune of N550million. The centre called on the CBN to revoke the license of First Bank of Nigeria for unsafe practices, and adding customer’s funds are supposed to be safe with the bank. According to a letter dated May 29, 2024, the director of the centre, Barrister U. I. Mohammed said a customer of the Bank, Dr. Agbai Eke Agbai, who has been a dedicated and resourceful customer of the First Bank of Nigeria Ltd “First Bank” with Fixed Deposit Account numbers – 6924010002639 and 5021000788976 whose funds amount to the tune of ₦ 550,000,000.00 was illegally diverted, misappropriated and fraudulently taken by the bank. A copy of the letter received at the Security Services Department of the CBN, which was also sent to First Bank, said a staff of the bank, Mrs. Shamlar Abosi, who is supposed to be the account officer of Dr Agbai, illegally tampered with her client’s account. Parts of the petition titled, “PETITION AGAINST FIRST BANK OF NIGERIA FOR FRAUD, DIVERSION AND MISAPROPRIATION OF FUNDS BELONGING TO DR. AGBAI EKE AGBAI” read, “In 2014, Mrs. Shamlar Abosi, a staff of First Bank, approached DR. AGBAI EKE AGBAI to deposit funds in First Bank for a Return on Investment, DR. AGBAI EKE AGBAI after listening to the advice of Mrs. Shamlar Abosi accepted to deposit funds in the bank for an agreed interest rate. “Fixed Deposit Accounts were subsequently opened for DR. AGBAI EKE AGBAI with the above-mentioned account numbers. The sum of ₦ 300,000,000.00 (Three Hundred Million Naira) only was deposited in Account number-6924010002639 which took effect on the 21st day of February, 2018 with interest rate of 14.5% with 364 days tenor, and the sum of ₦250,000,000.00 (Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira) only was deposited in Account Number -5021000788976 which took effect on the 19th day of October, 2018 with interest rate of 14.5% with 364days tenor. “After the maturity date of the investment, which is on the 20th of February, 2019, and 18th of October, 2019, respectively, in September 2023, DR. AGBAI EKE AGBAI informed First Bank of his intention not to renew the investment and requested his money to be transferred to his saving account domiciled with the bank with Account number-3079342444 immediately. “Unfortunately, the money requested by DR. AGBAI EKE AGBAI to be transferred to his savings account has not been credited till date after numerous efforts to remind the bank of its failure to carry out the request. “It is also noteworthy and remarkable that Mrs. Shamlar Abosi, who persuaded DR. AGBAI EKE AGBAI into investing in the Bank, who is also the account officer and business manager of the investment, has failed to provide an explanation regarding the money of DR. AGBAI EKE AGBAI.” Barrister Mohammed said it is without doubt that the funds deposited in the Fixed Deposit Account numbers – 6924010002639 and 5021000788976 by Dr Agbai Eke Agbai has been criminally and fraudulently diverted by First Bank without his consent or notice. He said after sending their agent and officer, Mrs. Shamlar Abosi persuaded him to invest in the bank, the Bank has failed to refund the money illegally taken from him despite the numerous pleas, warnings, and notices. “We urge the Central Bank of Nigeria to investigate the fraudulent activities enumerated above, refund the money stolen and illegal diverted by First Bank, and to invoke its powers bestowed on it under Section 12 of the Banks and other Financial Institutions Act, 2020 by revoking the license of First Bank of Nigeria for unsafe practices and other fraudulent dealings”, the centre said.

Indefinite Strike: NASS Makes last Ditch Effort to Avert Strike

In a bid to forestall the impending nationwide indefinite strike by labour unions, the leadership of the National Assembly is by now meeting with organized labour in Abuja to avert the strike The meeting, attended by key government officials including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Minister of National Planning Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Labour, and the Head of Civil Service, aims to address the deadlock between the Federal Government and labour unions over the issue of a new national minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariffs. Notable figures present at the meeting include President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, among others. A statement jointly signed by the spokespersons of the Senate and the House of Representatives, Senator Yemi Adaramodu and Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr., highlighted the urgency of the situation, acknowledging the announcement by organized labour, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to commence an indefinite strike action from Monday, June 3, 2024. The National Assembly leadership, represented by President of the Senate, H.E. Senator Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, is taking proactive steps to mediate and avert the impending industrial action, recognizing the potential severe repercussions on the populace and economy.

NLC Strike: FG insists on N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

That the organized labour has given Monday, June 3rd as commencement date for an indefinite strike to protest the failure of government to approve a new national minimum wage agreeable to them is no longer news. What is trending is that the FG has adduced 14 reasons why it can not approve the figure proposed by labour. Here are 14 reasons the FG gave for a N60,000 minimum wage: N35,000 wage award for all treasury-paid federal workers. N100 billion for the procurement of CNG-fuelled buses and CNG conversion kits. N125 billion conditional grant and financial inclusion to MSMEs. N25,000 each to be shared to 15 million households for 3 months. N185 billion palliatives (loans to States) to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. N200 billion to support the cultivation of hectares of land to boost food production. N75 billion to strengthen the manufacturing sector. N1 trillion for student loans for higher education. Release of 42,000 metric tons of grains from strategic reserves. Purchase and onward distribution of 60,000 metric tons of Rice from the rice millers association. Recent salary increase of 25-35 per cent on all consolidated salary structures for federal workers. 90% subsidy on health costs for Federal Civil Servants registered on NHIS. Light rail commissioned in Abuja to relieve transportation cost until the end of the year. Lagos State had already commenced the same initiative with their blue and red lines. In addition to the freedom of civil servants to engage in agriculture, the federal government has approved the inclusion of ICT services as an alternate source of income. The government added N3, 000 to its initial offer of N57, 000 proposed last week, taking the total figure to N60, 000 while labour lowered its demand by removing N3, 000 from the N497, 000 it proposed last week. The tripartite committee has been locked in talks over a new minimum wage since the committee was inaugurated in January this year. To fast track the negotiation process, the NLC and TUC on May Day gave the committee until the end of the month to wrap up talks on a new national minimum wage. That ultimatum expired on Friday night without an agreement. During the meeting, the government defended their offer of N60,000.00 per month.

IBEDC Sacks Achife as Managing Director

The Board of Directors of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company has relieved Mr Kingsley Achife of his appointment as the company’s Managing Director. The board refused to renew Achife’s contract, naming Francis Agoha as the Acting Managing Director of the IBEDC effective from May 31. Achife’s sack was contained in an internal memo dated May 31, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent. “Dear colleagues, the Board of Directors of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company wishes to inform the staff that it has decided not to renew the contract of the current Managing Director, Engineer Kingsley Achife. “The Board expresses its deepest gratitude to Engineer Kingsley Achife for his contributions to the company and for laying the foundation for the ongoing turnaround. “In light of this decision, the Board is pleased to announce the appointment of the most senior executive, Engineer Francis Agoha as the Acting Managing Director of IBEDC. Engineer Francis Agoha will assume leadership responsibilities with immediate effect and will work closely with the Board to ensure a smooth transition,” the memo read in part.

NCC: Set to Digitally Enable the Renewed Hope Agenda

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has asserted its role as being instrumental in advancing the development of the Nigerian telecom sector as well as assisting the realisation of the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.  In an official communication pushed out from its headquarters, Abuja, the NCC insists that it current agenda emphasizes supporting youth and women by leveraging the digital economy. It asserts that as the nation marks one year of the current administration, the NCC highlights its commitment to the Ministerial Blueprint, “Accelerating our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency,” spearheaded by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy.  This blueprint aims to support Nigeria’s economic growth through enhanced productivity and digital innovation. Key targets of the Strategic Agenda 2023-2027 include improving Quality of Service (QoS) by 50% by 2024, increasing broadband penetration to 70% by 2025, and achieving significant improvements in data download speeds and coverage.  The agenda also aims to reduce the unconnected population in rural areas from 61% to less than 20% by 2027. Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, the statement indicates, has identified three Strategic Focus Areas: Consumers, Industry and Licensees, and Government.  His approach prioritizes balancing the needs of these stakeholders while enhancing the Quality of Experience for consumers, addressing industry debt issues, advocating for telecom infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, and reviewing regulatory instruments to align with current realities. Through these efforts, the NCC is poised to deliver on the promise of Renewed Hope, driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and fostering economic growth.

Super Cop, Abba Kyari regains Freedom

Suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, has been released from Kuje Custodial Centre in the Federal Capital Territory after spending 27 months in detention. Kyari was detained following his arrest on February 14, 2022, by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for alleged involvement with an international drug cartel. He, along with four members of the Police Intelligence Response Team—Sunday Ubia, Bawa James, Simon Agirigba, and John Nuhu—was arraigned on March 7, 2022. Two other suspects, Chibunna Umeibe and Emeka Ezenwanne, who were apprehended at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, were also charged. Unlike Kyari and the IRT members, who pleaded not guilty, Umeibe and Ezenwanne pleaded guilty and were convicted. Despite several attempts, Kyari’s bail applications were consistently denied until a recent ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja. On May 22, 2024, Judge Emeka Nwite granted Kyari bail to allow him to perform the burial rites for his mother, Yachilla Kyari, who died on May 5. As conditions for his bail, Kyari was required to deposit his passport with the court and report to the nearest NDLEA office during the bail period. The court has set a hearing for Kyari’s main bail application related to the drug trafficking charges for May 31, 2024. Adamu Duza, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service of the Federal Capital Territory Command, confirmed that Kyari met his bail conditions and was released on Friday. Duza said, “DCP Kyari has perfected his bail conditions, and has since been released today.”

Reps Disown Regional Government Bill 

The House of Representatives has disowned a ‘draft bill’ trending online, purportedly for discussion, seeking a return to the regional system of government. Titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to substitute the annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with new governance model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, the draft seeks among others, new extant laws to be cited as “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.” The document which has been trending on social media is said to have been drafted by one Dr Akin Fapohunda, who is neither a lawmaker in the Senate or the House of Representatives; an indication that the said draft legislation is a private bill. The preliminaries of the bill read in part, “Whereas Nigeria, its peoples and government have been governed under Decree 24 of 1999 that was handed down by the then military government without the express consent of the people despite the preamble of ‘We, the people.’ “Whereas the said Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) is not autochthonous as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian People; “Whereas the peoples of Nigeria now desire and effectively demand for a change to a constitution based on federal/regional system of government. “Whereas the federal and regional governments are to operate within the provisions of this Constitution, it is within the discretion of the ethnic blocs within the states that constitutes a given region to aggregate or disaggregate as provinces, divisions and districts, while being in control of their affairs without let or hindrance at whatever level of governance.” Dismissing the draft bill in a telephone conversation with Saturday PUNCH, the House spokesman, Akin Rotimi, said, “The Committees on Rules and Business and Constitution Review have confirmed that there is no such bill before them.”