Just In: NLC, TUC Declare Nationwide Strike November 14
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly announced a nationwide strike, scheduled to commence on November 14, 2023. This decision emerged following an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday. The two prominent labour unions have also initiated nationwide mobilization efforts to rally their members and allies in preparation for the impending strike. The call for this industrial action is rooted in the recent assault on NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State, which sparked widespread outrage within the Organized Labour community. The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Mohammed Barde, has been accused of complicity in the attack on Ajaero in Owerri, the state’s capital. Last Friday, Organized Labour issued a five-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the replacement of the police commissioner and seeking accountability for the attack on Ajaero. While Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is seeking re-election, denied involvement in the assault on the labour leader, Organized Labour also demanded the arrest and prosecution of some of the governor’s aides and thereafter threatened a nationwide industrial strike if their demands were not met. In response to mounting pressure, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, redeployed Commissioner Barde, citing the need for neutrality in the lead-up to the Imo State governorship election scheduled for November 11, 2023.
NLC, TUC Issue Strike Notice Following Attack On Joe Ajaero
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have issued a strike notice to the Federal Government, set for November 8. This is in response to an attack on NLC President Joe Ajaero and other union leaders in Imo State on Wednesday. In a joint statement released on Friday, the unions presented a six-point demand to the government. These demands include the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, and the Area Commander, as well as other officials allegedly involved in the attack. Furthermore, the unions have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals responsible for the attack, along with compensation for the victims. They have also demanded a public apology from the Imo State Government and the Inspector-General of Police. Additionally, the unions seek assurances that such an attack will not recur in the future. If the government fails to meet these demands within the next five days, the unions have warned that they will proceed with a nationwide strike.
FG Offers Organised Labour N35,000 Pay Increase In Bid To Halt Planned Strike
The Federal Government is optimistic that the planned indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) can be averted, as it presents several compelling offers to address the ongoing dispute resulting from the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). During a lengthy meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, the government outlined several proposals aimed at resolving the impasse and mitigating the impact of the subsidy removal on Nigerian workers and citizens. The key highlight of these offers includes a substantial N35,000 pay increase for all “treasury-paid” federal employees. Other key agreements include Provisional Wage Increment: The Federal Government announced a provisional wage increment of N25,000 for all treasury-paid federal government workers for a period of six months. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses: To alleviate the transportation challenges associated with the subsidy removal, the government is committed to fast-tracking the provision of CNG buses for public transportation. Support for Micro and Small-Scale Enterprises: The Federal Government pledged to provide funding support for micro and small-scale enterprises, recognizing their importance in driving economic growth and employment. Waiver on VAT for Diesel: VAT on diesel will be waived for the next six months to help mitigate the effects of subsidy removal on businesses and individuals. Cash Transfer to Households: The government will initiate a cash transfer program, disbursing N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month over a three-month period from October to December 2023. Resolutions Reached: During the meeting, several resolutions were reached to address the ongoing dispute and ensure the welfare of Nigerian workers: Work While Negotiating: The parties emphasized that the issues in dispute can only be effectively resolved when workers are at work and not during strike actions. Higher Wage Award: Labour Unions advocated for a higher wage award, and the Federal Government pledged to present the request to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration. Sub-committee for Implementation: A sub-committee will be constituted to work out the details of implementing all items related to government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal. Resolution of Transport Workers’ Dispute: The matter concerning the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State will be urgently addressed. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, committed to resolving the matter. Suspension of Planned Strike: The NLC and TUC will carefully consider the offers made by the Federal Government with the intention of suspending the planned strike. This will allow for further consultations on the implementation of the agreed resolutions. Earlier, in his Independence Day speech, President Bola Tinubu had announced a N25,000 pay increment, indicating that it would apply exclusively to “low-grade” workers as a means of cushioning the effects of the fuel subsidy removal. The meeting, chaired by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, saw the virtual participation of Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State. The labour delegation, led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and Deputy President of TUC, Dr. Tommy Etim Okon, comprised key representatives from both unions, including NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja and TUC General Secretary Nuhu Toro, among others. Numerous government officials attended the meeting, including the Information Minister, Wale Edun; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. Also in attendance were the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu; the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan; and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. A statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, indicated that “NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions above.
FG Moves To Avert Planned Strike, Meets Organised Labour In Aso Rock
In an effort to avert a nationwide strike scheduled for October 3, the Federal Government has initiated discussions with organised labour at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. This meeting, orchestrated by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has drawn the participation of several ministers. Last Tuesday, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) jointly declared their intent to commence an indefinite strike on October 3. Following a resolution of their internal differences, which led to a two-day warning strike by the NLC without the participation of TUC, the unions also called upon their state chapters to mobilize for protests across the nation. Two days later, during a meeting of the National Executive Council chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, a plea was made to the organised labour to reconsider their planned strike action. Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who addressed reporters at the Presidential Villa last Thursday, appealed to the leadership of organised labour to exercise patience and allow more time for dialogue. Mutfwang revealed that the welfare of Nigerian workers would be a focal point in President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural Independence Day address to the nation on Sunday. In response to the plea made by the National Executive Council, the President’s Chief of Staff convened this meeting to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute with organised labour.
Independence Day: Shelve Planned Strike, Nasarawa Speaker Begs NLC, TUC
The Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alh. Ibrahim Abdullahi, has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to shelve their planned indefinite strike for the overall development of the country. The call is contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Jibrin Gwamna, in Lafia on Sunday. Abdullahi said that the strike would affect the socio-economic activities of the country negatively, hence the need for his appeal for more time and realistic dialogue. “I want to appeal to the leadership of the NlC and TUC to shelve their planned strike in the interest of peace and for the overall development of the country,” he said. The speaker appreciated Nigerians for their loyalty and support to the government since independence in the country. Abdullahi said that the progress and development achieved so far in the country was as a result of citizens loyalty and support to both the past and present governments in the country. The speaker congratulated all Nigerians at 63 and Nasarawa state at 27 on the successful Independence Day celebration and wished them more fruitful years ahead. “I want to appreciate our founding fathers for ensuring that we got independence in the country. “Since we got independence in the country, so far so good, the country is progressing and is moving forward despite our challenges, we are not stagnant as a nation and as a state,” he said. The speaker also urged Nigerians to use the Independence anniversary and reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers. He called on all and sundry to strive towards ensuring that the labour of the nation’s founding fathers were never in vain by contributing positively to the development of the country. Abdullahi also called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the nation’s unity, peace, progress and development. Besides, he urged the people of the state and Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu, Gov. Abdullahi Sule and other leaders to succeed. “I want to call on Nigerians to continue to pray and support President Bola Tinubu, His Excellency Gov. Abdullahi Sule and other leaders to succeed.” The speaker further appealed to Nigerians to continue to remain law abiding, respect constituted authorities and live peacefully with one another for development to thrive.
Subsidy Removal: FG initiates contempt suit against NLC, TUC amid protests
The Federal Government has taken legal action against the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for allegedly defying a court order that prohibits the unions from engaging in industrial action. This “notice of consequences of disobedience to order of court,” also known as “Form 48,” was filed in the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Wednesday. The notice warns the NLC and TUC that failure to comply with the court’s directions, as delivered by Honourable Justice Y. Anuwe on June 5, 2023, will result in contempt of court charges and possible imprisonment. In response to the perceived “anti-people” policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration, the Organised Labour initiated protests in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, as well as in various states, including Lagos, Benue, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo. Key figures from the NLC and TUC, accompanied by numerous members, led the protest in the Federal Capital Territory, commencing from the Unity Fountain. Additionally, affiliated unions, such as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the National Union of Electricity Employees of Nigeria (NUEE), the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), participated in the nationwide demonstration.
Don’t disrupt economy, OPSN urges FG, labour unions
The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has called on the Federal Government and labour unions to work assiduously to avert disruption of socio-economic activities. Mr Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Head, Secretariat, OPSN, gave the advice in a statement in Lagos. The OPSN comprises five business membership organisations, namely: the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture. Others are the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association; the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises and the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists. Ajayi-Kadir noted that the OPSN had followed keenly, the developments following the recent call by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria for a nationwide peaceful protest. The protest is scheduled for August 2, 2023, as consultations between the Federal Government and labour unions have not yielded positive results. He urged the government to employ its best endeavours to reengage the leadership of the unions and find an amicable ground to avert the imminent disruption in business activities. “We opine that adequate consideration should be given to the dire state of the economy and the possible unintended social unrest that may result from the protests. “We call on our members to be circumspective in their business operations, as we await the outcome of ongoing consultations between government and unions,” he said.
Fuel Subsidy: Senate urges NLC to shelve planned strike
The Nigerian Senate has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its impending strike on fuel subsidy removal and continue negotiation with the Federal Government. Senate resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a motion at plenary on Monday. The motion titled: ”Urgent Need to Avert the Intending Strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress”, was sponsored by Sen. Kawu Suleiman (NNPP-Kano). Suleiman in his lead debate said the NLC has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse what the union termed as “anti-poor policies” or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2nd. He said the NLC had directed all its affiliates and state councils to immediately begin mobilisation of workers and other Nigerians, including civil society allies for a long-lasting strike and mass protests. Suleiman said the labour, in a statement signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero, alleged that the Federal Government had failed to meet up with the demands it presented to it following subsidy removal on petrol. Not meeting the demand as stated in the statement could cause an astronomical rise in price of the commodity. He expressed worry that the strike would cripple the country as commercial transport operators would withdraw their services, while markets, schools and healthcare facilities would be forced to shut down. According to him, the action could heat up the polity when it occurred, saying that gains from the strike were far below the costs to either of the parties in conflict. The senator said the strike threat by the NLC, if not averted, could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic woes, dislocate businesses, hunger, and frustration. Suleiman said more hardship would lead to unquantifiable financial losses and reduce Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said the NLC proposed strike was a bad reputation for Nigerian economy and the educational system, saying that it portrayed the country in a bad light to the external world According to him, it discourages foreigners from coming to do business or study in Nigeria. The senator said that the society always bears the brunt of strikes, adding that an idle mind was the devil’s workshop. He said there was a tendency for an increase in crime rate, social vices like armed robbery, oil bunkering, prostitution, cyber scams, among others, if the strike was allowed to hold. Following support of senators on the motion, Senate accordingly resolved to mandate its leadership to interface between the NLC and the Federal Government to avert the intending strike.