NLC, TUC, Shutdown Discos Offices Nationwide

In protest against the electricity tariff hike amid hardship in Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Council (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Monday, shut down electricity distribution company offices (DISCO) nationwide. The organized labour prevented workers from having access to their office to work early Monday morning as they thronged various offices of electricity distribution companies to protest the Band A tariff hike. The duo had, last night, distributed reminder notices to all its branch offices and affiliates across the nation in respect of a proposed nationwide protest to commence today, Monday. It is protesting the electricity tariff hike and removal of subsidies from the power sector by the federal government. With the picketing of all the offices of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) organized labour is also expected to shutdown of the Abuja headquarters of the agency, the Ministry of Power and state offices of power distribution companies. Members of the NLC and TUC staged protests at the corporate headquarters of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company in Lagos and the office of the Ibadan ElectricCompany in Oyo. Their demonstrations disrupted normal operations, preventing workers from resuming their duties for the day. They were heard chanting slogans and advocating for fairer electricity pricing and demand for the reversal of the Band A tariff increase. Similarly, in Jos, members of the NLC and the TUC in Plateau State took action by blocking the entrance of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company headquarters, as well as picketing the offices of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in the Gold and Base axis of Jos, leaving workers stranded. Eugene Manji, the Plateau state chairman of NLC, said while addressing journalists, “We have been directed from our national headquarters of NLC to ensure that we comply with the directives that all the distribution offices across the nation are locked. So that’s why we’re here to picket that of the Plateau State. “All offices, not just this one, you are seeing, we have send our members to other places. Some have gone to Vom to ensure that there is compliance, and this is applicable in all the other offices. So we are here to ensure total compliance that’s why we locked the offices”. Manji added that the protest was for the whole day while the state chapter of NLC will report back to the headquarters. The surge in electricity tariffs, implemented by the federal government, has triggered a wave of dissent among consumers and industry players alike, citing concerns over affordability and equitable access to essential services. The protest at the JED office in Jos by NLC epitomises the mounting pressure faced by utility companies grappling with the repercussions of tariff hikes, as they navigate the delicate balance between public welfare and operational sustainability.

NLC Kicks Against FG Salary Increment For Civil Servants

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has kicked against the increase in the salary for civil servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures. The Bola Tinubu government, on Tuesday, approved an increase of between 25 per cent and 35 per cent in salary for civil servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures. A statement signed by the Head of Press of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku said the increases take effect from 1st January 2024. The statement said the Salary Structures included are the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). Reacting to the development in a chat with ThisDay on Tuesday, the NLC spokesman, Comrade Benson Upah said the gesture should be extended to all the categories of Civil Servants. He said although details of the government’s statement have not been formally received by the NLC, the pay rise was for certain categories of workers in the public service. Upah said the salary increase is a welcome development and that the government should ensure that the margin is reflective of the harsh economic situation in the country. He said: “I am yet to see the details of the statement but from what I heard, those affected by the pay rise are from the specialized Service.  “These categories of workers are already in the privileged sector but we expect it to be extended also to other categories of Civil Servants who are in lower cadre and are vulnerable”. The labour leader also lamented the dire situation where even basic necessities such as transportation, education and healthcare had become unaffordable for Nigerian workers. He said workers are currently seeking a return to better days, with a better life, better electricity, better infrastructure and enhanced salary.

Governor Obaseki Announces N70, 000 New Minimum Wage

The Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for civil servants in the state. The governor revealed this while commissioning the new Labour House in Edo state on Monday. According to him, the new wage comes into effect on May 1st, 2024. This is as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) battles the Federal Government over increasing the minimum wage to match increasing national inflation and skyrocketing food inflation. The inflation rate for March 2024 hit 33.2 per cent from 31.70 per cent in February, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Food inflation also rose to 31.7 per cent in March from 30 per cent in February.

Former NLC President Ali Ciroma Passes Away at 72

Ali Ciroma, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has passed away. Ali Ibrahim Ciroma, a family member and Secretary of Borno State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), announced his demise in a statement. According to the statement, Ali Ciroma died on Tuesday morning at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state. The statement read, “It is with deep sorrow that I announce the death of Comrade Ali Ciroma, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress. The sad event occurred this evening (Tuesday, April 2) at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital.” The burial ceremony for Ali Ciroma will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, at 4pm at his residence located at No.7A along Galadima Road near Muhammadu Shuwa Memorial Hospital (Nursing Home), Maiduguri. Ali Ciroma served as the president of the NLC from 1984 to 1988 until he was removed by the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida, which disbanded the union. Despite this setback, during the Abacha regime, he was appointed as the Sole Administrator of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers. The passing of Ali Ciroma is mourned by many within Nigeria’s labor movement, as he is remembered as a dedicated leader who fought tirelessly for the rights of workers.

Workers’ Rights Violation: NLC Gears Up For Mass Protests In Imo

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said it would begin protest in Imo State from November 1 over alleged violation and abuse of rights and privileges of workers by the State government. Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said this at a news conference on Sunday in Abuja. Ajaero said that “NLC was deeply concerned about the persistent and egregious violations of the rights and privileges of workers in Imo State by the State Government.” “Despite our repeated efforts to engage in constructive dialogue and reach amicable agreements, the Imo State Government has become a habitual and serial breaker of these agreements, continuing to trample on the rights of workers in the state. “As a result, we are left with no choice but to embark on mass protests and industrial actions beginning on the 1st day of November, 2023. “This is to demonstrate our outrage and stop the continuing violation of the rights and privileges of workers in the state,” he said. The NLC president said the protest was imperative as the government of the state had refused to implement previous agreements. According to him, the government has repeatedly reneged on agreements, most notably the accord reached on January 9th, 2021, between the Government and Organised Labour. “On outstanding salary arrears, shockingly, some workers have been subjected to a staggering 20 months of unpaid salaries under the unfounded label of ‘ghost workers’. “Unjust declaration of workers as ghost workers,. Approximately 11,000 hardworking individuals have been unjustly branded as ghost workers, their salaries diverted even while they diligently carried out their duties,”he said. On vandalisation of NLC State Secretariat, he noted that the wanton destruction of the NLC State Secretariat was a blatant attacked on the rights of workers and a violation of the sanctity of their representative body. The NLC president said others were implementation of discriminatory pay introduction of discriminatory pay, unsettled gratuity arrears, non-compliance with National Minimum Wage, among others. “Nigeria Labour Congress calls on all stakeholders, including civil society organizations, to stand in solidarity with the workers of Imo State in the face of these egregious violations. “We implore the Imo State Government to honor its obligations and recommit to respecting the rights and privileges of workers. “As long as it refuses, we will continue in this course of action until we see the desired change. We are ready for industrial peace in the state but the choice is entirely in the hands of the government of Imo state,”he said. He also alleged that unfortunately, the government had relied on its powers to deploy the fierce and coercive forces of the state against trade unions. Ajaero also warned the government of Imo state that the NLC would hold the Governor accountable if anything happens to any worker or trade union leader in the course of the lawful protests. “Alll the threats we have received of violence against our persons are noted but we will not be deterred. “On the 1 day of November, we begin this march to save workers of Imo state from the grievous harm the government has subjected them to these past years, ”he said.

NLC commends Nigerians for successful warning strike compliance

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its appreciation to Nigerians for their overwhelming support and dedication in ensuring the success of the first-day warning strike organized by the Congress, which was observed nationwide on Tuesday. Mr. Joe Ajaero, the President of NLC, conveyed this sentiment in a statement titled, “Our Two-Day Nationwide Warning Strike: First Day of Success,” issued on Tuesday in Abuja. Recalling the NLC’s earlier communique at the conclusion of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, it had announced the commencement of a two-day nationwide warning strike, scheduled from September 5 to September 6. Additionally, the NLC had issued a warning of a potential indefinite nationwide strike to occur within either 14 working days or 21 days from the issuance of the communique. The Congress emphasized that these actions were contingent upon the government’s response to addressing the significant hardships and widespread impoverishment resulting from the removal of subsidies. According to Ajaero, this is to applaud all Nigerian workers through the actions of all our affiliates and State Councils. “This is for the massive support and efforts at ensuring that the first day of the nationwide warning strike took off with a resounding success across the nation. “You have all demonstrated that your words and decisions will always be backed by action. “This has resonated in every part of the country today and we are sure that the message has been sent to those who doubt our determination to push through with our objectives,”he said. He added that, we are glad to inform you that all of our objectives for the first day were fully met. He said this was due to the high level of compliance experienced as a result of all collective efforts around the federation. The NLC president therefore, commended all for their commitment towards ensuring that the reasons for the warning strike were fulfilled at the time. “We however urge you all to continue with the same zeal and determination which saw the huge success that was recorded today. “This is as we move to the second and final day of the nationwide strike to ensure a complete success of the entire exercise. “While thanking all Nigerian workers and indeed the masses for their understanding as we go through this trying time,” he said. He however, called for more efforts and urged all to join hands to ensure that all loopholes observed during the first day action were plugged. He added that, so that tomorrow’s action would be a total success. “It is our civic duty to ensure that we are governed effectively and that those in government remain accountable to the people at all times! “We are committed to that and with your continued support, our nation will surely become a better place for all of us,” he said.

Shelve proposed warning strike, FG appeals to NLC

The Federal Government has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its proposed 2-day nationwide warning strike over economic hardship. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong, made the call at a news conference on Monday in Abuja. The NLC in a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council (NLC) said it would commence a 2-day nationwide warning strike from September 5 to September 6. The NLC also threatened to embark on indefinite nationwide strike within 14 working days or 21 days from when the communique was issued unless the Federal Government addressed the excruciating suffering of Nigerians. Lalong said that the appeal had become necessary in order to ensure robust line of communication with Nigerians and in particular the organised labour to forestall a breakdown of industrial peace. He noted that the planned industrial action would no doubt reverse some of the gains already made by the administration. According to him, in this context, it has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the NLC to suspend its intended two days warning strike. “As such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large. “Furthermore, I would request that the Comrade Leadership of the NLC gives this government some time to settle and address the issues on the ground holistically. “It should be realised that the Cabinet of this administration was only recently sworn in by Mr President and all cabinet members have hit the ground running by receiving briefings from their MDAs. “Therefore, the issues raised by the leadership of the NLC are some issues that I and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment are being briefed upon,” he said. The minister however reassured Nigerian workers that this government would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding. He also said that this administration would continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy. Lalong added that this would enable government look into immediate challenges that have emerged out of its policies, saying “we cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace. He also said that as a Minister of Labour and Employment, he was yet to be served official communication of the NLC communiqué, following its NEC meeting as required by law. He further urged the NLC to do the needful by following laid down processes for handling such matters since the cabinet was on ground. He assured that all the issues raised by the NLC would be looked into one after the other. “Allow me to first express my sympathy and that of the government of President Bola Tinubu to Nigerians and in particular the workers. “That is over the challenges that have arisen from the removal of petrol subsidy and other policies of the government aimed at renewing hope for the future of our dear nation. “In light of these matters, I would like to reiterate my appeal to the leadership of the NLC to suspend the warning strike and subsequent future actions. “To allow us to work together to amicably resolve these issues rather than embark on actions that would further worsen the conditions of the citizens of Nigeria,” he said. He therefore announced that government would be meeting with the NLC by 3 p.m. on Monday (September 4)