Labour Calls for Nationwide Protest Over Telecom and Electricity Tariff Hikes

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned the Federal Government of a nationwide protest if it moves forward with the proposed telecommunications and electricity tariff increases that go against previous agreements. The NLC has instructed all its branches to prepare for action if the government proceeds with the telecom tariff hike, which was initially set at 50%.  Despite reports suggesting that a compromise was reached, reducing the hike to 35%, telecommunications companies say they have not received any official communication about the reduction.  They claimed that without a formal notification from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), they cannot act on the agreement. In addition to the telecom issue, the NLC has voiced strong opposition to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) plans to reclassify electricity consumers.  The NLC accused NERC of unfairly shifting consumers from lower to higher tariff bands, which would lead to higher bills.  The union has declared that any further increase in electricity tariffs would lead to massive protests. The NLC also criticized the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, for overstepping his role and taking actions that should be handled by NERC.  The union has made it clear that they will not stand by while the government continues policies they consider harmful to the Nigerian public. The NLC’s recent decisions were made during a meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, where they also launched a new mass transit bus initiative for the North East Zone.

Kwara NLC Warns of Strike Over Unpaid November Salaries

The Kwara State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the state government a three-day deadline to resolve the unpaid November salaries of local government workers.   According to the NLC, about 75% of the state’s workforce, including members of unions like the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN), and the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), are yet to be paid for November 2024.   READ ALSO: How Abdulfattah Ahmed, Ex-Kwara Governor Allegedly Stole N5bn UBEC Fund – Witness The union has demanded that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq address the delay by ensuring immediate payment. It stated that December salaries would not be accepted until the November arrears are cleared.   The NLC has warned of statewide industrial action if the issue is not resolved by Thursday, December 19, 2024. This action could result in a shutdown of key services, potentially disrupting activities across the state.   The union has called on the government to act promptly to prevent further unrest and maintain stability in the workforce.

Minimum Wage: Gov Alia approves N75k

The Benue State Government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000, surpassing the ₦70,000 benchmark previously set by the Federal Government.  This adjustment aims to address the financial concerns raised by workers in the state.   Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed this development after a meeting with labour leaders at the State Secretariat.  The wage increase will take effect from November 2024, alongside the payment of three months’ salary arrears, as allocated in the 2024 budget.   The decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to improve workers’ welfare, following discussions on issues such as wage awards, transportation allowances, and tax relief.  The government has reiterated its commitment to easing the economic burden on public servants.   This move is expected to boost morale and provide much-needed financial relief for the state’s workforce.

Pensioners Block Finance Ministry Over Delayed Payments  

A scene described as embarrassing and unbecoming of a government unraveled today in Abuja as pensioners barricaded streets, especially the entrance of the Federal Ministry of Finance, to express their frustration over delayed pension payments.   The protest, spearheaded by the National Union of Contributory Pensioners, focused on unpaid accrued rights—benefits earned under the old pension scheme before the 2004 transition to the Contributory Pension Scheme.   These entitlements are meant to be transferred to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to allow retirees access upon retirement.  However, some pensioners who retired as far back as 2003 claim they have yet to receive their due, leaving them unable to secure funds through the Pension Administration System.   The pensioners are calling on the federal government to resolve the backlog swiftly.

FG releases funds for NASU salaries, retirees’ benefits

The Federal Government has released funds to settle outstanding salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities. The release is also meant for the settlement of the benefits of retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme. In a statement on Saturday by Bawa Mokwa, Director, Press and Public Relations, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation confirmed that payments to NASU members have commenced, with many already confirming receipt. The statement read, “The Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salary of Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities. “According to the OAGF, the Federal Government has also released funds for payment of benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector. “The OAGF said payments to the Non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities had commenced and many have confirmed receipt.” The OAGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees. On Monday, the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU embarked on an indefinite strike over its four months of withheld salary.Since then, activities have been grounded in universities across the country. In an earlier interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, the National President of SSANU, Mr.Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, did not receive salaries for four months. He said as a result, the universities would remain completely shut down until the payments were made.

Minimum Wage: Lagos Approves N85,000

The governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwoolu has approved N85,000 as minimum wage for civil servants in the state. This is in line with the federal government’s approval of N70,000 as minimum wage in Nigeria. Governor Sanwoolu made this announcement on Channels TV last night in an interview session. This move comes as a great relief to workers with the Lagos state government as it goes a long way to ameliorate the current spiraling inflation and cost of living crisis. While announcing the new wage, the governor cautioned that this should not be misconstrued as competing with any state government but a reflection of the socioeconomic realities of Lagos state.