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*Says it bring timely relief for Nigerians
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has Dangote Refinery over the recent slashed in the fuel price, describing it as a timely economic relief for Nigerians.
Speaking with journalists , the Chairman, NLC Lagos Council, Comrade Funmi Sessi said Dangote Refinery has come at the right time.
She expressed optimism that the reduction would ease transportation costs, lower the prices of goods and services, and provide financial relief to citizens struggling with the high cost of living.
“This adjustment promises to offer much-needed relief for millions of Nigerians who have been grappling with high fuel prices and the rising cost of living.
“If not for Dangote refinery, we believe that government will still be importing fuel.
“But now, Dangote is producing about 650,000 litres of barrel per day, while both Port Harcourt refinery and the other refurbished one are producing about 210,000 litres of barrels per day. Which is not even up to half of what Dangote is producing.
“With this, Dangote has brought a healthy rivalry to the sector and we have started seeing reduction in the petroleum prices and even Dangote have started taking Petroleum to countries such as Ghana, Togo and other countries. What this means is that it will bring stability on our own currency. In this instance , we want to give it to Dangote. We also appreciate its timely intervention.
“Don’t also forget that the National Assembly is trying to bring out a bill that Nigerians should start domesticating our own currency. It so disheartening that our currency is no more strong, even in the West Africa region.
“So, government should encourage Dangote and more players coming in because this will allow healthy rivalry.
“We welcome this relief, which will help many Nigerians struggling due to the high cost of living, and we urge other stakeholders to emulate the Dangote Group’s example for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Sessi said.
On the proposed 2025 budget ,Comrade Sessi said if the government can be strict in it’s implementation, there is hope for the revival of the economy.
” With the budget , we can see that there is hope for Nigeria. Most especially if government can be strict in it’s implementations, there will will improvement in the security , food production and other areas,” She said.
“On behalf of the entire membership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kwara State Chapter, I extend our profound gratitude for your exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the development of Kwara State and its people.
“Your Excellency’s dedication to workers’ welfare has not gone unnoticed. From the prompt payment of salaries and pensions to the execution of critical infrastructural projects that enhance the quality of life for all Kwarans, your administration has demonstrated an exemplary understanding of the challenges faced by the workforce and the general populace.
“We especially commend your continued efforts in improving healthcare, education, and social amenities, which are vital to ensuring the well-being and productivity of the people. Your inclusive governance and accessibility as a leader have set a standard worth emulating.
“As partners in progress, we reaffirm our support and cooperation in working with your administration to achieve more milestones for our beloved state.
“Once again, we appreciate Your Excellency’s tireless efforts and pray for your continued wisdom, good health and success as you steer Kwara State towards greater heights”, Olayinka said.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the suspension of the tax bill currently before the National Assembly, stressing the need for broader consultations with Nigerian workers.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja expressed concerns during the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Owerri.
They criticized the politicization of the bill, stating that it ignores key stakeholders and lacks the potential to positively impact the economy. “A just and equitable tax system can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue,” Ajaero stated.
The union also urged the Federal Government to address the ongoing cash scarcity, which has placed an increasing economic strain on Nigerians. Ajaero described the scarcity as an “exploitative burden” on an already struggling population, noting that citizens lose up to five percent of their funds with every cash withdrawal.
He called for immediate government intervention and urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure cash availability for daily transactions, particularly to support small businesses and boost economic activity.
“The impact of this on small businesses and other informal economy operatives is huge, as the situation poses serious disproportionate challenges to the poor and struggling workers and masses.
“The NLC demands immediate government intervention to rectify this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights.
“We expect the Central Bank Governor to take steps to ensure that cash is made available to the citizenry to enable small business transactions and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
The NEC has raised serious concerns about Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, revealing that Nigerians paid over ₦2.23 trillion in ransom this year due to the growing prevalence of crime.
NLC President Joe Ajaero called for urgent government intervention to restore security, protect citizens, and uphold the rule of law. “This alarming state of insecurity demands immediate and decisive action to safeguard lives, restore public confidence, and ensure justice prevails. Many of the victims, who lost their lives or suffered injuries, are workers,” he noted.
The NLC also condemned the recent police invasion of its Edo State Council Secretariat, allegedly orchestrated with the involvement of the state governor. Ajaero described the incident as a gross violation of workers’ rights, involving the unlawful removal of items and an attempt to impose illegitimate leadership.
The NEC has issued a 14-working-day ultimatum, until January 8, 2025, for the Edo State government and police to vacate the premises, return confiscated items, and cease any interference in union activities. “This blatant act of impunity, including ransacking properties and removing items unlawfully, must stop. The deadline has been set, and compliance is non-negotiable,” Ajaero declared.
He warned that failure to meet the demands would prompt significant actions by the NLC to protect workers’ rights. “The NEC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and welfare of workers and the broader Nigerian populace,” he added.
Ajaero concluded by urging Nigerians to remain hopeful and united during the festive season despite the challenges facing the nation.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has urged the Federal Government to immediately wade into the issue of cash scarcity across the country.
NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, made this call in a communique he jointly signed with Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of NLC on Thursday in Abuja.
The communique was issued at the end of the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held in Owerri.
According to Ajaero, the NEC in-session had expressed concern over the persistent cash scarcity in Nigeria, describing it as an unfortunate and exploitative burden on the already struggling populace.
He said NEC noted that Nigerians are being forced to forfeit five per cent of their funds each time they access cash, an unacceptable situation that exacerbates the economic woes faced by millions.
“The impact of this on small businesses and other informal economy operatives is huge as the situation poses serious disproportionate challenge to the poor and struggling workers and masses.
“The NLC demands immediate government intervention to rectify this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights.
“We expect the Central Bank Governor to take steps to ensure that cash is made available to the citizenry to enable small business transactions and stimulate Economic growth,” he said.
The NLC boss also demanded that the tax bill currently before the National Assembly be halted for broader consultation and meaningful engagement with Nigerian workers.
He said that the politicisation of the bill and alienation of key stakeholders was worrisome and robbed it of its capacity as an effective tool to revamp the economy.
…..seeks justice over murder of ex-council chairman.
By AKOR SYLVESTER-Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo to stop the harassment of the Labour union members in the state by the men of Nigerian police force.
NLC said as a brand-new Governor, Okpebholo should have his priorities and should not be authorising the harassment of trade union leaders in the state.
It also warned the police to retrieve their honour if they can, by not lending themselves to the performance of dirty jobs in contravention of their oath of office.
The Congress further urged the Governor to leave Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress alone, saying it is too soon to start a fight with it.
NLC statement signed by its Head of Information and public affairs, Benson Upah, demanded apology and retracing of steps over the harassment and intimidation.
It reads: “We are disturbed by a recorded incident of unauthorised/illegal breaking in and entry of the offices of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress by some police personnel of Edo State Police Command.
“The incident happened in Benin City in the absence of the Chairperson of the Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress who is attending the annual Harmattan School in Abuja.
“Neither the police nor any other entity has offered an explanation for this criminal behaviour but there are speculations that the police might have acted at the instance of the new Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo
“However, whether the police acted alone or at the behest of the Governor, we demand an apology and retracing of steps unconditionally.
“Trade unions are protected by law, under no circumstances are their affairs to be interfered with by the state or any entity or be forcefully brought under the governance or control of any other.
“Acts of intimidation of trade unions or their leaders are equally off-limits as these constitute not only a violation of trade union/human rights but a threat to our hard-won democracy.
“In light of the foregoing, the Governor is advised to steer off labour matters in the state.
“As a brand-new Governor, he should have his priorities. We would hate to think that authorising the harassment of trade union leaders is one of them.
“As for the police, they should retrieve their honour if they can, by not lending themselves to the performance of dirty jobs in contravention of their oath of office.
In the same vein, the congress has joined trade unions, civil society allies and patriotic Nigerians in Edo State in calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of police officers responsible for the death of Comrade Kaduna Eboidogbin, former NLC State Council Chairman in Edo State.
It said: “The explanation offered by the officers involved in this heinous crime is lame and ridiculous as well insults our collective intelligence.
“Accordingly, nothing short of immediate arrest, detention and prosecution for murder of the officers involved will satisfy us.
“The untimely death of Comrade Kaduna Eboidogbin is a tragedy we are yet to come to terms with.
“The Edo State Police Command, and indeed, the Nigeria Police Force should resist the urge for a cover-up as has often been the case when their officers over-shoot their brief.
“The Nigeria Police Force stands to gain nothing when it protects bad eggs or nurtures them in its fold in the name of managing its public image.
“Indeed, it loses everything by so doing including its essence. It is reason why we urge the Commissioner, Edo State Police Command, CP Umoru Ozigi to seize the momentum by acting with transparent courage, knowing full well life has been snuffed out via wilful conduct.
“In terms of dealing with erring officers we urge the police to borrow a leaf from the Nigerian Army.
“Finally, we urge the Police to take seriously our advice before it faces another backlash from the public”.
The Sokoto State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned strike over the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
Addressing a press briefing over the weekend, the state NLC Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Aliyu Jungle, announced that the new minimum wage would take effect from January 2024.
The increase will benefit verified council workers and teachers across the state.
After a meeting with union executives at the NLC Secretariat in Sokoto, Jungle expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached with the state government, highlighting that the implementation aligns with the state’s developmental goals.
“The state branch of the NLC support the implementation of ₦70,000 announced by the state government effective January 2025.
“We will also assist the state government in the process of implementing the minimum wage even it means conducting screening and verification to ensure only genuinely employed workers benefit from the new minimum wage of ₦70,000,” he stated.
Jungle urged workers to remain patient, expressing confidence in the government’s dedication to introducing additional welfare measures for the state’s workforce.
“We are optimistic that more welfare packages will be rolled out for workers in the state,” he added.
It is worth recalling that Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, during the presentation of the proposed 2024 state budget to the State Assembly, announced January 2024 as the commencement date for implementing the ₦70,000 minimum wage.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has lamented the lackadaisical attitude of some state governments in implementing the new minimum wage.
It has also given the government an ultimatum of November 30th, to begin the implementation or risk an indefinite strike.
The Congress announced its resolve after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the weekend.
The strike is expected to begin from the 1st of December 2024, and will reportedly, run till the minimum wage is implemented across all states of the Federation.
The Labour Congress described the refusal of some governors to implement the minimum wage as a betrayal, adding that it is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers.
It further lamented that workers have continued to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship, and condemned the government for exploiting the people they are supposed to protect.
The communique released after the meeting reads in part, “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.
“It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.
“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been
fully implemented by the last day of November, 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has instructed its members in states yet to commence the implementation of the new minimum wage to begin an indefinite strike from December 1, 2024.
The order is part of the resolutions of the NLC after its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting at the weekend.
The communique of the meeting read in part, “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by
some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.
“It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.
“The NEC therefore resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria.
“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November, 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”
On the worsening economic situation in the country, the NLC said its NEC observes, with profound concern, the accelerating economic hardship inflicted upon Nigerian citizens.
It noted that inflation continues to rise unchecked, with the costs of basic necessities spiraling beyond the reach of the average worker, among others.
The NLC demanded immediate, concrete interventions from the Federal Government, not token measures, to relieve the suffering.
“We call for the implementation of comprehensive social protection policies that shield Nigerians from poverty, provide affordable healthcare, and ensure a wage that reflects the true cost of living.
“To this end, we call for a wage review across the nation including a review of all the policies that have rather emasculated Nigerian people,” it said.
“The use of the army in Oritsetimeyin oil rig is an abuse of the instruments of state security as it runs counter to the dictates of unfettered workplaces free from all forms of coercion. It should be noted that we cannot accept the militarization of our workplaces.
“It is counterproductive and very capable of contaminating the nation’s workplaces, which may lead to further crippling and undermining an already troubled economy.
“According to NUPENG, workers were subjected to unlawful eviction due to their rightful demand for the implementation of agreements reached and signed with their employers. This agreement, which included severance benefits for workers, was established through multiple mediatory meetings convened by the Nigeria
Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in the presence of the Department of State Services (DSS).
“It is therefore alarming that Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labour contractors have chosen to ignore these
legally binding agreements and instead opt for intimidation and coercion through the use of armed forces.
“The NLC calls on the Nigerian Military, the National Security Adviser (NSA), the Director-General of the DSS, and the Federal Government to urgently intervene to prevent further harassment and displacement of NUPENG members. This matter is
strictly an industrial relations issue and does not warrant the involvement of military personnel, who should focus on protecting the nation rather than being employed as enforcers for corporate agendas.
“The realisation of the sensitive nature of the world of work made it imperative for our nation to create special processes for handling workplace-related matters, which are encoded in our various statutes.
“The tenets of these industrial relations extant statutes must be allowed full expression by all parties to avoid creating a situation of anomie that will further harm our nation’s economy.
“We reiterate our unwavering support for NUPENG and will not hesitate to escalate our response should these unacceptable actions continue. The protection of workers’ rights and their safety remains our utmost priority, and we call on the nation’s gatekeepers to immediately speak up before the situation degenerates.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress acknowledges the dedication and sacrifices of the Nigerian military and security agencies in safeguarding our nation. However, we remind them that their mandate is the defence of our country’s sovereignty and people, not the suppression of workers’ legitimate demands.”
The Abia State Government has reacted to the letter sent to the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly and jointly signed by the state chairman and secretary of the Abia State chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, where the organised labour alleged that there’s a bill sent to the State House of Assembly by the executive seeking to cede 90 per cent of local government funds to the State leaving the LGAs with 10 per cent.
In a statement signed by Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, the Abia State government described the letter as disrespectful and baseless.
He said that at no time did the executive arm of
government send any bill to the Abia House of Assembly seeking to get 90 per cent of LGA allocation ceded to the state.
According to the statement: “We challenge the NLC leadership who obviously fell prey to the mischievous and unsubstantiated fake news being circulated by some opposition elements in the state, to provide any documentary evidence to back up its claim.
“Shouldn’t a reputable body like the NLC have written a letter of clarification to the House to obtain the correct information instead of hastily rushing to the media to misrepresent the government and disinform the public?
“Shouldn’t the authors of the letter have been more careful, more cautious and more informed before speaking on the issue?”
Ekeoma said that the Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Austin Okezie had already dismissed such speculation earlier in the week.
The state government cautioned the leadership of NLC against exhibiting what it called unprovoked hostile and malicious disposition based on rumour.
The Labour Party, LP, has refuted claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress Political Commission, NLC-PC, that the Julius Abure leadership of the party was working to advance the interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
The National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, made this clarification in Abuja on Friday.
According to him, after the recent court judgment upholding the leadership of Julius Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party, some persons have tried to push the narrative that the Labour Party was working for the APC, and that is why the LP has been winning all its court cases.
Ifoh described such narratives as misleading, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to continue to distract, derail, and also give the party leadership a bad name to hang it.
“I must state clearly that the LP has been and is still critical of APC more than NLC. We put it on record that the NLC, in all its ramifications, has failed the Nigerian workers.
“Today, Nigerian workers are oppressed, the economy is not working, there are unfair practices against workers, and nobody speaks for the oppressed workers in Nigeria, except the current leadership of the party.
“If there is any leadership of the party from inception that has been very critical of the government, it is the Abure leadership of the Labour Party.
“For the first time, the leadership of the party under Barrister Julius Abure has been able to record unprecedented achievements,” he said.
A Federal Government delegation on Wednesday met with the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), over the recent fuel price hike amidst the high cost of living in the country.
It was gathered that the meeting was held at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Abuja.
The Federal Government delegation was led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero; Trade Union Congress (TUC) Secretary General, Nuhu Toro; led the Organised Labour team.
The meeting was also attended by the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; and Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu.
It was gathered that no public statement was made at the end of the meeting the organised labour had expressed concerns over the recent increase in the pump price of petrol, electricity tariff, galloping inflation, and the high cost of living in the country.
Details later…
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Mr Yusuf Aish-Bello, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Gombe has explained how the union agreed on N 71,500 minimum wage for civil servants with the state government.
He spoke following the approval of N71,500 minimum wage for civil servants in the state effective from October.
Aish-Bello led organized labour to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the new National Minimum Wage with the state government on Monday in Gombe.
Aish-Bello said that a worker on GL01/1, would be receiving N71,551 minimum pay in the state.
“Today, we have reached an agreement on what will be paid to civil servants in the state.
“It has been agreed that the minimum standard of paying in Gombe State will be N71,551.15 that is for Grade Level 1 step 1
“You know the salary structure has its own intricacies, the N18,000 and N30,000 is nothing to write home about.
“Most especially on the issue of basics that was our focus as it form what you get when you retire.
“The highest quantum will be on the basic for our civil servants, especially for those retiring and we have achieved over 60 per cent.
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“Level one will have basic of N42,000 and this descends in consequential adjustment on the basic. The more it’s going up, the amount comes down by consequential adjustment.
“What is left now is 40 per cent which is spread on the allowances there as minimum wage that was how we arrived at N71,551,“ he said.
On non payment of arrears, he said the state government implemented N10,000 palliative to the workers since September 2023, adding that the labour unions considered the gesture.
Earlier, the state deputy governor, Mr Manassah Jatau, who is the Chairman of the Gombe State Minimum Wage Committee said the government had sealed agreement with labour union leaders.
Jatau said the new minimum wage would be paid in October, adding the state government was committed to the welfare of its workers.
A faction of the Labour Party, LP, in Cross River State, some members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, have presented the former chairman of NLC, John Ushie as chairman of the caretaker committee of the Party in the state.
They made the presentation today in Calabar.
Recall that Ushie led the same faction during the last general election before INEC formally de-recognised them.
Accepting the new responsibility, Ushie said the new arrangement has put an end to the alleged evil schemes of the Ogar Osim-led administration against the party at the national and state levels.
He maintained that hope is not lost and the party is now positioned to win elections without selling the mandate of the people.
“As you know, our great Labour Party has been in the news for some time; though, never unconnected with the shenanigans of some members both at the state and the national level.
“The good news is that we have been able to put an end to their evil schemes to thwart any further damage, for every evil has an expiring date.
“Hope isn’t lost, together we can begin to win elections without selling out the mandate of the people who have entrusted their destinies in our hands.
“There’s a need to urgently reposition the Labour Party at all levels.
“Hence the system as it were, was plagued with inefficiency, naivety, parochial religion, denominational sentiments and fear to dare innovations.
“It’s time for a new approach, one that prioritises the needs of the many over the interests of the few”, he said.
He stressed that the new leadership will be committed to the principles of democracy, social justice, equity, progress and promoting inclusivity.
He added that the tenure of the former leadership of the party in the state expired in June 2024.
He equally tasked stakeholders to avail themselves of the opportunity as it concerns the upcoming local government election to sponsor viable candidates.
In a statement earlier in the day, signed by the publicity secretary, Dr Lekam Offem and chairman, Ogar Osim, LP insisted the Ogar Osim group was the authentic leadership because the constitution granted them tenures of two terms.
“It is necessary to state clearly that there is no vacuum in Labour Party Cross River State as the current Chairman, Patriarch Ogar Osim and his team of Executives were duly elected at a Congress monitored and documented by INEC in March 2022 for a four-year tenure as enshrined in the party’s constitution in article 16 subsection 1 which says ‘All National and State Officers of the Party shall hold office for a period of 4 years per tenure and a maximum of 2 tenures per member for the respective office.’”
Bogart’s group described Ushie’s faction as impostors and impersonators, cautioning the public and their supporters not to be deceived.
“Ordinarily, we would as usual ignore what we consider to be an anecdote meant to entertain the general public but for the sake of our passionate and committed members who might become victims to these impostors, we strongly call on the authorities to investigate the activities and motive of these desperados whose main aim is to deceive gullible members of the public given the forthcoming Local Council elections.”
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