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Tinubu approves N35,000 wage award for FG workers

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Abuja, Oct. 1, 2023: President Bola Tinubu has approved N35,000 as provisional wage award for all treasury-paid federal government workers for a period of six months.

It also announced the payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month, for a three-month period from October to December.

Mr Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, announced this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that this followed consultations between the federal government and the leadership of the labour unions at the Presidential Villa.

At the meeting, the Federal Government also pledged its commitment to fast-track the provision of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to ease public transportation occasioned by subsidy removal on PMS.

The Federal Government also committed to the provision of funds for micro and small-scale enterprises as well as waivers on VAT on diesel for the next six months.

The highlights of the decision reached at the meeting include:

The Federal Government urged the Labour unions not to embark on strike action as the issues in dispute can only be resolved when workers are at work.

Labour Unions made case for higher wage award.

A sub-committee will be constituted to work out the details of implementation of all items regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

The lingering matter of Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN)  and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State will be addressed urgently.

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 agreed resolutions.

Gov. Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, participated virtually in the meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, the Minister of State, Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar  Bagudu.

Others are 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), Malam Nuhu Ribadu.

The labour delegation was led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Dr Tommy Okon, Deputy President, TUC,  NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, and the TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro.

Workers operate a machine at the Dangote flour mill in Apapa district in Nigeria's commercial capital of Lagos

Kano state denies sacking any worker

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Kano, July 1, 2023: Kano State Government said it had not sacked the 10,800 workers whose June salaries were stopped.

The 10,800 workers were employed by the administration of former governor, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje.

The clarification was made on Friday in Kano in a joint news conference by the Commissioner for Information, Malam Baba Dantiye; Accountant General, Abdukadir Abdulsalam, and Head of Service (HOS), Usman Bala-Muhammad.

The HOS explained that the 10,800 workers were not sacked, but only had their salaries stopped pending verification of their status.

“Let me make it categorically clear that no staff was retrenched. Their salaries were stopped to cleanse the system because of some allegations.

“A verification committee will soon be set up and after the exercise those employed legally through laid down civil service rules will receive their salaries.”

According to him, the essence is to optimize the civil service for better service delivery and place everything in right perspective.

In his comment, Dantiye said the government appreciated civil servants and pensioners in the state for their patience and the happiness they showed when their June salaries were paid without deductions.

The Accountant General said while answering questions that Gov. Abba Yusuf ordered his office to stop the salaries of the 10,800 workers employed by Ganduje.

Abdulsalam said that the committee to be set up would review the procedures for their engagement so as to remove those illegally recruited.

According to him, the previous administration only engaged and promoted workers at the end of its tenure.

Concerning local government workers, Abdusalam assured that those who were converted to state workers by the former administration would continue to receive their salaries.

The accountant general said that what the new government has done so far is to attempt to correct the system for effective service delivery.

AFRICA

10,000 workers uncertain of salaries in Kano state

Kano, June 27, 2023: The Kano State Government has ordered the suspension of salaries of 10,000 workers employed by former governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration, pending investigations.

Mr Abdulkadir Abdulsalam, the Accountant General of the state, made this known to newsmen in Kano on Monday.

Abdulsalam said the affected members of staff were employed at the twilight of the previous administration.

He said that a Committee has been set up to investigate their engagement into the civil service, assuring that the outcome of finding will play a role in their fate.

The accountant general also announced the suspension of transfers made by the previous government within the civil service against existing rules, adding that status quo ante should be maintained by the affected government officials.

Abdulsalam however expressed the readiness of the new administration to pay workers salary by 25th of every month, as he revealed that pension and gratuity would be paid to retired workers as when due.

He also disclosed that the new administration would operate a single account to ensure financial discipline.

mopani-workers

Economic Council receives proposal for N702.9bn allowance for workers

Abuja, June 15, 2023: The National Economic Council (NEC) says it has received a proposal from stakeholders for a consequential adjustment estimated at N702.9 billion to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on Nigerian workers.

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State briefed State House correspondents after NEC meeting presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He said that it was resolved that a committee be set up to appraise the recommendation with regards to how funds would be sourced and the mode of disbursement.

“NEC has taken very far reaching decisions and deliberations on the issue of the removal of petroleum Premium Motor Spirit subsidy and its general impact on the economy, the federation and the sub nationals, including workers and everybody, that are vulnerable.

“Specifically on the issue of National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, NEC has received recommendations on the various ways and means that the country can use whatever increases that we have in the revenue to mitigate the impact that is going to make on the lives of our workers and all those people involved.

“ They gave us a scenario recommending that there should be a consequential adjustment, estimated at N702.9 billion as part of the allowances that should be given as petroleum allowance to all workers and as well as a N23 or N25 billion monthly offer to cushion the effect on workers.

“There were other suggestion that will go a long way in making sure that there is review of salaries and wages.

“In addition to the palliative, government looked at all the issues, the challenges and problems holistically and set up a small committee of council to review and come up with a term of reference to organised areas, specifically where this palliative can come and how it will be dispensed to alleviate the problem of workers and other vulnerable groups.’’

According to him, the committee is composed of Governor of Kebbi State as Chairman, Governor of Anambra representing the South East geopolitical zone and the Governor of Benue, representing the North Central.

Mohammed listed others as the Governor of Kaduna State representing  North West, Governor of Cross River, South South, Governor of  Oyo State, representing South West while he, Mohammed, represented North East.

He said that relevant agencies were also included in the committee.

“They comprised the Budget Office, representative of the CBN, representative of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, representative of NNPC Ltd, representative of Trade Union Council and Nigerian Labour Congress.

“And of course, Rukayat El-Rufai, so that we can sit within two weeks to come up with recommendation to NEC for a holistic decision that will be taken immediately to alleviate the problem that may be encountered by the removal of the subsidy,’’ he said.

Buhari addresses Nigerians on June 12

Buhari tasks incoming government on workers’ rights

President Muhammadu Buhari has tasked the incoming administration to respect workers’ rights as encapsulated in International Labour Organisation (ILO), declarations on labour matters.

Buhari made the call at the commemoration of the 2023 Workers Day, with the theme; “`Workers Rights and Socio-Economic Justice’’’, on Monday in Abuja.

Buhari was represented by Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The president said Nigeria, as a viable member state of the ILO and a connoisseur of workers’ rights, had ratified all the core conventions of the organisation, guarding and promoting rights at work.

“In June1998, a declaration was optimistically made by the ILO to establish a social minimum at the global level, to respond to the realities of globalisation.

“Hence, the birth of the ILO Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work in 1998, and amended in 2022, as an expression by the tripartite body of the ILO-government-employers’ and workers’ organisations.

“This is to uphold basic human values regarded as vital to socio-economic lives by affirming to respect five broad categories of workers’ rights at work, embodying more than nine conventions,’’ Buhari said.

The President also listed the rights to include; Freedom of Association and the Effective Recognition of the Right to Collective Bargaining, the Elimination of all forms of Forced or Compulsory Labour, and the Effective Abolition of Child Labour.

Others he said were the Elimination of Discrimination in respect of Employment and Occupation, and a Safe and Healthy Working Environment.

According to him, in all these webs of rights and obligations in the world of work, the linkages between worker’s rights and socio–economic justice, have been identified and made a declaration by the ILO.

“Workers’ rights coupled with socio-economic justice make a happy workplace.

“We therefore, agree that a fair economic structure, targeted at creating opportunities for all to succeed irrespective of sex, race/ethnicity, age, disability, creed, religion among others, is sine qua non for progress and development.”

Also, Sen. Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, said that  the Nigerian government recognised the importance of Nigerian workers, and was committed to creating the right environment for them to thrive.

“In the past few years, we have taken a number of measures to support Nigerian workers, which include the review and increase of the National Minimum Wage in 2019, Institutionalising its review automatically every five years in the Act.

“We have provided better working conditions and environment, invested in training and re-training, education and human capacity development for workers.

“However, we also recognie that there is a lot more work to be done to improve the lives of Nigerian workers.

“We acknowledge the fact that many Nigerian workers continue to face significant challenges, including low take home pay, lack of job security, and unsatisfactory working conditions.

“We are committed to addressing these issues and creating a more favourable environment for Nigerian workers to thrive.

“The solution to these challenges will not come overnight, but as work in progress. These have been top priorities on the agenda of the outgoing administration,’’ Ngige said.

The minister, however urged the incoming government to create a work plan for addressing those issues as governance was a continuous process.

“It is hoped that with your support, the incoming administration will do better in line with the developmental blueprint of our political party.

“As we celebrate Workers Day, let us remember the millions of Nigerian workers who have dedicated their lives to building and sustaining our great nation.

“Let us recognise their contributions and acknowledge the challenges that they face everyday. Let us also remember the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty – who have given their lives so that others can live theirs.’’

Ngige added that government would continue to work with the two labour centres to create an environment that would support the aspirations of Nigerian workers.

“We would continue to invest in all aspects of education, from primary, secondary, technical, tertiary and skills development, as well as create opportunities for young people and support small and medium-sized enterprises.”

He called on labour leaders to consolidate on the mileage already covered by the Federal Government in the last eight years.

He also called on them to eschew acrimony, factionalism, selfishness, and develop spirit of cooperation social dialogue, rather than confrontation, aggression and unnecessary industrial actions with employers.

inflation rate record

Workers want improved welfare package to meet increasing inflation

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Some Nigerian workers have demanded for an improved welfare package to meet increasing inflation rate in the country.

The workers, mostly teachers that gathered at the Ojo Local Government headquarters, said the rising inflation bore negatively on their purchasing power.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) disclosed that Nigeria’s inflation rate rises to 22.04 per cent at the end of March, the third consecutive increase in 2023.

The consumer price index (CPI), which measures the rate of change in prices of goods and services, rose to 22.04 per cent in March.

Speaking, a spokesman for the workers, Mr Simbo Adekunle, a teacher at Aworri College, said that the rising cost of items in the market had made living hellish for workers.

Adekunle, while  decrying the weak status of the Naira, urged the government to strengthen the nation’s legal tender to stabilise people’s living standard.

He said that the subsisting inflation in the country had continued to make nonsense of workers pay package thereby subjecting them to a life of misery and despondency.

“An improved welfare package for the Nigerian workers has become imperative to enable them meet up social needs,” he said.

Also speaking on workers welfare, Mrs Munirat Coker,  a labour technocrat, said part of the agenda of 2023 Workers Day at state level would be to explore avenues to curb effects of inflation on workers.

Coker, also an official of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employee (NULGE) Ojo Chapter, said apart from monthly pay increase, the union would proffer other solutions such as housing and price control, to amelorate the situation.

Workers in Nigeria on Monday, joined their counterparts globally to celebrate the 2023 workers day.

It reports that the Federal Government declared Monday, a public holiday to enable workers celebrate the day and proffer solution to their pressing needs.

It reports also that workers in Lagos gathered at the Onikan Stadium to celebrate the Day.

In commemoration of the 2023 workers day, the Medical Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Branch, has called for amicable resolve of their union internal dispute.

Comrade Jerry Chagga, Secretary Medical MHWUN Kaduna Unit of NAFDAC Branch, made the call at a sideline of the years’ workers day celebration at the famous Ahmadu Bello Stadium on Monday in Kaduna.

He expressed disappointment on the stands of some of their colleagues in Lagos Branch of the union, while lamenting the issues that has been bedeviling the MHWUN NAFDAC branch.

Chagga explained that the Minister of Health had intercepted the problems bedeviling the union, adding that he had done alot to solve the problems.

He however, allegedly, said in that light, their colleagues in Lagos Branch, amidst the Minister’s resolve of the union’s crisis, conducted elections which was purportedly to be held on April 27.

“When the Federal Ministry of Labour heard about it, they wrote to the National, suspending the elections untill all internal dispute in MHWUN NAFDAC is resolved.

“To our disappointment, our colleagues in Lagos went ahead to conduct the election with the supervision of even some of the officials of the national branch of MHWUN,” he alleged.

Chagga further expressed displeasure, describing the scenario as disappointing and contemptuous to the Minister of Labour and Employment, who according to him was doing his best to ensure peace, tranquility and understanding in NAFDAC branch.

The Secretary called on their colleagues to desist from parading themselves as the branch’s executives of NAFDAC branch of MHWUN.

He noted that there is a caretaker committee that was duelly formed, having its Secretariat in Abuja, adding that is was what their constitution stipulates.

He assured that the committee was working tirelessly to ensure that all issues that puts them apart were reconciled.

Members of MHWUN in a group photograph with NLC Chairman, Kaduna State Council, Comrade Ayuba Sulaiman (Middle), who is also the Chairman of MHWUN, Kaduna State Council.

Earlier, Comrade Ahmed Sulieman, the Chairman of MHWUN Kaduna Unit of NAFDAC Branch, noted that the workers day celebration was to commemorate the struggle of workers welfare.

He also noted that welfare was sacrosanct to all NAFDAC staff, while calling on their members all across to respect the decision of the caretaker committee formed to reconcile problems within the union.

Also speaking earlier, the Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, Comrade Ayuba Sulaiman, said the day was set aside to celebrate workers achievements, struggles, and even challenges.

Sulaiman, who doubles as the Chairman of MHWUN, Kaduna State Council, advocated for workers rights all over the state, adding that it would ensure socio-economic justice which was in tally with the theme of the years’ celebration.

He urged workers to be diligent, dedicated and responsible by keeping to time of work and not closing before time.

He expressed optimism to the incoming Government of Kaduna State, while assuring workers of conducive and favourable working condition in Kaduna State.

MHWUN, received an award for the most neatly dressed and populated members of Labour in the state, at the colourful event which featured match past, among other displays by various labour and trade union groups.

mopani-workers

Federal civil service is not recruiting

The announcement that the Federal Civil Service Commission is starting a massive nationwide hiring drive for positions in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies is false, the commission has said.

In a statement by Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, the Federal Civil Service Commission emphatically declared that it is fictitious that there is “massive nationwide recruitment”.

This only exists in the figment of imagination of the writer.

It is Fake News, which should be discarded and ignored by the general public especially job seekers.

“Furthermore, it presupposes that the writer’s motive is to mislead and misinform the public for his selfish interests.

“To this end, the Management of the Federal Civil Service Commission wishes to reiterate that there is no massive nationwide recruitment into the federal civil service. The news item is Fake in its entirety and, should be ignored by the general public.”

mopani-workers

Workers want palliatives to cushion effects of rising cost of living

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Many workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have appealed to the Federal Government to support them with palliatives to cushion the effect of rising cost of living.

The respondents said in Abuja on Thursday that workers could no longer meet their needs with their present earnings.

While calling for discussion around review of the minimum wage, they urged government to in the meantime help with palliatives.

A young man, who works in the Central Business District of the FCT, who pleaded anonymity, said, “it has not been easy.

“As Nigerians, we have this strong will to always try to survive but the current reality is really biting hard.

“We know government is trying its best to find solution to the present economic challenges, but the reality staring us in the face is that most of us can no longer meet up with our obligations.

“So, there has to be an urgent measure to bring succour to people before we begin to talk about long term plans,’’ he said.

Mrs Bridget Akubo, a mother of four, said that as a worker, life was becoming unbearable.

Akubo, a civil servant, said that the number of persons in her place of work made monthly contributions at the beginning of each year toward buying certain food items at the end of the year for the yuletide.

She, however, said that they were shocked to discover recently that their total contributions could not afford what they easily afforded in previous years.

According to her, we went to the market at the weekend to buy 25 litres of vegetable oil in preparation for the Christmas but we were shocked that the price has risen.

“We were told that it now goes for between N33, 000 and N35, 000 depending on the brand.

“Some of us had to make extra contributions to be able to buy the oil while others simply gave up or went for lesser quantity.’’

She said it was a pathetic situation, adding “it has not been easy for the married and unmarried, including children.’’

According to her, the situation is more pathetic for people with obligations like payment of schools fees, accommodation and utility bills like fuel and electricity.

Akubo, who resides in one of the satellite towns in the FCT, said, “we are literally existing and not living because our struggles go into getting just basic amenities.

“A lot of Nigerians today no longer talk about enjoying life but how to meet basic needs.

“In fact as I speak with you, some people can barely afford three square meals a day and it is worrisome.

“It is even more pathetic for salary earners because salaries are not increasing.

“In some cases, workers complain of pay cut yet the prices of items keep soaring.’’

She called for the convening of an economic summit to find lasting solution to the economic challenges in the country.

Mrs Evelyn Obadiah, a businesswoman said although she was struggling to make ends meet as a business person, she felt more for workers.

Obadiah, who deals in foodstuff in Nyanya axis of the FCT, said she often interacted with workers who patronised her, adding that most of them had cut down on purchases.

She said from interactions with them, they often complained of meagre salaries, irregular salaries or pay cuts.

According to her, she is forced to open a register to keep records of some workers, who purchase items with the promise to pay after receiving salaries.

The businesswoman, however, said she might not be able to continue with the gesture as some of them would owe her for upward of three months before paying her.

“This is the worst of times to live in Nigeria as a civil servant.

“I have many of them as customers and they complain that their salaries can no longer cater to their needs because of high cost of food, electricity, water, accommodation.

“One of them told me that as a father of four with many dependents, it is becoming difficult for him to meet up with his obligations,’’ she said.

Obadiah said there was the need for government to consider increasing minimum wage to make life better for the average worker.

“The minimum wage as we speak cannot buy a bag of rice.

“I know part of the problem is inflation and some people would argue that it is a global problem.

“I know it is a global problem but with deliberate and implementable policies, things will get better,” she said.

Obadiah called on the government to give palliatives to civil servants to help cushion the effect of the hardship.

AFRICA

ILO, NLC partner to acquaint workers on UN decent work agenda

The International Labour Organization (ILO) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have collaborated to build the capacity of workers to participate in the United Nations reforms as it relates to the decent work agenda.

Both organisations organised a three-day capacity building workshop for NLC educators on the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UN-SDCF) and the Decent Work Agenda (DWA).

At the opening ceremony on Wednesday in Lagos, the Director, ILO Country Office, Ms Vanessa Phala, said that the workshop was crucial and planned as part of the ILO’s ongoing efforts in exploring innovate approaches.

Phala was represented by Ms Chinyere Emeka-Anuna, Senior Programme Officer, ILO Country Office, Abuja.

“These approaches are for supporting, guiding trade unions, and encouraging them to take a more proactive and assertive role in processes shaping development policies at national, regional, and global levels.

“To this end, allow me to commend the ILO (ACTRAV) for launching in April 2021, a publication entitled; United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation and the Decent Work Agenda: A trade union reference manual”.

“The reference manual for trade unions emphasises their political and developmental role in the UN sustainable development.

“I am pleased to note that this workshop has been conceptualised around the themes and modules in the reference manual designed to explain and simplify UN country level development processes.

“This include common country analyses leading up to the consolidation and adoption of the cooperation frameworks and the expected role of trade unions.

“Also, how unions can promote the ILO normative agenda, international labour standards, decent work priorities as well as the national development strategies in line with the global sustainable development agenda 2030 (SDGs), “Phala said.

Also, a UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Matthias Schmale, said that the UN-SDCF outlines how the UN System will leverage its comparative advantages and broad resources.

According to him, the resources are to support government to address its development and humanitarian challenges over the next five years.

Schmale was represented by Ms Inviolata Chinyangarara, ILO Senior Specialist in Workers’ Activities, Country Office, Abuja.

He said: “It has been written with the close collaboration and vital inputs of government at all levels, along with a wide array of others from across society including the NLC.

“We are now close to finalising this essential framework; the document will be our North Star as it outlines the how, what, where, when and why of the UN’s activities across the country.

“It outlines how we will drive change and accomplish the 2030 Agenda with its accompanying SDGs.”

In his remarks, NLC’s General Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, said that the workshop was unique, because trade unions had never been engaged with regard to UN operations in the country.

“There is formal effort to get the workers through the trade unions to be involved and get acquainted with the works of the UN in the country.

“So, this is the initial take-off to build the capacity of trade unions to understand the workings of the UN, particularly with regard to the development goals.

“Also, on how it relates to decent work programme which is also a product of the UN work across the globe, “ Ugboaja said.

African-Union

AU defends workers as nation’s engine

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The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), Nigeria has described workers in the country as the engine that can drive the country toward achieving her development objectives.

Princess Gloria Akobundu, the Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, said this in a statement by Mr Abolade Ogundimu, her Media Assistant in Abuja on Sunday.

Akobundu said that workers input both at the public and private sectors when properly harnessed would promote the desired development in country.

She said that the patriotic labour by all workforce would also deepen good governance in the country.

”The Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the public sector have their mandates  targeting at development of the nation, but they can be better attained through renewed commitment by the entire work force.

”’Economic growth and societal development should not be left for the public sector alone.

”The private sectors should equally look beyond their incomes or profits.

”They should also show commitment towards the development of the common good of the country.

“Nigeria and other nations around the world are facing challenges from the impact of COVID-19, economic meltdown among others, but with patriotic zeal of the labour force, we can turn our challenges to opportunities.

”It does not matter whether you are self-employed, private or public employee or employer, the task to uplift the country is the responsibility of all citizens,’’ she said.

Akobundu congratulated workers and urged them to continue to put the interest of the country first.

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