Month: October 2023

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has announced a crucial step to ease the financial strain on workers following the recent removal of the fuel subsidy. 

In his Independence Day speech on Sunday, President Tinubu revealed a temporary wage increase designed to counterbalance the surge in living costs resulting from the policy change. 

The President stated, “For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month,” emphasising the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable income groups during this transition. 

As the nation adjusts to these economic shifts, the temporary wage boost is expected to provide immediate relief, enabling workers to manage their finances more effectively amidst the changing economic landscape. 

Ongoing dialogues between the government, labour representatives, and business leaders will continue to shape future policies, ensuring a balanced and sustainable approach to economic reforms.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigerian healthcare system faces a severe blow as the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) will officially commence their indefinite nationwide strike today, in solidarity with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). 

The strike, initiated to protest the removal of fuel subsidies and the government’s anti-labour policies, has left the nation’s hospitals in a state of uncertainty. 

NANNM President Nnachi Michael Ekuma emphasised the necessity of the strike, citing the government’s failure to address issues crucial to healthcare workers, such as stagnant salaries, staff shortages, and subpar working conditions.

Ekuma’s letter to association members outlined the dire situation created by the removal of the fuel subsidy, leading to increased living costs for Nigerians without corresponding wage hikes for workers. 

Despite the government’s attempt to mitigate the situation by deploying military personnel to hospitals and clinics, the adequacy of these measures remains uncertain.

Patients are advised to proactively liaise with their healthcare providers to determine the status of their appointments and procedures.

Where possible, rescheduling appointments after the strike concludes is recommended to minimise disruptions to their healthcare services.

The unity of the Nigerian labour movement underscores the depth of dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies, creating a challenging environment for negotiations and resolution.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has joined the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) indefinite strike that began today, October 1, 2023. 

The NLC is protesting the high price of petroleum resulting from the removal of the fuel subsidy as well as other anti-labour policies by the government. 

NUEE has directed its members to totally withdraw their services and participate in street protests and rallies until the government responds to the union’s demands. 

The union’s demands include the reversal of the removal of the fuel subsidy, an increase in the minimum wage, improved working conditions for electricity workers, and the payment of all outstanding salaries and allowances. 

The NUEE strike is expected to have a significant impact on the power sector, as it will lead to blackouts nationwide.

The union has apologised to the public for the inconvenience the strike will cause, but it has said that it is necessary to protect the interests of its members and the Nigerian people. 

The government has appealed to the NLC and NUEE to call off the strike, but the unions have refused to back down.

The strike is expected to continue until the government meets the unions’ demands.