National

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chose to boycott a crucial meeting convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, in an attempt to avert the two-day warning strike set in motion by organized labor.

The strike notice, issued last Friday by the NLC, was in response to the ongoing hardships faced by Nigerians due to the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Affiliate unions of the NLC, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees, the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals, and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, have jointly directed all stakeholders within the aviation sector to comply with the NLC’s directive to participate in the strike.

Phone calls and text messages made to NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, seeking clarification on their boycott of the meeting, remained unanswered.

However, only the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), led by its President Festus Osifo, attended the meeting with government officials.

Osifo emphasized the TUC’s commitment to engaging with the federal government to ensure that the demands of workers are met, particularly with regards to wage awards and palliatives.

Osifo expressed disappointment in the government’s current palliatives, stating that they do not sufficiently address the challenges faced by federal workers.

He called for an increase in the allocated funds for palliatives, which he described as “grossly inadequate.”

In a communique issued by the TUC at the conclusion of its National Executive Council meeting on Sunday, the organization welcomed some of the government’s efforts to alleviate the impact of subsidy removal on workers.

However, it emphasized the need for long-term solutions beyond palliatives.Minister Lalong, during the meeting, outlined the government’s commitment to addressing workers’ concerns.

He set a two-week timeline for wage awards, tax exemptions, and allowances for public sector workers to mitigate the hardships arising from subsidy removal.

Lalong pleaded with the labor unions to convince their affiliate unions to suspend the impending strike.

He reassured workers that the government values their support and understanding, emphasizing the importance of industrial peace for the nation’s progress.

The situation remains tense as the NLC’s boycott and the involvement of affiliate unions in the strike bring the nation to the brink of a major labor dispute.

Negotiations between the TUC and the government will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome and the impact on the labor force and the Nigerian economy.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a two-day nationwide warning strike set to take place on September 5th and 6th, with an ultimatum for the Federal Government to address the dire plight of the masses. 

This announcement was made by NLC President Joe Ajaero during a press conference held at the conclusion of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Friday in Abuja. 

Ajaero, while delivering the communiqué jointly signed by Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the Congress, emphasized that these decisions were the result of extensive deliberations within the NEC. 

The NLC has put the government on notice, stating that if no action is taken, a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation may occur within the next 14 to 21 working days. 

The primary objective of this strike action, Ajaero stated, is to compel the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment experienced across the country.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Ajuri Ngelale, President Bola Tinubu’s special assistant for media and publicity, revealed that the president would not hesitate to axe any minister who falls short of expectations. 

In an interview with Channels TV Sunrise Daily on Monday, Mr. Ngelale said that the president has established deadlines and goals for each member of his cabinet. 

He stated that a minister could lose their position if they are not successful in meeting their objectives. 

“President Bola Tinubu is someone who has the results. He says ‘these are your benchmarks, I know what I want you to achieve. 

“I’m not expecting you to just come up with some plan when you get there. I’m telling you the time frame within which I expect you to achieve,” he said. 

“And if you don’t, there are consequences. He’s ready to fire a minister at the drop of a dime if he is not getting what he wants. Absolutely,” Mr Ngelale added.

By Aisar Fagge

The Dangote Articulated Truck Driving School has graduated 50 Special Truck Drivers on weekend.

It was gathered that ten of the drivers were women and trained on Defensive Driving for three months.

A statement signed by the spokesman of the Dangote Group, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, and made available to journalists on Monday, disclosed.

The statement qouted Mr. Ajay Singh, the Divisional Director of the Dangote Cement Plc, Transport section, Obajana Plant, Kogi State, to have said that the Articulated Driving School was aimed at taming the tide of auto crash in Nigeria.

Singh who spoke during the graduation ceremony added that “The company has a zero tolerance for auto crash, which informed the setting up of different programmes, in collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

“Head of Human Resources, Mr. Azeez Adeniyi said the Dangote Articulated Truck Driving School, is unique, being the first of its kind in the history of Nigeria,” he stated.

The statement further added that “He (Singh) urged the graduates to maximize the advantages from the training, adding that it was a rare and golden opportunity to have passed through the school.

“The school manager, Mr. Daniel Marcus Akuso, said some of the courses offered for the Batch A include: Civic Education, English, Mathematics, Defensive Driving, Truck Handling, Maintenance Technology, DCT Administration Procedures, Root Cause Analysis, Health and Science, Road Signs and Codes.

“Mr. Akuso said the graduates will now undertake a six-month attachment to enable them to acquire practical experience.

“Speaking, Deputy Road Commandant, (OC Instructor) of the FRSC attached to Dangote Driving School, Engr Mukhtar Umar said his agency plays a significant role in the training and certification of old drivers and newly recruited trainees.

“We teach them defensive driving, road signs, responsibilities of the driver, driving culture, and then certify them. These are Special Drivers,” Engr Umar said.

“Representative of Fantique Driving Centre, South Africa, Mr. Jacques Van Heerden, said the graduates were trained on defensive driving, assuring that if they abide by the lessons learned from the courses, it will help Nigeria in reducing the menace of auto crash.

“On his part, Col Ravig Kumar, Chief General Manager, Maintenance Department, expressed optimism that the female drivers, especially, will make Nigeria proud, while urging them not to disappoint the company, wherever they may find themselves.

“Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Mr. Ajayi Kehinde Daniel, said: “We are not just drivers, but defensive drivers. Throughout this period of training, we have been exposed to the causes of road accidents, and how to avoid them. Some of these causes, if not all, are actually avoidable.”

“Also present at the Graduation Ceremony were: Head of Department, Post Trip Inspection(PTI), Mr. Charles Theophilus, Head of Control, Mr. Suresh Ramamoorthy, Col Hemant Rana, as well as other members of the Fantique Training Centre of South Africa: Pieter Momberg and Anton Schenk,” the statement added.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

Nigeria Labour Congress leaders on Sunday argued that the next minister of labour needed to understand the plight of the workforce, particularly at a time when the economy is experiencing difficulties that directly affect them. 

Before Monday’s swearing-in of new ministries by President Bola Tinubu, the leaders participated in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos. 

The Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Funmi Sessi, expressed confidence in Simon Lalong’s ability to carry out his duties as Minister of Labour and Employment considering his background. 

Mrs. Sessi advised Lalong to deal with labour concerns using the expertise he had gained from serving as the former governor of Plateau State. 

“The future is bright with labour and Lalong as the minister, all things being equal, if he will not change, and with the good industrial relationship that he maintained with the labour unions in his state. 

“I hope he will extend it to the labour centres in Nigeria, including Nigeria Labour Congress, all workers, not only in the public sector, but private as well; both formal and informal. 

“This is necessary so that we can have the working people in Nigeria partake in the same wealth that they create; it will be a commonwealth, and that is our hope,” she said.

By Mukhtar Jarmajo 

As you settle into your new role, it is important to shed light on an issue of paramount importance – the urgent need for Nigeria to prioritise affordable housing. With a staggering housing deficit of 28 million homes, requiring a colossal 21 trillion Naira in financing, it is crucial that our nation focuses its efforts on closing this gap to unlock the potential of our people and propel Nigeria towards prosperity.

Affordable housing stands as a critical linchpin in our ambitious plans for national development. It serves as a foundation upon which countless other facets of progress are built – from socioeconomic stability to individual well-being and sustainable growth. By addressing the housing deficit head-on, we simultaneously embark on a journey towards alleviating poverty, creating jobs, and sparking economic growth in our dear nation.

The current deficit poses daunting challenges that cannot be ignored. Millions of our fellow Nigerians find themselves without decent shelter, perpetuating a grave cycle of despair and limited opportunity. High rental costs and inadequate housing options place an unnecessary burden on citizens’ shoulders, hindering their potential and choking the nation from realising its full potential.

To address these pressing realities, it is paramount that we employ a multi-faceted approach. Our strategies must involve collaboration with key stakeholders, including the public and private sectors, cooperatives, and international organisations experienced in addressing housing deficits. Together, we can forge a path forward that paves the way for the creation of safe, affordable, and sustainable communities throughout Nigeria.

As the new Minister of Housing, your visionary leadership shall play an instrumental role in translating our collective aspirations into concrete action plans. By working closely with your colleagues in government, you have the power to mobilise resources, devise innovative financing models, and develop policies that holistically address the housing crisis. Embracing public-private partnerships, streamlining regulations, and implementing tax incentives for affordable housing developers are just a few promising avenues we must explore.

Furthermore, we must foster an environment that encourages research and development in housing construction methods, materials, and technologies. Technology-driven solutions can not only enhance the speed and efficiency of housing construction but also reduce costs, making affordable housing a more attainable reality for millions of Nigerians. Embracing sustainability and environmentally friendly practices must be at the forefront of our efforts, ensuring that future generations can thrive in a clean and robust nation.

By diligently championing these efforts, we can envision a Nigeria where every citizen has access to a safe and secure home. This, in turn, will drastically improve health outcomes, enhance educational opportunities, and empower our people to participate in the nation’s growth and development actively. From the densely populated urban centres to the farthest reaches of our rural landscapes, affordable housing shall serve as the catalyst for levelling the playing field and driving collective progress.

Honourable Minister, this is your moment to leave an indelible mark on Nigeria’s history. With your unwavering commitment to the urgent cause of affordable housing, we can bridge the 28 million housing deficit and nurture a thriving society. Seize this opportunity, rally the nation’s resources, and build a brighter future where affordable housing is no longer a dream but a tangible reality for all Nigerians.

Jarmajo is the CEO of Greenturf Architects. 

By Muhammadu Sabiu

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has disclosed that Nigeria is grappling with an escalating humanitarian crisis, with over 3.5 million individuals internally displaced due to ongoing crises.

The data sheds light on the dire situation faced by countless Nigerians who have been uprooted from their homes and communities.

The heart-wrenching effects of the insurgency in the northeast have been acutely felt in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe (BAY) states.

According to the Aid Worker Security Database, the insurgency has exacted a heavy toll, resulting in the tragic deaths of 37 aid workers since 2016.

Additionally, 24 aid workers have been wounded, and 34 others have been kidnapped.

This sobering statistic serves as a sombre reminder of the challenges faced by those working tirelessly to provide assistance to those in need.

The World Humanitarian Day commemoration in Abuja took on a poignant tone this year as stakeholders from the humanitarian sector joined forces for a road walk.

At the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Nasir Sani Gwarzo, addressed the gathering.

He emphasised the significance of this year’s theme, #NoMatterWhat, which encapsulates the unwavering dedication of humanitarians to extend life-saving aid to individuals, regardless of their identity or geographical location.

The event not only brought attention to the pressing issues at hand but also highlighted the collective commitment of those in the humanitarian sector to alleviate the suffering of affected communities.

As Nigeria navigates these turbulent times, the rallying cry of #NoMatterWhat serves as a reminder that compassion and assistance remain steadfast even in the face of adversity.

By Ishaka Mohammed

In 2019, the University of Lagos (UNILAG) honoured Oluwaseyi Ajibade as the best PhD graduate of the year. Interestingly, 13 years earlier, he had graduated with a third-class bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lagos State University (LASU). His story exemplifies persistence.

Although Dr Oluwaseyi Ajibade’s story became news due to his exceptional performance at the PhD level, there are other third-class graduates around who proceed to obtain higher academic degrees. I recently met one, and he discussed his academic journey and an unfortunate situation with me.

His third-class bachelor’s degree necessitated his acquisition of a postgraduate diploma (PGD) before he enrolled in a Master’s programme. He received his PhD in 2020.

In addition to his academic qualifications and publications in reputable journals, he is an experienced teacher who once became vice-principal in a public school.

However, his weak first degree has so far blocked his aspiration to lecture at university. Two Nigerian universities have pointed this out to him, making reference to the minimum requirements set by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

The above revelation is akin to being denied admission to higher institutions because of one’s poor grades in primary school. I understand that a first-class or an upper second-class bachelor’s degree is a requirement for the position of graduate assistant in Nigerian universities, but the man’s case is different. Apart from his PGD and master’s degree, he also holds a PhD, the highest academic degree in Nigeria.

If his rejection is genuinely based on the NUC’s standards, the commission must review its standards. Aspiring lecturers’ previous qualifications should be checked only to ascertain a connection to the latest ones. Nonetheless, the grades in the latest qualifications may be considered a testament to the holders’ intellectual capacity.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

To lessen the impact of eliminating the petrol subsidy, the federal government has promised a N5 billion palliative for each of the federation’s states, including the Federal Capital Territory. 

Babagana Zulum, the governor of Borno State, made the announcement to reporters at the State House on Thursday after the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja. The meeting was presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima. 

The governors of the 36 states, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and other government officials who have been coopted make up the council.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assigned portfolios to his recently confirmed ministerial nominees, a document obtained by The Daily Reality shows.

Although the date of their inauguration has not been confirmed, the document has shown that the portfolios are as follows:

1. Yusuf Sununu – Minister of Education

2. Nyesom Wike – FCT

3. Mohammed Badaru – Defence

4. Ahmed Dangiwa – Housing and Urban Development

5. Simon Lalong – Labour and Employment

6. Bosun Tuani – Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy

7. Ishak Salaco – Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management

8. Wale Edun – Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy

9. Bunmi Tunji – Minister of Marine and Blue Economy

10. Adedayo Adelabu- Minister of Power

11. Tunji Alausa – Minister of State, Health and Social Welfare

12. Dele Alake – Minister of Solid Minerals Development

13. Lola Ade-John- Minister of Tourism

14. Adegboyega Oyetola – Minister of Transportation

15. Doris Anite – Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment

16. Uche Nnaji – Minister of Innovation Science and Technology

17. Nkiruka Onyejeocha – Minister of State, Labour and Employment

18. Uju Kennedy – Minister of Women Affairs

19. David Umahi – Minister of Works

20. Festus Keyamo – Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development

21. Abubakar Momoh – Minister of Youth

22. Betta Edu – Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation

23. Ekperikpe Ekpo – Minister of State, Gas Resources

24. Heineken Lokpobiri – Minister of State Petroleum Resources

25. John Enoh- Minister of Sports Development