Lalong

By Sabiu Abdullahi

President Bola Tinubu has approved the resignation of Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong.

Lalong, formerly the Plateau State Governor, is set to become the Senator for Plateau South Senatorial District following a successful appeal court ruling on November 7, 2023. 

The resignation came after last week’s Federal Executive Council meeting, as confirmed by a presidential aide.

Lalong, a lawyer and former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, had lost his initial bid for the Senate but secured victory through a Court of Appeal decision. 

His valedictory is expected at the next FEC meeting, as noted by a tweet from a source in President Tinubu’s camp.

However, with no FEC meeting scheduled this week, Lalong’s last appearance as a council member was likely last Wednesday.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have temporarily suspended their nationwide strike following mediation by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. 

The decision, announced after a one-hour meeting, reflects the unions’ trust in Ribadu’s commitment to addressing their concerns without political bias.

The National Deputy President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, clarified that the suspension is temporary, pending the government’s response to their demands. 

The strike, triggered by an alleged assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero during a protest in Imo State, prompted the NSA to apologize for the incident and assure the labour leaders of justice.

While the labour unions find solace in the NSA’s intervention, the organised Private Sector (OPS) criticizes the timing, expressing concerns over potential economic repercussions. 

The nation awaits further developments as the temporary suspension hinges on the government’s actions within the specified timeframe.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The Federal Government and the leadership of the Organised Labour are currently holding a crucial meeting behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 

The meeting could be seen as a last-minute effort by the federal government to prevent the planned nationwide strike called by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, slated for Tuesday. 

It was gathered that the labour delegation led by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, arrived at the Conference Hall of the Permanent Secretary, State House, at 3:15 p.m. 

Among the labour delegation are the Secretary of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, Nuhu Toro, and his counterpart from the NLC, Emma Ugbaja. 

The government team, on the other hand, is led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila. 

Other members of the government team include the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan; the National Security Adviser, NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; the Minister of State, Nkeiruka Onyejecha; the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Beta Edu. 

Also present are some directors from the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 

The Daily Reality will report the result of the emergency meeting to the public.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) jointly declared a nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Tuesday, October 3.

This announcement comes as negotiations continue between the unions and the government, with both parties striving to find common ground. 

In a press conference held in the capital city of Abuja on Tuesday evening, the NLC and TUC called on their state branches to mobilise workers and the public for a series of demonstrations and marches across the nation.

The unions have expressed their concerns regarding the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly workers, following the removal of fuel subsidies. 

It’s worth noting that the NLC had previously initiated a two-day warning strike on September 5th and 6th, seeking to exert pressure on the government to address these pressing issues.

This move sparked ongoing discussions and negotiations aimed at resolving the issues. 

Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Secretary of the NLC, confirmed that the unions are currently conducting their meetings online, demonstrating their commitment to dialogue even as they announce the strike action. 

In response to the strike notice, Mr. Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labour, appealed to the NLC to reconsider their plans.

He reassured the unions that the government is dedicated to addressing their concerns.

Mr. Lalong also highlighted one recent achievement in their negotiations, where the government ordered the release of the head of the Transport Workers Union in the country.

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.