NLC

By Uzair Adam

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s plan to impose a 5% tax on petroleum products, describing the move as a “reckless act of economic wickedness.”

In a joint statement, TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary General Nuhu Toro warned that the proposal would worsen the hardships already faced by Nigerians, many of whom are still grappling with the impact of fuel subsidy removal, soaring inflation, and the weakening naira.

They accused the government of deliberately compounding the suffering of citizens instead of providing relief, jobs, and economic stability.“Introducing another levy on petroleum products is to cripple businesses and push millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty.”

“Government cannot continue to use Nigerians as sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments. This is unacceptable,” the statement read.

The Federal Government had earlier defended the proposed tax, explaining that it would provide sustainable funding for road projects and help close the country’s infrastructure gaps.

Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, noted that similar measures are already in place in more than 150 countries.

But the TUC has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government to withdraw the plan or face nationwide industrial action.

“The TUC urges the Federal Government to immediately stop this anti-people’s plan in its entirety. “Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to mobilize Nigerian workers and the masses for total nationwide resistance,” the union warned.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning of impending nationwide mass action, citing the crippling cost-of-living crisis, worsening insecurity, and systematic attacks on workers’ rights across the country.

Rising from its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held over the weekend in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the labour body declared that Nigerian workers can no longer remain passive as the nation’s economy falters and democratic foundations erode.

The NLC stated that the hardship endured by workers and the poor has reached “intolerable levels.”

It noted that immediate and decisive action is imperative to prevent a complete national breakdown, positioning the threatened protests as a necessary response to government inaction on these critical issues.

“Immediate action must be taken to avert a national breakdown,” the Congress asserted following the meeting at the June 12 Cultural Centre.

By Uzair Adam 

At this year’s Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja, organised labour unions issued a strong 20-point demand to the Federal Government, calling for urgent measures to address Nigeria’s deepening socio-economic crisis, including rising insecurity and wage stagnation.

In a joint address, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) urged the government to end the widespread killings across the country and implement economic reforms that prioritise the well-being of citizens. 

They also advocated for justice, respect for democratic principles, and transparency in governance.

Themed “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” the event saw the labour centres decry what they described as unconstitutional actions, particularly the suspension of the elected government of Rivers State through a declaration of emergency, which they argued lacked a legal basis.

Other demands included an immediate salary review aligned with the economic situation, clarity on the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) taxation system, and the withdrawal of controversial tax bills before the National Assembly. 

Labour also called for more inclusive policymaking, emphasising that workers must have a seat at the table when critical decisions affecting their welfare are being made.

Details to follow…

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the recent 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs by major service providers, demanding an immediate reversal to the previous rates.

Earlier, the NLC and the Federal Government had established a 10-member committee tasked with reviewing the tariff hike and providing recommendations within two weeks.

However, despite this agreement, telecom companies proceeded with the price adjustments, leading the NLC to issue a March 1 deadline for a total shutdown of their operations if the tariffs are not reversed.

In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja following a Central Working Committee meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, the union accused telecom firms of breaching trust and failing to follow due process by implementing the increase before the committee concluded its review.

The Congress also criticized the government for not taking adequate steps to protect Nigerians from corporate exploitation.

As part of its resistance to the tariff hike, the NLC has directed Nigerian workers and citizens willing to support the cause to boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and Glo every day between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. from February 13 until the end of the month.

“All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, which has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens.

“We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies.If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025,” the statement read.

The NLC also instructed all its state councils to begin immediate awareness campaigns and mobilization efforts among their members and the general public.

Additionally, the Congress called on its affiliate unions to encourage their members nationwide to observe an “electronic silence” during the specified hours.

During the meeting, the union also reviewed the government’s ongoing discussions on Tax Reform Bills.

While acknowledging the necessity of fiscal policy adjustments, the NLC maintained that any new tax policies should ease the financial burden on Nigerian workers rather than worsen their economic challenges.

By Anwar Usman

The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday, said the congress is still struggling to get some state governors to pay the “paltry” sum of N70,000 as minimum wage despite the economic constraints in the country.

Ajaero who complained about the rising cost of food and other amenities in the country said the harsh realities in the country cannot be sugar-coated.

The NLC leaders said this during the 2024 delegates conference of the youth council of the NLC which was held in Abuja.

He said, “ The harsh realities of our country cannot be sugar-coated. We live in a nation where the rich grow fatter on the sweat of the poor, where our youths struggle to find meaningful work, and where the value of labour is often trampled underfoot.“

“A bag of 50kg rice is now sold at N105,000, transport from Abuja to Portharcourt is above N50,000, decent housing has become a mirage while basic healthcare is out of reach as basic social services become elusive even as we have to struggle to get some governors to pay us a paltry N70,000 national minimum wage; the product of a law passed by the state?

“Anyway, this is not a time for lamentation; it is a time for determination. No one will build our nation for us.”

The NLC president emphasized that the future of the trade union movement and the nation lies on the resilience, courage, and vision of youths.

Ajaero also charged youths to remain focused, committed, and united in their pursuit of a better tomorrow.

He assured them that the NLC stands firmly behind them, ready to support, guide, and fight alongside them.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed an indefinite strike across states that have not implemented the 2024 Minimum Wage Act, effective December 1, 2024.

The Daily Reality gathered that the directive came after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, last Friday.

In a communique issued on Sunday, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero highlighted the union’s dissatisfaction with the delay or refusal by certain states to adopt the new minimum wage, viewing it as a violation of workers’ rights.

The strike order will apply to all state councils where the minimum wage remains unimplemented as of November 30, 2024.

The NEC communique expressed concerns over escalating inflation, economic hardships, and rising costs of living, all of which have severely impacted Nigerian workers.

It called for a comprehensive wage review and immediate intervention to ease citizens’ suffering. Additionally, the NLC emphasized the need for reforms in Nigeria’s energy and fuel sectors, including enhanced transparency in fuel pricing and reactivating domestic refineries to stabilize costs.

The communique criticized some state leaders, stating, “This betrayal by certain governors and officials disregards both legality and morality, denying workers their rightful earnings amidst worsening economic hardship.”

To ensure compliance, the NLC has set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee, which will launch campaigns to mobilize workers and citizens against what the union termed an assault on workers’ dignity.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its decision to initiate a nationwide strike.

The strike threat follows allegations that military personnel were deployed to remove workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, a move that has drawn widespread criticism.

In a statement issued on Friday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the alleged military intervention, affirming the congress’s solidarity with NUPENG.

Ajaero warned of escalated actions from NLC if breaches of agreements and the use of security forces in industrial disputes persist.

This stance arises from a protracted dispute between NUPENG and the oil rig’s management, where agreements on employment terms reportedly remain unfulfilled.

Earlier in the week, NUPENG alerted the Federal Government, cautioning against military involvement and urging respect for previously established agreements.

On Thursday, however, a special naval unit allegedly arrived at the Oritsetimeyin rig to forcibly evict workers, prompting NUPENG’s strike warning.

Ajaero decried this development as an affront to worker rights, urging military and government officials to address the issue immediately.

“This unacceptable use of state security forces to intimidate workers undermines democratic values and workplace freedoms,” Ajaero’s statement read.

“The militarization of workplaces only harms our economy and violates the principles of industrial relations.”

NUPENG maintains that the eviction followed workers’ calls for adherence to agreements, including severance benefits discussed during prior meetings mediated by the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The NLC’s statement specifically called out companies Dutchford E&P and Selective Marine Services for failing to honor these commitments.

The NLC is urging the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and other key government figures to intervene and prevent further confrontations, emphasizing that industrial issues should not involve the military.

By Uzair Adam

Organized Labour has expressed concerns that the continuous increase in petrol prices is straining Nigerians’ tolerance, warning that the government may soon face a public reaction to these economic pressures.

The most recent hike, according to Labour, is yet another burden added to an already struggling populace.

Labour emphasized the growing hardship, urging the government to address the simmering discontent among citizens.

It noted that Nigerians’ silence should not be mistaken for acceptance, as persistent economic pain could lead to an unpredictable response.

“Even a goat can bite when pushed to the wall,” a representative cautioned.

In a similar vein, the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Employer’s Federation (CANMPEF) highlighted the broader impact of fuel price hikes on sectors including logistics, production, and household income.

The group warned that, combined with other economic challenges, these increases are eroding purchasing power and stifling growth.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) also added that delays in accessing fuel from Dangote Refinery, despite prior payments to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), are exacerbating supply issues and maintaining high prices.

IPMAN argued that giving marketers direct access to refinery fuel could alleviate some of the price pressures.

Labour leaders have called on the government to reconsider policies affecting essential commodities, warning that patience among citizens is running thin.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the recent hike in fuel prices, and accused the government of deepening poverty and unemployment across the country. 

The NLC expressed its displeasure in a statement titled, “What Next After Increase In Pump Price?” issued on Wednesday by the union’s National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero. 

This reaction followed the latest move by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to increase the fuel price to ₦1030 per litre, just one month after a previous hike to over ₦850 per litre. 

“We are dismayed by the latest increase in the pump price of petrol. It looks like the only thing this government is known for is increase in the pump price of petrol without commensurate capacity of Nigerians or mitigatory measures,” Ajaero stated.

He also criticised the government for failing to provide a comprehensive strategy for economic growth and development, calling instead for a reversal of the price hike. 

Challenging the logic behind the decision, the NLC noted, “Even following the logic of market forces, we find it an aberration that a private company (NNPCL) is the one fixing prices and projecting itself as a hegemonic monopoly.” 

The NLC warned that the price hike would further impoverish Nigerians, increase job losses, and reduce production capacity across industries.

“It will further deepen poverty as production capacities dip, more jobs lost with multidimensional negative effects,” the statement read.

By Uzair Adam

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has expressed confidence that attempts to silence the labour movement will not succeed.

Ajaero, who has recently faced scrutiny from security agencies such as the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), stated that he will respond to a police summons on Wednesday, September 25, 2024.

Addressing workers and union officials in Lagos, Ajaero recounted his recent experiences, including an arrest and detention, which he described as an effort to weaken the labour movement.

Despite these challenges, he urged workers to remain united and resolute.

“On August 29, we answered the state’s summons regarding certain allegations, and on the 25th of this month, we will again comply by attending the police headquarters in Abuja,” Ajaero said.

He revealed that the NLC’s strength is rooted in its integrity and collective determination. “Our hands must remain clean, our hearts pure. Even when they come for us, they will find nothing to use against us.

While they may try to imprison our bodies, they cannot imprison our spirit,” Ajaero stated.

As the NLC prepares for upcoming challenges, Ajaero urged members to stay vigilant and united.

He also expressed gratitude to international trade unions and organizations, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of the UK, for their support during the NLC’s recent struggles.