NLC

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.

By Uzair Adam

The Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for Civil Servants met on Friday to discuss the new minimum wage template and concluded that the effective date for implementation would be July 29, 2024.

This decision was outlined in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) issued after the meeting in Abuja, which was seen by our correspondent.

The Committee, led by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, also recommended that the wage award, which had been discontinued by the government, should be paid up to July 28, 2024.

In explaining the decision, the Committee noted that the government considered the country’s economic situation before finalizing these recommendations.

The MOU stated the need for the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to create appropriate salary templates for other salary structures.

It further stated that the Federal Government should take measures to alleviate the challenges faced by workers due to the recent increase in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), including considering tax waivers and other incentives.

However, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have criticized the decision to backdate the implementation of the new minimum wage. Benson Upah, Head of Information for the NLC, described the move as unfair and unacceptable.

Timmy Etim, the National Vice President of the TUC, expressed disappointment.

He recalled that the Minister of State for Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, had promised workers on May Day that the new minimum wage would take effect from May 1, 2024, and said it was unfair for the government to change that commitment.

“The government should have stayed true to its word. Deviating from May is already questionable, but backdating it to July is particularly unfair given the economic challenges,” Etim stated.

By Uzair Adam

The Federal Government has dismissed accusations of human rights violations following the recent arrest of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Ajaero was detained at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, while on his way to the United Kingdom to attend a conference of the UK Trade Union Congress (TUC).

In response to concerns raised by the UK TUC and other international bodies, the Federal Government, through a statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, stated that no individual, including the NLC president, is above the law.

According to the government, Ajaero had failed to honor an invitation from a law enforcement agency, which led to his detention.

The government clarified that the arrest was part of an ongoing investigation, stressing that the action was not connected to Ajaero’s position within the labor movement.

Onanuga further compared the situation to high-profile investigations in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, where even prominent figures such as Donald Trump and Hunter Biden have been subject to legal scrutiny.

Meanwhile, Ajaero, who was released late on Monday, confirmed that his international passport and mobile phones were returned by the DSS.

The secret police also clarified that their presence at the Abuja office of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) was part of an investigation and not an invasion.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the government’s actions, describing them as oppressive and reminiscent of military dictatorships.

However, the DSS denied allegations of harassment, stating that its agents were simply conducting routine inquiries.

The Nigerian Labour Congress continues to monitor the situation closely, reiterating the need for justice and protecting the rights of workers.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a deadline of midnight on Monday to unconditionally release its president, Joe Ajaero.

Failure to do so, the NLC warns, will lead to serious repercussions.In a statement signed by NLC Deputy President Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the union revealed that an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday at 9 AM to determine further actions if Ajaero remains in detention.

The NLC condemned the arrest of Ajaero at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while en route to the United Kingdom to attend a Trade Union Congress meeting.

The union labeled his detention illegal and described it as an attempt to intimidate and silence the labor movement.

The Congress also urged its affiliates and the general populace to be on alert, calling the arrest an attack on the rights of all workers and citizens.

The NLC further demanded the reversal of the petrol price hike and immediate implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.

The NEC meeting is expected to address the situation and announce decisive actions if the government fails to release Ajaero by the stipulated deadline.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Joe Ajaero, the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Ajaero was reportedly about to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official assignment when operatives of the DSS picked him up.

Although details of the arrest and the reasons are still sketchy, the report, citing sources, sources said Ajaero has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

According to sources, Ajaero was billed to attend the conference of Trade Union Congresses in the UK holding today.

By Anwar Usman 

The president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, said their position on N250,000 as the new national minimum wage still stands. 

While the Federal Government and Organised Private Sector agreed on N62,000, labour is insisting on N250,000. 

President Bola Tinubu had said he needed time to take counsel from other stakeholders before sending the bill for the new minimum wage to the National Assembly. 

While speaking with State House correspondents after he and other labour leaders met with President Tinubu on Thursday, Ajaero said labour leaders went for discussion, not negotiation. 

“In reality, it wasn’t a negotiation but a discussion; and we have had that discussion. We agreed to look at the real terms probably and reconvene in the next one week. So, that’s where we are. Because we didn’t go down there to talk naira and kobo. At least, there were some basic issues that we agreed on.” 

When asked if Labour is still insisting on N250,000, he said, “I remember mentioning that we didn’t go into Naira and kobo discussion. Now the status quo in terms of the amount N250,000 and N62,000 remains until we finish this conversation.” 

Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Festus Osifo, said they discussed, and after explaining their position, the President also made his remarks. 

He said, “In the meeting, we tried to put the issues on the table. Issues that are bothering and biting Nigerians today, the economic difficulties and the value of naira, how it has also eroded, how these have affected the prices commodities and goods in the market.” 

“We tried to put these before the President because he is the president of the country and the bulk stops at his table. We have had all the conversations with all his agents, but today, we said let us meet with the father of the nation the and have this conversation and make the argument that Labour always make, we made all the arguments, the economic analysis, macro, micro, fiscal and monetary issues. 

“So, we put everything forward and in the end, the president made his remark as the president and we all agreed let’s go back, we internalize it, we have some conversation and by one we time, we will come back and we will continue the meeting.” 

On her side, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said, “It is a fruitful meeting, father, children meeting. I think we are hopeful that very soon everything will be resolved. Of course, when father and children talk you know what it is.That’s just exactly what has happened. It took us almost about an hour. I believe that it’s all for good.”