The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has lifted its ban on onboarding new customers imposed on five prominent fintech startups: Paga, OPay, Kuda, Palmpay, and Moniepoint with immediate effect
Opay in a statement on Monday through its official X handle announced that the apex bank has lifted the ban.
“We are thrilled to announce that the Central Bank of Nigeria has given OPay
the thumbs up to resume onboarding new users,” Opay stated.
This is coming after the expiration of a May 31 deadline given to the fintechs to meet Know Your Customer, KYC, and other regulatory requirements.
The governor of CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, had, at the end of the 295th Monetary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting, hinted that the ban on four fintech banks will be lifted soon.
Cardoso added that the central bank did not revoke any fintech banks’ licenses.
The development comes after CBN on April 30 restricted the four banks from onboarding new customers over allegations of being used for illicit foreign exchange transactions.
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has reacted to reports that soldiers had surrounded the venue of its meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SFG, George Akume.
Labour via its official Twitter handle now X Platform, warned that any attempt to intimidate its leaders will worsen the situation.
“Any attempt to intimidate, provoke or blackmail our leaders at the negotiation table would worsen the issue and further prolong our action indefinitely. Our leaders are acting in accordance with the directives of our organs. Viva! Organized labour. Viva! Working people of Nigeria”, Labour said on it handle.
Vanguard had reported how SFG, George Akume, summoned the leadership of the Organised Labour for a meeting.
Though the source did not reveal the reason for the meeting, it won’t be unconnected with the minimum wage and ongoing strike across the country.
Edo North senator, Adams Oshiomhole, on Sunday declared that the All Progressives Congress, APC, will return to power at the end of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure in November.
Oshiomhole said Edo State will rise again starting November 12 when APC governorship candidate, Monday Okpebholo, succeeds Obaseki.
He spoke at the new APC secretariat on Ikpokpan Road, off Boundary-Sapele Road in Benin, while welcoming a PDP chieftain, Nosa Adams, along with thousands of PDP members into APC.
According to Oshiomhole: “We will work very hard to ensure the defeat of PDP, Labour Party, and the 13 other participating political parties in Edo.
“APC will return to governance of Edo State on November 12, 2024, when the second tenure of PDP’s Godwin Obaseki will expire.
“Okpebholo, a grassroots politician, will re-ignite the engines of growth and development in this great Edo State, without speaking big grammar, consultancy or memoranda of understanding.
“We need a governor who can do, not a governor who can talk. Okpebholo, the incoming governor, will work very hard for Edo residents.
“The way to keep a political party together is to respect the elders. I am very excited with the transparent manner in which Nosa Adams meticulously identified and presented the defecting members of the executive at the ward and local government levels in Egor LGA of Edo State. No PDP member is left in Egor LGA.”
….Say intnl wing has 24-hr window
Following the industrial action declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, over the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000, hundreds of passengers have been left stranded at Murtala Muhammed Airport.
MMA2 and General Aviation Terminal, GAT, otherwise known as MMA1, of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, had been locked as early as 6.30a.m.
The aviation unions had locked the gates leading to the airport building leaving passengers outside, although flights are ongoing at the international terminal of the airport.
Secretary General of the National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE, who spoke to Vanguard, said: “GAT and MMA2 which are the domestic terminals of airports in Lagos are under lock and key based on the directive of the NLC and TUC. Aviation workers have called a strike in the domestic terminals.
“It will extend to the international terminals by tomorrow. The international airport has a 24-hour window. Nothing is being disturbed there today. As long as the directives from NLC and TUC remains, the strike action would continue.”
[Vanguard]
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it has revoked the licence of Heritage Bank Plc with immediate effect.
The regulator said the decision followed the bank’s inability to improve its financial performance.
The apex bank announced the revocation in a statement on Monday signed by Hakama Ali, its acting director, corporate communications.
The CBN said the move is in accordance with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and in exercise of its powers under section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020.
“This action has become necessary due to the bank’s breach of Section 12 (1) of BOFIA, 2020,” the statement reads.
“The Board and Management of the bank have not been able to improve the bank’s financial performance, a situation which constitutes a threat to financial stability.
“This follows a period during which the CBN engaged with the bank and prescribed various supervisory steps intended to stem the decline.”
The CBN said Heritage Bank has not improved and “has no reasonable prospects of recovery”, thereby making the revocation of the licence the next necessary step.
“Consequently, the CBN has taken this action to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and ensure that the soundness of our financial system is not impaired,” the further statement reads.
“The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is hereby appointed as the Liquidator of the bank in accordance with Section 12 (2) of BOFIA, 2020.
“We wish to assure the public that the Nigerian financial system remains on a solid footing.”
The CBN noted that the revocation reflects its continued dedication to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and soundness of Nigeria’s financial system.
[TheCable]
The Federal Government has admonished workers to refrain from partaking in the indefinite nationwide strike declared by the Labour Union.
It warned that any worker who joins the industrial action risks six months jail term.
In a statement on Sunday, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said there is a subsisting valid court injunction restraining the Labour Union from embarking on any strike.
Fagbemi also noted that Section 18 of the Trade Disputes Act mandates a worker employed in any essential services to give their employer 15 days notice before ceasing their services and any who did not comply would be liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment for six months.
He said the fundamental importance of the 15-day notice is underscored by the fact that Sections 41 and 42(1)(b) of the Act criminalize non-compliance with the provision.
He noted that the federal government had been engaging stakeholders in the tripartite committee to determine a new national minimum wage and had not declared an end to negotiation.
The AGF further noted that the proposed strike is a violation of an order of the National Industrial Court and ongoing mediators’ settlement efforts to resolve the minimum wage impasse.
“You are further invited to recall the pendency of the interim injunctive order granted on 5th June 2023 in suit no: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 — FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF NIGERIA & ANOR VV. NIGERIAN LABOUR CONGRESS & ANOR, which order restrained both Nigeria Labour Congress und Trade Union Congress from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature,” he said.
“While the government assures that it would continue to adopt a conciliatory approach to resolving matters pertaining to workers and citizens welfare in the spirit of collective bargaining, I would like to urge you to kindly reconsider the declaration of strike action and return to the ongoing negotiation meetings, which has been adjourned to a date to be communicated to parties.
“This would be a more civil and patriotic approach and will enable your Congress pursue its cause within the ambit of the law and avoid foisting
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has urged Nigerians not give out their hard-earned money or properties regardless of intimidation by police officers.
Egbetokun made this statement in Abuja at the force headquarters during a meeting with key officers responsible for the internal control mechanisms of the police.
According to the IGP, his leadership of the police would bridge the trust deficit between the force and members of the public.
Egbetokun called for a prompt dispensation of justice against erring police officers and the implementation of measures to curb unprofessionalism
“Over the years, we have observed that the conduct of some personnel significantly deviated from the expectations of the force leadership,” the IGP said.
“Officers who are supposed to uphold the value of integrity and upon whom society places high moral expectations are frequently seen breaching the trust placed in them by the public.
“At this junction, I want to emphasize that while we continue to implement internal measures to curb acts of extortion and other vices, the citizens must join hands with us.
“I urge the public never to succumb to intimidation or part with their hard-earned money or properties unjustly,” he added.
The police boss urged Nigerians to report infractions committed by police officers to the appropriate authorities.
He also directed the senior officers to make necessary recommendations for personnel who demonstrate acts of courage, integrity, and humanity.
[Newspot]
With a landslide victory on Sunday, Claudia Sheinbaum became Mexico’s first female president, creating history in a nation rife with gender-based and criminal violence.
Celebrating the triumph of the ruling party candidate, supporters waving flags in Mexico City’s main square danced and sang along to mariachi music.
“I want to thank millions of Mexican women and men who decided to vote for us on this historic day,” Sheinbaum told the cheering crowd.
“I won’t fail you,” the 61-year-old former Mexico City mayor vowed.
She thanked her main opposition rival Xochitl Galvez, who conceded defeat.
Sheinbaum, a scientist by training, won around 58-60 percent of votes, according to preliminary official results from the National Electoral Institute, which estimated turnout at 60 percent.
That was more than 30 percentage points ahead of Galvez, and some 50 percentage points ahead of the only man running, long-shot centrist Jorge Alvarez Maynez.
Voters had flocked to polling stations across the Latin American nation, despite sporadic violence in areas terrorized by ultra-violent drug cartels.
Thousands of troops were deployed to protect voters, following a particularly bloody electoral process that has seen more than two dozen aspiring local politicians murdered.
“Our society is violent, sexist, misogynistic and Dr. Sheinbaum as president will really be able to help change not only the laws but society,” said Lol-Kin Castaneda, 48, who waited late into the night to hear the winner speak.
“Mexico can’t stand any more violence,” she added.
– ‘Transformation’ –
Women going to the polls had cheered the prospect of their favored candidate breaking the highest political glass ceiling in a country where around 10 women or girls are murdered every day.
“A female president will be a transformation for this country, and we hope that she does more for women,” said Clemencia Hernandez, a 55-year-old cleaner in Mexico City.
“Many women are subjugated by their partners. They’re not allowed to leave home to work,” she said.
Daniela Perez, 30, said that having a woman president would be “something historic,” even though neither of the two main candidates was “totally feminist” in her view.
“We’ll have to see their positions on improving women’s rights, resolving the issue of femicides,” added the logistics company manager.
Nearly 100 million people were registered to vote in the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking country, home to 129 million people.
Sheinbaum owes much of her popularity to outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a fellow leftist and mentor who has an approval rating of more than 60 percent but is only allowed to serve one term.
Lopez Obrador congratulated his ally with “all my affection and respect.”
As well as being the first woman to lead Mexico, “she is also the president with possibly the most votes obtained in the history of our country,” he said.
After casting her ballot, Sheinbaum revealed she had not voted for herself but for a 93-year-old veteran leftist, Ifigenia Martinez, in recognition of her struggle.
– ‘Hugs not bullets’ –
In a nation where politics, crime and corruption are closely entangled, drug cartels went to extreme lengths to ensure that their preferred candidates win.
Hours before polls opened, a local candidate was murdered in a violent western state, authorities said, joining at least 25 other political hopefuls killed this election season, according to official figures.
In the central Mexican state of Puebla, two people died after unknown persons attacked polling stations to steal papers, a local government security source told AFP.
Voting was suspended in two municipalities in the southern state of Chiapas because of violence.
Sheinbaum has pledged to continue the outgoing president’s controversial “hugs not bullets” strategy of tackling crime at its roots.
Galvez had vowed a tougher approach to cartel-related violence, declaring “hugs for criminals are over.”
More than 450,000 people have been murdered and tens of thousands have gone missing since the government deployed the army to fight drug trafficking in 2006.
The next president will also have to manage delicate relations with the neighboring United States, in particular the vexed issues of cross-border drug smuggling and migration.
As well as choosing a new president, Mexicans voted for members of Congress, several state governors and myriad local officials — a total of more than 20,000 positions.
[OpinionNigeria]
The Nigerian Labour Congress has ordered Nigerian workers to remain at home as the Nationwide strike commences today June 3.
The NLC made this known in a post shared on its X handle this morning June 3.
The decision of the Organised Labour to continue with its nationwide strike followed the deadlock meeting it had with the Federal Government and the National Assembly leaders over a new national minimum wage and reversal of the recent hike in electricity tariffs.
The labour unions argue that the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 can no longer cater to the wellbeing of an average Nigerian worker, lamenting that not all governors are paying the current wage award which expired in April 2024, five years after the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The Act should be reviewed every five years to meet up with contemporary economic demands of workers.
Labour later handed the Federal Government a May 31 deadline for the a new minimum wage. On May 31, the Labour union declared a nationwide strike beginning from Monday, June 3, 2024 over the government committee’s inability to agree on a new minimum wage and reversal of electricity tariff hike.
During the failed talks with the government, Labour rejected three government’s offers, the latest being N60,000. Both the TUC and the NLC subsequently pulled out of negotiations, insisting on ₦497,000 as the new minimum wage.
The Police in Anambra State says it has deployed its operatives to strategic parts of the state to ensure that any attempt to enforce the strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is thwarted.
A press release by the spokesperson of the state command, SP Tochukwu stated that the command stands with the federal government which has declared the strike as illegal, and will stop at nothing to thwart its enforcement, including any attempt by unscrupulous elements to hijack the enforcement and cause breach of peace.
Ikenga in the release said: “The Federal Government has declared the planned strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress as illegal and premature.
“The Anambra State Police Command reiterates the command’s commitment to enforce the legal recommendations and calls for caution to prevent a breach of public safety and peace.
“Police operatives have been deployed to different strategic areas, and tasked with the responsibility against any miscreants using the opportunity to cause any breach of public safety and peace in the state.
“The Command understands the right of organized labour to engage in such actions to advocate for the interests of all workers, but noted the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities.
“To this end, the command encourages the good people of the state to go about their lawful businesses and be law-abiding, vigilant, and security-conscious.”
The command called on residents of the state to use their helplines to report any security-related incident for prompt response.
“The ‘npf rescue me app’ is also available for free download on both Android and Apple IOS, for Android and iPhone users respectively,” the command said.
More...
![[PRESS RELEASE] Grid Shut Down : Union Deliberately Shut Down the National Grid](/media/k2/items/cache/41e1fc3914c7a1acbf76146860bb7927_XS.jpg)
The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby informs the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in black out nationwide. The national grid shut down occured at about 2.19am this morning, 3rd June 2024.
At about 1:15am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff that resisted were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Center was brought to zero.
Other transmission substations that were shut down, by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union.
On the power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants, the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down on very high frequency. The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19am.
At about 3.23am, however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. The situation is such that the labour Union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide.
We will continue to make effort to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide.
Ndidi Mbah
GM, Public Affairs
Electricity workers have shut down the National Grid as the strike action called by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress began at midnight.
Checks on grid data posted by the Independent System Operator showed that generation at midnight was 2,805.59 megawatts but dropped gradually to 28 MW at 6 a.m. on Monday with only Ibom Power on the grid.
Reacting to the situation, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, disclosed that workers unions chased away its workers.
A statement by TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah read: “TCN hereby informs the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in blackout nationwide. The national grid shutdown occurred at about 2.19 a.m. this morning, June 3, 2024.
“At about 1:15am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff that resisted were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room, and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Centre was brought to zero.
“Other transmission substations that were shut down by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba, and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union.
“On the power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants; the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units, while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down at very high frequency. The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19 a.m.
“At about 3.23am, however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. The situation is such that the labour union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide.
“We will continue to make efforts to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide,” she added.
42.6% higher than the preceding year
Poverty and staggering debt remain the albatross on the shoulders of the federal government, 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the 774 Local Government Areas, despite sharing a whopping N17.9 trillion as the cumulative Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue under President Bola Tinubu.
The figure, which is the highest by the Nigerian government in history, represents a 42.6 per cent surge when compared to N12.56 trillion it was a year earlier.
The increase sprang from the removal of petrol subsidy which freed more funds for monthly FAAC payouts.
The revelation came from a recent FAAC report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Widening poverty
Regardless of the higher monthly subvention, a report from the World Bank indicates that Nigeria’s poverty rate rose from 40 percent in 2018 to 46 percent in December 2023. It means that the number of poor people increased from 79 million to 104 million.
According to the report, more people have fallen below the poverty line due to sluggish economic growth and rising inflation.
“Sluggish growth and rising inflation have increased the poverty rate from 40 percent in 2018 to 46 percent in 2023, pushing an additional 24 million people below the national poverty line,” the World Bank said.
The report added that the number of poor people in urban areas (more exposed to inflation) increased from 13 million to 20 million, while the number of poor people in rural areas rose to 84 million from 67 million within the same period.
The worst five states in poverty headcount rate for 2019, according to Statista are; Sokoto, 87.73%, Taraba, 87.72%, Jigawa, 97.02, Ebonyi, 79.76% and Adamawa, 75.41%
The lowest five states are; Lagos, 4.5%, Delta, 6%, Osun 8.5%, Ogun 9.3% and Oyo, 9.8%
Analysts say the figures have not improved because the factors responsible for the worsening poverty, like terrorism, climate change crisis, lack of farm input, inflation and others, are yet to abate.
The World Bank, however, predicted a silver lining, explaining that the increase in poverty rate will be undone by the recent reforms of President Bola Tinubu from 2024 onward, reversing the rise to 44 percent in 2026.
High sovereign debt
Figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO) show that Nigeria’s total public debt stock as of December 31, 2023, was N97. 34 trillion or $108.229 billion.
Sub-national domestic debt stood at N5.863 trillion, while external debt stock was $4.61 billion.
Topping the debtor list is Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub, had an external debt of $1.24 billion in 2023. However, this figure is slightly less than the $1.25 billion in 2022. The slight decline is likely due to a dependance on more domestic debt, which is about N1.05 trillion. Following closely is Kaduna State, which has an external debt of $587.07 million in 2023, climbing from $573.74 million in the previous year. Also exposed to offshore lenders is Edo State with external debt jumping to $314.45 million in 2023 from $261.15 million in 2022.
Highest and lowest FAAC receivers
An analysis by the whistler shows that Delta, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Lagos and Kano states got the highest FAAC allocation under Tinubu.
On the flip side, Gombe, Ekiti, Ogun and Cross-River States for the lowest.
Despite the fatter monthly FAAC income, there are genuine concerns as 15 Nigerian states have yet to implement the N30,000 minimum wage for their workers since it was signed into law in 2019.
Considering the humongous funds available to states, the organized labour is insisting on a monthly minimum wage of about N600,000 as millions of Nigerians battle multi-dimensional poverty.
According to BudgiT, even though 15 states are yet to implement the minimum wage of N30,000, the 36 states of the federation grew their cumulative personnel cost by 13.44 per cent to N1.75 trillion in 2022 from N1.54 trillion in 2021.
Also, these states grew their overhead bills by 23.42 per cent to N1.24 trillion in 2022.
Under the current administration Delta, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Lagos and Kano states got the highest FAAC revenue during the period.
However, at the end of the 10 months of February 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Lagos and Kano states received the highest revenue.
Further breakdown showed that Delta state despite being the state with the most allocation in both periods, saw a decline of 3.77 per cent to N326.64 billion as against N339.44 billion it got under Buhari.
Rivers, which is the second state with the highest allocation under Tinubu, dropped by 0.88 per cent to N261.48 billion against the N263.79 billion which it got under Buhari.
Experts preach frugality
Experts have pushed for more frugal management of resources across the three tiers of government so that the gains of good governance can cascade down to all nooks and crannies of the society.
The Director General, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) Muda Yusuf, said it was disheartening that development at the sub-national level has remained appalling, calling on governors to look beyond the state capital to develop the rural areas where the bulk of the citizens reside.
He said: “It’s not nice that poverty has continued to ravage the citizens despite higher FAAC disbursements.
“The additional revenue should be spent on projects that positively impact the lives of the people.
“It’s not about governors building flyovers at state capitals and neglecting many parts of their states.
“Look at what your citizens are predominantly engaged in. Are they farmers, fishermen, traders and so on? You invest in what they do so you make the state more inclusive, not just building airports, flyovers etc.
“Corruption is a major issue actually. The more money available, the more the corruption component of it.
“People should be made accountable. A system carrying too many parasites cannot grow.
The citizens should demand accountability and not just lament and go to bed after voting”, he said.
Minimum Wage: Fuel, health, schools, courts, banks, others to be grounded as labour strike begins today
AFOLABI
Fuel distribution, health, bank and other essential services nationwide will be shut from today as organised labour begins an indefinite strike over minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariff.
But the Federal Government in a swift reaction yesterday, warned the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, to shelve the proposed indefinite strike, saying it was premature and illegal.
This is even as the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, among others, last night failed in their effort to stop the proposed strike, after a marathon meeting with NLC president, Joe Ajaero, and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo.
However, as part of the mobilization for the strike, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has directed the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, and other senior staff associations to ensure total compliance.
Earlier, Nigeria Labour Congress’ affiliates, including the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, and other critical sector unions had written to their members to ensure total compliance.
Recall that the two labour centres had Friday, announced an indefinite nationwide strike from today over the government’s failure to conclude a new national minimum wage and reverse the recent hike in electricity tariff.
NLC and TUC leaders had on Workers Day’s celebrations, given the Federal Government’s May 31 deadline to conclude the negotiations on a new national minimum wage or risk nationwide industrial unrest.
The tripartite committee on a new national minimum wage set up by the government failed to agree on a new national minimum wage after about four meetings.
Labour leaders had walked out of the meetings thrice after rejecting government and the organised private sector’s, OPS, offers.
The last walkout was Friday, which incidentally was the deadline labour gave the government to conclude a new minimum wage as the old minimum wage of N30,000 signed into law by former President Muhammad Buhari on April 18, 2019, expired on April 18, 2024.
Earlier on Friday, May 31, organised labour negotiators had walkout of the meeting for the third time over refusal by the government to make a new offer beyond N60,000.
It was gathered that the negotiations hit a brick wall when the government and the organized private sector, OPS, remained adamant on the N60,000 offers, they made earlier on Tuesday.
Organised labour’s negotiating team had Tuesday, May 28, for the second time in two weeks, walked out of the committee meeting after the Federal Government increased its offer marginally to N60,000 from the N57,000 it offered on Wednesday, May 22.
The labour negotiating team had on May 15, walked out of the tripartite committee meeting after the government offered N48,000 and the organised private sector, OPS, offered N54,000, against labour’s offer of N615,000.
TUC directives
Ahead of today’s commencement of the strike, TUC directed PENGASSAN, ASSBIFI, ASCSN and other senior staff associations to fully participate in the nationwide strike.
Acting Secretary of TUC, Hassan Anka Secretary- General, said: “We convey compliments from the TUC, particularly the President, Festus Osifo, and write to direct all state councils to commence mobilization for an indefinite strike effective Monday, June 3, 2024. Today’s (Friday May 31) meeting was unfruitful as the government further demonstrated unseriousness towards the demands of Nigerian workers and people.
“The six governors that are members of the tripartite committee were absent, except the ministers of state for labour and employment who acts as a conciliator. Sadly, she had no mandate to make any commitment.
‘’Therefore, you are hereby directed to jointly work together with your sister labour center to carry out this important action.”
In the build-up to the strike, PENGASSAN has informed all its officers across the country, including Lagos, that the strike was compulsory.
A notice by the Public Relations Officer, PRO, Lagos Zone of PENGASSAN, Juliana Adenike, said: “Concerning the planned withdrawal of service from all of our offices on Monday, June 3, 2024, there must be strict compliance. It is your responsibility to ensure no entry and exit in your offices by any of our members.”
According to the notice, all executives at every level of leadership of PENGASSAN “are to wear red or any PENGASSAN attire,” adding.
‘’Mount your entrances and ensure 100 per cent compliance with the above directive. There will be a joint task force TUC/NLC going around to ascertain full compliance. Any company in default will be penalized.
More critical unions to join
Meanwhile, more critical unions affiliated with the NLC have joined the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, among others have pledged total compliance.
Teachers
In a circular to all its officers across the country, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Secretary General, Dr. Mike Ene, said: “This is to inform all national standing committee members, state chairmen and state secretaries that consequent upon the inability of the federal government to yield to the demand for a living wage by organized labour for Nigerian workers, an indefinite nationwide strike has been jointly declared by the NLC/TUC with effect from the midnight of Sunday, June 2, 2024.
“Given this, you are requested to sensitize and mobilize our members to fully join the strike and ensure that on no condition should any school be allowed to open from Monday, June 3, 2024 till further notice.
“The national leadership will not entertain any excuse for failure from any state, so, strict compliance is required because NUT particularly has a stake in the struggle.
NAPPS opts out, urges dialogue, peaceful resolution
But the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS, opted out of the strike and called for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the face-off between organised labour and government.
The body in a statement signed last night by Chief Yomi Otubela, National President, Comrade Augustine Ajibade, National Secretary, and Pastor Gabriel Igbinejesu, National Publicity Secretary, said: “The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS, Nigeria, is aware of the directive regarding the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, scheduled to commence on June 3, 2024.
“While NAPPS Nigeria identifies with the struggles of the NLC/TUC to improve the living conditions of workers in affiliated organisations, it is important that we prioritize the well-being of our nation and work towards a peaceful resolution that benefits the workers, the economy, and the overall social fabric of Nigeria.
“In light of this, NAPPS Nigeria issues the following directives and information: Advice to embrace constructive dialogue and negotiation, rather than resorting to industrial action. We encourage both the federal government and the Nigeria Labour Congress to further engage in constructive dialogue, negotiation, and mediation to find a mutually acceptable solution. NAPPS is willing to offer its support and expertise in facilitating the negotiation process to ensure a fair and sustainable resolution for all parties involved.
“Non-participation in the strike: Our esteemed members are enjoined not to participate in the indefinite strike by NLC/TUC commencing on Monday, June 3, 2024. A strike would disrupt the education sector, affecting both students and teachers. Continued stability in the education system is crucial for the growth and development of our nation.’’
Medical, health workers
Also, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, M&HWUN, in a circular, said: “Sequel to the declaration of a nationwide indefinite strike by the organized labour over federal government’s apparent unseriousness and failure to reverse the satanic increment of electricity tariff and conclude negotiation for a living wage for Nigeria workers, I wish to request you to immediately commence intense mobilization of our members’ for a total shut down of all the health facilities in the country, commencing from 00.01 hours, June 3, 2024, in compliance with the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Consequently, the state councils’ leadership are equally requested to collaborate with organized labour in their state to ensure water-tight compliance and monitoring of the strike, as any form of sabotage shall not be acceptable.
“Also, pictorials of your level of compliance should be posted on the national secretariat platform for further necessary action please.’’
ASUU’ll participate, CONUA undecided
Similarly, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, said they would participate in the nationwide strike.
However, a rival academic staff union in the university system, the Congress of University Academics, CONUA, has yet to take any position on the matter.
Presidents of the unions, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke of ASUU, and Dr Niyi Sunmonu of CONUA, made their positions known yesterday while speaking with Vanguard.
Osodeke said: “ASUU is an affiliate of NLC, hence ASUU will participate in any action of NLC.”
Sunmonu, on his part stated: “We are following the development and I have called an emergency meeting of the congress for later this evening. There, we will appraise the situation and decide on what to do next. “
Also speaking in a chat, the Chairman of ASUU in the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Prof. Kayode Adebayo, explained that the NLC and the government had till midnight on Sunday to resolve the issue.
“One cannot say the matter is totally closed now. The NLC and the government have up till midnight to negotiate, one cannot say anything positive can come out of such.
‘’If by that time, they agreed, there may be no need for any strike, but if the logjam remains, all affiliates of NLC would join, “he said.
SSANU
On its part, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, in a circular by Kingsley Okayi, Senior Assistant General Secretary, said: “We bring you warm and fraternal greetings from the national secretariat of our great union.
“In line with the letter from the NLC which we are an affiliate, I am directed by the President to request that you comply with the information by directing all SSANU members to liaise with their NLC state chapters to ensure a comprehensive closure of workplace with effect from Monday, June 3, 2024, until further notice.
“You are also to liaise with your national pice president and report the progress of the industrial action to the national secretariat regularly.”
Civil service union
Similarly, the Nigeria Civil Service Union, NCSU, in a notice by its leadership, said: “Fraternal and solidarity greetings from the national leadership of our great union.
“The national leadership is, hereby, directing all state chapters to comply with the directive of organized labour declared nationwide indefinite strike which is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024,
“This is in furtherance to the directives of organized labour, comprising both NLC and TUC, due to a deadlock at the meeting of the negotiation committee on the new national minimum wage. Please, adhere to this directive and make the nationwide strike total and successful.”
AUPCTRE
Also, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, AUPCTRE, among others, said: “Your council, committee and organ is hereby directed to mobilize our members to join the nationwide strike that will commence on Monday the 3rd of June, 2024 to press home our demands on the reversal of the hike in Electricity Tariff and the inconclusive National Minimum wage negotiation.”
Judiciary workers
In the same vein, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, in a statement by its Acting General Secretary, Moses Akwashiki, said: “Following a declaration of industrial action by NLC and TUC, beginning from Monday 3rd June 2024 due to the inability of government to conclude the negotiation of the new National Minimum Wage and refusal to reverse the increase in electricity tariff, I am directed to inform you to commence mobilisation ahead of the action.
“The action will start at midnight on Sunday nationwide, so all branches /chapter chairmen and secretaries of JUSUN are expected to ensure strict compliance with this directive
“All vice presidents of our great unions are to monitor their respective zones to ensure compliance with the total shut down of all Courts and Judicial Institutes across Nigeria
“Note that the nationwide action is to ensure governments agree to a new national minimum wage and subsequently pass it into law before the end of May as they were notified, reverse the hike in electricity tariff without consulting the stakeholders as required by the Law to N225/kwh back to N66/kWh and stop the apartheid categorization of Nigerian electricity consumers into Bands.”
Railway workers
Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, NUR, in a circular, by its Secretary General, Igbokwe Francis, said: “As directed by the NLC, we write to inform you of the commencement of a Nationwide strike beginning from 12 midnight, Monday 3rd of June 2024.
“This is sequel to the insensitivity of the Federal Government of Nigeria to agree on a new national minimum wage to be passed into law as directed by the organized Labour before the last day of May 2024 as notified, plus their refusal to reverse electricity to the old tariff of N66/kwh instead of the criminally new N225/kwh inter alia the categorization of Nigerian electricity into bands.
“Consequently, we advise Management to ensure that all critical equipment and properties of the corporation are well protected.”
NUJ
In a circular to its national officers, state chairmen and secretaries, the National Secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Achike Chude, said: “This circular serves to inform all the national officers, zonal vice presidents, and council executives in all the states of our country and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, that in solidarity with the NLC/TUC, following labour’s indefinite strike declaration from midnight of Sunday, June 2, 2024, NUJ is expected to fully participate in the strike.
This action has become inevitable, following the inability of the government to yield to the demand for a living wage for Nigerian workers.
‘’All officers, state, and national, are thus expected to help mobilize and sensitize members and participate where necessary towards the success of this action.”
Meanwhile, organized labour yesterday urged workers nationwide to be wary of the antics of the government and fully participate in the strike because it is about their wellbeing and survival.
One of the labour leaders who spoke on a purported government’s claims that there was a subsisting court order preventing NLC and TUC from embarking on strike, said: “It is an old antic of the federal government. There is no court order anywhere.
‘’What the government is parading or circulating is an injunction got since last year that has lost relevance, even since last year. We can’t be intimidated by those antics. We are talking about statutory minimum wage.
‘’Sometimes, some of these government officers need to think over issues before making the jaundiced views public. It is unfortunate that in Nigeria, once one is appointed to a public office, he or she finds it easy to say what he or she would not have said outside the government.
‘’Well, we are going ahead with the strike until we sign an agreement. The Minimum Wage Act expired on April 18, 2024. We are fighting for a new Act. We are not lawbreakers.’’
Your proposed strike premature, illegal, FG warns NLC, TUC
Reacting to the proposed indefinite strike yesterday, the federal government warned NLC and TUC to shelve their plan to commence the strike billed to start today.
The government in a statement issued by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, described the proposed industrial action as “premature, ineffectual and illegal.”
It stressed that the agitation for the increase of the minimum wage of workers in the country was currently being addressed, insisting that the labour unions failed to fulfil the condition precedents that would enable them to embark on strike.
The AGF in a letter addressed to the two labour unions, noted that the Federal Government and other stakeholders involved in the tripartite committee on determination of a new national minimum wage had not declared an end to the negotiation.
He argued that because the federal and state governments were not the only employers to be bound by a new national minimum wage, it was therefore “vital to balance the interest and capacity of all employers of labour in the country (inclusive of Organized Private Sector) in order to determine a minimum wage for the generality of the working population.”
Besides, the AGF noted that an order of the National Industrial Court, NIC, which barred the two labour unions from embarking on any form of strike was still extant as it had not been set aside.
He, therefore, urged the unions to reconsider their proposed strike and return to the negotiation table.
Suspend nationwide strike, Senate, Reps beg NLC, TUC
Also yesterday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, APC, Niger East, wrote the President, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, and his Trade Union Congress, TUC, counterpart, Festus Osifo, appealing to them to suspend the declared strike.
According to him, suspending the proposed strike will allow room for what he described as continued negotiations as well as demonstrate a collective commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian workforce and the prosperity of the country.
In the letter dated June 2, Senator Musa urged them to explore every possible avenue for dialogue and negotiation to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, adding that the progress of the nation hinged on the ability to work together, especially during critical times.
The letter read: “I write to you in my capacity as chairman of the Senate committee on finance to address the imminent threat and declaration of strike action scheduled to commence on Monday due to the ongoing wages negotiations stalemate.
“First and foremost, I want to express our profound respect and understanding of the critical role that the NLC and TUC play in advocating for the welfare and rights of Nigerian workers.
‘’Your dedication to this cause is truly commendable and pivotal in shaping the progress and prosperity of our nation.
“We are acutely aware of the challenges faced by the workforce, and it is within this context that I appeal to you to consider the broader implications of the planned strike action. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with his Renewed Hope agenda, is steadfast in his commitment to repositioning the status of the workforce for the better.
‘’His vision is to strengthen, revamp, and revitalise Nigeria’s economy, infrastructure, and development across all sectors.
“The ongoing negotiations are a testament to the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and find sustainable solutions that will benefit all stakeholders.
‘’We recognise that the process has been arduous and, at times, fraught with frustrations. However, I urge you to consider the potential disruptions and setbacks that a strike could inflict on our collective efforts to move the nation forward.
“In light of this, I humbly appeal to the leadership of the NLC and TUC to suspend the declared strike action. Let us explore every possible avenue for dialogue and negotiation to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. The progress of our nation hinges on our ability to work together, especially during these critical times.
“By postponing the strike, we allow room for continued negotiations, demonstrating our collective commitment to the wellbeing of the Nigerian workforce and the prosperity of our nation.
‘’We remain hopeful that through constructive dialogue, we can address and resolve the issues at hand in a manner that honours the interests of all parties involved.
“Thank you for your understanding, and I am confident that together, we can forge a path that ensures both the welfare of our workers and the advancement of Nigeria.”
Similarly, in a statement signed by Yemi Adaramodu and Akin Rotimi, spokespersons of Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, the National Assembly said the federal government and organised labour had “tenable” positions on the issue of minimum wage.
“Given this, the National Assembly leadership and chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment, and Productivity, respectively, Senator Diket Plang and Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.
“The 10th National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.
“We further urge all stakeholders to remain patient and cooperative as we work diligently to find a mutually acceptable resolution in the best interest of the country.”
However, at press time last night, the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, and speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were still locked in a marathon meeting to convince organised labour to suspend the strike.
National Minimum Wage Act 2019 has expired — Falana, SAN
Reacting to the development last night, human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, said: ‘’Pursuant to the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 the the national minimum wage was fixed at N30,000. By virtue of section 3(4) of the Act 2019 the national minimum wage :expires after five years, and it shall be reviewed in line with the provisions of this Act.
“Since the commencement date of the Act was the 18th day of April 2019, the national minimum wage of N30,000 has since expired. Hence, the Minister of State, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced during the last May Day rally in Abuja that the new national minimum wage would take effect on May 1, 2024.
‘’Following the removal of fuel subsidy last year, the Federal Government announced an additional N35,000 wage award (wage subsidy) for six months, starting from September 1, 2023.
‘’During the 6 months, the total monthly wage payable to a worker was N65,000. In the same vein, the various state governments awarded various sums as wage subsidies to their workers. Both Lagos State and Edo State Governments have since announced a minimum wage of N70,000.
‘’Curiously, the federal government turned around to offer a minimum wage of N48,000. Hence, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have embarked on an indefinite strike due to the failure of the federal government and other employers of employment to pay a realistic new minimum wage to Nigerian workers.
‘’However, it has been reported that the leaders of the National Assembly have intervened in the planned strike. ’The National Assembly should, therefore, pass speedily a new National Minimum Wage Act like the new National Anthem Act that was enacted within 48 hours, last week,’’ he said.