In a crucial meeting held in Abuja, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) convened with top government officials and the leadership of the National Assembly in a last-ditch effort to forestall the indefinite nationwide strike slated to commence on Monday, June 3.

This intervention by the National Assembly seeks to bridge the impasse between labour unions and the federal government over the contentious issues of a new national minimum wage and the recent increase in electricity tariffs.

The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, underscored the essence of the meeting, stating, “We are not fighting for a starvation wage but a living wage.”

Ajaero highlighted that the government must recognize the workers as the backbone of the nation. These workers are also relatives and constituents of the lawmakers and ministers present.

He emphasized the urgent need for a wage structure that enables Nigerian workers to meet the escalating cost of living without undue hardship.

Meanwhile, TUC’s leader, Festus Osifo, pointed out the exacerbating economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, particularly over the past year, which have complicated the process of negotiating fair remuneration for workers.

Osifo noted that the dire economic conditions demand immediate and thoughtful responses to prevent further deterioration of workers’ welfare.

The meeting, initiated by the National Assembly, aimed at bringing both sides to a consensus to avoid the impending strike which could cripple economic activities across the nation.

In compliance with an earlier directive of an indefinite nationwide strike by organised Labour, the aviation unions have directed members to withdraw services across airports in Nigeria.

THE WHISTLER had earlier reported that NLC and its counterpart, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), declared an indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, June 3, 2024.

The unions confirmed the strike in a joint statement signed by the General Secretaries National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) Ocheme Aba; Air Transport Services Senior Staff Aassociation of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) Frances Akinjole; Secretary General Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP) Olayinka Abioye and General Secretary the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAPE) Olayinka Abioye.

The statement reads, “In compliance with the directive from our labour leaders, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria-we hereby inform the general public, aviation service providers, airline operators, aviation businesses and all aviation workers nationwide that starting from 0000hrs of June 3, 2024, all services at all Nigerian airports shall be fully withdrawn till further notice.

“Being not oblivious of the fact that many international flights to Nigeria are already airborne, the strike action will commence at international terminals on 4th of June, 2024.

“All aviation workers should recognize the seriousness of this struggle and comply unfailingly. All Branch officers of our unions shall ensure full compliance at all airports.”

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has said that military coups cannot take place without the assistance of politicians and civilians.

Abdulsalami stated this in an interview with Sun Newspaper on Sunday. He noted that it is the political field that allows any military man to take over power.

In his words: “You see, whatever happens, it must be the political field that allows any military man to take over. When you are in government and there is no equity and justice, certainly this brings problem.

MAY DAY: Labour gives FG May 31 deadline on Minimum Wage0:00 / 1:00
“You have a political party and even in the political party one belongs to, there is no democracy. So, certainly, you will expect some quivers, some quarrels to come out and if they are not handled amicably, certainly, this will result to military takeover.

“Remember there is no military man that takes over without the connivance and assistance of politicians and civilians”.

The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara (CUSTECH) Bringing the numbers of rescued students to 30.

Recall 32 students were abducted inside the school premises early last month while preparing for the commencement of their exams. Four of the abducted students were first rescued, followed by another 16, and two students who escaped on his own, before the latest 8 that were rescued.

Two of the abducted students were however killed last week by the abductors following the state government decision not to pay ransom for the victims, but rather embarked on ‘kinetic and non kinetic” onslaught against the kidnappers.

This latest development was revealed on Sunday in a statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo.

“The Kogi State Government has announced the rescue of the remaining eight kidnapped students of Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara.

“The Governor has directed full support towards the recovery of the students and their parents, while modalities are being put in place to make Kogi safer for all.

“The Government of Kogi State expresses profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the mobilization of resources to ensure the rescue of the kidnapped students.

“We also thank the National Security Adviser immensely for his commitment to the release of the students and the general security of the State.

“The Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff, the Chief of Air Staff, the Director General of DSS, the Inspector General of Police and all the officers and men of the Armed Forces that put in their best as well as the Pilots, did a wonderful job to support us in reuniting the kidnapped students with their families.

“The Kogi State Command of all the security agencies, Police, DSS, NSCDC and our local hunters are also highly appreciated for their efforts towards this feat.

“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo also expresses immense gratitude to his Kwara State counterpart, Governor AbdulRahmam AbdulRazak for his personal commitment, cooperation and support towards the success of the operation that led to the rescue of the remaining kidnapped students.

“The Kwara State Governor showed the reason he is effectively leading the Nigerian Governors Forum. His actions have also reinforced the Kogi/Kwara cooperation and unity of purpose.

“Now that the remaining students have been rescued, our administration will continue the drive to recalibrate our security architecture and pay an uncompromising attention to the Safe School Initiative.

“As the State with the lowest out of school children in the North, we have put structures in place to keep our schools safe to ensure every child is not deprived of his or her right to education.

“Kogi has domesticated the Child Rights Act and we will defend the right of our children to quality education. In Kogi State, education is free up to the Secondary School level.

“We also pay the registration fees for our students to write all internal and external examinations with a budgetary allocation that is way above the UNESCO benchmark for education. We do all of these to educate our children and make them responsible contributors to the economy of Nigeria.

“We urge our citizens to always volunteer intelligence to security agencies to enable them to prevent crime. This is safer, cheaper and better for us all.

“All of us must come together to defeat banditry, kidnapping and any form of criminality in our society.”

The Federal Workers Forum (FWF) has announced its complete endorsement of the indefinite nationwide industrial action declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), set to begin on Monday.

The NLC and TUC have vowed to commence an indefinite strike Monday to protest against the government’s failure to conclude and pass into law a new National Minimum Wage Act and reverse the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kWh.

The workers’ forum gave its full backing to the industrial action in a communique issued at the end of an online meeting of federal workers nationwide on Saturday and released to the media on Sunday.

Titled ‘President Tinubu: pay up three months wage award arrears, federal workers will ensure full compliance with the indefinite national strike, resign now if you cannot pay a living wage, don't plunge Nigeria into chaos,’ the communique was signed by its National Coordinator (FWF), Comrade Andrew Emelieze.

Describing the disposition of the government towards the workers as very disappointing, the forum said: "It is obvious government is playing games on the new national minimum wage, this is truly very mindless and most insensitive."

The communique reads in part "We the federal workers are particularly surprised that the federal government is treating us this way. As the federal workforce and the engine room of governance, if truly government cares; federal workers should not be passing through the hardship and ordeal we are currently subjected to.

"As patriotic citizens, the federal workers have tried coping with the situation but it has been very difficult surviving the harsh economy orchestrated by the unilateral removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Prices of goods and services have increased by over 300%. Our national currency has been badly devalued. Federal workers now find it very difficult to feed and survive in Nigeria.

"Most unfortunately, government has stopped the payment of the ₦35,000 wage award in the month of February to the federal workers. It is shameful that government now owes the federal government workers three months’ wage award. Government is also owing several arrears of allowances, promotion arrears and several other monies owed the federal workers.”

The forum, however, declared that federal workers “cannot continue suffering unnecessarily, we have endured this hardship enough”.

It said, "The federal government should pay up three months wage award and other arrears of payment owed the federal workers.

"That the federal government is not permitted to borrow any amount from our contributory pension fund.

"We are in total support of the indefinite national strike action called by labour. Federal workers should ensure full compliance and complete shutdown of all federal government secretariats nationwide.

"That Mr President and any state governor who cannot pay a living wage should resign.

"That if after five working days from the commencement of the indefinite strike, and government is not bulging, labour should lead the workers to occupy the three arms zone and state government houses nationwide.

"We call for solidarity and support from the Nigerian people."

Members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) have initiated the mobilization of their members in preparation for the nationwide protest declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

This was contained in a press statement issued on Saturday by Comrade M. J Akwashiki, JUSUN General Secretary and obtained by SaharaReporters.

The statement reads: “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 midnight on Sunday nationwide, so all branches /chapters chairmen and secretaries of JUSUN are expected to ensure strict compliance to 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 (a) Agree on a new national minimum wage and subsequently pass it into law before the end of this month as they were notified (b). Reverse the hike in electricity tariff without consulting the stakeholders as required by the Law to N225/kwh back to N66/kwh. (C) Stop the apartheid categorization of Nigerian electricity consumers into bands.”

SaharaReporters had reported how the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared a nationwide strike beginning from Monday, June 3, 2024 over the tripartite committee’s inability to agree on a new minimum wage.

The President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, had announced the strike at a joint news conference with the leadership of the NLC in Abuja on Friday.

According to the labour leaders, the decision follows the expiration of an earlier request to the Federal Government to conclude all negotiations for a new minimum wage before the end of May.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has once again warned Nigerians against the use of dichlorvos (sniper) and other dangerous chemicals to safeguard food from spoilage.

The agency said that the use of sniper and other dangerous chemicals for food preservation can cause cancer and even death.

According to NAFDAC, the sale of small volume dichlorvos (100 ml or less) has been banned since 2019 while the sale of the large volume (one litre) is limited to certified agrochemicals outlets.

The warning is in response to a viral video showing individuals using dangerous chemicals to preserve food items like beans, stockfish, and crayfish.

The misuse of dichlorvos, NAFDAC said, poses significant risks to human health, manifesting in both short-term and long-term consequences. The agency explained that the long-term exposure can result in severe health implications, including developmental abnormalities in offspring, memory loss, reduced fertility, and potential carcinogenic effects. These adverse effects, it said, highlight the importance of adhering to safety guidelines to mitigate the risks associated with dichlorvos exposure.

In a statement on Sunday by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, the Director General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, urged traders and merchants to desist from using unauthorized chemicals on food meant for human consumption.

Adeyeye emphasized alternative methods for preserving food, mentioning the use of bio-pesticides as a safer option compared to dichlorvos. She noted that food remaining unspoiled for an extended period might indicate pesticide contamination rather than freshness, unless stored in the refrigerator.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers due to bans on various chemicals, she stressed the importance of transitioning to safer alternatives.

The Director of Veterinary Medicine and Applied Products (VMAP), Dr. Rametu Momodu, reiterated that using certain chemicals, especially pesticides, to protect grains and prevent beans from having weevils is not an approved practice. She explained that there are approved pesticides for use as fumigants, which should be used according to the manufacturer’s specifications on the product label. She stressed that these products should not be applied directly to food due to their inherent dangers to human health.

Momodu stated that consuming food contaminated with dichlorvos can cause dizziness, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, and convulsions, and in some cases, can lead to coma and death. She warned that once used, pesticide residues remain on or in the food, posing significant health risks.

She advised consumers to avoid buying from vendors known to use such practices and to report them to the nearest NAFDAC office for appropriate sanctions.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the sum of N494,000 national minimum wage being demanded by organized labour, which cumulatively amounts to the sum of N9.5tn, is capable of destabilizing the economy and jeopardizing the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians.

Idris stated this in Abuja in response to the threat by the organized labor to embark on strike if their demands were not met.

He said the offer of N60,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government, which translates to a 100 per cent increase on the existing minimum wage of 2019, has been accepted by the organized private sector, which is a member of the tripartite committee of the negotiations team.

“The Federal Government’s New Minimum Wage proposal amounts to a 100 per cent increase on the existing minimum wage 2019. Labour, however, wanted N494,000, which would increase by 1,547 per cent on the existing wage.

“The sum of N494,000 national minimum wage which Labour is seeking would cumulatively amount to the sum N9.5tn bill to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“Nigerians need to understand that whereas the FG is desirous of ample remuneration for Nigerian workers, what is most critical is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not encourage any action that could lead to massive job loss, especially in the private sector, who may not be able to pay the wage demanded by the Organised Labour,” he said.

The Minister said even though Labour is keen on the take-home pay of about 1.2 million workers, the Federal Government is concerned with the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians based on its Guiding Principle of Affordability, Sustainability, and the overall health of the nation’s economy.

Idris appealed to the Organised Labour to return to the negotiating table and embrace reasonable and realistic wages for their members.

He said because of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the welfare of workers, the wage award of N35,000 for Federal workers would continue until a new national minimum wage is introduced.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stated that democracy’s survival hinges on adherence to the rule of law and that Nigeria needs good governance rather than a change in its system of governance.

Speaking at the 30th anniversary celebration of Yusuf Ali & Co (Ghalib Chambers) in Ilọrin on Saturday, Shettima addressed calls for a switch to parliamentary system.

Shettima said, “Democracy can only survive by adherence to rule of law and quality of governance, not by parliamentary system as being canvassed by some people.”

According to him, many nations have collapsed due to lack of access to truth and justice.

“Many nations that collapsed did so because of lack of access to truth and justice; their access to justice was frustrated and denied,” he said.

The vice president added, “President Bola Tinubu never influenced the electoral process and we (presidency) never used instruments of office to hunt or hound perceived opponents standing trial.”

On his part, the former Minister of Works, Raji Fashola (SAN), recalled Nigeria’s past experience with the parliamentary system.

He questioned its failure and the country’s readiness to address those reasons now.

“Let’s think deeply about why the parliamentary system failed us and have we overcome those reasons?” Fashola urged.

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said on Saturday that Nigeria was becoming more volatile, uncertain and complex.

He added that insecurity had made the country a dangerous place, filled with so much suffering and hunger.

For him, the leadership has to wake up to its responsibilities in other to create a better world for all Nigerians.

He said these in Lagos at the Africa Methodist Council Heads of Conference Summit and Women’s Movement Leadership Summit, where he was the Chairman of the public lecture.

The lecture’s topic, presented by the General Secretary, World Methodist Council, Bishop Ivan Abrahams, was, ‘Leadership in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous World’.

Obasanjo, giving his opening remarks asked that Nigerian leaders must re-evaluate the world.

“How do we re-evaluate the world? That is what I believe we have to do in our re-evaluating the world. What do we do? Jesus Christ himself told us that in this world, we would have trouble.

“I will give you two points. Wake up! We need a new generation of leaders; moral leaders, transformational leaders, and servant leaders.

“This new generation of leaders will lead by showing love and leading the re-evaluation and transformation,” he said.

Speaking further, he said, “Nigeria as it is now is volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous and dangerous.

“We have resources in Africa; we have 70 per cent of the world’s copper. Japan has no mineral resources. Singapore is even worse. No resources!

“But, whatever resources we have, if we are devoid of leadership, it won’t get us anywhere. That is why leadership in Africa is very important.

“We can’t create an Africa of hope, prosperity, devoid of oppression and one of security, peace and where leaders have vision, knowledge and understanding this way.”

He also noted that the late South African freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, and Preacher, Desmond Tutu, advised him to contest the presidency for the second time.

He said, “When I came out of prison, and there was pressure mounting on me to take the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, the only place I went outside Nigeria was South Africa. I went to seek advice from Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.

“Nelson said, ‘Olu, whatever your instinct tells you, do it.’ Tutu said, ‘If your people want you to serve, serve and stop making excuses’.

“I came back home and decided to make myself available and contest for the presidency of Nigeria.

“I found out that the years I spent in prison were advantageous to me in serving as president when I was elected.

“We can get good out of bad. That also happened to Nelson Mandela.

“When we get good leaders, let’s make maximum use of them because good leaders don’t flog. When you get one in a generation, make good use of them.  Let’s learn the right lesson from them.

“We cannot make the world less volatile, simple or unambiguous unless we have the right type of leaders. We are talking about leaders that take examples of Jesus Christ and become like him.”

Responding to a question during the question and answer session, Obasanjo said the removal of History from the nation’s educational curriculum was a huge disaster.

He said, “I don’t know where we got the idea that we shouldn’t teach history in our school. It is a stupid idea.

“It is like losing one’s memory. It will be a disaster. I don’t know where we got it from. Some people feel there is an aspect of the history we don’t want to hear.

“There are always the bad and the good even in your own life. As you may know, I am a proprietor of a school, and in my school, we must teach History, and it must be taught the right way. You can then decide to take whatever you want to take out of it.

“There is no race in the world that has suffered like the black race, through slavery, slave trade and colonialism.

“In America, some people are now teaching that the slave trade was not a true story – that the white and the black went to the Caribbean in search of greener pastures.

“We were shipped there as slaves. If we allow that to go, we will be enslaved again, and we must not allow that to go.

“I have given myself the task of working with some people to keep the slave trade alive in our history. We must not allow anyone to say the slave trade is not a true story and we must keep it on the front burner.”

Speaking further, the former President said finding crude oil in Nigeria was the beginning of the country’s misfortune.

He said, “One of the things that was a little bit of misfortune in Nigeria is crude oil. We were drinking and sleeping oil, and it was a misfortune for us. It made us to abandon agriculture. Oil is a waste asset. Agriculture is renewable. We have to go back to it.

“We have to give something to our youths who are becoming restive, frustrated and dangerous.

“If we are going to curb that, it is giving them education, skills, empowerment and employment. If we don’t, they will soon come to attack us in our homes in the daytime, and it is a matter of time.

“Even food, we don’t produce enough. We spend over $20bn to import food. 60 per cent of arable land is not cultivated. The one cultivated is not used to maximum capacity. We need leaders who will lead us to the promised land.”

Advising up-and-coming politicians, he said it was a pity most politicians took politics as a profession without any backup plan.

He said, “Politicians are a different kettle of fish. They have to be in the world and be to some extent of the world.

“You must not be a professional politician. Politics is one profession you go into without any training. You can wake up today and say you are a politician.

“If you are going to be a successful politician you must have an alternative to being a politician, another means of livelihood

“When I was President, because I had to listen to my party and they wanted to push me in the way I should not go, I always told them, ‘Look! My farm is there. Take your job. I go back to my farm.’

“Some politicians have no second address. That is a great pity. A politician who has no second address will stand for anything. He has no principle, morality, dos and don’ts.”