Labour

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide protests against government’s anti-poor policies.

This came after the Congress convened a critical meeting on Thursday, 27th July 2023, to deliberate on the current socioeconomic challenges faced by Nigerian workers and the masses.

After thorough discussions, the NEC reached a unanimous decision to protest the government’s continuous disregard for the welfare of citizens and its refusal to engage in constructive dialogue.

In line with the Central Working Committee’s (CWC) earlier resolutions, NEC-in-session re-affirmed its support for the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies implemented by the federal government.

According to the Congress, in a communique signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajero, these policies include the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), increased public school fees, the release of the 8-month withheld salary of University lecturers and workers, and the increment in Value Added Tax (VAT).

Furthermore, the NEC demanded the immediate inauguration of the Presidential Steering Committee, as previously agreed upon during dialogues.

Additionally, it called for the creation of a nationwide coalition of all Nigerians, uniting the people to stand collectively against unjust government actions.

To express their outrage at the government’s indifference, the NLC announced the organization of mass protest rallies across the nation. This call to action involves mobilizing civil society organizations, individuals, and other entities to participate actively in demanding the government to address the plight of the people.

Comrade Ajero, emphasized the seriousness of their demands, giving the federal government a seven-day ultimatum to meet their requirements. If their demands are not met within this period, the NLC will initiate a nationwide action beginning on Wednesday, 2nd August 2023.

The NLC expressed disappointment at the government’s lack of preparedness in addressing the impact of the recent PMS price hike. The quality of representation during yesterday’s meeting, hastily called by the government, further demonstrated their unresponsiveness to the issues raised by the NLC.

In response, the NLC has set up strategy committees in all states to coordinate their planned protests effectively. The union called upon all affiliates, state councils, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to join the nationwide protests from 2nd August 2023 to compel the government to reverse its anti-poor and anti-workers policies.

The NLC’s resolute stance sends a clear message to the government about the urgency of addressing the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. As tensions rise, the nation braces for potential mass demonstrations that will undoubtedly put pressure on the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens.

Read the communique in full:

NLC Communique Download

The Kwara State Government has never taken the Organized Labour Movement to court on the basis of confrontation or denial of workers right, the Senior Special Assistant on Labour Matters to the state governor, Comrade Abdulkareem Mumini Onagun has said.

The governor’s aide clarified that the only time that the government approached the court on labour related issues, was when it sought for clarification on the payment of #30,000 new minimum wage to Local Government workers in the state.

The one time frontline labour leader , Onagun made the disclosure while responding to reporters’ questions at the ‘SYMBOL OF CHANGE MEDIA ROUNDTABLE’, held in Ilorin, recently.

Comrade Onagun who expressed displeasure over the unguided insinuation being wrongfully spread across the streets by candidates of opposition political parties that the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration had confrontation with workers , said the state government was only been careful not to interfere with local government money.

He said, as at then, the government want to be very clear about required due process and limitations, not to run foul of the law, when implementing the minimum wage across board, covering all categories of the state workers.

According to him, the state governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq had already agree to the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers at state level, as at then, but only approached the court to know if the state government can pay or the local government councils should be mandated to pay local government workers.

He however disclosed that the issue was amicably resolved, as seeking for clarification on the issue at the court of law by the state government wasn’t done in bad faith.

He noted that the state government had since implemented the new minimum wage for all categories of workers in the state, including the local government staff.

He said, Mallam AbdulRazaq has been a faithful workers’ friendly governor who ensures the wellbeing and welfare of members of the state workforce and consequently, the Organized Labour Movements in the state were happy with the governor’s disposition.

The Senior Special Assistant, therefore urged the opposition parties to desist from misleading the public on issues they know nothing about, instead they should always seek for honest information.

He urged them to stay clear of politics of filthiness and acrimony that could cause malicious injury to the innocent, since politics is not a do or die affair.

NLC declares nationwide protests over govt’s anti-poor policies

Court case: KWSG never had confrontation with labour force, only sought for legal clarifications – SSA Labour