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Nigerian Resident Doctors announce Nationwide protests, picketing of health institutions starting Wednesday

by Editor
written by Editor

In a determined effort to underscore their demands, the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has unveiled plans for daily nationwide protests and picketing of federal health institutions.

Following a recent virtual assembly of the National Executive Council (E-NEC), Dr. Orji Emeka Innocent, the association’s President, and Dr. Chikezie Kelechi, the Secretary-General, signed an official notice directed to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health. The notice indicated that the protests are scheduled to commence on Wednesday at 10 am.

This development follows an ongoing industrial action by NARD, which prompted the federal government to institute a ‘No work, No pay policy’ just three days ago.

To manage the situation, the Federal Ministry of Health, through a letter endorsed by Dr. Andrew Noah, Director of Hospital Services, has mandated Chief Medical Directors and medical directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals to maintain a monthly attendance register for willing resident doctors.

In response, NARD issued a formal protest notice, outlining their decision to embark on daily peaceful protests and picketing.

The areas of focus include the Federal Ministry of Health, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, and all federal and state tertiary health institutions nationwide, beginning on August 9th, 2023.

In a statement, NARD emphasized the necessity of this action to give weight to their long-neglected demands, expressing disappointment that their repeated ultimatums for the resolution of underlying challenges leading to the industrial action have been met with insufficient efforts by the parent ministry and federal government. They lamented the portrayal of Nigerian resident doctors despite their sacrifices and dedication.

The statement stressed the urgency of shedding light on the decay and corruption plaguing the health sector and the prolonged neglect suffered by public health institutions.

NARD called on the government to address these issues genuinely before August 9th, 2023, in order to avoid further escalation.

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Nigerians resonate their collective resolve in nationwide protest

by Editor
written by Editor

In a resounding display of solidarity, Nigerians from all walks of life joined hands in a massive nationwide protest today to express their outrage at the government’s anti-poor and anti-people policies.

Undeterred by intimidation and blackmail attempts, citizens turned up in large numbers at various protest venues across the country, voicing their demands for change.

Organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), the protest saw a united front of patriots standing up for their rights and demanding to be heard by those in power.

The protest sent a strong and clear signal that the people are the true sovereign and hold the power to effect change. They emphasized the urgent need for the government to provide quick relief measures to mitigate the impact of the recent hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) on the citizens.

However, amidst the collective resolve of the protesters, a court summons was received by the NLC and TUC, accusing them of contempt of court. The leaders warned Nigerians to remain vigilant, as they believe that challenges lie ahead in the fight for the people’s interests and welfare.

As a further show of their determination, all Nigerian workers across public and private sectors announced their decision to appear in court wherever the contempt proceedings are scheduled against the trade union leaders. This move demonstrates their unwavering commitment to protect their nation and decisions.

Following the resounding success of the protest, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, requested a closed-door meeting with the NLC and TUC leadership.

The fruitful engagement resulted in significant progress on key issues, including an immediate restructuring of the framework for engagement in line with labour leaders’ input, a commitment to the revival of the Portharcourt Refinery for production by December, an agreement on the wage award for Nigerian workers, and a roadmap for the adoption of the CNG alternative.

In light of the President’s pledges and commitments, the NLC and TUC have agreed to resume a new and reinvigorated dialogue process to ensure full implementation of the agreements reached.

They expressed gratitude to all Nigerians for their support throughout the protest and urged everyone to remain steadfast in the struggle for freedom from oppression and poverty.

The protest has sent a powerful message to those in power that the people’s voices cannot be silenced. As the nation looks ahead to the government’s response, the NLC and TUC leaders remain hopeful that the desired changes will be achieved to uplift the lives of all citizens and build a united, inclusive nation where no one is left behind.

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Labour Unions to suspend further protest after fruitful meeting with President Tinubu

by Editor
written by Editor

Following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress have decided to suspend further protests.

The meeting, held on Wednesday evening, was led by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and TUC President Comrade Festus Usifo.

The discussions with President Tinubu were described as fruitful and frank, fostering confidence in his commitment to address the concerns presented by the Labor Movement.

As a result, the Labor Leaders have chosen to pursue constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues that affect the welfare of the working people and Nigerians at large.

One of the significant outcomes of the meeting was President Tinubu’s assurance that the Port Harcourt refineries would resume production by December 2023.

This commitment follows the ongoing rehabilitation contract between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and the Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.

President Tinubu used the opportunity to assure the Labour leaders of his dedication to working in the best interest of Nigeria. He urged the unions to collaborate with him in the pursuit of a better and economically vibrant country.

Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President for Special Duties, Communications & Strategy, issued the press statement, highlighting the significance of the meeting and its potential impact on the nation’s Labour landscape.

The decision to suspend further protests indicates a step towards finding common ground between the government and labor unions.

Nigerians now look forward to witnessing the promised revitalization of the Port Harcourt refineries and further progress in addressing issues affecting the working class and the nation’s overall economic growth

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

by Editor
written by Editor

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
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