Tag: Mr Ayuba Wabba

Labour Union Seeks Autonomy Of Judiciary, Local Government

NLC, Ayuba Wabba, Judiciary, JUSUN
NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has proposed the independence of the judiciary and local government to build a stable and vibrant democracy.

It believes Nigeria cannot fight the monster of corruption if the autonomy of the judicial and local government was not achieved.

The President of the union Mr Ayuba Wabba, told a gathering in Katsina State that the judicial arm of the government and local government should be granted full autonomy to function, if Nigeria must grow democratically as a nation.

The NLC President made the observation during the opening ceremony of the 3rd National Delegate Conference of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) in Katsina State.

Mr Wabba told the gathering in northwest Nigeria on Friday that he believes that the autonomy will speed up the discharge of timely and appropriate judgement, as well as prosecution.

He also criticised the issue of courts giving conflicting judgement, saying it would put the judiciary in a bad light.

Fight Against Corruption

The labour leader stressed that the NLC would continue to fight against obnoxious policies from some state governments.

He called on the Federal Government not to concentrate the fight against corruption on the centre only, but asked that it should be extended to state and local governments to push grassroots development.

Members of the Judiciary Staff Union at the gathering also expressed their support for the call for the full autonomy of the judicial arm of the government.

They expressed hope that the independence of the judiciary would enable adequate discharge of their responsibilities.

NLC Withdraws Strike Notice Served On 6 Banks

NLC, BanksThe Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has withdrawn the strike notice it served on six commercial banks on June 15 over the mass sacking of workers and redundancy in the banking sector.

The President of the NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba, made this known on Wednesday during a media briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.

He said that it was agreed that all hostilities including the strike notice should be put on hold to await the outcome of a meeting proposed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Mr Wabba explained that the leadership of the NLC had been briefed by its affiliate union, the National Union of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions Employees, on the extent of its engagement with the affected banks on the contentious issues.

He insisted that the banks must follow the labour law when it comes to disengaging the workers.

NLC, FG Resume Talks On Petrol Price Hike

labour-union-Federal-government-meetingThe Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have agreed to set up a 16-man committee to resolve the issues surrounding their disagreement on the recent hike in the pump price of petrol.

This forms the outcome of a meeting between both parties which took place on Wednesday in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in Abuja.

He also announced the constitution of a board for the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency

Present at the meeting were the SGF, Mr Babachir Lawal, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who was a former labour leader.

The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, led the team from labour.

Mr Wabba told reporters that the labour union and the government were working on a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

He promised that labour would continue to engage the government on better working conditions for Nigerian workers

The Minister of Labour and Productivity, who is to chair the 16-man committee, pledged the commitment of the government to addressing the issues that led to the strike.

Governor Oshiomhole also threw his weight behind the Ayuba Wabba-led NLC.

 

The government had earlier insisted that until the NLC called off its strike, there would be no further negotiations after both parties had failed to reach an agreement at their meeting on May 17.

After few days of the strike, the NLC on Sunday called off the indefinite strike it embarked upon to protest the fuel price hike, a condition the Federal Government gave for resumption of talks with labour.

The Federal Government had on May 11 increase the price band of Premium Motor Spirit popularly referred to as petrol from 86.50 Naira to 145 Naira.

Announcing the increase, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, said that the decision was taken to address the scarcity of the product that had lingered for months due to difficulty in getting foreign exchange for importation of the product.

Nigeria’s local refineries have not met the nation’s petrol need, as they produce below their capacity.

After the increase, the labour union described it as insensitive, declaring its readiness to resist the increase.

Days after, the NLC started an indefinite strike aimed at forcing the government to revert to the old price of 86.50 Naira, but the government said the strike was illegal, as it had secured a court injunction stopping the labour union from embarking on the indefinite strike.

Full Text: May Day Speech By President Muhammadu Buhari

SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER – IN – CHIEF, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2016 NATIONAL MAY DAY CELEBRATION HELD AT THE EAGLE SQUARE, ABUJA ON SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2016

Great Nigerian Workers!

Great Nigerian Workers!

I bring you greetings.

It is with great pleasure that I honour the invitation by the two Federations of Trade Unions, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to attend the 2016 National May Day celebrations. As you all know, this is my first outing in this forum which has a long and historical tradition that are noble and progressive. The efforts of all the heroes past who had fought for the workers of all nations to have a ‘voice’ in determining the course and direction of both national and international issues affecting the state of their being, are commemorated today, the first day of May all over the world. Labour remains unarguably an important element in any policy, programme and project propagated for national development.

This year’s celebration is significant in a number of ways. First, it marks the first May Day celebration under the All Progressive Congress (APC) Administration which brought an end to the sixteen (16) years of national squander, bad governance, unbridled corruption and economic woes by the previous administration. Second, it is coming at a time when the whole world is experiencing some form of economic crisis or the other.

For us whose main foreign exchange comes from oil, the global decline in the price of oil has further exacerbated our economic crisis. The resultant effects of this are noticeable in government dwindling resources, reduction in operational capacities of most companies especially in the Oil and Gas Sector, threats of workforce reduction by multinationals and the escalations of volatility amongst others. These developments no doubts, have socio-economic implications for the economy as well as the working class. I therefore appreciate the theme you have chosen for this year’s National May Day celebration – The Working Class and the Quest for Socio – Economic Revival. A quest it is, and the realization of the revival is not farfetched. It only requires reasonable time to remedy the maladministration and put forth a change so desired by all of us.

I make no excuses as this Government of the APC is determined to tackle headlong all socio – economic ills that have troubled our nation and we shall evolve solutions to emerging threats to our well being and the realization of sustainable development as well as growth anchored on equity and social justice.

Development must be sustainable for it to benefit society in general. It is therefore the responsibility of those in the citadels of power to align themselves with the working class who make development possible by generating and sustaining the momentum of positive change. That is why the present Administration has sought and will continue to seek the hands of Labour so that together we can attain the enviable heights of progress in our beloved country.

It is for this very reason that I aspired to become President which the Nigerian people have now made a reality. This Administration shall effect positive Change in the lives of average Nigerians, to ensure that the downtrodden are elevated and most importantly to fight the intense pain of corruption which has enriched the very few to the detriment of the majority of Nigerians who groan under the overwhelming weight of poverty and all the superstructural and infrastructural maladies resulting from corruption.

In this fight against corruption, I need you all to be very willing partners. Fighting corruption in the Public Service in particular, requires the workers to play major roles by cooperating with the Government.

I have listened to the speeches made by both the Presidents of the TUC and NLC. By the speeches, you have without any equivocation affirmed  your faith in the greatness of Nigeria as a nation. The challenges facing Nigeria have been highlighted and I assure you that they shall be accorded due consideration. It is worthy to note that solution to some of those issues and requests are already being considered and would be made public in the near future. The times may be tough, but we Nigerians are by nature resilient and strong and it is that nature that propels us to overcome adversities and still thrive as a nation.

Let us use this National May Day to celebrate the workers and Nigeria as a Nation. There will always be challenges in the life of a man and what defines greatness is the way and manner such challenges are tackled and overcome. I assure you, great Nigerian workers that this Administration is able and willing to constructively handle the challenges.

In so doing, I request your cooperation and understanding, as partners in progress. The need to ensure a conducive atmosphere devoid of incessant industrial actions becomes paramount to ensure no loss of man – days and accordingly promote high productivity which is perquisite for sustainable development based on increased investments, creation of jobs as well as protection of jobs. I further assure you that working together, this Administration protect workers rights and shall promote incentives for great productivity and hence greater prosperity.

Thank you and I wish you all happy May Day celebrations.

God Bless.

 

Unpaid Salaries: Labour To Partner Agencies To Probe Governors

Labour-SalariesOrganised labour unions have threatened to initiate the probe of state governors owing workers salaries despite collecting bailout funds from the Federal Government.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) made the threat to partner with anti-graft agencies to investigate the governors at a conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

They accused the ruling class of amassing wealth at the expense of the Nigerian worker.

The labour union has insisted on pushing for a new minimum wage of 56,000 Naira, even though some states are unable to pay the current national minimum wage of 18,000 Naira.

The demand was made public a week before the celebration of the International Workers’ Day which is also known as Labour Day in some places. It is commonly referred to as May Day in Nigeria.

May Day is an annual celebration of labourers and the working classes. It is promoted by the international labour movement, socialists, communists and anarchists.

Nigerians Celebrate Workers’ Day

Workers' DayNigerian workers are joining their counterparts from all over the world to celebrate the International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day in some places, but commonly referred to as May Day in Nigeria.

The celebration is holding amidst request by labour unions in Nigeria for an increase in the wages of workers.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had on April 27 proposed 56,000 Naira (about $281) as a new minimum wage to the Nigerian Government.

The unions made the proposal at a press conference held in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The President of the NLC, Mr Ayuba Wabba, told reporters that the unions made the formal demand on the proposed national minimum wage to the Federal Government on Tuesday.

The current national minimum wage is 18, 000 Naira.

“I can say now authoritatively that as of yesterday (Tuesday) we made a formal proposal to the Federal Government of 56,000 Naira to be the new minimum wage.

“The demand has been submitted officially to the government and we hope that the tripartite system to look at the review will actually be put set up to look at it.

“Our argument is that, yes, it is true that the economy is not doing well, but the law stated that wages for workers must be reviewed after every five years.

“So, the issue must be looked into by the Federal Government and workers should not be seen as sleeping on their rights,” he said.

May Day is a celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement, socialists, communists and anarchists and occurs every year on.

The date was chosen for International Workers’ Day by the second international, a pan-national organisation of socialist and communist political parties, to commemorate the Hay Market Affair, which occurred in Chicago May 4, 1886.

The 1904 International Socialist Conference in Amsterdam, the sixth conference of the second international, called on “all social democratic party organisations and trade unions of all countries to demonstrate energetically on May 1 for the legal establishment of the 8-hour day, for the class demands of the proletariat, and for universal peace.

Improved Workers’ Welfare Critical To Change Agenda – Dogara

Workers-Yakubu DogaraThe Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, has assured Nigerian workers of the commitment of the House to workers’ welfare.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr Turaki Hassan, Dogara, said that improvement in the condition of workers was critical to the change agenda of the present administration.

“The International Workers’ Day was borne out of the struggle for improved workers’ rights and better working conditions,” he said.

The Speaker drew attention to the ongoing review of obsolete and outdated laws by the House, many of which he said “Would, when amended, make life easier for people who engage in productive activities across the country.

“Workers are the lifeblood of every nation and a well-trained and motivated workforce is vital to our goal of a vibrant, strong, productive and efficient economy.

“A modern, knowledgeable and effective workforce is at the heart of the legislative agenda of the 8th House of Representatives”.

“Today, we honour those silent heroes who brave through tough conditions to deliver their best; from our teachers to our doctors to our civil servants, to our farmers, to our self-employed youths and women, who eke out a living, despite the harsh economic conditions of today.

“For their sake, we shall do all in our power and employ the necessary legislative tools to make a difference in their lives,” he added.

Speaker Dogara also spoke about unemployment, saying that: “Unemployment remains one of greatest threats to both our security and progress. It is said that an idle mind is the devils workshop.

“We hope that the 2016 Budget will be faithfully implemented to kick start the process of national renewal.

“We will ensure that quality job creation is at the centre of any government contracts and international agreements.

“We must invest in the training and retraining of our workers to be the best and to have the necessary tools to compete anywhere in the world.”

The Speaker congratulated the Nigerian Labour Congress, other labour unions and labour leaders for the sacrifices, maturity, partnership and understanding they have exhibited in the conduct of labour relations in Nigeria and wished them happy Labour Day celebrations.

Senate Denies Buying 108 Cars, Puts Figure At 36

Ibrahim-Gobir Senator on Senates purchased carsThe Nigerian Senate has denied purchasing 108 cars for it members, saying only 36 cars were purchased one for each state of the Federation.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Senate Services, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, gave the clarification on Tuesday during a meeting in Abuja.

He told reporters that the Senate decided to purchase only 36 cars which cost about 36.5 million Naira each due to lack of funds.

“I will like to say that the issue that we bought 108 cars is wrong.

“We bought 36 cars and this is because each Senator in each state is either a chairman or a vice chairman and we gave one car to each state to share among themselves as utility car.

“And on the issue of buying cars without appropriation, it is very wrong. This has been appropriated in the 2015 budget and we used what we had in the 2015 budget to by the 36 cars.

“The issue of the cost of the car. The showroom price is 36.5 million Naira and we are surprised. The car we bought is Land Cruiser VSR V8 not V6 and the minimum showroom price is about 31 million Naira and when you put 10 per cent VAT and Tax that will arrive at 36.5 million Naira,” Senator Gobir explained.

Going by the figures given by Senator Gobir the 36 cars cost about 1.3 billion Naira.

There were reports on Monday on the purported purchase of 108 cars by the Senate, with the Nigeria Labour Congress urging the lawmakers to return the cars or face its wrath.

The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba, was quoted by This Day as saying that the purchase of the cars was “wrong and insensitive” in the face of the suffering of the masses.

“We consider as appalling, insensitive and greedy the decision of the Senate to acquire 108 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles (one for each member, except the Senate president) after collecting ‘car loans’ in August last year for the same purpose.

“It is equally morally despicable and shameful that they are doing this after publicly admitting that the standing committees of the Senate are unable to perform their statutory functions due to the paucity of funds,”Mr Wabba said.

Ebola: Health Workers Seek Better Welfare

Ebola
ebola-health-workers

Health workers in Nigeria are seeking protection and better incentives for their colleagues giving treatment for patients with Ebola Virus Disease.

According to the President of the Health Workers Union, Mr Ayuba Wabba, healthcare providers have been worse affected by the outbreak of the disease in West Africa.

The union called for the recruitment of more health workers and better legislature that would guarantee the welfare of the care givers in the front-line of fighting the Ebola scourge.

Mr Wabba was speaking at a forum organised by the National Union of Medical and Health Worker in Nigeria to provide training on how to manage Ebola cases without being infected with the virus.

Apart from the workshop, health workers also believe there is a need for insurance and better legislature.

The National Council on Health had, on Monday, passed a resolution to press for life insurance coverage for health workers handling Ebola cases across the country.

While all health workers are at the risk of contracting the virus, experts believe that those working in laboratories, nurses, laundry and clinical services are at greater risk.

The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives have also threatened industrial action because of discrimination and poor welfare.

Statistics reveals that since the recent outbreak, over 240 health workers have contracted the virus in West Africa. In Nigeria, out of the six deaths recorded, three were health care workers.