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  • NLC, TUC to Tinubu: Reverse emergency rule

    NLC, TUC to Tinubu: Reverse emergency rule

    ABUJA — THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC,  have condemned the recent declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of elected officers.

    The two labour centres said the action of the President blatantly violated the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constituted an overreach of executive power.

    Consequently, they demanded the immediate reversal of what they described as “unconstitutional state of emergency” in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers.

    A statement issued by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and his TUC counterpart, Comrade Festus Osifo, warned that Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.

    The statement partly read: “The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, unequivocally condemn Mr. President’s hasty and unconstitutional declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

    “This action blatantly violates the provisions of Part II, Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and constitutes an overreach of executive power.

    “The purported suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly is not only unlawful but a direct assault on democracy.

    “It sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments.

    “No democratic society can thrive where elected leaders are arbitrarily removed at the whims of the President. This reckless move should deeply concern every reasonable governor and citizen who believes in the rule of law.

    “We, therefore, call on Mr. President to revoke this unconstitutional declaration in compliance with Section 305(6) of the Constitution, which clearly outlines the legal process for declaring and sustaining a state of emergency.”

    They contended that the President, as the custodian of the nation’s executive powers, must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion.

    The said any decision that jeopardizes national security, economic stability, and democratic governance must be reconsidered.

    According to the statement: “Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and we cannot afford to repeat such mistakes.

    “Beyond the political and legal implications, this unjustified state of emergency will have severe socio-economic repercussions on workers and the masses. It will disrupt economic activities, forcing businesses to shut down or scale back operations;

    “Lead to job losses, wage cuts, and economic hardship for thousands of workers in both the formal and informal sectors;

    “Create an atmosphere of uncertainty, discouraging investment and slowing economic growth in Rivers State and beyond;

    “Expose citizens to security risks, as history has shown that politically motivated states of emergency often escalate rather than resolve crises.

    “Accordingly,  the  Labour movement will not remain silent while the livelihoods of workers and the well-being of ordinary Nigerians are threatened by political machinations.

    “Given his storied background in political struggle, we urge Mr. President not to betray his democratic credentials by engaging in actions reminiscent of military-era authoritarianism.

    “Leadership demands wisdom, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to democratic principles.

    “We demand the immediate reversal of this unconstitutional state of emergency in the interest of democracy, economic stability, and the welfare of Nigerian workers. Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.”

  • Regularise employment of workers earning N10,000 monthly salary, NLC tells Gov Eno

    Regularise employment of workers earning N10,000 monthly salary, NLC tells Gov Eno

    UYO – NIGERIA Labour Congress (NLC) has urged Governor Umo Eno to fulfill his promise to regularise the employment of several casual workers engaged by Akwa Ibom State Government who currently labour for the state on a monthly N10,000 pittance.

    The appeal was contained in a communique released weekend from NLC Akwa Ibom chapter First Quarter State Executive Council (SEC) Meeting held in Uyo where organised labour also accused Provost of Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, of overstaying his tenure and stirring labour crisis at the institution.

    In the communique signs by Elder Sunny James, State Chairman and Alpha Marshall, Secretary, NLC Akwa Ibom reminded Governor Eno on, “His promise to Organized Labour to regularise the appointment of the temporary workers in the Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs) which some of them are still earning as little as N10,000 a month as earlier submitted to the Government for considerations.”

    On looming workers unrest at the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, NLC State Council, “observed with great disappointment the unfortunate interference of Prof Udo, Provost, in Union activities in the School. The College Staff Handbook stipulates that a ‘Provost shall be appointed for a five (5) year single term and no more’.

    “Congress is worried that the tenure of the Provost had elapsed since October, 2024 considering his appointment on 17th October, 2019. The implication therefore is that all communications signed by him after last October had been rendered illegal, null and void in the prevailing circumstances and are hereby expected to be discarded.”

    NLC however lauded the governor for successful “successfully implementing a New Minimum Wage of N80,000.00 in the State by paying same in January, 2025 salary, with November and December 2024 arrears.

    “SEC-in-Session also commends the Governor for the release of funds for payment of 7.5% Contributory Pension Refunds expected to be in tranches starting January 2025 to the beneficiaries which money was due since 2013.

    “SEC further appreciates the Governor for initiating the Staff Verification Exercise with attendant benefits to both the State
    Government and the Organized Labour.

    “We urge every worker in the State who have been adversely affected by the exercise to count their gains in their updated service records, employment vacancies that would be created and also encourages the Committee to ensure speedy completion of the exercise on workers yet to receive their January salaries.”

    NLC believes the vacancies expected to be created by the state workers verification exercise, preempting exposure and displacement of ghost workers, should afford the governor the window to employ more workers with priority given to regularising the engagement of the state’s numerous casual workers.

    Meanwhile Governor Eno in a directive to the Elder Effiong Essien, State Head of Civil Service, has ordered immediate payment of workers whose February salaries have been withheld due to delay posed by the State workers verification exercise.

  • Nigerian newspapers review: NLC fumes, gives March 1 alert to shut telecoms services

    Nigerian newspapers review: NLC fumes, gives March 1 alert to shut telecoms services

    In today’s Nigerian newspapers review program, Today in the News, Vanguard leads with a report on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issuing an alert on its plan to shut down telecoms services on March 1, 2025, due to the 50 per cent tariff hike.

    Another headline says Ibadan Polytechnic has begun investigating the alleged gas poisoning of 10 students.

    Also, one headline has the story of the Federal Government considering banning trucks with 60,000 litres capacity to forestall tanker explosions.

    Switching over to other Nigerian newspapers, The Guardian leads with a headline that says importers divert cargo to Togo, others to evade tariff hike.

    Next is The Punch which leads with a story on the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and others tackling APC national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, for saying Tinubu would serve a second term in office.

    Finally, The Nation’s top story looks at the rumbling in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the 2027 elections.

    TodayPriceNG

  • Telecoms tariff hike: NLC fumes, gives March 1 alert to shut telecoms services

    Telecoms tariff hike: NLC fumes, gives March 1 alert to shut telecoms services

    LAGOS — The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has expressed outrage over the hike in tariffs by telecommunications companies, despite an earlier agreement reached with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and demanded immediate reversal of the increase to avoid unpleasant consequences.

    However, the operators are not taking any of NLC’s threats, warning that labour’s actions would amount to a treasonable felony.

    Recall that the Federal Government and NLC had about two weeks ago, emerged from a meeting convened by the former to see how the price hike could be reduced from the proposed 50 %.

    A 10-man committee, comprising five members from each of the two parties, was constituted and given two weeks to further deliberate on the issue before a decision was taken.

    The two-week deadline given to the committee ends this week but some of the telecommunications companies have already effected a hike of 50% hike in data.

    According to NLC, “if the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025.”

    To show its seriousness, the labour movement declared that as a first step in resisting the arbitrary tariff hike, it directed that from Thursday, February 13, 2025, (today) workers and other willing citizens should boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, with effect from Thursday, February 11 till end of February 2025.

    Leaders of the NLC in a communique at the end of a Central Working Committee, CWC, meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, urged workers and citizens to suspend purchase of data from the telecommunications companies.

    The communique, signed by the President and General Secretary of Congress, Joe Ajaero, and Emma Ugboaja, respectively, directed state councils and industrial union affiliates to commence immediate sensitization and mobilization of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions.

    The communique read: “The CWC of the NLC was convened in Lokoja, Kogi State, on February 11, 2025, to deliberate on pressing national issues, including the 50 per cent telecommunications tariff hike, the proposed Tax Reform Bills, and to roll out the Compressed Natural Gas, CNG-powered buses for the North Central zone of Nigeria.

    Related News
    NLC demands reversal of telecom tariff hike, threatens shutdown
    MTN data: Reps ask FG to halt impending hike in telecom tariffs
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    Tariff hike

    “The CWC received with grave concern the news that telecommunications companies have commenced implementation of a 50 per cent tariff hike on February 11, despite an earlier agreement reached with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC. “It was recalled that a 10-man committee had been constituted to deliberate on the matter within two weeks and report back before any final decision would be made on the new telecom tariff structure.

    “The CWC strongly condemns this action by the telecommunications companies, describing it as a betrayal of trust, an affront to the principles of negotiation, and a direct slap on the government and its institutions and a disdain for Nigerian people.

    “CWC-in-session believes that this is a further demonstration of regulatory capture and impotence in the midst of corporate onslaught and the continuing abandonment of workers and masses to corporate fat cats by the government.
    “This unwarranted and premature tariff hike demands an immediate response from our collective resolve since the government clearly favours the rich against the people.

    Resolutions

    “The CWC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, which took effect on February 11, and insists that the companies revert to the previous tariff until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement.

    “As a first step in resisting this arbitrary tariff hike, the CWC has directed that, beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, (today), Nigerian workers and other willing citizens shall boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm until the end of February 2025.

    “All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of data from these companies. We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies.

    “If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025.

    “All NLC state councils are directed to commence immediate sensitization and mobilization of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions.

    “All NLC affiliate unions are requested to mobilize their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours.

    “We implore all our civil society allies and other interested stakeholders are to join us in making this action effective.”

    Tax reform bills

    On the Tax reform bills, the communique stated: “The CWC also reviewed the ongoing discussions around the Tax Reform Bills being considered by government. While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress insists that any tax policies must be designed to alleviate the burdens on Nigerian workers and not worsen the existing economic hardship.

    “The NLC shall engage with relevant authorities to ensure that tax reforms are fair, equitable and worker-friendly.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens. The CWC calls on all Nigerians to unite in this struggle against exploitative economic policies and to actively participate in the outlined actions to demand justice and fairness in telecommunications, taxation, and transportation policies.”

    TUC

    Efforts to speak with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, on its position over the NLC planned action was unsuccessful at press time yesterday.

    But it was gathered that the TUC leaders, along side other stakeholders in the labour sector, were holding a meeting with the Director-General of the International Labour Organisation, ILO, Gilbert Houngbo.

    However, TUC had on February 6, at its National Administrative Council, NAC, endorsed the earlier decision by NLC on the issue.

    “The NAC also examined the planned 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs and fully endorses the position of our sister labour centre, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in rejecting this move.

    “The decision to increase tariff was made without proper consideration of its economic impact on the masses.

    There must be meaningful engagement to explore alternatives and ensure that any policy adjustments are fair, sustainable, and do not further burden already struggling citizens,’’ the TUC had stated.

    Telcos talk tough, say labour gravitating towards treason

    Reacting to NLC’s threat last night, the operators said it amounted to a treasonable felony and asked the Federal Government to be on red alert, considering the security breach such action would cause if carried out.

    But the National Association of Telecom Subscribers in Nigeria, NATCOMS, berated the NCC for allowing telcos to do whatever they liked, allegedly undermining core industry stakeholders.

    NATCOMS said the only way the regulator could redeem its image was to sanction the telecom operators that activated the increment when the NLC, telecom stakeholders and operators were scheduled to have a conversation on it.

    However, speaking to Vanguard, a senior official of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria, ALTON, said labour was taking too far whatever oversight functions it had on such issues.

    According to a source, “what does Labour want from the operators? Do we operate in isolation of the Nigerian economy? What did Labour do with the removal of fuel subsidy, the increment in pump price of petrol, flotation of the naira and the recent hike in bank charges?

    “Why is it that Labour is not looking at the ballooning operational costs in the industry, instead it is interested in shutting down telcos.

    “Let it carry out that threat and see how it will shut down major facilities that keep Nigeria’s security system going. Then, their leaders will be arrested for treasonable felony.”

    The source said all the operators and not only MTN Nigeria, as being touted by many people, were activating the data price adjustment, pleading that MTN should not be unjustly harassed.

    On his part, President of NATCOMS, Chief Deolu Ogubanjo, accused the NCC of standing aloof while operators take the subscribers by the jugular.

    He said: “The NLC has every right to be angry. We, as NATCOMs, are too. Although, we do not support the shutting down of telcos due to far-reaching implications, but something must happen to show the telcos they have to respect the voice of the people.

    “The NLC and other stakeholders, including us, were scheduled to meet the NCC and the telcos in a week’s time and instead of waiting for the meeting which would have determined an amicable resolution of the issues, the telcos went berserk with data price hike.

    ‘’Where was the NCC? It is a disgrace and NCC must sanction them now to redeem image. That’s our position.’’
    However, justifying the tariff increase the telcos said the argument that telecom services should remain artificially cheap because the cost of food and other essentials had risen was flawed.

    Chairman of ALTON, Engr Gbenga Adebayo, said: “Telecommunications cannot be used as a subsidy for economic hardship in other sectors. If prices remain unsustainably low, service quality will deteriorate, and ultimately, the industry will collapse.

    “The government must take responsibility for providing economic relief, rather than expecting telecom operators to absorb rising costs at their own expense.

    “The proposed 50% tariff adjustment is not merely about profitability, it is about keeping the networks operational. Beyond sustaining existing services, it is also about expanding coverage to rural areas where millions still lack access to telecom services.

    “Investments in infrastructure will empower rural communities, creating new income opportunities and improving overall economic efficiency. As these communities gain connectivity, their contributions to the national GDP will increase.’’

     

  • 900 sacked KADECO staff: Labour threatens nationwide shutdown

    900 sacked KADECO staff: Labour threatens nationwide shutdown

    The ongoing industrial unrest in Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, KADECO, over the sack of 900 employees, has entered the third day, crippling operations of the company with no signs of ending.

    This came as the National Electricity Employees, NUEE, issued a February 10, deadline to KADECO to recall all the sacked workers among others, threatening to escalate the industrial crisis to a national scale.

    Recall that KADECO had on Monday sacked no fewer than 900 employees, promising to pay their benefits at no specified date.

    NUEE in a statement by its Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike said “We wish to draw the attention of the company’s management to the fact that embarking on such mass sack of their staff, who are our members without recourse to the provision of the company’s conditions of service is an insult to the Union and fragrant violation and disregard of Section 20 of the Nigeria Labour Act, which “requires an employer to notify the Trade Union or workers’ representative of the reasons for and the extent of the redundancy before terminating the employment of its staff on account of redundancy.

    “Also, it is a total violation of ILO Convention No.98, which clearly stipulates the “Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining.”

    Enumerating alleged sins of KADECO, before the present industrial crisis, NUEE said “Your unfair labour practices include no provision of medical services to the workers. Disregard to and Non-implementation of all signed Heads of Agreement with Management. Non-remittance of five years pensions deductions to employees’ retirement saving account.

    “We demand the KADECO Management to withdraw these sack letters, rescind its earlier decision and return to status quo ante and be ready to address all outstanding labour issues in the Company with the Union through dialogue and the spirit of collective bargaining to avert the looming danger Management action has posed to the Sector.

    “Consequently, if by Monday, February 10, 2025, these sacked workers are not recalled and other pending labour issues are not resolved, we shall have no choice but to escalate our protest against this gross injustice to all the electricity companies across the country.

    “Nigerians and the general public are therefore put on notice of the impending crisis and the Management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company should be held responsible for anything that will happen to the already fragile state of the electricity sector in the country.”

  • Nigerian newspapers review: NLC, TUC, CNG, others reject 50% telecoms tariff hike

    Nigerian newspapers review: NLC, TUC, CNG, others reject 50% telecoms tariff hike

    In today’s Nigerian newspapers review programme, Today in the News, Vanguard leads with a report on the reaction of labour unions to the proposed 50% hike in telecoms tariff.

    Another headline has Nigerians in diaspora kicking against US President Donald Trump’s revocation of birthright citizenship.

    Also, another headline captures the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland Gani Adams saying South-West governors are not collaborating with the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC) amid reports of the influx of bandits in the region.

    Moving to other Nigerian newspapers, The Guardian heads its papers with a report on INEC worrying over costly by-elections as the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) demands credible polls.

    Next is The Punch which leads with a story on communities tackling the federal government over compensations for 3,252 persons as it concerns the Kano-Niger Republic rail project.

    Lastly is The Nation which also leads with a report on the NLC, TUC and CNG rejecting the 50% telecoms tariff hike.

  • Telecom tariff hike: Labour berates FG for prioritising corporate cartels over citizens’ welfare

    Telecom tariff hike: Labour berates FG for prioritising corporate cartels over citizens’ welfare

    ABUJA — THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has berated the Federal Government over the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, tagging it as an additional burden too heavy to bear by the suffering masses.

    President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero in a statement on Wednesday, decried the hike, stressing that the Federal Government’s recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, came at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses were grappling with unprecedented economic hardship.

    Ajaero also threatened that all Nigerian workers and masses will unite to reject the unjustifiable tariff hike.

    He said, “We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase. This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.”

    He also described the decision, as a clear assault on workers welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.

    According to Ajaero, telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10 per cent of their wages on telecom charges.

    Lamenting the situation, the NLC President argued that for a worker earning the current minimum wage of ₦70,000, this means an increase from ₦7,000 to a staggering ₦10,500 per month or 15 per cent of his salary is a cost that is unsustainable.

    He said the hike exemplified the government’s apparent ease in prioritizing corporate profits over citizens’ welfare.

    Ajaero said, “It is shocking that the government approved this 50% tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for workers, despite the rising cost of living and inflation eroding purchasing power.

    “This glaring disparity underscores a troubling reality: the government appears more aligned with the interests of wealthy corporations than with the needs of the workers and citizens it is meant to serve.

    “We must ask: When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority? When will the common man heave a sigh of relief in Nigeria?

    He insisted that NLC is not opposed to a tariff review but disagrees with the approved rate of increase.

    He however urged the Federal government, the NCC and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of this ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around it.

    His words,” If the dialogue agrees on the need for the hike, then, we can all seek a more humane increase and definitely not this 50% hike.

    “The NLC calls on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this unjustifiable tariff hike. We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase. This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses. We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality. Together, we will do our best to resist this injustice and demand that government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests”.