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Strike continues despite pact with government, labour says

Mustapha USMAN
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Strike continues despite pact with government, labour says

THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said  workers’ nationwide strike would continue despite the resolution reached with the federal government Monday night.

In a post on X on Tuesday, June 4, the NLC announced that the industrial action would continue until the union’s organs meet to review all resolutions from the meeting with the federal government.

“Until we hear from our organs at our meeting scheduled for today, June 4, we are still on strike,” it wrote on X.

However, The ICIR reports that the strike may end soon following the resolution reached between the representatives of the federal government and the labour after a six-hour meeting on Monday evening, in Abuja.

The agreement was reached during a meeting convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume. 

The resolution was co-signed by the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, his counterpart at the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, and the Minister of Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha.

While no specific amount was agreed upon as the new minimum wage, the parties resolved that the federal government commit to a figure higher than the current N60,000 offered.

The parties also agreed on the Tripartite committee meeting everyday for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable national minimum wage.

“After exhaustive deliberation and engagement by both parties, the following resolutions were reached:

“The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria is committed to a national minimum wage that is higher than N60,000;

“Arising from the above, the Tripartite Committee is to meet everyday for the next one week with a view to arriving at an agreeable national minimum wage;

“Labour in deference to the high esteem of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria’s commitment in (ii) above undertakes to convene a meeting of its organs immediately to consider this commitment.

“No worker would be victimised as a result of the industrial action,” the agreement read.

The ICIR reported the ongoing strike has grounded businesses, with workers shutting down agencies and departments of government across the country.

Schools, airports, train and power stations were among institutions affected by the strike.

The strike came as a direct response to unresolved issues surrounding wage increase and electricity tariff hike.

The labour announced the action on Friday, May 31.

In Abuja, the workers shut down the National Assembly, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the Federal Secretariat, and the Old Secretariat among other notable public institutions in compliance with the strike order, issued by the NLC and the TUC.

The labour leaders stated that they took the decision after their ultimatum for the federal government to finalise all negotiations for the new minimum wage by the end of May expired.

Minimum wage: Doctors back workers’ strike, say hospitals won’t shut down

Ijeoma OPARA
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THE Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed solidarity with organised labour in the country over the ongoing nationwide strike by the workers.

The ICIR reported that airports, schools, train and power stations were among public institutions shut down on Monday, June 3, when the strike took off.

The strike grounded socio-economic activities in virtually all states in the country.

In a statement by the NMA’s National Secretary-General, Benjamin Egbo, on Monday, June 3, the doctors said though they were not affiliate body of the NLC or the TUC, they supported the strike.

“Following the recent declaration of a nationwide strike action by the organised labour, the Nigerian Medical Association wishes to state that though the NMA is not an affiliate of the organised labour in Nigeria, we share the pains and hardship Nigerians are currently grappling with.

“The NMA has not declared a strike action, hence doctors will be at their duty posts to attend to clients who desire to make use of health services. The NMA uses this avenue to call on government as well as all stakeholders to consider the plight of the average Nigerian and do everything possible to address the issues that have led to the present impasse,” the statement read.

Labour declared the strike  following the federal government’s failure to substantially increase workers’ minimum wage and reverse electricity tariff hike.

Earlier, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that the labour unions shut down the national grid to plunge the country into darkness as it commenced the indefinite strike action.

According to TCN, staff members who resisted were assaulted, resulting in several injuries. With no control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Centre was completely shut down.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) also joined the strike, shutting down public universities.

Labour unions in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared the strike after negotiations between their delegates and officials of the Nigerian government failed.

Airport and banks have been shut down, as more workers down tools to partake in the strike.

Minimum wage: Hajj subsidy, politicians’ luxury SUVs sending wrong signals – Peterside

Harrison EDEH
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Minimum wage: Hajj subsidy, politicians’ luxury SUVs sending wrong signals – Peterside

A social critic and founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Atedo Peterside has said Nigerian government officials’ flamboyant lifestyle was a major obstacle in the minimum wage negotiations between the government and labour unions.

According to him, the government’s “reckless” spending habits have created an unrealistic perception of its financial health.

“The Nigerian minimum wage negotiations were destined to be unnecessarily difficult because the federal government poisoned the well for responsible negotiations by approving an irresponsible N90 billion for legislators and others, creating the false impression that they were awash in cash,” Peterside wrote on X.

The ICIR reported that the 2024 budget contains over N512 billion in frivolities.

The amount is spread across more than 24 ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) and could be saved through proper oversight by the legislatures.

In November 2023, President Bola Tinubu presented N27.5 trillion to the Joint National Assembly as the proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year. However, upon scrutiny by the National Assembly, the budget was increased to N28.7 trillion and signed by the President on January 1, 2024.

Nigerians are yet to see the impact the increased numbers in the budget have on their economic life with inflation at 33.69 per cent and food inflation at 40.5 per cent.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), embarked on indefinite strike today, Monday, June 3, after their N494,000 minimum wage request was rejected by the federal government, following the May 31 deadline they gave.

At a meeting held on Tuesday, May 28, representatives from the government and organised private sector again proposed doubling the existing minimum wage to N60,000 per month, countering the NLC and TUC’s demand.

Already, the government has again summoned the labour leaders to another emergency meeting over the industrial dispute which has paralysed economic activities.

President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC Comrade Festus Osifo confirmed this to newsmen on Monday.

Osifo said labour leaders comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and TUC were heading to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation’s (SGF) Office for the meeting.

The outcome of the meeting will determine if the workers will call off the strike.

Striking workers shut down National Assembly, FCTA, Lagos High Court, others

Mustapha USMAN
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Striking workers shut down National Assembly, FCTA, Lagos High Court, others

AGGRIEVED workers shut down agencies and departments of government in Abuja in a coordinated nationwide strike which began today, Monday, June 3, over minimum wage and reversal of electricity tariff hike.

The workers shut down the National Assembly, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), the Federal Secretariat, and the Old Secretariat among other noble public institutions in the city, in compliance with the strike order, issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The strike is holding despite several negotiations involving the representatives of the federal government, the leadership of the National Assembly, the NLC and the TUC.

One of the meetings took place yesterday, Sunday, June 2 courtesy of the leadership of the National Assembly.

The meeting, which started after 5 pm ended around 8 pm and failed to stop the strike.

Early Monday morning, some workers reportedly began picketing major government buildings and offices in Abuja and other parts of Nigeria.

Videos and pictures seen by The ICIR on social media confirmed the development.

In some of the pictures and videos, workers in Abuja shut down the Federal Secretariat in compliance with an indefinite strike action.

Also, according to a report by Punch, the Joint Union Action Committee asked workers at the FCTA to shut the entrance to the complex.

The committee further urged workers to stay at home, stating that the union was enforcing the strike.

Some workers and directors who attempted to flout the order were reportedly denied entry by the organisation.

In the same vein, the Parliamentary Staff Union of Nigeria joined the indefinite strike, resulting in the shutdown of the National Assembly.

The union closed both gates of the Assembly complex, blocking entry for workers and visitors.

Additionally, the union cut off electricity and water supply to the  Senate and the House of Representatives buildings, along with other facilities in the complex.

In Kano State, the strike affected banks, civil servants, and airport, as aviation staff did not report to work, according to Daily Trust.

However, private schools remained open as their employees defied the strike directive from the organised labour.

The shutdown also significantly disrupted government operations and services in Lagos State.

Among several reports of workers shunning work in the state was a case of judicial workers shutting down major gates to the Ikeja High Court.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gates were shut by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Ikeja Branch.

The NLC officials were also captured in a video shutting down a bank in the state by workers who were chased out from the labour union.

Similarly, the union leaders forcefully closed the Lagos office of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and led employees out using a cane.

The strike has reportedly been effective in many states, including Imo, Osun, Oyo, and Edo, as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) shut down the national grid, plunging the country into darkness.

The ICIR reported how aviation, banks, airports, and maritime workers among others directed its members to join the strike.

Police urge NLC to end strike, return to negotiation table

Kehinde OGUNYALE
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Police urge NLC to end strike, return to negotiation table

THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has appealed to the striking workers in the country to return to the negotiation table with the federal government.

In a release signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday night, the Force said it had mobilised more officers across the nation to maintain law and order. 

The Police warned miscreants against using the strike to disrupt the peace, adding that the strike was a potential catalyst for increased tension in the country.

Part of the statement reads, “In light of the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike is illegal and premature, the Nigeria Police Force views this action as a potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.

“The NPF hereby urges organised labour to proceed with the ongoing deliberations at the tripartite committee, which is focused on determining a new minimum wage, and shelve the planned strike as such decision is essential to prevent untold hardships on members of the public and maintain order and stability within our country.”

Besides, the Force urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue with their lawful daily activities. It also called on the striking workers to act responsibly according to the law, prioritising dialogue and exploring legal avenues to resolving their grievances. 

The ICIR reported that labour unions commenced a nationwide strike today, Monday, June 3, after its meeting with the National Assembly leadership Sunday night ended in a deadlock.

The meeting was reported to have started at around 5:50 p.m. and concluded at 8:45 p.m.

The strike is holding despite the federal government’s appeal to the workers to reconsider their decision.

Earlier reports by The ICIR showed that the aggrieved workers shut down airports, schools, banks and similar institutions.

The Academic Staff Unions of Universities (ASUU) also joined the strike, declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Electricity workers shut down power stations nationwide at dawn, plunging the country into darkness.

The workers are demanding increased wages and an immediate reversal of the electricity tariff hike by the government.

The federal government had offered N60,000 minimum wage, a 100 per cent rise from the current N30,000, which the workers rejected. They had demanded N615,000 as the minimum wage.

CBN revokes Heritage Bank’s operating licence

Ehime ALEX
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CBN revokes Heritage Bank’s operating licence

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licence of Heritage Bank Plc with immediate effect.

The CBN Acting Director of Corporate Communications, Hakama Sidi Ali, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, June 3, stating that the action became necessary due to the bank’s breach of Section 12 (1) of Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in accordance with its mandate to promote a sound financial system in Nigeria and in exercise of its powers under Section 12 of the Banks and Other Financial Act (BOFIA) 2020, hereby revokes the licence of Heritage Bank Plc with immediate effect.”

According to CBN, Heritage Bank’s board and management had failed to improve the bank’s financial performance, a situation which it said constituted a threat to financial stability.

“This follows a period during which the CBN engaged with the bank and prescribed various supervisory steps intended to stem the decline.

“Regrettably, the bank has continued to suffer and has no reasonable prospects of recovery, thereby making the revocation of the license the next necessary step,” the apex bank said.

The CBN also stated that it revoked the licence to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and ensure that the soundness of the country’s financial system is not impaired.

“The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) is hereby appointed as the liquidator of the bank in accordance with Section 12 (2) of BOFIA, 2020.

“We wish to assure the public that the Nigerian financial system remains on a solid footing. The action we are taking today reflects our continued commitment to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and soundness of our financial system,” CBN added.

In 2016, Heritage Bank was reported to be in distress and might not discharge obligations to shareholders. However, the CBN later dispelled the claim as untrue.

In October 2021, The ICIR reported that a House of Representatives committee threatened to ask CBN to take over the bank over vast sums of money it owed the Federal Government.

The ICIR reports that Heritage Bank is not listed on the Nigerian stock market, as such its financial records are not published by the Nigerian Exchange Group.

But over the years, CBN has severally insisted that the banking system in Nigeria remains safe, sound, and stable, despite the headwinds confronting the economy.

Minimum wage: Public universities to shut down as ASUU joins labour strike

Mustapha USMAN
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Minimum wage: Public universities to shut down as ASUU joins labour strike

THE Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has joined the ongoing strike by the organised labour in Nigeria.

The nationwide strike, led by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) is due to the federal government’s failure to increase workers’ new minimum wage offer above N60,000 and reverse electricity tariff hike.

In a statement on Monday, June 3, addressed to ASUU’s branch chairpersons and zonal coordinators, the association’s president, Emmanuel Osodeke, instructed university lecturers nationwide to join the strike as an affiliate of the congress.

The statement read, “The NLC has declared an indefinite strike action beginning from Monday, 3rd June 2024, as a result of the failure of government to conclude the renegotiation of minimum wage for Nigerian workers and reversal of hike in electricity tariff.

“Our branches are hereby enjoined to join in the strike action as an affiliate member of congress.

“Consequently, branch chairpersons are to mobilise all members to participate in the strike action.”

The ICIR reports that the directive will lead to suspension of academic activities in all public universities in the country.

Recall that the organised labour unions insisted on the nationwide strike today, Monday, June 3, after negotiations between federal government representatives, National Assembly leaders, and officials from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) ended in a stalemate.

The meeting, held behind closed doors at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, started at around 5:50 p.m. and concluded at 8:45 p.m., on Sunday, June 2.

Addressing journalists after the session, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the government pleaded with the labour leaders to reconsider their planned strike but they declined.

The strike, which comes as a direct response to unresolved issues surrounding wage increases, economic policies, and electricity tariff hike, was earlier unannounced on Friday, May 31.

The labour leaders stated that they took the decision after their ultimatum for the federal government to finalise all negotiations for a new minimum wage by the end of May expired.

Following the strike, airport, schools, banks and power stations have been shut down, as the workers threw the nation into darkness.

TCN confirms nationwide blackout as labour shuts down national grid

Ijeoma OPARA  and  Harrison EDEH
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TCN confirms nationwide blackout as labour shuts down national grid

THE Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that labour union shut down the national grid to plunge the country into darkness as it commenced indefinite strike on Monday, June 3, 2024.

The nationwide strike is due to the federal government’s failure to increase workers’ new minimum wage offer above N60,000 and reverse electricity tariff hike.

The TCN in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, announced that the blackout began at approximately 2:19 am.

She said the incident started at 1:15 am when the Benin Transmission Operator, under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN, reported that all operators were forcefully removed from the control room.

According to TCN, staff members who resisted were assaulted, resulting in several injuries. With no control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Center was completely shut down.

Mbah said the labour union’s actions extended to other key transmission substations, including Ganmo, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba, Osogbo, and Benin. The union’s activities also led to the opening of several transmission lines, exacerbating the situation.

According to her, the power generating sector has not been spared, adding that various generating stations were forced to shut down units, including the Jebba Generating Station, which shut down one unit, followed by the automatic shutdown of three other units due to high frequency issues.

She added that the development had sudden forced load cuts, destabilised the system, culminating in the nationwide grid collapse at 2:19 am.

Mbah, however, disclosed that despite the severe disruption, TCN had initiated efforts to restore the grid.

“At 3:23 am, TCN began recovery operations using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. However, ongoing obstructions by the labour union continue to hinder the grid recovery process”, she said.

Mbah also reassured the public that the company was ‘tirelessly’ working to stabilise the grid and restore normal electricity transmission to distribution centers across the country.

On Saturday, June 1, the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) disclosed that it would be joining the planned strike action on Monday.

The president of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, during a joint news conference with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership in Abuja on Friday, May 31, declared his members would join the nationwide.

Meanwhile, the federal government has pleaded with the striking workers to reconsider their decision to embark on the strike, noting that whatever the government did was in the interest of Nigerians.

WAEC to hold exams despite nationwide strike

Itoro ETUKUDO
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WAEC to hold exams despite nationwide strike

DESPITE the nationwide strike declared by the organised labour, which commences on Monday, June 3, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has said its ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would continue as scheduled.

The council said in a memo signed by its Ekiti Branch Controller, T.A Lawson, and sent to principals of the schools taking part in the examination that the exam would continue nationwide regardless of the strike.

“The attention of management has been drawn to a notice of the commencement of indefinite strike by NLC and TUC, effective Monday, 3rd June 2024. Please be formally informed that the conduct of WASSCE (SC) 2024 goes on as scheduled,” the examination body stated.

Read also:

Labour declares nationwide strike over minimum wage

FG pleads with Labour to reconsider strike action over minimum wage

Electricity workers set for indefinite strike

The Board noted that although it understood the unions’ concerns, the examination was being held throughout the WAEC member countries, and “the Nigerian child should not be put to a disadvantage of missing the exam.”

“For the aforesaid reason, WAEC will conduct the exam and school principals, supervisors, parents and the general public should please take note and make adequate arrangements for their candidates to sit the exam,” it added.

Earlier, The ICIR reported that the organised labour, comprising the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) commenced the strike today, Monday, June 3, following the federal government’s failure to finalise all negotiations for a new minimum wage and reverse electricity tariff hike by the end of May.

JAMB reschedules exams for candidates, releases withheld results

Itoro ETUKUDO
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JAMB reschedules exams for candidates, releases withheld results

THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced a new date on Sunday, June 2, for the 24,535 candidates who sat for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

The new date is Saturday, June 22, 2024.

According to JAMB spokesman Fabian Benjamin, in a statement, the decision was based on the significant non-compliance with criteria by the examination centres of the affected candidates.

He also announced that the board had released an additional 3,921 withheld results.

“The Board has painstakingly analysed the process and conduct of the 2024 UTME in some centres where there are strong proofs of substantial non-compliance with the Board’s standards. Consequently, 24,535 candidates have been rescheduled to retake the examination in their chosen towns on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

“Meanwhile, 3,921 outstanding 2024 UTME results that had been cleared have now been released. Therefore, concerned candidates are urged to check their results from Saturday, June 1, 2024, by sending RESULT to 55019 or 66019 to ascertain their status, as those cleared would have their results, while those rescheduled would be told that they had been rescheduled.

“The rescheduled candidates are to print their supplementary examination notification slip from Tuesday, June 4, 2024, to ascertain their designated examination centres,” the statement read in parts.

The statement further stated that the Board had released a total of 1,883,350 results, noting that the rescheduled examination was to give affected candidates adequate time to prepare for the exercise.

Additionally, the notice does not apply to candidates whose results have already been released. Applicants who have a prima facie case—that is, evidence of examination misconduct—will be further questioned to determine their guilt, after which necessary action will be taken and announced.

The board also announced that registration for Direct Entry (DE) will close on Monday, June 17, adding that DE registration centres had been expanded beyond the Professional Registration Centres (PRCs) in the states experiencing high demand in order accommodate the increased number of prospective DE candidates.

The Board added that the previously announced requirements for DE registration were still in effect and encouraged all qualified individuals to take advantage of the opportunity to register as no additional extensions would be considered.

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