COVER
NLC, TUC Nationwide Strike Witnesses Partial Compliance
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From Jude Dangwam, Jos; Attah Ede, Makurdi and David Torough, Abuja
The Benue State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its counterpart, Trade Union Council (TUC), Tuesday, joined the nationwide strike in compliance with the directives of the national body of the union.
Our correspondent who monitored the situation in Makurdi, the State capital, reported that both public and private primary and secondary schools, as well as tertiary institutions, shunned the strike and went ahead with normal school activities. It was observed that primary pupils and secondary schools went to school as early as 7.30AM but could not return home to indicate there was a strike as directed by NLC national leadership.It was further observed that teachers were seen all through in the schools.The strike could not completely affect operations in banks, hospitals, and other public places in the state as customers and patients were seen in those places undergoing one activity or the other.In a similar manner, the State Secretariat, which houses most of the ministries, was also opened following the commencement of the strike.Consequently, workers who were supposed to join in the strike reported to work in the morning. However, some of them were also seen returning home later.At the Federal University of Health Science Otukpo, prospective Students who applied for admission in the University were seen undertaking screening exercise preparatory for their admission into the institution. The strike however did not affect the general public activities in the state capital.Similarly NLC in Plateau State Chapter on Monday also joined their counterparts across the country on the nationwide industrial strike action embarked upon by the National body.The State Chairman of NLC Comrade Eugene Manji addressing Journalists at the entrance of J.D Gomwalk State Secretariat which was under lock and key said there was absolute compliance to the national directives.He noted that the industrial action was as a result of the manhandling of their leader Comrade Joe Ajero in Imo State while on official engagement to address the lingering issues between workers and the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma despites the demands presented to him and promised to look into, but failed to address them.”We met as NEC and looked at the situation of workers and decided let’s go to Imo and that was why we were in Imo. And then comes the manhandling of our leader, that is why we are going on this nationwide strike.”You can see that the compliance of the national strike is absolute on the Plateau. The reason is simple, is because of the brutality meted on our leader the NLC President.” He statedThe State NLC Chairman reiterated that NLV struggles to curtail future occurrences, as Labour has lost confidence in the religious leaders and traditional rulers who were supposed to call the government to order.”We have lost out on the religious leaders who are supposed to defend us, we have lost out on the traditional rulers who are supposed to call these people to order. The only body standing to checkmate the excesses of this government is labour.”So, if there is no Labour then no masses can stand. Is not just about Ajero but is about the deliberate moves to silence Labour which has been the voice of the masses, and we will not be intimidated.”We are calling ourselves democratic government and then this is what you’re doing! Do we have democracy? we don’t have any! We are not against his government, but we are against injustice that has been meted against workers.”Labour is fighting for the injustice against workers and the masses of this country. We are the voice of the voiceless, all we are doing is to curtail the excesses of what is going to happen in the future and we are ready for government.” he firmly stated.A visit to some commercial banks in the state capital also complied with the industrial action as customers were seen at a few ATM machines making some transactions.Also, our correspondent reported that workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) also observed partial compliance to the directive by the organised labour to its members to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.The TUC and NLC had directed all affiliates to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.The strike was called to press home their demands, especially the “non comment by the Federal Government over the brutalising of the NLC President, Joe Ajaero by security agents and hoodlums in Imo”.It would be recalled that the NLC had declared a protest in Imo, led by Ajaero on November 1, over alleged anti- workers policies by the state government.Ajaero was attacked and brutalised by security agents and hoodlums allegedly sent by the state government.It would be recalled that Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo and the Nigeria Police had refuted the allegation.It also be recalled that the National Industrial Court had restrained organised labour from embarking on the planned nationwide strike.It was however observed that at the Federal Secretariat, workers were seen going about.Also, at the Area one old Secretariat, workers were also seen going in and out of the place.Commercial banks such as Guaranty, Union, First Bank , among other banks in Area 3 and 8 were opened for operation as some customers were seen going in and out of the place.It was also gathered that some schools were open and lessons were ongoing.Also, some workers who spoke with our correspondent said that the nationwide indefinite strike was uncalled for.They said that people were already suffering and the economy was not friendly, adding with the indefinite strike it would increase the hardship on the people.The situation was similar in other states capitals including; Kaduna, Plateau, Ekiti, Ondo, Ebonyi, Enugu and Lagos.On the contrary, workers in Sokoto state on Tuesday defied the directives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), proceeding with their official duties in spite of the nationwide indefinite strike call.Routine operations were conducted at the federal and state Ministries, banks, and schools.A classroom teacher, Malam Ismail Dayyabu, said that they were not served notice of the strike and they were only aware of a Court order restraining the union from striking.“We can do nothing but wait for proper communication. That’s why we went to work as usual, with no official engagements halted,” he explained.Similarly, a trader, Alhaji Bala Dankasuwa, said he was ignorant of any strike action, emphasising that their leaders had not communicated such a decision.Meanwhile, the NLC and TUC, Sokoto State chapters have assured their commitment to enforcing total compliance with the nationwide strike in the state.Mr Hamisu Hussain, the state NLC Secretary, acknowledged the delayed communication of the strike information to workers in the state.He explained, “Due to the delayed notice, many workers in banks and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) could not join the strike today.“However, I can assure you that by tomorrow, we will have total compliance as we have notified all of them. No excuse will be accepted,” he said.Mr Bello Garba, the state TUC Secretary, condemned the alleged assault on the NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, during the union’s rally in Imo.Garba warned that such incidents could recur nationwide, if not properly addressed, while assuring the strike will be enforced on all workers in the state.Also, workers in Taraba went about their normal schedules on Tuesday in defiance of an indefinite nationwide strike called by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).Government offices in Jalingo were fully operational as civil servants reported for duty.A civil servant, Tanimu Musa, said that the strike was counterproductive.Musa noted that the Federal and state governments had demonstrated their commitment to ameliorate hardships faced by workers and by the Nigerian masses.He said the Federal Government, for instance, provided palliatives and increased wages, while Taraba had also been paying the N30, 000 minimum wage.Another civil servant, Joel Yakubu, said, however that an NLC team was going round to enforce the strike order.“State workers are yet to receive their October salary which the governor ordered must be paid on the basis of the N30, 000 minimum wages.“The order delayed the October salary as fresh vouchers needed to be raised to reflect the wage increase.“It is arguable that shunning the strike is a decoy by Taraba workers so they would not extend the payday unnecessarily.The NLC and TUC called the strike to protest against the manhandling of the National President of the NLC Mr Joe Ajaero, by hoodlums in Owerri on November 1.The National Industrial Court of Nigeria on Friday restrained the labour unions from embarking on strike.President of the court, Justice Benedict Kanyip, ordered the nation’s two major labour unions to stop the industrial action.The interim order followed an ex-parte request by the Nigerian government through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).COVER
BOI Restates Commitment to Local Manufacturing, Job Creation
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Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr Olasupo Olusi has reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing in Nigeria.Olusi said this when he visited the GU Ebeco facility and inspected ongoing projects at the Nisa Medical and Zeberced Group at the Idu Industrial Layout, Abuja yesterday.
He expressed delight at the progress made so far at the various facilities while commending the chief executives of the organisations, urging them to do more. During the visit to the GU Ebeco, the BOI boss emphasised the importance of job creation and the need for their products to proudly bear the “Made in Nigeria” label.Olusi praised GU Ebeco’s progress over the past seven years, applauding its expansion into a national enterprise with over 1,500 employees and several facilities across the country.“I am very happy with the fact that BOI has supported this enterprise for the last seven years. It is wonderful to see that it has grown.“It employs 1,500 staff, and operates a national distribution system. We are proud of the significant role GU Ebeco is playing in the Nigerian manufacturing landscape,” he said.The BOI boss also commended the loan repayment performance of the company saying it had taken multiple facilities from the BOI. He encouraged other young entrepreneurs to stay focused, while assuring them of BOI’s commitment to supporting them and Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts.Responding Mr Ebere Uzozie, Managing Director of GU Ebeco, expressed his appreciation for the continued support from the BOI.“We are grateful for the Bank of Industry’s backing. Their loans have helped us expand and create lasting change. We now have 34 facilities, and we are debt-free.” We are optimistic the visit will mark a new chapter for the company, and will ensure further growth and partnerships that will contribute to Nigeria’s industrial future,” Uzozie said.at the Zeberced Group, its Managing Director, Mr Aydin Kurt, said that Nigeria had lots of potential and could be the future of the world.While acknowledging the country’s potential in industrialisation, he emphasised the importance of producing locally in Nigeria rather than relying on imports.Kurt also appealed for more collaboration with the BOI to promote industrialisation, create jobs and help grow the economy.“I cannot do it alone. we have to come together and create a synergy to attract different investors to come and also invest in this country.“This is our vision we have a lot to share with you, and thank you once again for visiting our corporations,” he said.Responding, the BOI managing director said that the bank was keen on infrastructure and committed to supporting industrious infrastructure.“This project is very important to us and a critical objective for the county and, in that spirit, we have decided that we will continue to support the proliferation of industrial parts across the nation.Why yours is so unique is because it has a plan for Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) which is very important.“We have a mandate to support that particular segment of our economy because they are the ones that champion job creation and most of the growth of the economy is attributed to them,” Olusi said.The BOI boss thanked Zeberced Group for the opportunity while commending the groups’ vision, energy and optimism to carry the project forward.“We look forward to our partnership. Like I said, we all want to be parts and parcel of this project, we have already given you some money to implement it, and we will see how we can do more.“As you expand we will support, but you have to also show us the job creation numbers, and make sure your goods are branded made in Nigeria,” he said.The News Agency of Nigeria reports that GU Ebeco is a furniture company while Zeberced is a construction company. NANCOVER
FRSC Unveils App to Mitigate Road Crashes Impact
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By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has unveiled an app to boost efficiency and mitigate the impact of road accidents in the country.Speaking at the event yesterday in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume explained that the app was designed to digitalize FRSC operations for effective traffic management.
The SGF who described the current rate of accidents as a great concern to the present administration, urged the FRSC management to involve stakeholders in the implementation of the app to monitor motorists and curb the excesses of FRSC officers and personnel. The Chairman, House Committee on Road Safety, Abiodun Adeshida said the National Assembly was ready to review the 2007 Federal Road Safety Corps Act for more efficient service delivery.The Kenyan Ambassador to Nigeria, Isaac Parashina said African countries have a lot to learn from the FRSC’s experience in addressing the high rate of road crashes across the continent.According to the him, Africans must come together and provide homegrown solutions to address road safety challenges.In his welcome remarks, the Corps Marshal FRSC, Shehu Mohammed stated that the innovation was part of efforts to align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on the use of the new technology to strengthen the commitment of road users and enhancing road safety operations.Mohammed said the corps would embark on aggressive sensitization in all motor parks and town hall meetings for stakeholders to key into the new technology.The Director-General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Dr. Mohammed Bulama expressed confidence that the new technology would bring sanity to Nigerian roads.Dr Bulama commended FRSC management for the new operational initiative and pledged FRCN’s continued support to every program to reduce death and enhance economic activities in the country.The Acting President, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Isa Ore said leaders in the transport sector would contribute to the success of the application in saving lives on the highway.Other stakeholders in the transport sector promised to support FRSC in enforcing traffic laws and protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.COVER
Lokpobiri Meets Shettima, Denies Involvement in Petrol Price Hike
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By David Torough, Abuja
Minister of State (Oil) Petroleum Resources Heineken Lokpobiri yesterday denied that the Federal Government is responsible for the Tuesday increase in the price of petrol, saying it is a function of deregulation.The latest hike in the price of petrol has pushed up transport fares by over 50 percent in major cities across Nigeria.
The increase implemented by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPCL) Retail Management ranges from N855 to N897 per litre, depending on the location from the previous N568-N617. Independent marketers have adjusted their prices to between N930 and N1,200 per litre of petrol.The minister denied FG’s involvement while addressing State House correspondents after a meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja.Shettima had summoned Lokpobiri along with the Group Managing Director of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kyari and the National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu over the recent hike in the price of petrol.Lokpobiri said, “This sector is deregulated. And we believe that with the availability of products, the price will find its level.“What is important is that the product is available in the country. Between now and weekend, there will be availability of the product across the length and breadth of the country.“We believe that by the time there is availability of the product across the country, the price itself will stabilise.”Mr Ogbugo Ukoha, Executive Director, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) said regulatory efforts were geared toward stabilising supply of petrol in the country, which he said would impact positively on stability of price.Okuoha said, “The objective of the regulator is to ensure that there’s increased operating hours from all loading depots; vessels are being cleared promptly and extended hours where safety can permit truck outs as well.“More importantly also is the reinforcement of the support being given to local refinancing, because with increased production there will be higher supply, which will stabilise the price.”Despite making its product available, the Federal Government has not started lifting petrol from the Dangote Refinery.Yesterday, Dangote Group refuted the claim in the media that NNPCL is currently lifting petrol from its refinery and selling at N897 per litre.A statement signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina said the company has not yet finalised any contract with NNPCL.The statement entitled, “NNPC yet to lift our petrol” reads, “Our attention has been drawn to a headline “NNPC lifts Dangote Petrol, sells at N897 per litre” published in the BusinessDay Newspapers of Wednesday, 4 September 2024.“We would like to state that NNPCL has not commenced lifting of refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from our Dangote Petroleum Refinery.“Therefore, the issue of fixing the price of petrol lifted from our refinery does not arise, as we are yet to finalize our contract with NNPCL.“The PMS market is strictly regulated, which is known to all oil marketers and stakeholders in the sector, hence we cannot determine, fix, or influence the product price, which falls under the purview of relevant government authorities.“We urge the public to disregard the headline as it is misleading and does not represent the true position in this matter.“We are guaranteeing Nigerians of exceptionally high quality petroleum products that will be readily available all over the country.”