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The National Labour Congress (NLC) must’ve taken the “no gree for anybody” theme of the year seriously with their minimum wage negotiations. They’ve still not settled, following meetings between the minimum wage committee and labour unions in Abuja on May 15 and 21, 2024.
The federal government proposed a wage increase from ₦35,000 to ₦48,000 per month at the first meeting. The organised private sector (OPS) settled for ₦54,000 while labour unions maintained their stance of ₦615,000 to cope with the high cost of living.
In the second meeting on May 21, 2024, the federal government and the OPS maintained ₦54,000 because the government is short of funds. After a 30-minute break, they proposed the sum of ₦57,000. The final proposal from labour was ₦497,000. The meeting was then adjourned till Tuesday, May 28, 2024.
The major concern of the NLC is that the newly proposed amount will do nothing to help workers survive the current economic conditions, considering the electricity tariff hike, housing rates and inflation. The labour unions have given the federal government until May 31, 2024, to conclude negotiations and announce a new national minimum wage, threatening industrial action if their demands aren’t met.
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The federal government has stated that although the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage is yet to conclude negotiations, the new minimum wage, whatever the final amount may be, will be backtracked to May 1, 2024, regardless of when negotiations end.
There’s new drama every day in Nigeria. Since we entered 2024, we’ve dealt with fuel scarcity, inflation, a drunk electricity grid, and electricity tariff wahala, but apparently, we’re only in episode 2, season 1.
In April 2024, the electricity tariff costs increased by over 240% for Band A users and fuel price jumped from ₦600 per litre to as high as ₦1000 per litre in May 2024. The National Labour Congress (NLC) relayed messages of displeasure to the Federal government regarding this situation, but not much has changed.
In an unexpected move, The NLC on Monday, May 13 2024, shut the gates of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company in Ilorin, Kwara State seeking the reversal of the electricity tariff earlier imposed. The Union members were at the IBEDC offices in Challenge and Baboko market areas in Ilorin as early as 7 a.m. to lock the gates and prevent anyone from going in. The same happened at the Discos in Lokoja, Abuja, Ikeja, Benin, Jos, Kaduna and other locations across the country.
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The Chairman of NLC in Kwara state, Comrade Muritala Olayinka said that the union was carrying out the instruction of the National Secretariat and that the offices would remain locked until the order to reopen them came from Abuja.
NLC members at a DisCo office
Earlier, the labour unions had given the NERC a May 12 deadline to withdraw the recent hike in electricity tariff or face the consequences, and their actions have shown how much they’re standing on business.
Following their protest on May 13, 2024, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero said that their actions became necessary because Nigerians were wallowing in power poverty, especially after the tariff hike when the government promised extended hours of power supply.
He also went on to say that the government had ignored their letters and complaints, and that people were paying high amounts for electricity but not getting power supply, and that it was an unbecoming situation.
Pending when the federal government responds to their complaints and strike actions, it is unclear when or if the picketing actions against electricity distribution companies will continue.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) embarked on an industrial action on Monday, November 13, after police officers allegedly battered its president, Joe Ajaero, in Imo state.
The union asked members to withdraw their services nationwide, adding that the strike would go on until “government at all levels wake up to their responsibility”.
We’ve compiled a list of 30 service providers whose availability become uncertain whenever the NLC initiates an industrial action.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)
When ASUU goes on strike, activities across government-owned universities in the country are halted. And students bear the major brunt.
The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic
Services across government-owned polytechnics are halted whenever members embark on industrial action.
The Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions
Services in research facilities such as the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science and the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science may be inaccessible during an NLC strike.
Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union
Let’s just say classes are halted in most government-owned institutions when members embark on strike.
Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP)
Administrative services across government-owned polytechnics may be disrupted when members embark on industrial action.
Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU)
Administrative services across government-owned universities may also be disrupted when members embark on industrial action.
Iron & Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria
Welders, fitters, tank erectors and machinists, and allied trade workers are all members of the Nigeria Labour Congress. This means the services offered across factories and assembly plants may be disrupted during strikes.
Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN)
Courts are not accessible when members are on strike, so trials may be postponed indefinitely.
Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria
Nigeria’s port stations may close.
Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria
Services in government-owned hospitals and health centres are inaccessible when members embark on strike.
National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives
Workers in this union do not offer their services to hospitals and healthcare centres during an industrial action.
National Union of Air Transport Employees
Airport services halt when workers in the aviation industry embark on industrial action.
National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees
Institutions including commercial banks become inaccessible when members of this union join industrial action.
National Union of Electricity Employees of Nigeria
Services like power supply are affected when members embark on strike.
National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas
This union is home to workers in the petroleum and gas industries across the country. Fueling and gas stations halt services when members are on strike.
National Union of Posts and Telecommunication Employees
NUPTE is home to workers in the government-owned communications industry. The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) will close when members embark on strike.
National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)
Public bus, tricycle and motorcycle services aren’t accessible during industrial action.
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National Union of Lottery Agents and Employees
This is the trade union for lottery agents across the country. Services like placing bets and receiving payments are halted when members embark on strike.
National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria
Access to tailoring or garment production services may become impossible during a strike.
Nigeria Civil Service Union
Services at some government-owned institution ministries may be disrupted when civil servants are on strike.
Nigeria Union of Civil Service Secretariat Stenographic Workers
Stenographers, who transcribe speeches, in government-owned institutions are unavailable when members are on strike.
Nigeria Union of Journalists
Broadcast and print media services may be disrupted when members strike.
Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees
Civil servants who work in local government-owned institutions are also effected.
Nigeria Union of Mine Workers
Mines across the country may close when workers are on strike.
Nigeria Union of Railwaymen
This union is home to workers in the rail transportation sector across the country. Train rides are not accessible during industrial action.
Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)
NUT is home to the academic staff in government-owned primary and secondary schools in the country. These schools close when workers are on strike.
Nigeria Welders and Fitters Association (NIWELFA)
This is the association for professional welders and fitters in the country. Services such as welding, laying and assembling of units are disrupted when members strike.
Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN)
PASAN is a trade union that’s home to staff of the parliamentary/legislative arm of government and other related institutions in Nigeria.
Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU)
Broadcast and entertainment may be disrupted when members strike.
Steel & Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria (SEWUN)
Services across production factories and assembly plants involved in making metal and electrical goods in Nigeria may be halted during strikes.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked members to join the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
Here’s all we know about the situation that has raised anxiety among students.
What happened?
On Monday, November 13, the leadership of the NLC and TUC directed members to withdraw their services nationwide from midnight.
Festus Osifo, TUC president, informed journalists of the planned industrial action in Abuja on the same day. According to him, the strike will continue until “government at all levels wake up to their responsibility.”
The strike is also connected to the November 1 alleged battering of NLC president, Joe Ajaero, during a labour protest in Imo state. Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Information, told the press that Ajaero was arrested by the police ahead of the state-wide protest to highlight the plights of workers in Imo.
At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, November 10, Ajaero recounted his ordeal at the hands of police officers.
“I can’t explain the beating I received. They tied my hands and dragged me on the floor like a common criminal. I am not even a card-carrying member of any political party as alleged.”
However, Imo Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Okoye Henry told a different account of the story. According to Henry, the NLC president was taken into protective custody following a mob attack that stemmed from protesters trying to shut down areas of essential services.
“Upon receiving this report, the Imo Police Command swiftly deployed police operatives to the scene where the Officer in Charge exercised his operational discretion by taking the NLC President into protective custody at the State Command Headquarters to ensure the protection of his life and that he was not lynched in the scuffle that followed,” he said.
During the November 3 press briefing in Abuja, the NLC rolled out a six-point demand to the federal government including the investigation and redeployment of Imo commissioner of police, Mohammed Barde, and removal of officers believed to be involved in the attack against Ajaero.
The NLC also demanded a thorough examination of Ajaero to ascertain the level of physical and psychological injuries inflicted on him.
Why is ASUU involved?
On Monday evening, November 13, President of ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, directed its members to join the NLC and TUC’s industrial action.
In a letter sent to all the union zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons of the union, Osodeke wrote:
“The Nigeria Labour Congress at a Joint National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC directed all affiliate Unions to commence withdrawal of services with effect from 12:00 midnight today 13th November 2023.
“As an affiliate of NLC, all members of our union are hereby directed to join this action of NLC to protect the interest of Nigerian workers and the leadership of the union. Zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons should immediately mobilise our members to participate in the action.”
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How are Nigerians reacting?
News of ASUU joining the NLC and TUC’s strike has since stirred reactions from concerned Nigerians and students.
The academic bodies going on strike is like stabbing your own self. It changes nothing but more pain to the poor. Their own children are not even in the continent to start with but here we are. Anything Strike count ASUU in.
So the only thing ASUU could use to repay President Tinubu for paying their withheld salary of about 8 months just few weeks ago is to join Ajaero’s useless strike.
ASUU’s last strike lasted eight months. The union embarked on the strike on February 14, 2022, to press home its demands from the FG. The union’s demands included the release of revitalisation funds for universities, the release of earned allowances for university lecturers, and the deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).
It called off the strike on October 17, 2022, following an order from the industrial court.
Since 1981, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has fought for their rights through nationwide strikes. And this streak of strikes seems far from over, as Nigerians may witness another strike from the group.
NLC president, Joe Ajaero, sent an ultimatum to the CBN — either improve the supply of naira notes in the country and reduce fuel scarcity or expect NLC workers to go on indefinite strike. This is because the workers have been finding it difficult to source cash for transportation and everyday needs since the crisis began.
But now the next question is, why should you care if the NLC goes on strike? We have a few reasons here:
All essential workers are under NLC
This includes transport workers, doctors, teachers, bankers, etc. If they go on strike, none of these essential workers would be there to cater to the average Nigerian’s needs.
Road transport workers [Pulse]
It will negatively impact Nigeria’s economy
During strikes, there’s what is called a strike cost. This is the cost incurred by the government from paying wages and salaries to labour workers. This is negative because money is being spent without gaining any revenue.
Doctors and medical personnel in federal hospitals fall under the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), an affiliate of the NLC.
If the Labour Congress should go on strike, this could increase deaths for citizens who can’t afford private healthcare.
What happens next?
Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has met with CBN governor Godwin Emefiele and Ajaero for negotiations.
The CBN promised to increase the distribution of the naira notes, while Ajaero promised that the NLC would continue to “engage the CBN through effective dialogue.”
But could the negotiations break down? Will CBN keep to their word? Let’s wait and see.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is hot right now due to a solidarity protest with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The union is more well-known for protests and strikes, but there’s more to it than that.
First, a brief history of the NLC
The NLC was first created in December 1978 as a vehicle to protect the rights of workers and pensioners.
The union was a merger of four separate trade unions: the Nigeria Trade Union Congress (NTUC), Labour Unity Front (LUF), United Labour Congress (ULC) and Nigeria Workers’ Council (NWC).
The idea for the merger was to create one giant representative organisation with strong trade influence rather than four with limited, scattered power. It’s like the Avengers of unions.
“Unions… assemble!”
The military governments of General Ibrahim Babangida and General Sani Abacha dissolved the NLC in 1988 and 1994, respectively, for having coconut head, but the union always came back from the dead.
Today, the NLC has more than 40 affiliated unions with over four million members nationwide.
Okay, but what does the NLC do?
Here are the key issues that validate the existence of the NLC:
Job protection
It goes without saying that the protection of jobs for Nigerian workers is a main pillar of the NLC’s existence. The union is committed to this cause to the point of backing workers sacked for incompetence.
Safety at work
If you leave it up to Nigerian employers, they’d cut every possible corner to protect the business and tell employees to go to hell. The NLC is there to fill the gap of advocacy for the people that make a business tick. It’s the union’s mandate to ensure that employees work in a safe and efficient environment.
Industrial relations
If the NLC were a quote, it’d be “If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together”.
“…and as fashionably as possible”
The more people in the union that can do collective bargaining, the better for everyone’s interests. This is why the union promotes positive industrial relations in Nigeria.
Education
The NLC also seeks to always promote the education of workers to develop their social consciousness.
Legislative representation
One of the NLC’s most potent weapons is influencing government policies at all levels to serve the interests of Nigerian workers.
Gender equality
It’s also the mandate of the NLC to fight for affirmative action to improve the participation of women in the labour force, even if its own national administrative council membership doesn’t always reflect that gender balance.
Charity begins at home
If you ever see the NLC striking, protesting or making noise in the news like it’s currently doing, it’s usually for any combination of these reasons.
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are taking part in a nationwide protest starting July 26th, 2022. The NLC is Nigeria’s national umbrella body for trade unions with over four million members. This means it’s a big deal when the union takes an action like this as it could significantly disrupt socio-economic activities across the nation.
The goal of the protest is to do the impossible — to make the Buhari government listen.
What’s this protest about?
The NLC first announced the strike action after its National Executive Council (NEC) met on June 30th, 2022. The group then communicated its decision to state chapters in a July 15th circular. The national executives urged the chapters to mobilise members to participate in the protest.
What was the reason for the decision? The NLC was unhappy at the failure of the government to make a deal with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to put an end to a strike that has kept Nigerian students at home for five months.
An ASUU strike is old men talking for months and young Nigerians sitting at home.
In February 2022, university lecturers reignited their unending war with the Federal Government by going on strike. The strike started only as a warning, just like how the suya seller gives you a taste before you decide if you want to buy more. The Federal Government decided to buy more of ASUU’s suya.
The two have been playing a game of Tom and Jerry since then while students have watched from the sidelines unamused.
Here’s an unintentionally hilarious video from when the strike first started:
The issues that caused the February 2022 strike aren’t any different from the ones that caused the 2020 strike which lasted nine months — revolving mainly around salary structure and payment, earned academic allowances, university funding, autonomy and academic freedom.
How does the NLC strike affect anything?
The NLC strike will take place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The goal of the action is to force the Federal Government to conclude the ongoing negotiations with ASUU and other aggrieved trade unions in universities. The takeoff points for the protest are the Labour House in the FCT and state secretariats of the NLC.
Member unions that have expressed full backing for the strike include the Senior Staff Union of Nigeria (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU).
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) is also participating in the strike, so you might experience some electricity issues that won’t get immediate attention.
The Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) is also participating in the protest, so there may be some disruption in the aviation industry.
The Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, also claimed the Department of State Services (DSS) doesn’t want the protest to hold because they fear hoodlums may hijack it. And that’s really just something the Nigerian government says about every protest these days to try and shut it down.
How long will the protest last?
NLC’s action is only a warning strike to take place for two days: July 26th and July 27th. The group will decide on what further action to take depending on how the government responds.
If you were looking forward to the nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as a great excuse to lazy around for an indefinite time then you are going to be so disappointed.
These decisions happened yesterday, when Labour was supposed to be prepping their we-no-go-gree-o stance; but are we surprised that the strike was called off? No, we expected it.
The President of the United Labour Congress (ULC), Joe Ajaero, seemed to have foreseen this as well, which probably led to his statement about how the so called strike was dead on arrival because the “critical sectors that would make the strike to be successful were left out of the decision”.
I couldn’t agree more, considering that many a strike, prior to this, have been called off in order to engage in talks, yet nothing worthwhile is achieved. Oh well, this one remains to be seen.
Although, isn’t the NLC’s bark fast becoming louder than its bites?
