The president made the declaration on Thursday on the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day.

In a post on his official X handle, the president described workers as the engine of the economy and very important to the growth of the nation.

Said Tinubu: “To every Nigerian worker, Happy Workers’ Day. You are the engine of our economy and the secret to our nation’s growth. Our administration has and will continue to prioritise workers’ welfare. Together, we will make Nigeria great again.

READ ALSO: AFRIMA: Lagos committed to devt of creative industry -Sanwo-Olu

“Here’s to everyone – young and old, entrepreneur or employee, in the private or public sector – whose meaningful contributions help in no small way to the development of our homes, communities, and our dear nation. Happy Workers’ Day, Nigeria.”

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Tinubu gave the assurance in his solidarity message to Nigerian workers on Workers Day celebrated every May 1.

His words: “In the Nigeria I shall have the honour and privilege to lead from May 29, workers will have more than a minimum wage. You will have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for your families.”

The statement signed by Tinubu reads in full:

“I join the rest of the world and all compatriots to celebrate Nigerian workers on this year’s International Workers’ Day. Today is a special day in most parts of the world, a day to salute and honour the working people whose hardwork and sweat continue to oil the wheel of human progress and advancement.

“Today is significant in many respects. It is a day forged and born out of the struggle for workers’ rights and socio-economic justice.  Since 1891, this day has been observed all over the world.

“In Nigeria, every May 1 is a  special day in our national calendar. The public holiday we observe is not just to commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of workers to the well-being of our country. It serves both as a celebration of the rights  of workers to dignity, decent wages and decent living, and more important, it is a testament to the critical role the labour movement plays in our march towards a stronger, united and more prosperous nation.

“Since 1945 when the railway workers and 16 other public service unions led the first General Strike to demand for better wages as a result of rising cost of living, the Labour Movement in Nigeria has always fought on the side of the masses of our country. It was no surprise that the Labour Movement added fillip, zest and energy to the struggle for independence by partnering with nationalists such as Nnamdi Azikwe, Herbert Macaulay, Ahmadu Bello, Obafemi Awolowo, Ernest Ikoli and Anthony Enahoro among others.

“The Nigerian Labour Movement was also not found wanting during our struggle for the restoration of democracy. The Nigerian Labour Congress and its affiliate organisations – NUPENG, Textile Union, PENGASSAN, among others collaborated with the pro-democracy leaders and groups to restore democratic governance in Nigeria in 1999 after almost two unbroken decades of military dictatorship.

“On this special day, as your President-elect, I extend my hands of friendship to the Nigerian workers through the two central Labour unions – Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress. In me you will find a dependable ally and co-labourer in the fight for social and economic justice for all Nigerians, including all the working people.

“Your fight will be my fight because I will always fight for you. My plans for better welfare and working conditions are clearly spelt out in my Renewed Hope Agenda for A Better Nigeria. It is a covenant born of conviction and one I am prepared to keep.

“At this point, I must remind Nigerian workers that we all have a common battle to wage, one which we must win together. And it is the fight against poverty, ignorance, disease, disunity, ethnic and religious hate and all negative forces that contend against the stability and prosperity of our country.

“In the Nigeria I shall have the honour and privilege to lead from May 29, workers will have more than a minimum wage. You will have a living wage to have a decent life and provide for your families.

“The days ahead will, however, demand better understanding and cooperation from all sides, because leadership will require that we take tough and hard decisions so that our people and all Nigerian workers can live more abundantly.

“I wish Nigerian workers and the leadership of NLC and TUC Happy Workers’ Day!”

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The call, the party said, was made against the backdrop that the announcement could be an ordinary political talk for the purpose of securing workers support in the forthcoming general election.

The party said the Lagos State joint negotiation committee should be involved in the working out of the said modalities for the increment.

The party made the call in a statement signed by its chairman, Rufus Olusesan, and secretary, Moshood Osunfurewa.

READ ALSO: Lagos: Sanwo-Olu announces increment in public servants salary

The statement reads in full:

“The Lagos State Chapter of the Socialist Party of Nigeria, SPN, welcomes the planned salary increment announced by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu while addressing a gathering of workers during a visit to the office of State Head of Service on October 4.

“According to news reports, Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that since September he had instructed, the “Head of Service (HoS), the Commissioner for Establishment, Training, and Pensions to work out modalities for salary increases for the entire over 100,000 public service workforce.”

“However, we urge Lagos State workers, public sector unions as well as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), to follow up on the verbal pronouncement, as it could be an ordinary political talk for the purpose of securing workers support in the forthcoming general election.  Indeed, we call on them to demand the involvement of Lagos state joint negotiation committee in working out the said modalities.

“To us, an upward review in wages is long overdue not only in Lagos but nationally.  Given the economic hardship, high inflation, and high prices of foodstuff, fuel and electricity, ordinary working class families are at the receiving end.  This is a result of anti-poor capitalist policies, something only compounded by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian war on Ukraine.

“Indeed that the Lagos state governor said he was “not going to wait for the Federal Government’s minimum wage increase confirms the fact  that the current minimum wage, which is still not being implemented by  some states  is due for a national upward review.

“Therefore, we reiterate our call on the NLC and TUC to begin to demand a new national minimum wage while at the same time fight for the full implementation of the current one by all the state governments. We also call on NLC and TUC to demand a reversal of neo-liberal policies (privatization of power, deregulation of the oil sector etc) and resist cuts in social service, education and healthcare underfunding etc.

“However, we frown at the fact that the same Lagos government that wants to be seen as pro-people with the promise of an increase in workers’ salaries is compounding the economic hardship being faced by the ordinary people in the state. For instance, it recently increased the monthly refuse disposal bill by 50 per cent and hiked BRT fare. At the same time, the state miscellaneous offence taskforce and its local governments criminally extort ordinary Lagosians on daily basis with obnoxious and outrageous and multiple fines and taxes.

“Besides, there are shortages of teachers in most schools.  Lagos State government should employ more teachers and rehabilitate dilapidated school buildings. Also, the state government should pay many primary school pensioners who work as gatemen at most schools in Lagos State but have yet to receive their pension after four years of retirement.

“Therefore, we call on Lagos state public workers and other ordinary people not to drop their guard because of the planned salary increase, which is possibly done in order to woo support for the APC in the 2023 elections, but be prepared to resist all anti-poor policies of the APC governments in Lagos and at the federal level.”

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Chris Ngige, Minister of Labour and Employment, said this in a statement by his media office on Friday in Abuja.

Ngige assured workers that the  President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration would leave no stone unturned in ensuring an improved welfare for all workers, in the face of extant challenges that had eaten into the New National Minimum Wage.

According to him, the federal government was not unmindful of the runaway prices of goods and services and their deleterious consequences on salaries and wages.

“It is another opportunity to reflect on the heroic roles which the Nigerian workforce, operating under different unions played in Nigeria’s independence struggle and the sustenance of that freedom since October 1, 1960.

“Nothing is too much as compensation, hence, reason the present administration has continued to show unflinching commitment to the improved lots of all workers even in the face of dwindling national earnings.

“The new national minimum wage and its consequential adjustment (wage increase) were implemented in 2019.

“In spite of the economy slipping twice into recession, the President ensured that no worker in the federal government employment lost his or her job,’’ he said.

He also added that, even while COVID-19 forced the entire world on bent knees and millions lost their jobs globally, the federal government shielded its workers.

The minister also said that, notwithstanding the two-third of the federal staff stayed at home, in conformity with COVID protocol, their salaries were paid as and when due.

“Therefore, the federal government is concerned over the plight of workers, consequent upon the adverse effects of galloping inflation on salaries and wages.

“While this gale of inflation is a global phenomenon, and not restricted to Nigeria, we call for further understanding of workers as government plans an appropriate response.

“President Buhari has never failed Nigerian workers. Not now,’’ he said.

On the growing unemployment rate,  Ngige said  his ministry had established a Labour Market Information System, LMIS.

He said the LMIS intended to generate, analyse and integrate job related data from all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government, to enable the  sector policy makers track labour market indicators and generate employments.

He added that the focal officers who would be pivot of the scheme would soon begin work in all the MDAs.

“The synergy arising from the system will consolidate hitherto,  solo efforts and break new grounds in tackling the unemployment situation, ’’ he said.

He,  therefore, commended  the Nigerian workers operating under different unions for their immeasurable contributions to the sustenance of Nigeria’s independence.

Source: NAN

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The unions, which comprise of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics, SSANIP, and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, NASUP, announced the industrial action after a joint congress held on Monday.

At the time of filing this report, students were seen milling around at the main entrance of the institution with the hope that the school’s gate would be opened.

The academic activities of the institution after the Christmas break was scheduled to resume on Monday with the start of first semester examinations for the 2019/2020 session, but was disrupted by the protest by the unions.

Mr Biodun Abegunde, the SSANIP chairman, The Polytechnic, Ibadan, told journalists that the unions were forced to embark on industrial action because the matter was beyond the school’s management and needed to be addressed urgently.

Abegunde had said the unions were demanding the implementation of the new minimum wage and the removal of a consultant in charge of the school finances to give room to financial autonomy for the institution.

“The unions are agitating for the implementation of the minimum wage and the removal of a consultant who has been handling and managing the financial affairs of the institution.

“This is a move towards financial autonomy. So, the unions are clamouring for removal of the consultant so that due process can be maintained by the institution.

“We want the institution to have powers to manage its affairs. The current mode of operation is affecting the smooth running and operation of the institution and the entire community of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, are not happy.

“We want the council of the institution to be the ones running the affairs of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, ” Abegunde said.

When contacted for the reaction of the institution ‘s management, the Public Relations Officer, Alhaji Soladoye Adewole, said that the Registrar, Mrs Modupe Theresa Fawole, would issue a statement before the close of work today.

Source: NAN

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The Police Public Relations Officer of the state command,  DSP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday.

This is as he added that four officials of the factory had been arrested.

He explained that the rescue operation was carried out following a complaint on June 21, by Global Community for Human Right Network, Kano, that some labourers were wrongly held hostage inside the said Popular Farms and Mills.

The farm is said to be located at 54 Challawa Industrial Estate, Kano.

His words: “On receiving the information a team of policemen were deployed and when search was conducted, 126 labourers trapped inside the factory for three months were rescued.”

He added that the Commissioner of Police in the state,  Mr. Habu Ahmad, had ordered that investigation should be carried out on the case.

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The Task Force, which made the decision public after a two-and-a-half-hour meeting presided by its chairman, Governor Seyi Makinde, added that the curfew would now run from 10pm to 4am.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, confirmed that other decisions reached include the resumption of classes for Primary Six, JSS3 and SS3 students from Monday, June 29; resumption of work by all category of workers at the state secretariat from June 22; opening up of mosques and churches, which are to operate at 25 per cent capacity; and the decision to limit public gathering to not more than 25 persons.

The statement indicated that the state secretariat, which was earlier shut on March 27 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and later reopened to staff on grade level 13 and above from Monday April 27, would now be open to all other staffers from Monday, June 22.

According to the statement, students in critical classes are to resume at the end of June to ensure they are well-prepared for the public examinations ahead of them.

The statement read: “The schools are to observe the COVID-19 protocols as released by the Task Force, ensure that stations for washing of hands are provided in all schools, while all students are to compulsorily wear face masks.

“Schools are to provide hand wash points with the support of their Parents/Teachers Associations (PTA).

“The resumption of critical classes at the end of June 2020, would be two clear weeks ahead of the state’s drop-dead date of July 15. By that date, it would be decided whether other categories of students will return to the classes.”

The statement further reads: “Mosques and Churches are to reopen and operate at not more than 25 per cent capacity. The situation will be reviewed within the first two weeks. All worshippers are to compulsorily wear face masks.

“Night clubs are to remain shut even though the existing curfew, which used to run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. is being aligned with that of the Federal Government, which runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

“The Task Force will not mind shutting down everywhere if evidence emerges that the COVID-19 safety protocols are being violated, or should there be an explosion in the number of cases; however, the state government will intensify enlightenment campaigns to ensure the safety of our people.”

The statement also added that the resumption order would not affect the tertiary institutions for now, as the Task Force would review their situation and determine their state of readiness.

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This is as he added that adequate measure had been put in place to ensure the repositioning of the economy of the country now and after coronavirus.

His words: “I understand the anxiety which has plagued the minds of workers over the possibility of job losses due to economic downturn caused by the pandemic and lock-down especially in the private sector. In this regard, the Government will ensure that no employer would retrench or lay off workers without going through due process of social dialogue which includes consultations with workers and with the Competent Authority – Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Furthermore, I had earlier put in place a Presidential Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) with the objective of developing a credible sustainability plan for repositioning the Nigerian economy now and post Covid-19 crisis period. The ESC is required to specifically explore ways and means of growing our non-oil sector – all in a bid to minimise the adverse effects of the current crisis and to also protect existing jobs and even create new jobs to help absorb the teeming army of the unemployed even before the crises.”

The president gave the assurance on Friday on the occasion of Workers Day.

His speech was read on his behalf by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, during a virtual meeting with Labour leaders via ZOOM, in consonance with the social distancing policy.

The president also used the opportunity of the occasion to appeal to workers to comply with the directives to ensure the prevention of the spread of coronavirus.

The president’s speech reads in full.

MESSAGE BY PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI TO NIGERIAN WORKERS ON MAY DAY, 2020                    

Greetings Nigerian Workers!  It is 1st May – May Day today but we know that something is not right not just in our nation but globally. Today is a day set aside for workers to celebrate the success of their historical struggles to have a “voice” in the world of work. It is equally a day to celebrate their partnership with relevant stakeholders to achieve sustainable development and contribute to the progress of nations in contemporary times. It is a day to mark and acclaim workers’ productivity in nation – building. But today, May 1, 2020, the usual pomp and ceremony characterized by sounds of drumming and march past by various Trade Unions and their Federations are missing in all the stadia throughout the Federation including our Abuja Eagle Square. This is so because we are fighting an invisible enemy to humanity termed Covid-19 pandemic.                               

In a bid to win this war, we set up a Presidential Task Force (PTF) made up of the relevant sector Ministers and highly skilled Health Technical Experts The government had to in a well-designed Expert Advice, lock down some States of the Federation where this pandemic is most prevalent – the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, Ogun and Lagos States. Lagos State was and still is the EPICENTRE of the disease and of late Kano had to follow because of the new eruptions of Covid-19 in the State.       

Offices, businesses, and various forms of out-door activities have been put in abeyance so that “WE” as opposed to “I” factor may prevail so that we may live for tomorrow. Yes, it is a common problem and interest and it is at this time that we must be our brother’s keeper by ensuring that “I protect myself and protect others from me”. I, therefore, ask Nigerian Workers both in the Public and Private Sectors with her FORMAL and INFORMAL ECONOMY to bear the stringent measures for a while for our common good. This would enable us put the ravaging pandemic under control and restore normalcy within the confines of relevant guidelines issued by health experts and the Government for safety against Covid-19 in order to curtail its spread.  

I acknowledge that it is not easy but nations globally are in a state of war against this pandemic and in a war situation, survival is paramount.                          

Though the lock-down had been partially lifted in States aforementioned, except Kano State, workers are enjoined to observe subsequent rules and regulations issued to ensure the safety of all Nigerian citizens.                                

I understand the anxiety which has plagued the minds of workers over the possibility of job losses due to economic downturn caused by the pandemic and lock-down especially in the private sector. In this regard, the Government will ensure that no employer would retrench or lay off workers without going through due process of social dialogue which includes consultations with workers and with the Competent Authority – Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Furthermore, I had earlier put in place a Presidential Economic Sustainability Committee (ESC) with the objective of developing a credible sustainability plan for repositioning the Nigerian economy now and post Covid-19 crisis period. The ESC is required to specifically explore ways and means of growing our non-oil sector – all in a bid to minimise the adverse effects of the current crisis and to also protect existing jobs and even create new jobs to help absorb the teeming army of the unemployed even before the crises.                       

I conclude by expressing my appreciation to Medical Doctors and Healthcare Workers as well as their respective organisations, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). These Health workers are doing a great service for humanity. I thank you all. I have directed that requisite incentives and hazard allowances enhancement and insurance for lives should be taken at these perilous times in favor of our Health Sector workers as a way of showing our appreciation. Also, personal protective equipment for their safety is also guaranteed.      

Great Nigerian Workers, your resilience in times of adversity is not questionable. I appreciate you all and I know that with collective will and sense of responsibility, as a team, we shall triumph as a nation.   

Observe all the Health Protocols as already established by the World Health Organisation (WHO), in terms of hygiene, wash your hands regularly, observe Social Distancing, and Stay Safe. 

God bless you all.

Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

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In a circular sent to state councils, signed by its General Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, NLC, to mobilise for strike, the union said that the document was a notice in case the proposed negotiations slated for October 15 with the Federal Government broke down.

“You will recall that a joint Communiqué was issued by the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Committee, JNPSNC, stating that two weeks from the date of the said communiqué, industrial harmony could not be guaranteed in the country should an agreement not be reached with the Federal Government on the Consequential Adjustment of Salaries as a result of the New National Minimum Wage of N30,000.

“You are hereby directed to coordinate preparations with TUC and JNPSNC in your states for necessary industrial action should the time expire without an agreement as contained in the circular.’’

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the organised labour demanded 29 per cent salary increase for officers on salary level 07 to 14 and 24 per cent adjustment for officers on salary grade level 15 to 17.

The Federal Government had, however, presented a proposal of 11 per cent salary increase for officers on grade level 07 to14 and 6.5 per cent adjustment for workers of grade level 15 to 17.

Implementation of the new wage has remained a problem, arising from the issue of relativity and consequential adjustments.

On May 14, the Federal Government inaugurated the relativity and consequential adjustment committee, which in turn set up a technical sub-committee to work out a template for the adjustment of salaries of public service employees.

However, government and labour have failed to reach an agreement over relativity and consequential adjustments for the implementation of the new minimum wage more than six months after it was signed into law.

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Saraki, in a message of goodwill to mark the 2019 Workers’ Day celebration, signed by his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity), Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, also commended the leadership and members of the organized labour for their patriotism in often choosing dialogue rather than industrial action in resolving trade disputes.

He expressed hope that workers would be encouraged to always put in their best in working to uplift and sustain the nation’s economy, in view of the recent signing into law of a new minimum wage of N30,000.00.

“No nation can develop without a virile and agile workforce,” Saraki said. “It is trite to say that workers are the mainstay of our nation’s economy, since no policy of government, no matter how remote, will succeed without the commitment and collaboration of workers saddled with implementation.

“However, having interacted with Nigerian workers and their leadership times without number, I can say without fear of contradiction that the nation’s workforce is among the best in the continent,” he stated.

“All that is left is to adequately harness their abundant talents and spirit of patriotism to further improve on the nation’s economic and political development through timely and adequate motivation, training and retraining. The public sector should work to ensure that the country realizes her potentials. It should eliminate tardiness, increase the level of discipline and strive to provide enabling environment for the private sector to thrive with the resultant broadening of the scope of national prosperity,” Saraki stated.

He called on the leadership of organized labour to continue to discharge their responsibilities in the overall interest of the country and her people while the government would continue to do its best to meet the yearnings and aspirations of workers and other Nigerians through sustainable welfare programmes.

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