Ngige charges NLC on implementation of ECA ACT 2010

Senator Chris Ngige, the minister of labor and employment, has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to move quickly with regard to the State Government’s implementation of the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010.
He stated that due to the act’s non-implementation, many workers were not protected by the ECA Act for accidents and even fatalities that occurred during the course of employment.

The welfare of workers is one of the core responsibilities of Trade Unions, including the Confederations, according to Ngige, who made this revelation yesterday at the 13th Quadrennial National Delegates’ Conference of Nigeria. Ngige suggested that the NLC should address this situation.
In this regard, he added, it is important to keep in mind that the PENCOM Act of 2014 requires all employers to provide insurance coverage for any workers they employ.
The minister pleaded with the NLC’s incoming leaders to address the issue of reporting, which he claimed was impeding sincere social dialogue and negotiations because the vast majority of workers were left with no information, inadequate information, and most frequently incorrect information.
Ngige advised the leadership of the Confederation of Trade Unions to always be courageous in informing the affiliates of the true state of labor laws, even when it is not in their favor, adding that it would help in avoiding mistakes and missteps.

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In order to support his policy that all newly elected trade union officials must take relevant courses at the Michael Imuodu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in order to equip them with the necessary knowledge and transform them into seasoned Industrial Relations experts, he urged the NLC to comply with the labor laws, particularly the laws contained in the Trade Disputes Act on trade disputes.

“It is acknowledged both nationally and internationally that government would not interfere in trade union matters, and similarly, Trade Unions are not to interfere in labor administration unless as provided by the laws and principles of tripartism,” the author claims. Since such appointments fall under the purview of government functionalities, trade unions are not required to impose their will on the government regarding the appointment of public officials such as permanent secretaries, director generals, and directors. What will happen to a trade union if the government begins to dictate who and how they elect their executives.

“The NLC leadership represented Nigerian workers at the ILO’s Governing Body, and the departing NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, reached the pinnacle of his labor career by becoming the President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) – the Nigerian workers were truly adequately represented.”

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This executive has demonstrated excellence in the area of investments in both physical structures like real estate and human capital development. In this regard, I would like to congratulate the departing executive once more on the building and opening of the Hassan Summonu Court, a stunning structure that was inaugurated yesterday in Abuja. We call this legacy. It will continue to generate income for the NLC and act as the executive’s spokesperson long after they have left their positions. I also applaud the departing Executives for establishing the two Annual Harmattan Schools to advance staff knowledge.