Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta), on Wednesday in Abuja expressed support for Nigerian workers’ clamour for a new minimum wage across board.
In a message to mark the international Workers Day celebration, he described Nigerian workers as valiant.
“Their ability to excel is unparalleled, especially when provided with a conducive environment to nurture their efforts and dreams.
“It is imperative that such environment is created and sustained so as to unleash the full potential of the workforce.
“I recognise the challenges the Nigerian workers face daily. I want to assure them that beyond rhetoric, we are committed to fostering an environment that promotes entrepreneurship, job creation, improved working conditions and access to quality health care.
“I firmly believe that Nigerians are among the most hardworking individuals globally; their ability to excel is unparalleled, especially when provided with a conducive environment that nurtures their efforts and dreams.
“I support an increase in the minimum wage across the board, encompassing both the private and public sectors
.
“Your well-being and prosperity are paramount; I am dedicated to ensuring that your voices are heard and your concerns are addressed at the highest levels of government.
“I extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for your unwavering dedication, resilience and hard work in driving our nation forward.
“I am deeply committed to championing policies and initiatives that support and uplift the Nigerian workforce,” he said. (NAN)
Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu has denied reports that senators quarreled at Tuesday plenary over sitting arrangements.
Reacting to the report, Adaramodu said “there was no disagreement, rancour or any verbal tirade in respect of the seating arrangements in the Senate chamber”.
He said “the Senate resumes today in the newly renovated chamber and the sitting positions of senators were done in accordance to the established legislative protocols.
“It’s pertinent to know that rankings of senators and leadership positions are considered. All legislators all over the world know and accept this tradition.
According to him, the new arrangements in the chamber today (Tuesday) did not depart from that tradition.
“Every senator is thus considered based on this legislative tradition, hence there couldn’t be any confusion over sitting arrangements. Senators have been observing this seating protocols, even in the temporary chamber, hence the unfounded story of a phantom fight over sitting arrangements is an unscrupulous attempt to drag the image of the Senate into an unnecessary and needless controversy”.
Adaramodu therefore urged the general public to disregard the story as “falsehood”.
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, CON has assured Nigerian workers that the National Assembly and the Executive arm of government would work collaboratively to give them a living wage and better working conditions.
The Senate President gave the assurance in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh to congratulate the workers as they commemorate the 2024 May Day.
Akpabio, in the message, extolled the sterling qualities that stood out the Nigerian worker saying “A Nigerian worker is noted for his patriotism, hardwork, resilience, and dedication to duty.
“I am happy to be associated with the Nigerian worker in the last more than 25 years and I can attest to the fact that everywhere you go, the Nigerian worker’s spirit resonates profoundly”
Speaking on this year’s theme for Workers Day, “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,” Akpabio promised that the National Assembly under his leadership was more than committed to ensuring the best working conditions for the Nigerian worker adding that, “No Nigerian worker will again be allowed to work under inhuman conditions. We will do everything to give you the best because you deserve the best”
The Senate President reiterated that the theme for this year’s celebration was apt and in tune with the international best practices assuring that Nigeria will never be left behind.
According to him, the 10th National Assembly was fully committed to providing the required legislative enablement aimed at protecting the interest of the Nigerian worker, creating a befitting workplace environment and a pay that takes them home.
“On behalf of the Senate and the entire National Assembly and indeed, my family, I wish to join the world in wishing the Nigerian worker a happy International Labour Day. We are celebrating patriotism, hardwork, commitment and dedication. And I want to assure you that your sacrifices can never go in vain. The tough times will never last forever and in fact, they will soon be over”.
The Federal Government has approved 25 per cent and 35 per cent of salary increase for civil servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures
By Lucy Ogalue
The Federal Government has approved 25 per cent and 35 per cent of salary increase for civil servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures.
The Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Mr Emmanuel Njoku, said this on Tuesday in Abuja.
“The Federal Government has approved an increase of between 25 per cent and 35 per cent in salary increase for Civil Servants on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures.
” They include Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS) and Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS).
Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).
“The increases will take effect from January 1,” he said.
According to Njoku, the Federal Government has also approved increases in pension of between 20 per cent and 28 per cent for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme.
He said this was in respect of the above-mentioned six consolidated salary structures and would also take effect from January 1.
He said the move was in line with the provisions of Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The official recalled that those in the Tertiary Education and Health Sectors had already received their increases.
“This involves Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) for universities.
“For Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, it involves the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS).
” The Health Sector also benefitted through the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS),” Njoku said.(NAN)
Senate, on the first day plenary in the reconfigured hallowed chamber on Tuesday was thrown into quarrels among members over sitting arrangements.
The ecstasy which first enveloped the session at the beginning of holding plenary proceedings in the renovated hallowed chamber soon gave way as trouble started when the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio started reading names of Senators who marked their birthdays during the forty days recess.
Specifically, Senator Sahabi Alhaji Ya’u (APC Zamfara North) angrily stood up from the seat allocated to him to complain about it to the Leader, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central).
His complaints to the Leader, which started on hushed tone, aggravated to shouting match between the two and consequently sparked reactions from other senators and eventually degenerated into rowdy session.
During the rowdy session which lasted for about 30 minutes, Senator Ya’u angrily pointed his finger at the Leader, complaining that the seat allocated to him at far right of the chamber was not befitting, being a ranking Senator who held principal position of Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate during the 9th National Assembly.
The verbal counter punching between the Leader and Senator Ya’u , festered further when Senator Danjuma Goje (APC Gombe Central) joined them.
Goje also complained to the leader that ranking senators were not well positioned in the sitting arrangement.
However, in a trouble shooting move, the Senate President called on the leader and aggrieved senators surrounding him, to “approach the Chair”, which they did, and eventually paved way for Akpabio to read his welcome address.
After Akpabio’s welcome address, an emergency executive session was called by the leader, apparently to diffuse the bottled anger among senators over sitting arrangement.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has alerted State Governors of the imminent flooding projections and the need to take urgent proactive measures, NEWSDIARYONLINE has learnt.
This newspaper learnt that Adamawa State Governor is one of those who have been officially alerted by the Director General of NEMA, Zubaida Umar, with calls for urgent pro-active measures to tackle the of imminent flooding in 2024.
In the letter to Adamawa Governor sighted by NEWSDIARYONLINE , the NEMA DG drew the “Excellency’s attention to the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) released by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on 20th February 2024; and the Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) released by Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) on 16th February 2024.
She said, “According to the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction, the general outlook of the Annual Rainfall amount is predicted to be normal to below normal in most parts of the Country. The temperature is expected to be warmer than the long-term average of the country in January through to May 2024.
“The 2024 Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) has forecasted flood situation for different parts of the country. It holds that 144 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 30 States are within High Flood Risk (indicating that flood will be high in 68 LGAs in the months of April, May and June; 131 LGAs in July, August and September and 44 LGAs in October and November), while 253 LGAs in 35 States and FCT are within Moderate Flood Risk Areas.
According to the DG, “After the release of these predictions, NEMA constituted a Technical Committee comprising relevant stakeholders to extensively analyze the socio-economic and disaster risk management implications with regards to climate-sensitive sectors of the economy including Water Resources, Agriculture and Food Security, Health, Transport, Telecommunication, Power Generation and Distribution. The outcome of this meeting is the climate related disaster Preparedness and Mitigation strategies recommended by stakeholders (Early Warning document).
Specifically, the NEMA DG said, “Further to the above, the flood outlook as predicted for Adamawa State is as detailed below: See table below as sighted by NEWSDIARYONLINE
Flood Risk LGAs and Months of Occurrences
High Flood Risk
Month
LGAs
April- June
Yola South, Lamurde and Demsa
July-September
Yola South, Numan,Lamurde, Fufore, Gombi and Demsa,
October – November
Yola South, Numan,Lamurde, Demsa
Moderate Flood Risk
April- June
Yola North,Shelleng, Guyuk
July-September
Yola North, Shelleng, Song,Jada, Guyuk and Mayo-Belwa
October – November
Yola North, Shelleng and Mayo-Belwa
The DG said further: “From the foregoing, I wish to request the State Government to kindly take proactive and necessary preparedness and mitigative measures to prevent loss of lives and property arising from predicted flooding. These should include amongst others:
She advised that “Prompt sensitization of the public on the information contained in the 2024 Climate Related Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation Strategies as a measure for early warning and flood disaster prevention.
“Directing the State Emergency Management Agency, frontline Local Government Authorities, and other response Agencies to be prepared to mitigate and respond.
“Educating citizens to imbibe attitudinal change towards warnings for flood prevention by Government Agencies and desist from unethical environmental practices such as indiscriminate waste disposal.
“Identification of high grounds for possible IDP camps and shelter for evacuated communities.
“Removal of refuse, weeds, water hyacinths and floats from water channels and on all avenues for river run-offs so as to allow for free flow of floodwaters. This exercise is to be undertaken down to grassroots levels including Local Government Areas.
“Relocation of people living along high flood risk areas and those that are having socio-economic activities on the flood plains.
“Consideration for channelization of rivers in the State.
“Strengthening the resilience of communities by encouraging the utilization of local flood remedies.
“Prepositioning of relief materials for prompt response as the flood unfolds.
In the letter sighted by NEWSDIARYONLINE, the DG said attached were “copies of 2024 Climate Related Disaster Preparedness, Mitigation Strategies based on Implication of the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook for your kind information and further action.
“A flood risk map showing LGAs and communities in your state is also attached to guide state operations.”
“Your Excellency, while we look forward to a continuous collaboration with your State, please accept the assurances of my esteemed regards”, the letter ended
NEWSDIARYONLINE obtained the list of high risk areas nationwide as identified below:
2024 HIGH RISK FLOOD AREAS’ TIMELINE AND SENSITIZATION SCHEDULE
Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatization and former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu has commended workers across the country for their contributions to nation building. Emphasizing on the role of workers in building a robust economy, Kalu urged government and the organized private sector to prioritize the well being of Nigerian workers in their agenda. Kalu, who is a successful businessman, noted that the labour force in Nigeria should be applauded for their perseverance, patriotism, steadfastness and efficiency, adding that workers remain the key asset of any organization.
In a statement in commemoration of the 2024 Labour day, the former Governor stressed that Nigeria will continue to wax strong in view of its vast human capital. He said, ” I congratulate Nigerian workers and other stakeholders on the celebration of the 2024 Labour day. “It is a period of sober reflection for workers, government and the private sector.
“All parties must build thrust and work collectively for the purpose of building a prosperous nation.
“I am optimistic that workers across the country in tbe public and private sectors will live up to expectations in their endaevours.
“Government at all levels, the organized private sector and other employers of labour must continually improve the working conditions of workers”. Kalu wished Nigerian workers’ a fulfilling labour day celebration.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has highlighted the importance of transparency and public trust in running government business. He stated that the Ministry prioritizes providing Nigerians with accurate and verifiable information and emphasizes the shift away from propaganda towards a fact-based approach to informing the public.
The Minister made the remark when he received members of the House of Representatives Committee on Information and National Orientation for an oversight visit at Radio House, Abuja, on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024.
Idris expressed his sincere gratitude to the committee for their continued support, specifically commending the Committee Chair and members, alongside the Senate Committee, for their dedication to improving the ministry’s critical mandate, which is the effective communication of government activities and programs to the Nigerian people.
Furthermore, Minister Idris informed the committee of the establishment of regular ministerial press briefings, during which Ministers will directly address the nation on their respective ministries’ activities and programs, which aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the government.
In his remarks, Hon. Fatoba Olusola, the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, National Orientation, Ethics, and Values, pledged to support the ministry in performing its duties more effectively in accordance with its mandate.
In attendance were members of the Committee and Directors of the Ministry.
Wednesday 1st of May is Workers’ Day. A public holiday set aside to celebrate the dignity of labour as a critical factor of development. This year’s May Day in Nigeria assumes triple importance of history, democratic context and relevance. 2024 May Day marks the 44th anniversary of workers’ Day as a national public holiday in Nigeria. There was once a democratic second Republic with competitive ideological politics led by popular parties and politicians. In 1980, late Governors Abubakar Rimi and Alhaji Balarabe Musa of Kano and Kaduna States under the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) respectively declared May 1st a public holiday in show of solidarity with the demand of NLC led by its founding president, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu. A year later, refused to be outperformed by the radical progressive left PRP, the conservative President Shehu Shagari of the National party of Nigeria (NPN) declared May 1 a national public holiday in appreciation of the dignity of labour. Of course globally the observance of May Day is long dated; almost a century and half. In 1886, Chicago police opened fire killing several demonstrating workers demanding for 8-hr working day. Subsequent workers’ protest, led to the death of some seven policemen. Police without evidence accused eight leaders of the Chicago workers’ movement of killing the police convicting all. Four of the workers’ leaders were executed, three were given life imprisonment! And that was a ‘democratic’ America which had proclaimed a libertarian constitution but without due respect for workers’ rights. May 1, 1889 the International Workers’ Congress in Paris declared in memory of the historic struggle of the Chicago workers! With the exception of the global lock down occasioned by COVID in 2020 a century long May Day celebrations had offered open global platforms for working men and women to demand for fairer distribution of global wealth between labour and owners of means of production. Even at that in 2020, there was a “virtual celebration” of dignity of labour . I recall that both IBB and Abacha military regimes dissolved the Executive Councils of the NLC in 1988 and 1995 respectively. But industrial affiliate unions nonetheless observed labour day despite the intimidation and harassment. Which then explains the democratic context of May Day celebrations over the years. It is democratic dispensation that proclaimed May Day in Nigeria. It is democracy that constitutionally allows for freedom of association, rights to unfettered organizing, the trade marks of trade union movement. Certainly organized labour must join democratic forces to deepen democracy which with all its dramatized shortcomings, constitutionally guarantees trade and human rights. 2024 May Day is also undoubtedly a celebration of 25 years of uninterrupted democratic dispensation in Nigeria since 1999.
This year’s May Day is the first since the inauguration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. What then the state of labour-government relations since May 29th 2023? Globally Labour -government relations is characterized by contestation and accommodation. With “four strikes in 9 months” according to the President, Nigeria is certainly not short of policy contestations since President Bola Tinubu initiated twin policy of inevitable fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange market reforms which had fueled inflation, currency devaluation, high cost of living and challenged industrial relations more than ever before. However there is also a remarkable and commendable policy accommodation and cooperation under Ashiwaju led administration which has fostered relative industrial peace in the wake of daunting current economic challenges. Indeed there is a consensus among the stakeholders in the labour market that notwithstanding the impact of inevitable economic reforms on employment relations, organized labour, employers and governments had commendably taken the advantage of the country’s social dialogue and dispute resolution mechanism to minimize disputes and maintain relative harmony. Beyond, legitimate protests and strikes, trade unions, private employers of labour organized in Nigeria Employers Association (NECA) and government officials have signed thousands of agreements after worthy negotiations, compromises, workplace dispute prevention and dispute resolutions. Based on data available at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment the mission is to promote decent work, there has been relative industrial peace and industrial harmony. After open policy contestation as we have seen on subsidy removal, it eventually got resolved in policy accommodation between labour and government. Which means that trade unions’ struggles invariably compliment reforms for better inclusive outcomes .
The 2023 October 2nd 15-point Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between organized Labour and government following the removal of fuel subsidy is a model framework for managing industrial relations at times of economic crisis. Since then that singular historic agreement is being implemented to the benefits of all the parties. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had commendably implemented the agreement on payment of the Federal Government wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) for all the Federal employees, pending when a new national minimum wage Federal Government. President Tinubu also acted Statesmanship in line with his labour- friendly disposition out of the Federal box urged the state governments to give same wage awards to their employees. The most significant is the inauguration of an inclusive 37-member tripartite National Minimum wage committee in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda on Tuesday, January 30, 2024. Negotiation is already ongoing which when concluded will usher in the 6th National Minimum wage since 1981. Again the point cannot be overstated: all National Minimum Wages (NMW) adjustment take place under democratic governments.(1981: President Shehu Shagari, 2000:President Olusegun Obasanjo, 2011: President GoodLuck Jonathan, 2018: President Muhammadu Buhari and 2024: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu). Minimum wage tripartite negotiations often involve bargaining, social dialogue and compromises on affordability and ability to pay by employers and employees alike. Negotiation is a democratic value that thrives where there’s constitutionalism, freedoms of association and assembly. Again only democratic dispensation guarantees unfettered negotiations. There are enough quotable quotes on minimum and living pay attributable to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu more than any President. Indeed every labour market observer agrees that 2024 minimum wage will promote ease of work and living among Nigeria’s working poor. In his 2023 May Day speech, Tinubu disclosed that “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.” Organized labour certainly has a worthy ally in President Tinubu for a new National Minimum Living wage. ( NMLW). Also worthy of mention of the October agreement is the clause that says :
“All parties commit to henceforth abide by the dictates of Social dialogue in all our future engagements”.
For this clause to be realizable, the Federal government must rethink all the inevitable reforms to make them more inclusive and participatory of labour. The wealth of labour is better harnessed when labour is mainstreamed as a critical factor of development. Do not marginalize labour that creates wealth. There is also the need for “ A Just Transition” in managing reforms. Gradualist / spacing/ soft / strategic approach to reforms must replace “ big- bang”/ “tough”/ “shock therapy”/ “immediate effect” of undemocratic past military regimes. Conversely organized labour should rethink approaches to contestation. Certainly Contestation is inevitable if workers’ interests will be protected. But contestation must be complimented by proactive insistence to be at policy formulation tables. Government, for instance must expand the new Presidential Economic Advisory Council to include labour, employers of labour and not just business people and bankers, most who are permanently hunted by conflicts of bossiness interest. All the above call for constant improved labour education on labour management relations, which is the mandate of Micheal IMOUDU National Institute of Labour Studies ( MINILS).
Happy 2024 May Day.
Comrade Issa Aremu mni
Director General, Micheal Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies ( MINILS) Ilorin.
President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with victims of the gas explosion at Ita-Oshin, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ngelale stated,”President Bola Tinubu extends his deepest sympathies to the victims of the gas explosion at Ita-Oshin, Abeokuta North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
“The explosion from a solitary gas truck rippled through the community, resulting in the loss of life and property last Saturday.
“The President also sympathizes with the Ogun State Government and residents of the state over this tragedy.”
According to the statement, President Tinubu commended Governor Dapo Abiodun on his valiant efforts to arrest the situation and immediately restore calm to the community.
The President assured the people of Ogun State, particularly the victims of the harrowing incident, of his fervent support in this moment of grief.
