Electricity workers seek better welfare package

The Osun chapter of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has called for improved welfare package, especially increase in salary to motivate workers to perform optimally.

Mrs Kadirat Adekunle, the Chairman of the chapter, made the call on Saturday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of a pre -workers day seminar.

The theme of the seminar is “Organisation and mobilisation, Strategies for trade Union Effectiveness.’’

Adekunle, who described workers as the engine room of any developed economy, stressed that they needed to be motivated to ensure vibrant and effective service delivery.

According to her, the minimum wage needed to be reviewed with the active involvement of the labour unions.

She, however, urged the stakeholders in labour movement not to relent in agitation for a better welfare package for workers, especially the clamour for a better minimum wage.

The guest speaker at the seminar, Mr Olayinka Ibrahim, stressed the need for the employers to understand the potential inherent in workers.

Ibrahim, who is also the state Coordinator of Federation of Informal Workers Organisation of Nigeria (FIWON), however, called for sustainable industrial harmony for the overall interest of the society.

He also urged the organised labour to reinvent itself,  to effectively discharge union mandate in the interest of the workforce.

According to him, labour unions remain the only alternative platform that can liberate workers.

The Bayelsa State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Teachers

(NUT), Saturday, threatened to commence a three-day warning strike from May 2nd over unpaid nine and half month salaries.

The NUT in a communique signed by its Chairman, Kala-Ama Tonpre and Secretary, Johnson Hector, said it took the decision after its Executive Council meeting.
The union said it also resolved that the state government should urgently pay the monthly full salaries it owed primary school teachers to bring them at par with other civil servants in the state.

NUT also called on the government to take over the funding and management of primary education without attaching conditions to it.

The union further asked the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Post Primary Schools Board to implement the 2013 and 2015 promotions and to conduct the 2016 exercise without delay.

It appealed to the government to involve other banks in the payment of secondary school teachers’ salaries instead of allowing only the Sterling bank to conduct the transactions.

The union also urged the government to take care of the cost of bank transaction to reduce excess deductions on its members’ accounts.NUT implored the government to fill vacancies created by retired and deceased teachers by employing qualified personnel adding that government should begin the payment of N18,000 minimum wage arrears to teachers

Why we cannot pay salaries, Bayelsa LG Commissioner

The Commissioner for Local Government Administration,Bayelsa State, Mrs. Agatha Goma says that the steady drop in allocation from the Federation Accounts and huge wage bills are responsible for the councils’ inability to meet their financial obligations to their workers in the state.

That due to the development, the leadership of local government areas in the state were still battling with months of unpaid salaries in spite of receiving bailout and Paris Club funds from the Federal Government.

She however, said that the bailout and the Paris Club funds received by the councils were used to offset some backlog of workers and teachers salaries at the council level.

She explained that state government had embarked on several reforms at the third tier of government to weed out ghost workers and increased productivity among council workers.

Fight for Local Government autonomy

In the struggle for autonomy at the Local Government level, Emmanuel Aziken and co write in the Vanguard Newspaper

The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed – Section 7

LOCAL government workers across the country converged, last Wednesday in Abuja, for the grand finale of the series of protests against the relegation of democracy in the country’s local government system.

In apparent dismissal of constitutional provisions on the sustenance of democracy at that tier, State governments have, in collaboration with their state Houses of Assembly, put the local governments at their beck and call. The focus of the laws has mainly been to give the governors the legal leeway to appoint sole administrators over the local governments, a development that is at variance with Section 7 (1) of the Constitution. Caretaker committees That provision states thus: (1) The system of local government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the Government of every State shall, subject to section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a Law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils. The effect of the subjugation of the local governments to the states is the fact that development at that level has been stymied and in many cases, the local governments have been unable to pay salaries of their employees. This is mainly on account of the fact that governors using the various laws enacted have appointed lackeys as sole administrators or chairmen of caretaker committees who have almost always deferred to the governors concerning the funds of the local governments. Workers at that tier, under the aegis of the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, have in the last few weeks staged zonal rallies in all six of the country’s geopolitical zones to vent their angst against the removal of democracy at the local government level. NULGE national president, Comrade Ibrahim Abdulkadir, in an interview with Vanguard bemoaned the absence of democracy at the local government level saying it has essentially belittled the essence of democracy at that level. Abdulkadir said: “We are saying that because the people at the grassroots level,  don’t know any other leadership about from their councillor and chairman. Sincerely speaking without giving them that opportunity, you have completely disconnected them from democracy. “By not having that, you are creating a chaotic situation in the whole country and that is what we are witnessing today.” Stakeholders bicker: Various stakeholders spoke on the matter in separate interviews with Vanguard. While many political office holders especially federal legislators spoke in favour of autonomy for the local governments, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has sustained his opposition to it on the note that the local governments are sub-units of the states. Describing the agitation as misguided and “inconsistent with establishing a viable and well-functioning federal,” system, Atiku who spoke in Abuja while presenting a book, ‘Nigerian Federalism: Continuing Quest for Stability and Nation-Building’ published by the African Policy Research Institute. “In 2012, I went before ALGON in Enugu and told them that their clamour for local government autonomy from state governments is misguided. I told them that it is wrong for the federal government to be creating local governments and giving them money directly from the federation account. What is the meaning of “local” then, I asked? How does the transfer of local government dependence on state to central government translate to autonomy? Even our state governments are nearly totally dependent on the federal government, meaning they do not even have the autonomy that we are trying to give to the local governments that are below them. This is a complete absurdity.” He was supported by former Governor Victor Attah, himself a former chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, the very platform, critics claim has been used to undermine democracy and autonomy of the local governments. Attah said that in a true federal system, local governments could not be described as federating units, especially in a confusing scenario like Nigeria where states now also create local governments. Attah, who spoke in an interview with Vanguard in Abuja, said a true federation should only concern itself with federating units. “Local governments are not federating units and have nothing with the federal government. We cannot be talking about autonomy. What does that really mean? And then you say a state can also create its own local governments”? Practising federalism The former governor advised the country to go back to the constitution, practise true fiscal federalism and stipulate whether the states or geo-political zones should be the federating unit. However, several members of the House of Representatives rejected the argument of the two former executive office holders. Nnanna Igbokwe, member representing Ahiazu Mbaise/Ezinihitte Federal Constituency of Imo State, on his part said: “I can assure you that the eighth National Assembly will support the autonomy of the local government especially financial autonomy if state governments have issue with administrative autonomy. What is proper is total autonomy so that the people at the grassroots can feel the direct presence of government. “So, I am in support of it, I will vote for it and I will canvass for it and that has been my position and it will not change. In the last attempt we made, in taking into cognisance that we are practising federalism was that we advocated for financial autonomy for the local government, while the administrative control can still be in states to strike a balance. “The essence of craving for autonomy is for the release of funds and the utilisation of funds. It is over the control of funds because this is a place you provide services. The administrative relating to number of wards and other issues can be done by the state, but the financial autonomy so that there can be effective and transparent utilisation and application of funds.” Mrs. Rita Orji, member representing Ajeromi/Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Mrs. Rita Orji said that it was only autonomy to the local government areas that would bring the desired developments to the rural areas. “Don’t forget that the local government is an arm of government. It is when we strangulate them that you see lots of problems and underdevelopment at that level. “When you look at local government that makes much money, you will not see anything to show for it. For instance, a local government that is collecting N145 million monthly from the federation account, and at the end of the day, you will not see one good road that was done by the local government, common culvert you will not see, there is no programme going on in the local government except the state that will come and do it, that is not democracy,” Orji said. Joint Account between state and LGAs a stumbling bloc — Ukeje Also commenting, the member representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, Nnena Elendu Ukeje said that the problem had been the Joint Account between the state governments and the local government areas. According to Ukeje, “The House has always been unanimous in our belief that there are three tiers of government. We also recognise that the local government being the one that is closest to the people will deliver on certain things. “The agitation by NULGE is not new because they have always been agitating but I am hoping that in the face of the new constitutional amendment, there will be actually a separation of the joint account because I think the concern they have is the JAC, the Joint Account between them and the state. “That being the reason, their own money should be independent of the state, then that will also create financial autonomy to the local government and therefore give them the autonomy they feel. Speaking of autonomy without financial autonomy is really no autonomy at all. “The Joint Account between the state and local government strips the local governments technically of that autonomy because the money goes straight to the state and the state disburses it. “But if they have their way that is what the constitutional review is trying to do to separate the joint account, if that were to happen, then it will give them the financial autonomy.”

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/04/fight-lg-autonomy/

Create Enabling Environment for Teacher Registration (NLC)

NLC wants government to create enabling environment for acquisition of professional certificates. Its General Secretary, Peter Eson-Ozo said the challenge before the country in the education sector was shortage of teachers and called for partnership with the Nigeria Union of Teachers to address the problem.

According to him, the aspiration of every parent is to have qualified and certified teachers teaching their children. Eson-Ozo advocated a meeting of relevant stakeholders in the sector to initiate programmes that would facilitate the certification of teachers.

He called for urgent registration of qualified teachers, adding that most schools in the country were currently understaffed. The Federal Government had on Wednesday announced that teachers without Professional Certificate of the Teachers’ Registration Council (TRCN) would be shown the way out of teaching profession by the end of 2017.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) Praises Government

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) Praises Government for prompt rehabilitation and re-opening of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

According to reports monitored from News Agency of Nigeria,(NAN).

The General Secretary  Mr Olayinka Abioye,is quoted as saying “Let me commend the Federal Government, particularly President Muhammed Buhari, for approving funds for the complete

rehabilitation of the Abuja Airport’s runway.

“We must also commend the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, for spearheading the project.

“Initially, there were criticisms but in spite of it, the Minister still went ahead because he believed in what he wanted to do,’’ he said.

According to him, as a union, our criticism is not against his person. We criticized him because we needed to get the best out of him as the minister.

The airport had on March 8, shut for six weeks to give way for the rehabilitation of the runway. Kaduna airport served as alternative during the period of the closure.

18,000.00 NGN minimum wage, no longer Realistic-NLC

At the send forth ceremony of the immediate past President-General of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, the NLC president, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, insisted that N56,000.00 being demanded by congress was not out of place because of present cost of living.
According to him, while the NLC was getting opposition from the Nigerian Employers Consultative Association, NECA, NLC was sure that stakeholders would all support a new wage for workers who had all along been treated as slaves.
He said, “So, we have looked at the totality of the issues, including the challenges we are going through at the moment and we thought that what we have done is reasonable because what we have done is to look at what is the value of N18, 000 when it was signed looking at the inflation, looking at the purchasing power and looking at the ability to pay.” He continued “Many workers cannot send their children to school, many cannot pay their rent, and many cannot even go to work regularly. Side by side with fighting corruption, if you don’t pay me to meet up with my bills we can’t fight corruption.”
“Our opinion is also that workers have been pushed to the wall so, it’s time for the minimum wage to be reviewed both in law and practice because the cycle is due and inflation is biting very hard, high cost of goods and services is affecting workers seriously.
It will be recalled that the United Labour Congress is asking for NGN 96,000.00 in wages. How both unions would reconcile their stands is left to be seen.

The Labour Union called the United Labour Congress, ULC.

The United Labour Congress, ULC,was formed due to the crises that affected the Nigerian Labour Congress, and broke it in two factions. The Joe Ajaero faction spearheaded the formation of

The United Labour Congress, ULC. Trade unions said to have transferred their allegiance from

[NLC] to ULC include NUPENG, NUEE, Nigeria Union of MineWorkers, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Employees and the Nigeria Union of Rail Workers.  Others include

the National Union of Lottery Agents and Employees, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.The new leader, Ajaero, stated that “instead of weakening the Labour movement, ULC will present labour as a creative partner that has strategic benefits for its publics, especially for the employers and the government. He also stated that "the issue of factions in NLC is over and that ULC’s formation is an answer to the need to fight for workers who work without being paid salaries"
The NLC President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, in a reaction to its formation stated that, "NLC will not allow any member to be pulled out of the congress without their consent." That “the congress will like to assure our members across the country and the general public that the leadership of NLC is committed to the unity of the working class in the country notwithstanding the latest declaration by Ajaero and Achese. We shall do everything within our power to preserve the unity and coherence of the labour movement which was handed down to us by our forebears in the movement.  We will ensure that their leaders do not, out of their consuming ambition to be leaders of a ‘national centre’, lead them into the wilderness,’’
However, is the opinion of Labour union observers that, this will not be good for Unionism in Nigeria. The crises are being attributed to the ambition of unionists to occupy positions of leadership within the union. As a result of this, the interests of Nigerian workers have taken the back seat. These issues include, protecting workers from hostile economic environment, hostile government policy, occupational safety, and the plight of pensioners.

Nigerian Workers deserve NGN96,000.00 Wage-ULC

The United Labour Congress has spoken on the proposed demand for a raise in the minimum wage to NGN96,000.00 in the country.

Its Northern Coordinator, John Gimbason said this during the inauguration of ULC 12 member State Executive Council in Kaduna. Among associations that attended was NUPENG, NUBIFIE

He says, given the current state of inflation and the contribution of workers to nation building, it is worth the raise.He also said Labour has opened negotiation with the Federal Government and would soon get results.

The United Labour Congress is made up of 25 unions. Kaduna state has Ephraim James as its Chairman, who is also the the Chairman, National Union of Electricity Employees(NUEE)

Nasarawa state tertiary institutions suspend strike

                             

The two weeks strike, embarked upon by the Joint Union of tertiary institutions  of Nassarawa state, has been called off.  It embarked on the strike on April 5, citing  State Government’s refusal  to address welfare related issues. The suspension  was announced today, after an emergency meeting of the Union.

The Chairman, Mr. Arik Bashaiyi,stated that the strike was called off due to the commitment the state government has shown through  the tertiary institutions owned by the state.

According to him,the State Government has agreed  ton 75% of the demands, which resulted in the suspension of the strike.

He also called on members to resume  work, pending further directives  from the Union.

25 unions announce formation of a new labour Centre

 According to information gathered from the Vanguard newspapers, on the 25th of December, 2016,Ajaero is President, Achese as Deputy President


NO fewer than 25 industrial unions from Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, and others without affiliation to either NLC or TUC, Saturday in Lagos announced the formation of a new Labour Centre; United Labour Congress, ULC. According to the promoters of the new Labour federation described as a mega Labour Centre, is aimed at restoring hope to Nigerian workers, the oppressed, the victimized, the neglected and other relegated members of the society who have been left to wallow in hardship, sufferings and frustration. While the new Centre unanimously elected the General Secretary of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Comrade Joe Ajaero as its maiden President, the President of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, Comrade Igwe Achese, was elected its Deputy President. Three Vice Presidents , Treasurer, Auditors, Financial Secretary among others were also elected to run the affairs of the Centre. Leaders of the new Labour federation said their first major outing would be an onslaught against a leading airline in the country on Tuesday, December 20, for alleged unfair Labour practices including seven months unpaid salaries to workers some of who were affiliates of ULC. Earlier before the formal announcement of the new Labour Centre, speaking at the ULC inaugural delegate conference in Lagos, Comrade Ajaero stated that the movement was not contesting with anybody or faction, but a Labour Centre of its own, insisting that “the issue of fraction is over. We are doing this because of the exigency of the moment. People work without salaries for months, people are being denied their rights at their work places.” Among the affiliates of ULC included Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Nigeria Union of Mine Workers, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Employees, NUBIFIE, Nigeria Union of Rail Workers, NUR, National Union of Lottery Agents and Employees, NULAE, Association of Nigeria Aviation, Professionals, ANAP, and National Association Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE. At the time of announcing the new labour movement, 18 unions were physically president. In his inaugural speech ULC President, Ajaero promised to work with other progressive groups and organisations including unions to better the lots of workers and ordinary Nigerians, saying “we are ready to fight for the interest of workers in line with the constitution of Nigeria. We are calling on the National Assembly to review all policies that are not beneficiary to the workers. When people are idle, it herald different social vices. We promised to serve the people.” Collaborating, Comrade Igwe Achese said, “we have waited for one and half years and I see that it is only truth that can send us free. It is sad that workers are being owed salaries. You ask where is the labour with the issues going on in the country and I said we have a responsiblity. We are here to celebrate the beginning of hope. How long are we going to wait and what is our responsibility as labour leaders.

SSANU suspends Abuja varsity Registrar, 21 others for anti-union activities

SSANU suspends Abuja varsity Registrar, 21 others for anti-union activities

SENIOR Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has suspended the Registrar of University of Abuja, Mrs. Rifkatu Hoshen Swanta, and 20 others for alleged anti-union activities.
According to the Vanguard newspapers

The suspension came the same day the union held a rally at the university over alleged corrupt practices by some members of the management and the disengagement of two members of the union by the Governing Council for whistleblowing.
SSANU in the suspension letter addressed to the Vice Chancellor, with the headline, “Suspension of some SSANU members in University of Abuja” dated 12th April, accused the suspended members of holding illegal congress and told the university management to stop any remittance of check-off dues of the affected members to the union. The suspension letter signed by the Deputy National President of SSANU, Comrade Moses Adeniyi Aogo read thus: ”This is to inform you that the National Administrative Council, NAC, of SSANU at its meeting held on April 11, 2017 after a thorough consideration of the report of the anti-union activities brought against some SSANU members in UNIABUJA resolved to place the members on an indefinite suspension for anti-union activities.” “This is therefore to inform you that all actions taken by these members in an illegal congress held on April 4, 2017 at the Computer Centre of the mini-campus are null and void.”

NLC in 2017

LABOUR gives notices of intentions this year. According to information obtained from the Nation Newspaper on the 3^rd of January 2017,
Workers plan to:
•fight outsourcing of jobs in the telecommunication sector; and
•push for a N96,000 minimum wage.
The two major issues are being tabled by a divided house.
A new labour umbrella, the United Labour Congress (ULC), is to champion the wage increase battle. It is a breakaway faction of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which is to focus on retaining telecommunication jobs for Nigerians – to save the economy and protect national security.
NLC President Ayuba Wabba said yesterday: “In this New Year, we shall work with the relevant arms and agencies of government to checkmate and halt the practices of multinational corporations, especially in the telecommunication, and oil and gas sectors, who are adding to the economic crisis in the country by their new habit of out-scouring of jobs Nigerians can do to new destinations in Asia, especially Dubai and India.’’
He said there were reports that Ericsson Nigeria, the local subsidiary of the global telecommunication solution provider, had disengaged all Nigerian employees in its Network Operating Centres and transferred its operation to India.
Wabba noted that Ericsson Nigeria had in the last few years managed the MTN Network with its Nigerian employees.
“Now, in the name of off-shoring, Indian workers are being brought to understudy their Nigerian counterparts, and thereafter these jobs monitoring MTN and other telecommunication networks are then transferred to India.
“These have huge implications for our national security, in addition to the fact that jobs that Nigerians are competent in are being moved out of the country.
“As the unfolding cyber controversy between the USA and Russia is unfolding, with the network operating centres moved out of the country, we can be easily be shut out from the rest of the world without our being able to do anything about it,’’ Wabba said.
However, the labour leader said the experience over Boko Haram and the SIM registration controversy with MTN clearly illustrate the inherent danger to Nigerian’s national security interest of the move by these multinationals.
He said HUAWEI, a telecommunication giant, was responsible for managing about 75 per cent of network operating centres, such as Etisalat, Airtel, part of GLO and part of MTN network operating centres in Nigeria.
“They have also commenced the knowledge transfer from Nigerian engineers to their Indian counterparts, preparatory to moving their operations to India.
“We will work with the relevant committees of the National Assembly, ministries and agencies to protect our national interest.
“We will be leading national campaigns against these practices in the telecom and oil and gas sectors in this New Year,’’ he said.
Wabba said the affected multinationals must be made to understand that they would not be allowed uninhibited access to making millions of dollars off Nigeria without creating jobs.
He said there must be costs to every multinational decision to take the livelihood of Nigerian workers to other shores.
“We need the understanding, support and cooperation of government and its agencies in this fight to keep these jobs in the country,’’ he said.
But a top official of Ericsson Nigeria denied that the company was working against its Nigerian employees or Nigeria’s interest.
He said the policy was not decidedly targeted at Nigerians working with the organisation, but rather a right-sizing measure designed to cut operating costs across all the regions the firm has operations.
The official, who declined to be quoted because he was not authorized to speak, said the right-sizing measure had taken place in other parts of the world where the firm operates.
According to him, in Sweden, which is Ericson’s home country, not less than 3,000 jobs were axed due to the policy.
Efforts to get the reaction of Chinese Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Huawei, were unsuccessful.

ULC to push for N96,000 minimum wage

WITH a breakaway union faction planning to push for N96,000 minimum wage, a major labour crisis seems imminent in the new year.
The United Labour Congress (ULC), which split from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), yesterday vowed to engage the government at various levels to generate appropriate policies and programmes that would cushion workers’ hardship.
The minimum wage in the country is N18,000. State governments and private sector employers are finding difficult to pay.
ULC, in a statement by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said it would work with the Federal Government for an upward review of the national minimum wage, which it said was long overdue.
“We shall seek greater coverage of the minimum wage to include all Nigerian workers whether working in the formal or informal sectors.
“In this light, we shall work towards designing a wage floor that would be automatically self-adjusting, just like it is done in advanced nations.
“In the US, just yesterday (Sunday), the minimum wage automatically went upwards from $8.00 per hour to U$11.00 per hour.
“This is a national increase of about 37.5 per cent in a nation with declining inflation and low cost of living,” ULC said.
The group said it was focused on working with the Federal Government through the Ministry of Labour and the National Assembly to make appropriate laws that would address the violation of labour laws by foreign and local employers.
“Unilateral sacks and illegal retrenchment will be tackled head-on while the use of casual and contract workers will be seriously tackled to create a Nigerian workplace that is compliant with the Decent Work Agenda.
“We, therefore, give notice to the banks, telecommunication companies and other employers that have taken delight in abusing and violating the rights and privileges of workers in Nigeria through their flagrant disregard of our labour and trade union laws.
“We shall pursue in conjunction with the relevant agencies of government the compliance of our workplaces with the laws of Nigeria and the relevant international standards,” it said.
ULC plans to get involved in budget implementation through an effective monitoring framework.
Besides, a nationwide committee is to be constituted, using state councils in conjunction with other civil society organisations to monitor budget implementation both at the federal and state levels.
ULC believes this will help the government plug all leakages in budget implementation.
The labour group praised the military for driving Boko Haram out of Sambisa Forest.
“As we congratulate the Federal Government and the military in their various victories against the Boko Haram insurgents, especially its recent victory in the Sambisa forest battle, we also urge it to deploy the same zeal in protecting the lives and properties of citizens across Nigeria who are mindlessly being mowed down by death merchants in Kaduna and in other hotspots in the country.
“We also wish that this same zeal is deployed to clinically deal with the battle against corruption. It is time that governments at all levels craft responsive and effective strategies to combat the current hardship in the country. Nigerians truly are yearning for a reprieve from the grip of mass hunger and deprivation.
“ULC finally assures all Nigerian workers to have an increased hope in the labour movement as we are poised and are truly committed to offering a better and more robust representation of all Nigerian workers and our various affiliates.
“We will not waver in this direction and, therefore, call upon our various social partners, especially the employers, to be more committed to ensuring greater obedience to our laws especially those dealing with employment relations in Nigeria.
“We also assure the masses that we shall be forever focused on protecting their interests, thus are determined to continuously engage the government to ensure a fair and equitable distribution of national resources,” the labour group said.

The Continued Fight in NLC

These are not the best of times for the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Things seem to be falling apart for the workers’ umbrella body with the emergence of the United Labour Congress (ULC) of Nigeria as another apex union for workers. The crisis has pitted two NLC factional leaders Ayuba Wabba and Joe Ajaero against each other

Tagbo Agboola writes in The Nation Newspaper, and is presented below.

WHICH of the unions is the apex umbrella body for Nigerian workers? The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) used to be the sole umbrella for the various affiliate unions before the formation of the Trade Union Congress (TUC). But now, there is another apex union – the United Labour Congress of Nigeria (ULC)
Until the debut of ULC as the third force, the NLC and TUC championed the cause of the workers.
The development has further deepened the two-year-old leadership crisis rocking the NLC. The leadership tussle was caused by the supremacy battle between two factions led by Ayuba Wabba and Joe Ajaero.
Ajaero, a factional President of the NLC, had refused to step down for Wabba, in wake of the crisis that followed the disputed outcome of the March 2015 National Delegates Conference (NDC) in Abuja.
All interventions made by those sympathetic to the labour movement, including former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole and other past labour leaders, yielded no positive results. The gulf between the Wabba-led and Ajaero-led factions has not reduced.
Despite appeals from several quarters, including industrial unions, the recommendations in the report of the reconciliatory committee, headed by the former NLC President Hassan Sunmonu was never implemented.

Division over the
2015 strike/protest

The disagreement between the factions played out in failure of the organied labour to mobilised Nigerians to protest the withdrawal of petrol subsidy by the Federal Government in 2015.
Ajaero led his faction to collaborate with the government in finding solution to the issue. But, the Wabba-le

d faction opted for a nationwide strike, which was anything but successful. In fact, when the government invited the factions to a meeting over the subsidy removal, Wabba was quoted as saying that he would not hold meeting with government alongside the Ajaero faction. That forced the government to hold separate meetings with the factions.
As Wabba and Ajaero continued to battle for the soul of the NLC, their members remained at the mercy of the government as the organised labour lost its common voice on issues affecting workers’ welfare.

Ajaero group floats
new union

The leadership crisis in the NLC got the climax on December 17, when the Ajaero faction broke away from NLC. It announced the formation of ULC as a new labour centre. In the new body are some unions affiliated to the TUC and NLC as well as some industrial unions that were hitherto, neither affiliated to the NLC, nor the TUC.
About 25 unions were said to have joined forces with the new association.
Some of the affiliates of the ULC include: National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Nigeria Union on Electricity Employees (NUEE), Nigeria Union of Mine Workers, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Employees (NUBIFFE), Nigeria Union of Rail Workers, National Union of Lottery Agents, & Employees, Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE).
Ajaero, who was elected unopposed to lead the new body, said that the ULC would fight for workers’ interest and ensure a more equitable Nigeria where workers’ dignity and the work place would become less prone to impunity.
According to him, ULC’s emergence would strengthen the labour movement and bring on board aggrieved elements to chart a new cause for the workforce.
“The new labour centre, instead of weakening the movement, will present labour as a creative partner that has strategic benefits for the public, especially the employers and the government”, he said.
The ULC leader said the new centre’s focus was to restore hope to the Nigerian workers, the oppressed, the victimised, the neglected and other relegated members of the society.
Explaining that the new body has no plan to contest with anybody or faction, Ajaero said ULC will remain an independent centre, adding that “the issue of faction is over.’’
Ajaero also said the new congress was emerging because of the exigency of the moment where people work without salaries for months and were being denied their rights by their employers.
NUPENGs President Igwe Achese was elected ULC’s deputy president. Three vice presidents, a treasurer, an auditor and a financial secretary among other officers, were elected to run the affairs of the centre.
The officials promised to stand for victims of unfair labour practices and those being owed months of salary arrears.

Implications of
ULC’s emergence

One obvious implication of ULC’s emergence is that the unions in critical sectors of the economy, including NUPENG, NUEE, NUBIFE, ANAP and NAAPE are among its affiliates.
Impliedly, the ULC would wield influence in the petroleum industry, power sector, financial, aviation, education, manufacturing and telecommunication sectors among others.
The name ULC is not new to the labour movement. It was the umbrella body for progressive unionists before the 1976 merger of unions following the restructuring of trade unions by the then military government under the late Gen. Muritala Mohammed\Olusegun Obasanjo.
Incidentally, the new ULC relies on the Trade Union Amendment Act of 2005, by the Federal Government headed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to come into existence. But how far will the ULC go? Only time will tell.

Labour leaders reacts

Labour leaders across the country have been reacting to the new development in the NLC. They believe that labour, as a house divided against itself would lack cohesion to engage government policies. They are pushing for fence mending.
The National President, National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), Oladele Hunsu, described the move as unfortunate and a big blow to labour movement.
According to him, labour movement needed to be more cohesive at this time rather than disintegrating, adding that the only gainers in the ongoing dispensation were government and employers.
The garment workers’ president, while lamenting the development, further said that workers, who look up to labour for protection from employers’ anti-labour activities, would be disappointed in their leadership.
He said: “There is something we always say in labour movement that ‘United we stand, divided we fall’. This is not the best time for this to have happened because workers look up to the movement for protection.
“We need a strong movement to confront government and employers, now that it is divided, how can we achieve that. Some of us are not happy.”
Hunsu said the challenges facing Nigerian workers required a strong labour movement to battle it, listing minimum wage, rising inflation and job losses as some of the issues requiring a virile and formidable union to address.
“The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) confirmed recently that about four million Nigerians have lost their jobs. That is not even true; they are being economical with the truth. These are areas that should be confronted. So, division at this time is saddening,” he said.
The labour leader, who expressed hope in the ability of a united movement to tackle government and employers’ anti-labour activities, advised both parties to come together for the sake of the workers.
“It is government that profits from this division; it is the class enemy that profits from the system,” he said.

AUGUSTINE CHIEJINE Chairman, JUDICIARY STAFF UNION OF NIGERIA (JUSUN) DELTA STATE.

Augustine Chiejine is the chairman, Judiciary Staff Union, Delta State. He attended Emotan Primary School, Benin City and Federal Government College ido-ani, Ondo State. And Edo State University where he studied physics, and has a Masters in Solid State Physics. And has taken time to study Law at the National Open  University

He delved partly in student union politics but, actively became involved in Labour union by 2003, where he  became a secretary of Association of Senior Civil Servants. 2003-2009. Till the  Court registrars association became JUSUN.

The last election of 2011 who held and he was the vice chairman and when the chairman retired, I was ratified as the chairman of JUSUN on April 20, 2015

Labour Log: Your First Impression.

Comrade Chiejine: That in unionism, you must be ready to make productive engagement with stakeholders rendered by your members. That I had to struggle for my members. Learning to stand firm for what i know is right. Ready to be arrested or face. Intimidation. And face challenges but with a vibrant union, you have no fear, facing management in negotiation.

I was involved in a negotiation 2009/2010. I had to be part of the team to meet government.  My discovery is that government demands quality constructive engagement. It helps in shifting ground. But, aggression on the side of both parties escalates issues. In 2013, I was involved in the payment of peculiar allowance that it has been approved by salaries and wages commission and being at the Federal level.

In negotiating with government, we bring our issues meet with them, armed with our facts and when we see the feedback, we look at the grey areas, call a congress and let them know their views. It is the congress that makes the union strong

Labour Log:  How have you contributed to JUSUN?

Relative stability between staff of High Court department,  and the Judiciary Service Commission. This we achieved through dialogue. That, together with the members we can build on our achievements.

I am still trying to fight for total autonomy, but, we are not there yet.

Labour Log: Relations with various Labour Union leaders.

Solidarity for all carries us. As much as we come to represent our various unions you find other members who advise and the leadership galvanizes all unions for the general good. We are all equal.

Labour Log: Your process of deployment of dialogue

My pattern has always been to notify government on the need to meet certain needs. While we await feedback, we get access to get relevant information. This gives you the opportunity to discuss from an informed position. So when I speak with facts, it gives us a good edge in the negotiating table. It assists in the “Give and Take” process. But you have to keep your tracks clean or you can’t face management. Integrity counts.

Labour Log: Feeling after successful Negotiations

It brings a sort of happiness and accomplishment that your struggle has borne fruits. To make management and government shift ground is a big task. But we usually keep the joys to ourselves. But surely, the ones your fight for enjoying it.

Labour Log: Your Feeling In Negotiation failure

It hurts when you see your struggling has come to nothing and it affects your confidence. Not giving your people what they need. Though with adequate planning, you rarely fail totally. You always get something.

Labour Log: What Qualities  make a good Labour Leader.

It is always best to be a good follower and understand the dynamics of Labour Unionism. That is, you do not just go to Labour Unionism for the sake of it. Understand how you can develop on what the former holder or the position has achieved. Have service in mind

Labour Log: Mentors in Labour Unionism

In school I was moved by a young man Moses Oisakhede. A former SUG President and NANS President. He died, but lived a very selfless life and stood against oppression.

Also, you cannot forget Pa Michael Imodu and how he ensured Labour Unionism came to stay in Nigeria.

IKECHUKWU ONYIAH ,CHAIRMAN,NATIONAL UNION OF PRINTING PUBLISHING PAPER PRODUCT WORKERS (NUPPROW)

NATIONAL UNION OF PRINTING PUBLISHING PAPER PRODUCT WORKERS

               IKECHUKWU ONYIAH ,CHAIRMAN NUPPROW

Comrade Onyiah Ikechukwu is the Chairman, (NUPPROW).Born in April 26, 1965, and graduated from Oko Federal Polytechnic Oko in  2005. Primary school-Akara – Obodo Primary School, Ndokwa East LGA. Employed 1995 with Pointer Newspapers.

First involvement in Labour Union

-         His first involvement in labour union was at the unit level (Pointer Newspaper) the Unit is also called a Chapter, especially when they have more than one operational unit. (NUPPROW has two. The Pointer News Papers and Govt. printing press)

First Impression

His first impression on joining the labour union was the less than satisfactory manner in which the union was being handled. And sought an avenue where positive change can be brought. This culminated in his becoming a treasurer in 1999.

At that point the sanitary conditions of the newspaper were bad and they took the initiative to get the sanitary conditions working. Also, the Lithographic/rotary department was having heavy chemical leakage that affected the lives of the members. This prompted the excos to negotiate with management on improving the standard. In 2000, the exco discussed with the board which saw reasons and built a separate lithographic section and a bore hole installed. These impacts and changes the excos was able effect while he was a treasurer.

Motivation to Unionism

He had participated at the village union and was a financial Secretary that gave a spirit of service and like minds. Seeing Unionism as making impact on the socio-economic state of Nigeria, He decided what he can contribute as a person and as a member of a group. Viewing unionism as working as a team and setting goals. As well Managing themselves in the union while making progress.

    He has been able t to protect the worker in Delta State. Been able to build a relationship with NLC and sister unions and the staff of Pointer are enjoying the benefit of weighing allowance, he has been able to make the union vibrant.

Labour Log: How do you managing Synergy among Unions?

Comrade Ikechukwu: Unions thrive by forging together. The will to thrive and break barriers for the welfare of our members supersede our personal differences. This makes us to only look at the common goal through the power of conviction To achieve success. Paramount to a Labour leader is not self satisfaction, but the will to serve others you represent. With that you can succeed.

Labour Log: Managing tough opponent of your view in Labour

When this happens we try to convince them and win them over with manner of approach through friendliness

Labour Log: Your Rise to Chairman NUPPROW

I served three terms treasurer and two time secretary and member of the state exco. The government printing press was mostly in charge of NUPPROW and we worked on changes and made a rotation between NUPPROW and Government Printing press. The National body decided to create a full state branch that would represent in the NLC and I was appointed the chairman. I have worked on greater understanding among the workforce and working on incorporating private printers to give them sense of belonging and be able to regulate it and ensure quality in the printing industry generally.

Labour Log: How do you manage Labour and Government relations in Negotiations

Comrade Ikechukwu: Government is a group of persons and so is Labour. The government has its stand, so does Labour. What matters in negotiation is finding a middle ground . Labour is not an alternative to management.

However, going to negotiation is about going to discuss on issues bothering on life and welfare of workers and you need your army. And who are those? Your members. Then, you get your reasons and facts.

The mindset of the Labour leader is that you do not enter into any negotiation with fear and allow yourself to be intimidated. Also, you cannot underestimate the proof of facts and issues when going to the negotiation table.

Respect for authority is very important. The idea of going into negotiation with management is not to fight or be an alternative government but to positively get proper working conditions to your members.

Labour Log: How do you feel after success full negotiation?

Comrade Ikechukwu: It feels like a life time award. Its just like going into a race which you prepare for. If you go into it and come out successful, the joy is so much that you cannot explain it. You keep thanking God for personal success achieved on behalf of staff and for God using you to achieve and help the staff welfare.

There is also the feeling of being hurt when your service is unappreciated by the persons you work for. However, because of the desire to make the impact, we just keep going on and making all attempts to communicate and pass on information because of you go off, you will not be forgiven by history. You stand on your integrity and honour.

Labour Log:  Your Deployment of Instrument of Strike.

This arises when the differences are unresolved. Communication is very vital in unionism. There must be feedback to the people you represent. Even when there is intimidation, you chart a middle course.

Before you go on strike, you negotiate, then give a 21 day warning. Then a 14 days’ notice before a warning strike.

Labour Log: How do you groom a new set of unionists?

The old order was to show aggression, but it would be best to imbibe in the younger generation the zeal to bring ideas that can affect positive change. And the zeal to give to society. That is paramount. 

Representing NULGE(Corliss Azikiwe

Corliss Azikiwe, is the NULGE chairman Ika North East Local Government Area. The body that represents the interests of Local Government employees.His growth in the Labour Movement and style of leadership was brought to our attention and we decided to search him out. 

Labourlog had the chance to speak with him on the state Local Government Administration in Nigeria and his stewardship to the NULGE. Along with the Auditor to NULGE, they gave our team details on how they have steered the affairs of the Association.

Q How has it been managing the NULGE ?

The staff and members are made up of persons, and the greatest challenge is managing persons. But we have been able to achieve about 88% understanding to our ability and the response from our members. We have been successful.

Q How is the relationship among the Exco? 

It has been a very cordial one, through not without issues, we are largely united including the departmental representatives. We are all working to a common goal 

The Auditor lent his words too, “The activities

of NULGE has to do with staff welfare and with the leadership, we are putting a lot of effort to work and meet the staff welfare need which is our primary objective.

Q.Relationship with Local Government management ?

This union has met with two states of transition in government. When we came on board, the HPM was acting as the Chairman and the relationship was excellent. We had an advantage because the HPM, Barrister Felix was also a member of NULGE. So, he was a number of the Union and also a member of management. We had a smooth relationship with him and what we wanted was passed except the circumstance was beyond him.

We then moved to the headship of Hon Mrs. Ijeoma Okunonke and it was great as well as she was a unionist in the United States. She understood the ethics of unionism and we had no problem. After that, we transited to an elected Caretaker committee. They saw themselves as full blown chairman and came with the mandate of the people and needed to deliver on them.

However, the reality is that the ability of deliver has to do with finance. When its not enough, they find it difficult to deliver. That was the situation they met. As such, we were having issues with them. It was not based on the fact that they hate the union, but the funding of the system of Local Governments was below their expectation. But we have been able to iron out and we are having a good rapport and that we have to rub our minds to find solutions to our problems. The system has come to the point where the rapport is great. The learning process is better.

Q.How are Local Governments meeting their mandates the given way they are managed by the States? .

The constitution does not give true autonomy to the Local Governments. There is a clause that describe the Local Governments as an appendage of the state. That is when the third tier becomes less autonomous. This give us a situation of instability in the Local Governments system. As there is no full autonomy. Even the release of funds to Local Governments is dependent on the state. After the federal allocation committee has met, the states have they own joint allocations committee where they governor sits over the funds and decides what goes to Local Governments.

The Local Governments are suffering very serious financial set back as you cannot develop without money. You would see that even when Local Governments raise funds through ticketing of bikes for examples the fund goes to the State Governments. These are supposed to be Local Governments revenue so that they can add their Internally Generated Revenue and develop with it. But we have no such freedom. We sponsored the bill on autonomy of Local Governments, but we needed a percentage of States to pass it after the National Assembly passed it, most states rejected it.

So autonomy is fast becoming an illusion. There are three autonomy, administrative, political autonomy and financial autonomy. But we have been denied all.

If we had full autonomy, INEC would have been conducting both States, and Local Governments election. That is why we called of scrapping of state electoral bodies. As they  under the serious influence of State governors. It cannot be as independent as the National electoral body.

We also have the issue of over blown salaries. A lot of our funds sink into salaries. When Local Governments was established, the guideline for its growth was not outlined.

The Local Governments have not been able to open up areas of income to match with the growth of its staff development. In my Local Government alone, the department of environment has about five million in salaries to the level 16 staff alone. Excluding the doctors and livestock officers. Perhaps it never intended for graduates to enter the system. But you find that the Local Governments has not actually grown.

So when so much is spent on salaries, the issue of security is handled, there is virtually nothing left. As such you cannot see any development outside the secretariat.

So, its actually difficult of an Local Government chairman to boast of carrying out development projects. Most councils are even indebted to staff. As a NULGE chairman, if my council is owing salary, I would not allow you to embark on projects when welfare has not been taken care of

Q.How does NULGE function?

The funding is through monthly check off dues and 75% goes to State body for remittance to National body. With this we have been able to impact the life of our members.

Prior to our assumption, NULGE Ika North East was purely a union affair. But we have made a difference, through making NULGE day, where we give awards to dedicated staff. From best dressed and more. About 7 awards were given to staff in 2012 and it made all happy and was repeated in 2013, and we launched “The NULGE Chronicle”, a magazine of the Ika North East NULGE. The first in this Local Governments. we gave a star prize to winners, we visited orphanage houses. Direct courtesy calls on traditional rulers, making them aware that as grassroots unions we are build to peaceful atmosphere at the Local Governments level seeing, them as the custodians values. We have also broken the inability to call congress.

Congress is that very difficult thing and call. But I saw congress as the power of the union. It should be held about from times a year, but we have even surpassed that. When emergencies come up I see the congress as the strongest force to back up the Chairman.

Personally, I have a foundation the Corliss Azikiwe Child Care foundation that any child of staff is recognized. The idea is to foster a feeling of oneness irrespective background. We also have the NULGE babies who have the same birthday with me. So, any child born in August wins the foundation baby of the year. We are looking to incorporate widow care as well, but we are keeping it within the constituency.

Q.How are you Motivated in doing this?

Whatever I do here, is borrowed from the State President Comrade David Ofoyeno. He is someone with a very large heart and I tried to find out what the secrets of his success. I discovered he had the spirit of giving without bias. He has a foundation the David Ofoyeno foundation that takes care of widows and retirees. Irrespective of your status provided you work for the council.

We also made arrangements in case of loss of staff by making the management assist. And today we have a benefit that goes to the family. It is now recognized that when a staff loses his life there is a commitment to the family. Ranging from N250, 000.00k to N500,000.00k.

We also have a staff welfare scheme under the union where we work out appropriate benefits. We have been hindered by funding through.

Q.Challenges of NULGE

Understanding the needs of the staff was the first we needed to add that to the union. This is the first EXCO to prepare uniform for all staff of the Ika North East. One of one staff even win the staff prize of a Toyota carry.

The other challenge as I earlier said, is funding. We have been unable to put the next NULGE day together due to funds. We depend on Council for conterpart funding. And whom they cannot, its affects. And we don’t want to move too far, so as not to deviate from Union issues to pure social issues. The NULGE secretariat, which we are building is already at the roofing stage.

Q. Your view on The NLC Elections

Unionism is mutual dialogue. During Oshiomole period, it was unionism based on radical approach the  Union as supposed to be an embodiment of true democracy. But these seem to be a deviation. But I feel politicians are playing the Union against itself. The compromise is what the unionist are fighting against. It would be resolved though. as steps have been taken to handle it.

Q.Advise of administration of Local Governments?

First, we need financial autonomy. Secondly, if it would not be given, they should take away the burden of primary school salaries from Local Governments burden. It is a big one on the cash of the Local Governments. it would be a relief. That can be achieved if the stakeholders have the genuity. They can hold political autonomy. The finance coming to the Local Governments would make a lot of difference and it would become more vibrant.

Labour Union in Nigeria

The Labour union leaders in Nigeria, have contributed a lot to the welfare of workers and the general populace in Nigeria. We all are aware of the role they played in the reduction of fuel price hike and more in the country. Recently the persons who have headed this organisation have gone on to hold political offices against the odds.This has made the NLC a ground for grooming individuals strong in character and ready to stand and fight for the  people. According to Wikipedia  and the NLC website:
A History Of the NLC
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is an umbrella organization for trade unions in Nigeria. It was founded in 1978 following a merger of four different organisations: Nigeria Trade Union Congress (NTUC), Labour Unity Front (LUF), United Labour Congress (ULC) and Nigeria Workers Council (NWC). The numerous affiliated unions were restructured into 42 industrial unions. Its founding President was Wahab Goodluck.

During its history, conflicts with the military regime twice led to the dissolution of the NLC's national organs, the first in 1988 under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida and the second in 1994, under the regime of General Sani Abacha. Under Nigeria's military governments, labour leaders were frequently arrested and union meetings disrupted. Following democratic reforms in the country, some of the anti-union regulations were abolished in January 1999. The same month Adams Oshiomhole was elected President of the reformed organisation.

Today, the NLC has 29 affiliated unions. In total, they gather around 4 million members, according to their own figures. This makes the NLC one of the largest trade union organisations in Africa.

Recently conflict between the government and the NLC has escalated due to the organisation's opposition to higher fuel prices. The price increases are the result of decisions by the Olusegun Obasanjo government to dramatically reduce subsidies and to deregulate the purchase and sale of fuel. The NLC has led several general strikes protesting the government's fuel price policy.

In September 2004, the NLC gave the federal government an ultimatum to reverse the decision to reintroduce the controversial fuel tax or face a nationwide protest strike. The strike threat was made despite the fact that a Federal High Court judgement in an earlier dispute had declared the organisation lacking legal power to call a general strike over government policies.

Following the announcement of the strike plans, the NLC claims President Adams Oshiomhole was arrested October 9, 2004 at a protest at Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport. According to the organisation, Oshiomhole was "abducted by a team of operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) numbering over fifteen, who overpowered him, wrestled him to the ground and bundled him into a standby Peugeot 504 station wagon, which bore no licence plates." The State Security Services called the claim "sensational and inaccurate reporting", saying that the NLC president had a misunderstanding with field operatives, but that the matter was soon resolved. A presidential spokesperson claimed that Oshiomhole was only invited for a "chat" at the airport, no arrest having taken place.


According to the NLC website
The Nigeria Labour Congress [NLC] was formally constituted as the only national federation of trade unions in the country in 1978. Before then, four labour centres existed. These are Nigeria Trade Union Congress [NTUC], Labour Unity Front [LUF], United Labour Congress [ULC] and Nigeria Workers Council [NWC]. The emergence of the NLC ended decades of rivalry and rancour involving the four centres and unions affiliated to them. The unions, numbering over 1,000 were also restructured into 42 industrial unions.

The organisation has had a chequered history, surviving two instances of dissolution of its national organs and consequent appointment of state administrators. The first was in 1988 under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. Congress' opposition to the anti-people Structural Adjustment Programme incensed the military administration to take over the NLC.

The second military intervention was in 1994 during the regime of General Sani Abacha, whose government also became fed up with the labour movement's agitation for the restoration of democracy. Like the initial case, the military government dissolved NLC's National Executive Council and appointed a Sole Administrator. The same treatment was meted to the two unions in the oil and gas industry;  National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers [NUPENG] and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria [PENGASSAN]. However, the administrators apparently added a further brief they plundered the finances of Congress and the two unions.

The dissolution exemplified the travails of Congress, its leadership, affiliates and state councils, under military rule. Arbitration, prolonged and unlawful detention of labour leaders, invasion and disruption of union meetings, seminars and other activities of Congress and its components by security forces and a vicious anti-labour campaign by the state generally marked the period. The military also invoked its legislative prerogatives to unleash all manner of legislation to check the activities of unions. For instance, under General Abacha, a decree that banned a section of the movement from holding leadership position in Congress came into effect


These persons who head labour, make sacrifices, are intimidated and sometimes jailed in the course of carrying out their assignments. it is not uncommon to even have their ranks broken by infighting.
This website is dedicated to documenting these persons and their challenges and triumph while working, as well as updates on activities of labour in Nigeria. It is done in the hope tha, coming generations would appreciate their efforts and learn from them on what it means to be a labour union leader.



Sources :The wikipedia and the NLC website