By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Organised Labour yesterday issued a May 31 deadline to the federal government to conclude all negotiations on the new minimum wage or risk unprecedented industrial unrest.
The Labour during the May Day celebration at the Eagle Square Abuja also insisted on N615,000 minimum wage demand even as it placed an 18-point demand before the government including the reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike in one week.
But President Bola Tinubu has assured the Nigerian workers of a new minimum wage and better working conditions.
The 18 other demands by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) are, “That the government restrains itself from the use of violence in civic engagement within the Industrial relations sphere.
“An immediate reversal of the unilateral hike in electricity tariff, enthronement of service reflective tariff and stoppage of segregation of consumers. An expansion of NLAC’s activities and increasing its periodicity.
“The establishment of constant tripartite workplace audits at the federal, state, and Enterprise levels. An immediate rollout of the CNG buses nationwide as agreed in the October 2 Agreement signed with the government.
“Full Implementation of Registrar of Trade Unions for registering more unions, we demand that new unions be registered in the informal sector. We call for an urgent rethink of the Presidential system of government as practiced in our country.
“We call for a review of the Electricity Privatization exercise with the view to a reversal 10. Once again, we demand a two-state solution to the crisis in the Middle East. The hypocrisy around international issues imperils our world.
“PTAD has been doing a good job so, do not scrap it but leave it for Pensioners. We call for the payment of the N25,000 palliative promised to Pensioners since last year. We call for a National Minimum Pension to be negotiated alongside National Minimum Wage.
“Nigerian workers call for a one-year moratorium on all forms of taxes, levies, and Dues collectible from the informal economy by State and Local Governments.
“The immediate inclusion of workers in the Committee set up to implement the Oronsaye Report to ensure that workers’ interests are protected through the President’s actions and appointments since assumption of office have already exacerbated the challenges the Report sought to resolve.
“We demand the implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) and its provisions for the National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) for improved funding of research. We call on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of the NRIC Bill and on Mr. President to give assent thereafter.
“The resurrection of fuel queues around the nation should be nipped in the bud immediately. The forwarding of the reviewed Labour Administration Laws in Nigeria to the National Assembly for passage into Law.”
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) counterpart, Festus Osifo, in a joint address, lamented the excruciating living conditions the Nigerian masses, especially the workers have been passing through in the last one year.
According to the labour leaders, though robust engagement with all stakeholders has been on, labour is pressing for a two-year lifespan for the new National Minimum Wage Act, with automatic adjustments triggered by inflation surpassing 7.5 per cent.
They said, “The battle for a new national minimum wage rages on. Our demand of N615,000 stands firm, rooted in the grim reality of workers’ lives across the nation. Through rigorous engagement with all stakeholders, we’ve pressed for a two-year lifespan for the new act, with automatic adjustments triggered by inflation surpassing 7.5 per cent.
“Every employer with five employees and above must comply. We demand robust monitoring and strict penalties for non-compliant state governments. We have based our figures on real data gathered from your responses nationwide, ensuring that our demand reflects the true cost of living for an average family.
“Our message is clear: anything less than a living wage condemns workers to poverty. We urge vigilance as we near the finish line, determined not to let other interests derail our pursuit of economic justice. Together, we will ensure that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise of a living wage becomes a reality for every worker in Nigeria.
“If however the negotiation of the National Minimum wage is not concluded by the end of May, the Trade Union Movement in Nigeria will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the country.”
Earlier on Channels TV Sunrise Daily, Ajaero described as mischievous, the salary increase of between 25% and 35% for civil servants announced on Tuesday by the Federal Government.
“The announcement appears mischievous because there is no wage increment that the government is announcing,” Ajaero said as workers around the world mark the 2024 Workers’ Day.
*Reverse electricity tariff hike
Decrying the current energy crisis in the country, they said, “Our nation is crippled by this very incompetence and selfishness, leaving our citizens and economy vulnerable. Power, regardless of its origin, fuels economic growth. Oil and Gas are lifelines for energy success worldwide. The government must collaborate with the people to ensure energy benefits all Nigerians, not just a privileged few.
“We demand action on our refineries. Promises remain unfulfilled, while operational ones in the private sector fail to ease the people’s suffering. There is suspicion of sabotage to profit from importing, at the expense of our economy. The recent refinery agreement lacks transparency, echoing past exploitation in other sectors.
“Claims of trillions spent on PMS subsidies baffle us. We demand clarity from the government on who benefits and who consumes the 40 million litres of projected daily consumption
“The power sector’s plight persists a decade after privatization. Conflict of interest hampers progress, and higher tariffs for non-existent electricity are unjust. We reject unilateral and illegal tariff hikes and demand adherence to due process.
“A 300 per cent tariff hike would devastate domestic manufacturers. Consumer classification perpetuates inequality, akin to apartheid, endangering field workers’ lives.
“Reassessing privatisation is crucial for progress. Despite billions invested, grid collapses persist, and generation remains stagnant. Tanzania’s recent action underscores the need for change. The government must reclaim control and account for revenue from its stake.
“We commend states pursuing independent power generation and urge swift action to break monopolies and empower consumers nationwide. Let us unite to ensure energy serves all Nigerians, driving our nation’s prosperity.
“The NLC and TUC hereby advise NERC and Power sector operators to reverse the last increase in electricity tariff within the next one week.”
*Lament state of insecurity
Ajaero and Osifo also lamented the state of insecurity, saying “Our nation is bleeding. In just the past year, over 4,800 lives have been lost to violence, with over 400 kidnappings reported in a mere two weeks earlier this year. We’re ranked among the top 10 most terrorized nations globally, and it’s unacceptable.
“Banditry and terrorism have made life unsafe for farmers and communities nationwide. Travelling is a nightmare, economic activities suffer, and food shortage looms as farmlands are ransacked or abandoned.
“Despite billions allocated to security annually, the situation worsens. We must rethink our security approach, involving communities for greater safety. Security is communal; it starts with the people.
“A nation unable to secure itself isn’t ready for development. Economic growth hinges on security. We can’t ignore this existential issue. Investing in people secures the nation. It’s time to prioritize the people for a secure and prosperous nation.”
The NLC and the TUC reminded the President that true leadership prioritises the people above all else.
They said, “Success is not measured by promises or control, but by how well we meet the people’s needs, ensure their security, and provide essential services. Good governance means accountability and prioritizing citizens.
“To achieve this, we must address corruption, insecurity, and the brain drain. Fair treatment of workers isn’t charity; it’s smart economics. We demand fair wages that motivate and inspire productivity.
“Our leaders must serve the nation, not exploit it. We reject greed and call for patriotism and commitment. Let’s build a nation we’re proud of.
“We insist on genuine dialogue and respect for democratic freedoms. Investigate attacks on journalists and communities impartially. Security starts with prioritizing people. Let’s put Nigerians first for the sake of our nation’s future.”
*Tinubu: We’re committed to workers welfare
Meanwhile, President Tinubu assured Nigerian workers of a new minimum wage and a living wage, as well as improved working conditions.
Represented by his deputy, Kashim Shettima, the President said, “You, the workers of our great nation, are its very backbone. I want to assure you that we appreciate and celebrate your hard work, sacrifices, and contributions to the prosperity and stability of our great nation every day.”
On the new minimum wage, Tinubu said, “We took office at a time when many nations, including ours, were experiencing daunting socio-political and developmental challenges. Yet, we are resolute in confronting these obstacles head-on.
“The Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage has been working diligently, and I assure you that your days of worrying are over. Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage.”
While emphasizing the importance of industrial harmony, the President praised the workers, saying, “Your role as an indispensable component of the nation’s engine cannot be overstated by any government if the quest for a just and progressive society is to be realised.
“Our shared vision for national growth and development can only be realised in an atmosphere of industrial harmony and peaceful coexistence in every segment of our country.”
Tinubu further appealed to workers to continue using the power of the labour movement for the greater good of the nation, fostering harmony and cooperation.
He said, “I call upon every one of you to join hands in shaping the destiny of our nation towards greatness. Our allegiance and patriotism are the bedrock upon which our beloved country thrives.”
