Mohammed Shosanya

 

Monday Okpebholo,Governor of Edo State has directed the immediate reinstatement of all Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, staff who were dismissed in March 2023 by the Godwin Obaseki’s administration.

 

 

 

The directive was conveyed in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, who confirmed that the affected employees, primarily members of the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU), were terminated by the now-defunct Special Intervention Team (SIT) under former Governor Godwin Obaseki’s administration.

 

 

 

 

The lecturers were dismissed due to their protests over unpaid salaries and outstanding entitlements.

 

 

 

 

The statement further underscored the governor’s adherence to the rule of law, noting that the reinstatement reflects his dedication to fair governance.

 

       Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Director-General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), Dr Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi,says paying workers a minimum wage of N250,000 will not necessarily boost their productivity, neither will it discourage them from corrupt tendencies.

 

 

 

 

 

According to him,instituting a reward system or timely payment of allowances and other legitimate entitlements would boost workers productivity.

 

 

 

 

 

He spoke in Abuja while giving a presentation with labour reporters on the centre’s achievements in the last four months

 

 

 

 

He said he has assumed office with several initiatives aimed at improving staff welfare and increasing productivity across sectors.

 

 

 

 

He noted that workers are not so inclined to their basic salary but place more values on their basic allowances and incentives to perform effectively, without which productivity declines and duties compromise.

 

 

 

 

 

He stated that NPC under his leadership has introduced several welfare initiatives, including retirement packages, transport and health care support and capacity building for enhanced skills and productivity.

 

 

 

 

He disclosed  plans to further institutionalise productivity in Nigeria, including; establishing productivity units in all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), expanding the Productivity and Quality Improvement Programmes (PQIP) to strengthen SMEs and  launching of a national productivity movement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said Nigeria must make concerted efforts to optimise it’s resources, enhance competitiveness, and achieve collective prosperity.

 

 

 

 

He added:“Before I came, I understood that one of the major challenges faced by the staff of the agency is welfare. Workers need basic incentives and allowances to function effectively,  they need their allowances timely, or else they might be pressured into compromising their work.

 

 

 

“We have introduced a retirement incentive scheme to support our staff transitioning out of service. Directors retiring from the centre receive up to two million Naira, while other retiring staff receive a minimum of 500,000 Naira, this is part of our effort to appreciate their service and ensure they leave with dignity.

 

 

 

 

“In the coming years, we will consolidate our achievements while pursuing goals like acquiring a corporate headquarters, digitising administrative processes, and establishing productivity units across MDAs. Our aim is to make the national productivity Centre one of the best in Africa and ensure productivity becomes a household term in Nigeria.”

 

 

 

          Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics(ASUP) has disclosed plans to embark on a two weeks warning strike,starting from December 2nd, 2024.

 

 

 

 

The decision was arrived at the National Executive Council meeting of the Union in Abuja,where ASUP faulted government of reneging in implementing a number of demands tabled before them.

 

 

 

 

President of ASUP, Comrade Kpanja Shammah,who announced the planned industrial action, stated that the eleven demands for which government have been recalcitrant to meet, dates back to successive governments, especially former President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

 

 

 

ASUP had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and other relevant agencies to immediately review and reverse all decisions inconsistent with the provisions of the Polytechnics Act and other governance instruments in the sub-sector.

 

 

 

It also alleged issues of impunity and disregard for clear provisions of the Federal Polytechnics Act, various edicts establishing state-owned institutions, and other governance instruments.

 

 

 

The union had also accused the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) of overstepping its bounds by intruding into the regular functions of the Academic Boards of Polytechnics, particularly concerning the admission of Higher National Diploma students within the Nigerian polytechnic system.

 

         Mohammed Shosanya

He added:”MIninum wage has to be reviewed periodically because the way things are going in this country, in five years time N70,000 may not be able to buy tissue paper”

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has implored  the Federal Government to go beyond the processing of crude in the old Port Harcourt refinery and expedite work in all the other refineries in the country

 

 

 

President of the TUC,Comrade Festus Osifo who spoke with newsmen at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Tuesday in Abuja,maintained that all the refineries put together could generate at least 400,000 barrels per day.

 

 

 

According to him,having all other four refineries on stream would foster a healthy competition, and in the long run eliminate monopoly in the oil and gas sector.

 

 

 

 

He added “We have heard reports that the Port Harcourt refinery has resumed processing crude, but we are working to validate this claim. Beyond this, we urge the government to expedite work on other refineries, including Warri, Kaduna, and the new Port Harcourt refinery.

 

 

 

 

“These facilities hold the capacity to produce close to 400,000 barrels per day. Restoring them to full operation will break the monopoly in the oil and gas downstream sector and foster healthy competition so we call on the government to expedite action in all these refineries.

 

 

 

 

“Because if you eliminate monopoly, it will put a system of competition into the downstream sector of the oil and gas industry.”

 

 

 

He criticised the governments of Cross River and Zamfara states over delays in announcing plans for implementation of the new minimum wage.

 

 

 

 

He also cautioned the two states to always prioritise workers welfare, just as it urged both states to come up with consequential adjustments.

 

 

 

He added:”The minimum wage act was assigned into law sometime in July. Since this was signed, a lot of states started making pronouncements, announcing different figures as their minimum wage. 

 

 

 

 

“It is not enough for states to announce new minimum wage figures, there must be consequential adjustments to ensure workers feel the real impact of these increases. So we are calling on some states to sit down with the organized labour to draw the table as regards consequential adjustments so that workers across each of these states will start benefiting from the new national minimum wage.

 

 

 

“There are some states that there is no conversation whatsoever. We are calling on the government of Cross River State to take the issues of workers more seriously and put it on the front burner.

 

 

 

“Zamfara as we speak have not even considered a committee to discuss on the issues of minimum wage. So there is no conversation going on currently in Zamfara State on how the new minimum wage will be implemented and how the consequential adjustments will be done.

 

 

 

“We are hereby calling on the government of Zamfara to emulate what is happening in the state that is very close to it that also has similar revenues; a state like Kebbi today is taking a leap regarding issues that is bothering on the welfare of workers.

 

 

 

“So we call on the state to quickly as a matter of urgency, implement the new minimum wage with its consequential adjustments.”

 

 

 

 

        Mohammed Shosanya

 

Oil workers under the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG),has congratulated the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari and the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on the successful re-streaming of the Port Harcourt Refinery.

 

 

 

The union conveyed this in a statement signed by its President,William Akproheha,and General Secretary,Afolabi Olawale.

 

 

 

The statement quoted that the commencement of crude oil processing and the dispatch of petroleum products from the refinery is a landmark achievement that resonates  with the aspirations of Nigerian workers and citizens. 

 

 

 

 

This milestone demonstrates NNPCL’s unwavering commitment to achieving energy independence and fostering sustainable economic growth for our dear nation,the statement said on Tuesday.

 

 

 

The statement also said that Kyari’s exemplary commitment and resilience in steering the Port-Harcourt Refinery Company (PHRC) rehabilitation project to completion,despite numerous challenges, reflect the highest standards of dedication and determination.

 

 

 

It added:”We are very pleased with the achievement of over 16 million manhours without a single Loss Time Injury (LTI), which is a testament to meticulous planning, professionalism, and the hard work of all involved; an accomplishment that brings pride to our union members.

 

 

 

 

“We commend the indispensable support of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the collaborative efforts of the NNPCL Board of Directors, Staff, and Contractors. This accomplishment is a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through collective effort and shared commitment to national progress.

 

 

 

“As the refinery resumes production and begins loading critical products such as Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and Household Kerosene (HHK), we are reminded of the essential role this progress plays in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges,alleviating hardship for workers and citizens, and fostering economic stability.

 

 

 

 

“While the successful re-streaming of the Port Harcourt Refinery stands as a beacon of hope, it also reinforces our collective optimism for the rehabilitation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries. We earnestly hope and pray that these projects will also come to fruition soon, providing the much-needed stimulus to our nation’s economy and further easing the energy burden faced by Nigerians. We remain confident that NNPCL will deliver on these expectations under your visionary leadership.

 

 

 

 

“Once again, congratulations to you and your team on this transformative achievement. The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), remains a steadfast partner in the collective journey toward achieving a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable oil and gas sector that uplifts every Nigerian worker and citizen”.

 

 

 

 

 

          Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

The Jigawa  chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike, following the failure of the state government to implement the approved N70,000 minimum wage for civil servants.

 

 

 

 

In a circular jointly signed by NLC Chairman,Comrade Sunusi Alhassan and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Chairman Comrade Bashir Tijjani Abubakar,the two unions expressed readiness to commence industrial action if the state government does not fulfill its commitment by November 30, 2024.

 

 

 

The circular stated, “All affiliates and organs in the state are to begin mobilization for full compliance with this directive if the state government fails to pay the new minimum wage by the last day of November 2024.”

 

 

 

 

The organized labour disclosed that, after prolonged negotiations, they had accepted the salary tables proposed by the state government for the implementation of the new wage structure.

 

 

 

“This resolution was reached at a joint State Executive Council meeting of the NLC and TUC which was held on November 18, 2024, at Labour House, Dutse.

 

 

 

 

The leadership of organized labour was also directed to proceed with signing necessary agreements to ensure immediate implementation,” but the state government was bend in meeting this stipulated guidelines for unknown reasons, the circular noted.

 

 

       Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

Edo State Governor,Senator Monday Okpebholo, has suspended recruitment into the state’s civil service until further notice. 

 

 

 

 

He also ordered a comprehensive review of all recruitment exercises carried out by the Godwin Obaseki-led administration between May-November 2024.

 

 

 

 

The Secretary to State Government (SSG), Musa Umar Ikhilor,disclosed this in a communication notice on Friday.

 

 

 

The Governor accused heads of various Ministries,Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of carrying out clandestine recruitment exercises into the State’s civil service.

 

 

 

The notice read: “The Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo is in receipt of report of the clandestine activities being perpetuated by some commissions,boards, parastatals and agencies of hovernment in the state.

 

 

 

 

“Preliminary investigation reveals that these bodies have continued to issue back dated letters of employment to their cronies without due process.

 

 

“For the avoidance of doubt,this administration believes in the principle of fairness and equity which expects that all employment exercises should be merit based, competitive and accessible to all Edo indigenes.

 

 

“In light of the foregoing and in order to arrest this ugly trend, the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has directed the immediate suspension of all employment processes as well as the review of all appointments carried out since May, 2024 by commissions, boards,parastatals and agencies of government.

 

 

 

“Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to note and comply with the above directive.”

 

 

 

 

 

         Mohammed Shosanya

 

Only 70 officers of over 6,000 staff in the Federal Ministry of Education in all states of the country were  recently elevated to the Directorate level in Nigeria’s ministries’ promotion exercise,the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN),has revealed.

 

 

 

Its National President,Comrade Shehu Mohammed, and the Secretary-General, Comrade Joshua Apebo,who conveyed this in a press statement on Friday,also said only three  Deputy Directors were elevated to the rank of Directors, 14 Assistant Directors were promoted to Deputy Directors,while 53 officers were elevated to the rank of Assistant Directors making a total of 70 officers that benefitted from the promotion exercise.

 

 

 

According to ASCSN, when compared with 356 officers that were elevated to the Directorate level in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), 286 that benefited in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF),102 in the Ministry of Police Affairs, etc, it would become  clear that officers in the Federal Ministry of Education with only 70 elevated to the Directorate level were shortchanged.

 

 

 

 

The union maintained that the argument for the low level of promotion in the Federal Ministry of Education might be premised on the stale tale of lack of vacancies.

 

 

 

It had always offered suggestions on how to create opportunities for Education Officers in the Federal Ministry of Education to reach the height of their career by rising to the Directorate level and not dampen their morale through stagnation,it disclosed in the statement.

 

 

 

 

“The union has proposed several times, for instance, to the Management of the Federal Ministry of Education that the junior arms of the Federal Government Colleges should be disarticulated from the Senior Secondary segments as has been done in Lagos State, Kano State, and the FTC thereby creating more vacancies for Directors to head each school.

 

 

 

 

“We have also suggested that tenure Policy must continue to be implemented in the Federal Ministry of Education so that vacancies in the Directorate level can continue to be generated while big Units in the Ministry such as the Nigeria Education Management Information System (NEMIS and NATCOM For UNESCO can also become Departments to be manned by Directors,” the labour leaders stressed.

 

 

 

 

According to the union,the Department of Science and Technology Education could become two Departments namely Department of Science Education, and Technology and Vocational Education Department while Girl-Child Education could also become a Department and Basic Education as well.

 

 

 

 

They also suggested that Education attachés should be reintroduced in Coreign Missions, Education Desks created in MDAs, mentorship programmes for Directors on elongation introduced while 3-years tenure system for principals of Unity Schools as agreed with the union should be implemented.

 

 

 

 

“We also urge the Federal Ministry of Education to resume the quarterly meetings with the Union, pay outstanding salary and promotion arrears, train and retrain Officers in the Ministry, start promotion and automatic placement of Officers as when due to boost the morale of staff, and provide working tools for staff,” they added.

 

 

 

 

The union leaders emphasized the need for adequate funding of Departments while there should be Presidential waivers for the Federal Ministry of Education to create vacancies as it was
done in 2013 so that stagnated officers could be promoted.

 

 

 

 

“We believe that if these recommendations are implemented in the Federal Ministry of Education, there will be enough vacancies for Senior Civil Servants to continue to rise to the  Directorate level.

 

 

 

 

“We urge the Presidency, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Federal Civil Service Commission, the OHCSF to intervene on this matter and ensure that Education Officers in the Headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Education, those in the 110 Federal Government Colleges, and the Federal Education Quality Assurance Service (FEQAS) throughout the Federation are promoted as and when due like their counterparts in other MDAs in the interest of Justice, equity and fairness while other suggestions herein are also implemented to boost the morale of staff,” the labour leaders added.

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has cleared Ecobank Nigeria of any wrongdoing in the dismissal of 167 staff members in 2023.

 

 

 

The decision was reached following an  investigation into a petition filed by the affected employees.

 

 

The committee,chaired by Hon. Mike Etaba, who represents the Obubra/Etung Federal Constituency of Cross River State, dismissed the petition as lacking merit.

 

 

 

He commended the bank’s management for its compassionate approach toward the dismissed employees.

 

 

 

In a statement issued by Mr. Chooks Oko, Head of Media for the Public Petitions Committee, the petitioners alleged that Ecobank failed to honor statutory entitlements and referenced a purported agreement between the bank and a workers’ union that promised additional benefits.

 

 

 

But,the bank’s representative, Mr. Kenneth Okere,faulted these claims during a hearing on Wednesday.

 

 

He clarified that the alleged agreement was a one-time document created for a specific context and did not apply to the 167 dismissed employees. He presented portions of the agreement that clearly outlined its limited scope and duration to substantiate his argument.

 

 

 

According to him, Ecobank had not only met its statutory obligations but also gone above and beyond to support the affected employees.

 

 

 

According to Okere, the bank provided:one year’s medical insurance coverage,one month’s salary in lieu of notice,four months’ salary as severance pay,and gratuities.

 

 

 

Besides,Ecobank deposited 10% of each employee’s basic salary, housing allowance, and transport allowance into their respective Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with individual pension administrators.

 

 

 

“These efforts underscore my client’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of our former colleagues,” Okere stated during the hearing.

 

 

 

Questioned by Hon. Etaba about whether they had received these benefits, the petitioners admitted they had.

 

 

 

The chairman dismissed the petition, describing it as baseless and predicated on a faulty document.

 

 

He said:“The petition is hereby dismissed for lack of merit.This is the people’s house. We are here to ensure that no Nigerian suffers injustice, whether as a petitioner or a respondent.

 

 

He commended Ecobank for its exemplary conduct, describing the bank’s efforts as commendable and setting a standard for corporate responsibility.