All Posts in "Labour/Human Resources"

End Strike Now,NAFDAC Boss Begs Health Workers

         Mohammed Shosanya
The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, has called on members of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) to end their ongoing strike action.
The strike, which began on October 7, 2024, has affected NAFDAC’s essential regulatory functions, raising concerns about potential risks to public health.
 Prof. Adeyeye expressed concern over the prolonged strike, stating, “The continued disruption of NAFDAC’s operations poses a significant risk to the health and safety of Nigerians. We must put the interest of the nation above all else.”
According to her, management has engaged in multiple meetings with union leadership to address grievances, including the expansion of vacancies for staff promotions, the gazetting of hazard allowances, and concerns about the agency’s training school in Kaduna.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains unresolved. Prof. Adeyeye highlighted that the agency has made substantial progress on key issues, such as writing to the Head of Service for expanded vacancies and securing the Minister of Finance’s support for the gazetting of allowances.
“Promotion in public service is based on merit and availability of vacancies, and the agency is not in control of vacancies but has made necessary moves to address the situation,” she explained.
She also refuted allegations regarding non-payment of disengagement allowances and benefits, clarifying that the management remains committed to ensuring that outstanding claims are processed promptly. She added that efforts to resolve other union concerns, such as the casualization of drivers, expansion of the organogram, and review of laboratory allowances, are ongoing.
Acknowledging the staff’s dedication, Prof. Adeyeye appealed to union members to return to work, emphasizing the importance of NAFDAC’s role in safeguarding public health. “NAFDAC staff are known for their diligence and hard work, and I urge you to return to work in the interest of our nation,” she said.
Prof. Adeyeye assured that management would continue to address all outstanding issues, adding that the agency cannot afford to let the strike compromise its reputation or ability to generate revenue, which could affect future allowances for staff. She urged the union to follow the lead of SSASCGOC, another staff union, which has already suspended its strike.
“The strike is an ill wind that blows no good. We must prioritize Nigeria’s health and safety, and I will not rest until these issues are properly tackled,” she affirmed.
Online Editor by — October 21, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Sahara Group Begins 2025 Graduate Management Trainee Program 

 

 

    Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

Sahara Group has flagged off the 2025 edition of its transformative Graduate Management Trainee (GMT) Program, renowned for moulding young professionals into global business leaders.

 

 

 

Bethel Obioma,Head,Corporate Communications,Sahara Group,said the energy conglomerate’s GMT program has an impressive track record of producing exceptional business leaders who embody the “unique and Irrepressible Sahara DNA”.

 

 

 

“The Sahara GMT program epitomizes our dedication to making a difference responsibly through creatively deployed human capital transformation strategies,” he said.

 

 

 

 

Open to young graduates with excellent grades, applications for the Sahara GMT program will run from October 24 to November 1,2024.

 

 

 

 

Emilomo Arorote, Group Head HR, Sahara Group and a product of the GMT Class of 2009 said as an equal opportunity employer, the Sahara GMT Program is open to individuals desirous of giving their career dreams the “perfect start”.

 

 

 

 

“Sahara is a place where dreams are realized, and endless possibilities abound. Our GMT Program is peerless, giving successful candidates platforms for growth across the entire energy sector value chain. All you need to do is head to www.saharagmt.com or check our social media channels to apply. We are excited to welcome the next generation of global talents into the Sahara family,” she added.

 

 

 

 

Successful candidates will enjoy several learning and development benefits, including mentorship and buddy support, engagement in impactful business and CSR projects, and coaching from strategic leaders within Sahara,a statement said.

 

 

 

“We seek individuals who see themselves as globally competitive. Participants will tackle challenging business scenarios, receive invaluable mentorship, and experience our multicultural work environment across Africa. Asia, Europe and the Middle East,” Arorote emphasized.

 

 

 

 

The Sahara GMT Program has since become a key part of Sahara Group’s talent pipeline, producing leaders in Sahara’s upstream, midstream, downstream, power, infrastructure, and technology businesses.

 

 

 

Ejiro Gray, Director, Governance and Sustainability, a member of GMT class of 2007 said; “Every Sahara Group GMT is a potential world business leader. The GMT Program allows you to discover yourself and gives you the opportunity to make a difference.”

 

 

 

Reflecting on the Program’s transformative impact, Nomnso Dike, a member of the 2010 GMT set and current CEO of Asharami Synergy, remarked, “The GMT experience laid the foundation for my career and has propelled many GMTs into leadership roles in Sahara.”

 

 

 

Ivie Temitayo-Ibitoye, Head, Employee Relations and Coordinator, Sahara GMT Program, advised applicants to follow the progress of the Program on Sahara Group’s social media channels, adding that candidates will receive seamless support, including a session on “The Sahara GMT” on Asharami Radio, Sahara Group’s unique radio platform.

 

 

 

Online Editor by — October 21, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Fubara Approves N85,000 Minimum Wage For Rivers Workers 

        Mohammed Shosanya
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved the payment of N85,000.00 as the new minimum wage for civil servants in the employ of the Rivers State Government.
The agreement reached during a closed door meeting presided over by the Governor and attended by representatives of organised labour under the auspices of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council in the State at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Briefing newsmen after the meeting, the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, who spoke on behalf of the Government, affirmed that Governor Fubara has graciously approved a new minimum wage of N85,000.00, adding that the government will begin in November, 2024.
Dr George, according to a statement signed by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi on Friday said: “He (Gov Fubara) has pronounced a figure that is higher than the National Minimum Wage. He pronounced a sum of N85,000.00, which is higher than the minimum wage that was prescribed nationally.
“So, as the Head of Service and a major stakeholder in the labour family, I am very happy to say that the Rivers State Civil Servants have never had it this good since the inception of this state.
“The labour union leaders and all the other major stakeholders were happy with this development,” he added.
Responding to possible payment of arrears, Dr Nwaeke, said it is yet to be determined because a technical committee has been set up to critically work out a tenable payment chart, which will cater to issues of arrears.
He added: “Issues of arrears will be worked out by the committee that I am going to be Deputy to the SSG. We are already going to work on it in a technical committee that will now get the nitty gritty of the payment and inform the press later.”
The Rivers State Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Emecheta Chuku, explained that this is their first meeting with Governor Fubara to discuss the issue of the new minimum wage as approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He pointed to the fact that the gracious approval of N85,000.00 new minimum wage is very appeasing to the labour leaders, addingvthat it demonstrates love for the workers.
He explained:”For the Governor to come, against all the crisis, against all the things that he is facing and more, to say he will pay N85,000.00 minimum wage, I think our hearts are full of joy.
“Of course, we have no doubt, knowing the kind of person we have as our Governor. He is a decent man; very responsible enough; and grew through the rank and file of the system. He understands what it takes to earn a living salary; he understands the difference between gifting money and paying somebody salary that can sustain him or her from the first day to the last day of the month.”
Also speaking, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Chapter, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, noted that the amount approved by Governor Fubara puts Rivers State Government ahead of Lagos State as the highest minimum wage paying State to civil servants in Nigeria.
He added: “Why do I say that? Lagos State said N85,000.00 and Rivers State is paying N85,000.00. The IGRs of Lagos State and Rivers State are not the same. So, for the Governor to agree to pay the same rate with Lagos, that means we are at the top of it.
“We are the best, and we want to continue to commend the Governor. We assure him that, as far as this State is concerned, labour is going to stand with him. We will be with him even until the next eight years.
“I want to commend His Excellency, Executive Governor of Rivers State, our own Number One Worker in Rivers State, he has, once again, proven that the workers in Rivers State gave him an award on May Day as the Champion of Labour, as the Most Labour-Friendly Governor in Nigeria. He, again, has shown that to us today, and I want to commend him.”
He added that they were returning to the State Secretariat Complex to inform workers of the Governor’s magnanimity and benevolence towards civil servants in the state.

 

Online Editor by — October 18, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Sahara Group Foundation Unveils Extrapreneurship Initiative

    Mohammed Shosanya
The Sahara Group Foundation, the social impact vehicle of energy conglomerate, Sahara Group, has unveiled its transformative Extrapreneurship strategy to drive integrated economic and community empowerment programs through collaborative partnerships and support for innovative as well as scalable business across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Speaking in New York, Sahara Group’s Director, Governance and Sustainability, Ejiro Gray, said the Sahara Group Foundation had over the years implemented interventions aimed at promoting the sustainable development goals, recording over two million beneficiaries across Sahara’s business locations.
According to her,the new strategy ensures the Foundation continues to actively drive the attainment of 11 of the 17 SDGs through “inclusive and progressive partnerships”.
 “We are excited that with Extrapreneurship we can provide extra impetus to Africa’s march towards bringing sustainable development to African communities working through extrapreneurs, who through the support of Sahara Group Foundation can take their ideas and solutions to greater heights,” she said.
Chidilim Menakaya,Head of Programs at Sahara Group Foundation, explained that the EXTRApreneurship Strategy will promote economic growth in local communities through platforms that give entrepreneurs, social innovators, inventors, and small businesses access to honing their craft and scaling their businesses, “one community at a time”.
 “Our Extrapreneurship model is designed to help Sahara Group Foundation play a key role as a bridge for economic empowerment and sustainable development by linking beneficiaries to sundry support platforms valued at 100 million USD, ultimately creating an ecosystem of collaborators working towards transforming Africa,” she said.
Menakaya noted that Sahara Group Foundation’s new model aims to prepare the entrepreneurial community for the future of work through the integration of artificial intelligence in the Extrapreneurship framework.
She said:“These community entrepreneurs, or what we call EXTRApreneurs will not only drive forward thinking organizations but also empower ambidextrous individuals who are the backbone of the SME sector, a pivotal force for driving economic growth.”
She said the Extrapreneurship program would identify and support innovators, entrepreneurs, inventors and researchers who have developed proven sustainable products or solutions to everyday problems using locally available resources.
She said,this will be done through financial, advisory and investment support as well as building business hubs within the community leveraging the business niche area of each community.
She added that Sahara Group Foundation will continue to drive its recycling initiative, an environmental sustainability and economic empowerment initiative that converts waste to wealth.
Online Editor by — October 4, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Oyo Govt To Recruit 791 Civil Servants

    Mohammed Shosanya
The Oyo State Government has approved the recruitment process of about 791 officers of various cadres into the mainstream of its civil service.
The Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alh. Kamoru Aderibigbe disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Ibadan.
He said the recruitment will encompass the absorption of two hundred and thirty Education Officers, and five hundred and sixty-one officers into the mainstream.
He added:“This recruitment will be the highest into the mainstream of the Civil Service in the last two decades. I believe we could have had more, but, for the fact that the Governor has constantly approved the conversion of officers who were employed into the lower cadres in the Civil Service by the previous administration, but possessed higher educational qualifications.
“In addition, those who academically improved themselves by having additional qualifications from tertiary Institutions with the approval of the state government also benefited from about One thousand and five hundred workers converted on the Governor’s magnanimity since the beginning of this administration and more are still being converted as we are here”.
He noted that the recruitment exercise will be for those who excel in thirty five teaching subjects in the Ministry of Education controlled schools and about forty-five (45) various cadres in the core civil service.
Aderibigbe said to ensure due diligence, fairness and equity in the recruitment process, prospective applicants will be required to log into the State Government job portal www.jobportal.oyostate.gov.ng as from Monday, 7th October, 2024 to Friday, 11th October, 2024.
Meanwhile, applicants into cadres requiring a degree must be University graduates with a minimum of second class (Hons.) lower division,while applicants into cadres that require Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate must be Polytechnic graduates with a minimum of lower credit.
He said the Commission will ensure competence in the discharge of its duties without any political interference.
“All University and Polytechnic graduates must possess NYSC discharged certificates or exemption certificates as at the time of this recruitment process. Applicants into cadres requiring the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) must be graduates with a minimum of merit.”
He said Governor Seyi Makinde has scored another goal by approving the recruitment process, for teeming youths in the State.
Speaking earlier,the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Orientation, Dr. Taiwo Ladipo reiterated the Oyo State Government’s commitment to ensure merit in the recruitment process.

 

Online Editor by — October 2, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Multiple Approaches Heart Of Our Talent Management Policy-Sahara Group

 

Mohammed Shosanya

 

 

Sahara Group,says ambidexterity is at the heart of its talent management policy.

 

 

Emilomo Arorote, the energy conglomerate’s Group Head, Human Resources,said the development enables employees to grow the capacity required for adapting and transiting into different roles, while maintaining the same level of excellence the Sahara Brand is known for across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

 

 

 

 

Arorote,who was recently appointed the arrowhead of the Group’s human capital department said:”Growing our people to be nimble, agile, creative, insightful, and ambidextrous is a deliberate policy that continues to shape and mold Sahara Group employees into global professionals”

 

 

 

 

 

Arorote said Sahara’s ambidexterity focus is embedded into sundry learning and development platforms with the aim of enhancing capacity, growth, and development of its employees across its upstream, midstream, downstream, infrastructure and technology operations.

 

 

 

 

 

“Talent acquisition and development at Sahara Group is built around making each Saharian a model global professional that can deliver value across all our business expressions. This makes our people irrepressible and ready to take on new challenges anywhere in the world, constantly seeking better ways of adding value every day. At Sahara, we call it being M.A.D, that is making a difference,” she stated.

 

 

 

Arorote said her “Sahara Experience” exemplifies the opportunities the energy conglomerate offers its over 6,000 employees.

 

 

 

 

“I began my journey as a Graduate Management Trainee at Sahara Group and in about two decades, my role in Sahara has spanned from enterprise risk management to supply chain management, within Sahara Group’s power and upstream entities. Now, I am privileged to serve as the Group Head, HR within the organisation,’’ she said, adding, “This, is how we define endless possibilities and ambidexterity at Sahara Group, giving employees platforms and opportunities to grow into global business leaders.”

 

 

 

 

According to her, “the Sahara Group DNA” has a strong influence on employees, helping to drive the success of the organization over the past 28 years. “Sahara Group is invested in the growth and development of employees as global leaders. We give you the canvas and work with you to create masterpieces, being exceptional solutions for our stakeholders across the globe.  Our people are our greatest asset, and our culture allows employees to creatively apply their intrinsic and acquired skills towards Sahara’s commitment to bringing energy to life responsibly,” she said.

 

 

Online Editor by — October 2, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
CNL Raises Alarm Over Fake Job Alert

Mohammed Shosanya

Chevron Nigeria Limited (“CNL”), operator of the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (“NNPCL”) and CNL Joint Venture,says it has received reports of false recruitment information in several media and online channels purportedly by CNL and Chevron Corporation, advertising job positions in CNL and offering job slots for sale.

These fraudulent job offers have reportedly been circulated through emails, text messages and phone calls by individuals purporting to be staff or representatives of CNL and Chevron Corporation,the company said in a statement signed by its General Manager,Policy,Government & Public Affairs,O.S Oduselu.

The company dissociated itself from such individuals and false job adverts and offers published in any web site, email, poster, handbill or any other medium. CNL did not make or authorize such false publications.

The company notified the public that it does not require applicants to make any payment for processing any job application.

The job offers requesting candidates to pay money, at any point during the recruitment process, are fraudulent and are not from CNL,the statement said.

It added:”CNL does not solicit job applications or initiate recruitment processes through emails, posters, handbills, text messages, social media, or phone calls.

“Job seekers are advised to always check the company’s website at: http:/www.careers.chevron.com, and the national newspapers for job advertisements from CNL.

“CNL will not respond to enquiries about fraudulent advertisements and job offers”.

Online Editor by — September 26, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Internship Scheme: NDDC Raises Alarm Over Circulation Of Fake Beneficiaries’ List

Mohammed Shosanya

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC,has raised the alarm over certain lists circulating in the social media, purportedly representing selected beneficiaries of the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme.

The fraudsters spreading false information about the youth internship scheme are also demanding personal information and payment of an acceptance fee, the commission said in a statement signed by Seledi Thompson-Wakama,Director, Corporate Affairs.

The commission noted that it does not require any fees or payments for the placement of qualified youths in its internship programme.

It also clarified that no such list has been collated, approved or released and any claim to the contrary is false,adding that those who registered for the scheme should note that the process of selection is on-going.

It added:”The final list of beneficiaries will be drawn from the NDDC’s official database and only those that were duly registered between August 5, 2024, when the registration was formally launched and August 31, 2024, when it closed, will be considered.

“We advise members of the public, especially our youths who are eagerly waiting for the completion of the selection process, to ignore any unauthorised list and seek information only from the NDDC official channels.

“We assure all our stakeholders that we remain committed to transparency and fairness in all our activities, including our youth empowerment programmes.

“It is indeed disconcerting that some mischievous individuals are trying to take advantage of our youths who are seeking ways of being gainfully engaged in legitimate activities. In the light of this unfortunate development, we urge our youths to be wary of these scammers”

admin by — September 13, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
Our President Didn’t Shun DSS Invitation-NLC

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC,has debunked reports that its President,Joe Ajaero ignored Directorate of State Security invite before he was arrested by the secret police

Ajaero’s turn down of the invitation quoted as reasonfor his arrest at the airport on his way to the United Kingdom.

Benson Upah,Head of Information and Public Affairs, said in a statement that,
n the days preceding his arrest, Congress President had had a discussion with the DG DSS on a courtesy visit.

A Director in the agency,he said,later called the General Secretary of the Congress on the need to fix a date for the courtesy visit.

According to him,the General Secretary however explained to him that he would not be available until Friday (September 13),adding that the said Director assured him they would give Congress leadership a notice of not less than 48 hours for the visit.

He added :”The DG DSS last spoke with Comrade Ajaero on Saturday night during which Ajaero told him he would be travelling the next day, Sunday, adding that the courtesy visit would be paid after his return on Friday, September 13.

“The Congress President however missed his flight on Sunday and had it rescheduled to Monday, September 9th.

“It was on that Monday morning he was picked up by the operatives of the DSS in a watch list operation on behalf of a sister agency.

“We want to re-affirm that Joe Ajaero is a law-abiding citizen heading the biggest pan-Nigerian organisation with an illustrious history of patriotism and will certainly not snub the DSS. He is a trade unionist of international repute who serves on the executive boards of world federations of trade unions. His constituency goes beyond Nigeria”.

“It is not in his character to disregard invitations and precedents (his honouring the police invitation) attest to this”.

admin by — September 13, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0
TUC Condemns Ajaero’s Arrest,Demands Immediate Release

Mohammed Shosanya

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has condemned Monday’s arrest of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC),Comrade Joe Ajaero by the officials of Directorate of State Security Service .

Comrade,Festus Osifo,President, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC),who expressed this in a statement,said the unjust action of the secret police represents a clear violation of the rights to freedom of association and expression, fundamental pillars in any democratic society.

Calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Ajaero,the TUC leader,said the arrest of the NLC President,sets a dangerous precedence that threatens not only the leadership of the Nigerian labour movement but also the voices of millions of working-class Nigerians who rely on unions to represent and protect their interests.

He added:”It is imperative that the government respects the rule of law, democratic norms, and the legitimate rights of workers and their representatives. The labour movement has always stood for peaceful negotiations.

‘We, therefore, urge the Nigerian government to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation over harassment. We stand in solidarity with the NLC and reaffirm our commitment to defending the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers”

admin by — September 10, 2024 in Labour/Human Resources 0