Mohammed Shosanya

Pensioners of Union Bank of Nigeria (UBN) Plc,who retired between 2007 and 2019, have begged President Bola Tinubu and other key stakeholders to intervene in the bank’s alleged refusal to comply with a Court of Appeal judgment mandating the payment of their pension entitlements.

They conveyed the plea in a joint statement signed by its National Coordinator, Mr Augustine Apeh Onuh and General Secretary, Mr Korede Mohammed,made available to newmen on Wednesday.

The pensioners alleged that the bank has unlawfully withheld a total of N42.77 billion owed to them,resulting in severe financial hardship.

They expressed deep frustration over the bank’s continuous disregard for their plight.

They alleged that their diligent service to the bank was being disrespected and undervalued, leading to intolerable levels of hardship, discomfort, grief, misery, sorrow and anxiety.

The pensioners alleged that the issue stemmed from the failure of Union Bank to transfer the balance of the legacy pension funds and accrued rights into the pensioners’ respective Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA).

They said that despite repeated efforts to resolve the matter amicably since 2012, the bank had allegedly refused to take any action.

The pensioners alleged that the refusal of the bank to take action prompted them to approach the National Industrial Court in Ibadan, which initially dismissed their claims in December 2021.

They later appealed the decision, and on March 21, 2024, the Court of Appeal ruled in their favour,according to the statement.

The pensioners alleged that the Court of Appeal found that Union Bank had indeed violated the provisions of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) by failing to transfer the pension funds to the appointed Pension Fund Custodians (PFC) for the benefit of the retirees.

Following the ruling, the pensioners’ legal representatives, Afe Babalola & Co., sent two letters to Union Bank on April 8, 2024, and May 20, 2024, urging the bank to comply with the court’s judgment.

But,the bank had allegedly chosen to pursue an appeal, despite the finality of the Court of Appeal’s decision under Section 243(4) of the Nigerian Constitution.

“This section of the Constitution insulates the Supreme Court from the burden of handling an overwhelming number of appeals and is designed to protect workers and employers from the exhausting process of prolonged litigation,” the statement noted.

The pensioners claimed that Union Bank’s decision to appeal was a deliberate attempt to prevent them from receiving their rightful entitlements after years of dedicated service.

They sought President Tinubu’s immediate intervention to resolve the matter.

“We seek the intervention of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to save our souls,” the statement read.

Besides,the retirees urged members of the National Assembly and the Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria to support their cause and ensure the enforcement of the court’s ruling.

They also called on the media to amplify their voices and shed light on their ongoing struggle.

“We equally appeal to the media, as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, to interfere and interpose in this issue,” the statement added.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigeria Labour Congress has expressed disgust over increment in the price of fuel, saying its a betrayal on Nigerians, especially the working class.

President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero made the reservations on Tuesday, saying part of the reasons why the Union accepted N70,000 minimum wage was as a result of an understanding that there would be no further increase in the price of fuel.

He threatened that in the coming days, the appropriate organs of the Congress will be meeting to take appropriate decisions which will be made public.

He said: “We are filled with a deep sense of betrayal as the federal government clandestinely increases the pump price of pms. One of the reasons for accepting N70,000 as national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of pms would not be increased even as we knew that N70,000 was not sufficient.

“We recall vividly when Mr President gave us the devil’s alternatives to choose from: either N250,000 as minimum wage (subject to the rise of the pump price between N1,500 and N2,000) and N70,000 (at old pms rates), we opted for the latter because we could not bring ourselves to accept further punishment on Nigerians.

“But here we are, barely one month after and with government yet to commence payment of the new national minimum wage, confronted by a reality we cannot explain.

“It is both traumatic and nightmarish.
Yet, when we told government that it’s approach to resolving the fuel subsidy contradictions was patently faulty and would not last, it’s front row cheer leaders sneered at us, saying we did not understand basic economics .

“But if truth be told, this act of betrayal is consistent with the character of this government. We recall the assurances we were given by the leadership of the National Assembly on the 250% tariff hike, that it had been dealt with and there was no need to openly engage the Minister of Power who was at that meeting.

“Instead of the promised reversal, the rate has since been jerked up further putting more Nigerians and businesses in jeopardy.

“The combined effects of government’s ferocious right -wing market policies brought Nigerians and Nigeria to their all-time low and led to the End-Hunger/End Bad Governance protests.

“Rather than make amends, government arrested and hounded into detention some of those who took part and some of those who had nothing to do with these protests, charging them with criminal conspiracy, subversion, treasonable felony, terrorism financing and cyber crime with an intent to overthrow the government of President Tinubu.

“The police and other security agencies have since been on rampage terrorising the citizenry in pursuance of government’s agenda of muzzling lawful dissent.In brazen pursuit, they have defamed and libelled not a few individuals.

“They have gone as far as appropriating the statutory roles of the Ministry of Labour and Employment in resolving trade dispute matters and issues considered outside the jurisdiction of the security agencies.

“That the government is on rampage in the face of stifling conditions of living is an understatement but we promise Nigerians that we at the Nigeria Labour Congress will not be cowed into submission. Together with civil society, we brought about this democracy when some of the actors in power today were conspiring with the military on how to perpetuate their hold on political power.

“When the state and the security forces picked on us in a hybrid war, we had our suspicions. We knew they were up to something sinister and needed to distract/divert our attention or possibly frighten or weaken us before they came out with it so that we would not have a robust response.

“Now that they chickens have come to roost, we were right in our suspicions. However, we want to let Nigerians know that the clandestine/surreptitious increase in the pump price of pms is the first among the equally sinister policies government has up its sleeve.

“On our part, we stand resolute with the people and will neither be distracted nor intimidated by the government or its security agencies.

“We insist that government cannot criminalise protests or basic rights in the domain of the citizenry.

“Accordingly, we demand the immediate: Reversal of the latest increase in the pump of pms across the country;

“Release of all those incarcerated or being prosecuted on the assumption of having participated in the recent protests; halt the indiscriminate arrest and detention of citizens on trumped up charges and reversal of the 250% tariff hike in electricity”.

He added: ” It should stop the hijack of the duties of the Ministry of Labour and Employment; end to policies that engender hunger and insecurity; and halt to government’s culture of terror, fear and lying.

“We are guided by our belief in our country and the need to secure and sustain its sovereignty, integrity and welfare of the people.

“In the coming days, the appropriate organs of the Congress will be meeting to take appropriate decisions which will be made public”.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Labour Congress has instructed all national officers and affiliate unions to accompany its president, Joe Ajaero to the Nigeria Police Force headquarters on Thursday.

The police had summoned Ajaero over a case of alleged criminal conspiracy, terrorism financing, treasonable felony, subversion, and cybercrime.

The NLC president was asked to appear before the force intelligence response team on August 20,but declined the invitation, and demanded details of the allegations levelled against him through
through Samuel Ogala, principal partner at the Falana & Falana’s Chambers.

Ajaero said he would be available for questioning on Thursday, August 29.

In a circular on Wednesday, NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja,implored all affiliate unions, state councils, and national officers to mobilise their members to show solidarity for Ajaero on Thursday.

He added:“In Abuja, all CWC members resident in Abuja and other members are expected to assemble at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress by 8:00 AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024 to accompany the President to the Police for the scheduled interaction.

“In state capitals, members should gather at their respective state secretariats of Congress. From there, they will embark on a peaceful procession to their State Police Headquarters, where they will hold a prayer session until the President’s interaction with the Police is concluded.

“This peaceful march is a united stand against the unjust actions aimed at intimidating our leadership and stifling the voice of Nigerian workers. We urge all members to remain peaceful and orderly throughout the procession and prayer session. If for any reason, the President is detained, all workers nationwide shall proceed on indefinite strike.

“Your unwavering support and solidarity at this critical time are crucial to defending civic rights and the integrity and rights of the labour movement.

“Together, we shall overcome these challenges and continue to uphold justice, fairness, and democracy in our dear nation,” the circular read.

Mohammed Shosanya

A country that cannot meet its energy needs or guarantee energy availability for its citizens is on the path of becoming a failed state,President of
Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN),Comrade Festus Osifo,has said.

Nigeria has been battling recurring fuel scarcity necessitating skyrocket cost of the product and increased cost of doing business in the country lately.

Osifo,who stated this on Wednesday in Abuja at the 2024 PENGASSAN Energy and Labour Summit (PEALS 2024),also said Nigeria stood at a crossroads, especially in the oil and gas sector.

The union vowed to take action to end the scourge, which poses a significant threat to the oil industry, economy, and national integrity.

He attributed the current economic hardship in Nigeria to the policies of the government like the floating of the currency.

Speaking on the themed: “The future of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry: Energy mix, energy security, Artificial Intelligence, divestment, and crude oil theft”, he said: “The scourge of crude oil theft poses a significant threat to our industry, economy, and national integrity.

“As an association, we have mounted the rostrum over time, both on the streets and in the boardroom, to champion this cause, and we will not relent until victory is certain.

“We are steadfast in our resolve to continuously partner with other stakeholders in the industry to combat this menace through enhanced security measures, technological innovations, community engagement, and collaboration with law enforcement agencies,’’ he said.

Osifo,who is also the President of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria,said the actions and decisions of the association must gear toward rescuing the country.

He said the summit would design a framework for a policy trust for the government towards shaping the economic outlook of the country.

“It is incumbent upon us to drive positive change, foster economic growth, and ensure our people’s prosperity. Recent policy directions by the government have placed untold hardship on Nigerians. Chief among them is the flotation cum devaluation of the naira, which saw our currency slide from N450 officially in May 2023 to the current exchange rate of about N1600.

“This is the reason why the landing price of PMS today is over N1,000 (reintroduction of subsidy), the reason why AGO is selling for over N1,300 and the reason why all imported commodities are over the roof today. The overarching impact of these on Nigerians can only be imagined rather than experienced,’’ he said.

According to him the floating of the naira in the official market had exacerbated the challenges faced by their members.

He called on industry players to explore innovative solutions to forestall financial losses to workers and prevent undue gains to companies and ensure a fair and equitable environment for all.

Osifo said PENGASSAN would do all it could to push for just and equitable distribution across its branches.

He appreciated the President Bola Tinubu for the recent signing of Executive Order that granted incentives to investments in the oil and gas industry.

He said the move translated to the recent $550 million Final Investment Decision announced by NNPC Limited and TotalEnergies on the Ubeta project.

Osifo said PENGASSAN also recognised the efforts of NNPC Limited management in furthering partnership initiatives in the upstream and downstream sector of the Industry.

“The recent MOU signed by NNPC Limited with Total Energies and separately with Shell are indications of fostering good relationships with critical partners.

“The expansion of CNG and LPG infrastructures by NNPC Limited across the nook and crannies of the country is a right step in the right direction and this must be encouraged and deepened,’’ he said

He assured that the summit would forge a path toward a brighter and more sustainable energy future for the industry and the nation.

Speaking,the Minister of State for Oil, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, noted that one of the major issues the country is facing was energy security and sufficiency.

He said Nigeria plays critical role in energy security in Africa, adding that the surest way to resolving Nigeria’s socio-economic problem would by ensuring energy security in oil and gas.

He explained why smuggling of the petroleum products would not go away so soon.

He said, “The integration of renewable energy sources alongside our traditional oil and gas resources is essential in achieving this balance. Energy security is at the core of national security.

“In an era where global energy dynamics are rapidly changing, Nigeria must strategically position itself to not only meet its domestic energy needs but also to remain a key player in the international arena.

“This requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders—government, industry, and labor—to develop policies and practices that safeguard our energy infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted supply.”

Speaking on the support for local refineries, the Minister said, “The Federal Government is committed to supporting local refineries in its bid to enhance domestic refining capacity, reduce dependency on imported refined products, and stimulate economic growth.

“The Federal government remains determined to ensure that local refineries thrive by creating and promoting a conducive environment for potential investors, as we believe that having operational refineries within the country is crucial for our economic growth and energy security.”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) has implored jobseekers to discountenance rumours of employment slots for sale.

Olufemi Soneye,Chief Corporate Communications Officer,NNPC Ltd,who gave the advice in a statement,clarified that there is no iota of truth in the insinuations that it has employment slots on offer to anyone who wishes to buy.

The company described such as antics of fraudsters who want to take advantage of unsuspecting applicants.

It cautioned that as a responsible corporate entity, recruitment into the company is a straightforward process and does not involve sale of slots or inducement of any kind.

It warned that anyone who pays money to anyone for any job in the company does so at his or her own risk.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) Monday,elected new members to the Central Working Committee (CWC) to lead the union for the next four years.

The election was held at the 5th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference in Lagos, attended by representatives from the union’s units, branches, and chapters across all 36 states and the FCT.

A communiqué,signed by the new National President Comrade Shehu Muhammed and General Secretary Comrade Joshua Apebo, and made available to journalists announced the newly elected executive officers.

They include: Comrade Shehu Muhammed, National President; Comrade Olubunmi Adebayo Fajobi, National Vice President; Comrade Samson Ejike Okere, National Vice President; Comrade Onjeh Enewa, National Vice President; Comrade Archibong Etim Okon,National Vice President.

Others are Comrade Adebayo Mubashiru Haroun, National Treasurer; Comrade Martin Bolum, National Internal Auditor; Comrade Shuaibu Afusatu, National Trustee; Comrade Amodu O. Yinka Isiaka, Ex-officio Member; Comrade Babayo Mohammed Hamma, Ex-officio Member; Comrade Prince Excellent Efedhoma, Ex-officio Member; Comrade Mike Nwonu, Ex-officio Member; and Comrade Balogun Babatunde, Ex-officio Member.

The communiqué also lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the ₦70,000 per month National Minimum Wage Bill, 2024 into law on Monday, July 29, 2024.

It advised the government to form a committee to address the consequential adjustments from the new National Minimum Wage Act, 2024, to ensure that no worker grade level is disadvantaged. Immediate implementation of the new minimum wage was also called for.

It also urged state governments to take measures to prevent wastage and leakage in government spending to facilitate the implementation of the new minimum wage, noting that they have been receiving increased funds from the Federal Account Allocation Committee since the removal of the fuel subsidy in May 2023.

In his acceptance speech, the new National President of ASCSN, said; “I want to assure you that as your President alongside my colleagues in the CWC, we shall remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing the mandates of our great Association especially in the area of addressing the most critical and numerous challenges that threaten the fabrics that unite, promote and protect our common well-being as public servants and members of our association.

“As your President, the full implementation of the new national minimum wage and its consequential adjustments at both the federal and the 36 states of the Federation would be our immediate priority in collaboration with the leadership of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).

“While I shall continue to advocate for strong and unwavering commitment to the unity and solidarity of members of the association”

Mohammed Shosanya

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria,TUC is seeking reversal of the Public Service Rules (PSR) 2021 edition, which unilaterally introduced a controversial tenure policy for Trade Union Officers.

The tenure policy was reinforced by a Circular from the Head of Service of the Federation, with Reference No. HCSF/PS/SPSO/268/13/2/38, dated August 1, 2023.

The new rule mandates that Trade Unions introduce a tenure limit of no more than two terms, with each term restricted to two years.

It disclosed that the new PSR Rule 020612 directly contradicts the existing provisions of the Labour Act and many Trade Union constitutions, which typically provide for a four-year tenure per term.

The imposition of a two-year term is disruptive and undermines the autonomy of Trade Unions to manage their internal affairs as guaranteed by their constitutions,the union maintained.

The policy,the union said,represents a significant overreach by the government, infringing on the rights of Trade Unions to self-governance and autonomy.

It also maintained that Trade Unions are constitutionally empowered to determine the tenure of their officers as enshrined in their constitutions, and any attempt to impose external limits is a direct violation of these rights.

According to the union,the imposition of a tenure limit by the PSR is an encroachment on the independence of Trade Unions and undermines the democratic processes within these unions, where members have the right to freely elect leaders based on the constitutions that govern their operations.

President of the union,Comrade Festus Osifo,in a statement on Friday,implored the Head of Service of the Federation to urgently review and rescind PSR Rule 020612 and the accompanying circular.

He reasoned that trade unions must be allowed to operate according to their constitutions, without undue interference from external bodies.

According to the union,the autonomy and independence of Trade Unions are fundamental to the protection of workers’ rights and the promotion of a fair and just workplace.

The statement added:”We also urge all affiliates of Congress to stand united in defense of their constitutional rights. Together, we must resist any attempt to undermine the democratic processes within our organizations and ensure that our voices continue to be heard in the corridors of power”.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Labour Writers Association of Nigeria,LAWAN,will hold its workshop on September 5 at the Radisson Blue,Ikeja,in Lagos.

The theme of the conference is: “Challenges of Nigeria’s Economy Downturn:Survival Option For Workers”.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of LAWAN, Comrade Toba Agboola, the workshop will address core issues in the economy as it bothers on the workers’ welfare.

“This year’s workshop will give room for interactions with relevant agencies, companies, unions, and stakeholders on the best ways the association can collaborate towards having a robust economy.

“Expectedly, the workshop will address core issues in the economy as it bothers on the workers’ welfare.

‘It promises to be exciting as attendees will gain valuable insights, network with peers, and engage in meaningful discussions that will shape the future of labor and employment in Nigeria,” he said.

The statement quoted that Presidents of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Festus Osifo,will speak at the workshop.

Besides,the Human Resources Director of Cadbury, Dr Wole Odubayo will deliver keynote speech,while other other guest speakers include Director General, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Mr Wale-Smatt Oyerinde; Director General of NASU, Comrade Peters Adeyemi and Chief Executive of Edge Forth, Mr Sherif Adekoya.

According to the statement,other guests expected at the event include Honorable Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Director General of PENCOM, Omolola Oloworaran; Director General of NSITF, Oluwaseun Faleye; Director General, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies MINILS , Comrade Issa Aremu; CEO of Centre For the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) , Mr Muda Yusuf among others.

Besides,recognition of excellence will be given to some stakeholders in the economy at the workshop.

LAWAN,comprises members of the fourth estate of the realm in the print and electronic media organisation covering the labour sector.

The association organises capacity building workshop annually for its members on how to best deliver on its core responsibility as journalists.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC),has picked holes in the recent invasion of the Labour House, headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja, by security operatives.

The reported confiscation of books from the NLC library, allegedly in search of “End Bad Governance” materials, is a troubling act that raises serious concerns about the violation of fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and expression,the union said in a statement signed by its President,
Comrade Festus Osifo.

He quoted in the statement that,the action represents an overreach by security forces and poses a threat to the democratic principles that allow for peaceful dissent and free expression.

“We consider this invasion a direct attack on the rights of Nigerian citizens to freely express their views and to access information”,the statement said, adding that there was need for the
Federal Government to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the incident,the statement said.

Those responsible for authorizing and executing this operation must be held accountable,the statement said,and demanded the prompt return of all seized materials to the NLC library and an explanation for thhe unjustified action.

It added:”Nigerians must be reassured that their rights are protected and that security agencies operate within the confines of the law, respecting the freedoms guaranteed under our Constitution”.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Chairman, Governing Board of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, has launched the Commission’s Youth Internship Scheme for 10,000 young people of the Niger Delta region.

At the roll out ceremony in Port Harcourt,Ebie assured that the NDDC was dedicated to advancing the implementation of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and implementation of impactful youth programmes.

Seledi Thompson-Wakama
Director, Corporate Affairs,NDDC quoted him in a statement as saying that the scheme would prepare 10,000 people across the Niger Delta region with the training and experience needed for gainful employment as well as self-employment through entrepreneurship.

Ebie explained that the scheme would accommodate young people across different levels of education and experience, noting, however, that they should not be above 45 years.

Also speaking, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, affirmed that entrepreneurial and skills enhancement were key components for unlocking the potentials of the youths in the Niger Delta region.

He said that the objective was to get the youths to acquire meaningful and self-sustaining skills that would improve their lives, support their families and communities and thus ensure peace in the Niger Delta region.

Ogbuku stated that the Internship Scheme and other youth programmes of the NDDC were carefully thought out and included in the Commission’s 2024 budget, noting that it was not a reaction to the protests in other parts of the country.

He added: “The scheme will also develop metrics for its impact on the economy of the Niger Delta region. Admssion to the scheme will be highly competitive and will be driven by merit. Applicants will be required to include a personal statement in their application reflecting their commitment to meet the objectives of the programme and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.”

Ogbuku observed that the scheme would empower the benefitting youths in the areas of technology, music and arts, agriculture and marine, among others, adding that during the 12-month period of the internship, each intern would receive a stipend of N50,000 per month.

He urged those who would benefit from the programme to show good example for future beneficiaries, stressing that the registration would be done exclusively online via: https://www.nyis.nddc.gov.ng.

The NDDC boss said that all the nine NDDC states would have 500 slots before the application of the oil production quota for the remaining slots.

He noted: “On July 30, we gathered in Port Harcourt to sensitise the youths of the region on the reasons why they should avoid the nation-wide protest planned then. The stakeholders unanimously agreed to stay away from the protest, demonstrating that despite our diverse nature and challenges, we are united in the view that we need development and not protest.

“This should tell investors that the Niger Delta is peaceful and eager for development. We recognise that things are difficult now in Nigeria and even in the global stage.”

Giving details of the Internship Scheme, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said that placing youths on internship roles will allow them to enhance their technical skills and acquire practical experience to make them self-reliant.

He explained further: “Each applicant will be encouraged to identify a specific place of internship while the scheme will match them to prospective businesses that will help them to enhance their skills.

He declared: “We mark a significant milestone in our ongoing quest for progress and prosperity in the Niger Delta region.

“The heartbeat of a nation lies in the vigour and vitality of its youth, yet in the Niger Delta, the beat has faltered under the weight of impoverishment borne out of a very difficult terrain and limited opportunities.

“The NDDC Youth Internship Scheme is not merely a financial intervention, it is a symbol of our commitment to nurturing and empowering the next generation.

Antai urged all beneficiaries “to seize this opportunity with both hands and use it to fuel their passion to learn, to groom, and to give back to our communities.

He added:”To our partners, stakeholders, and well-wishers, I extend my heartfelt gratitude, your support and collaboration are vital to the success of this scheme. Together, we can turn the tide of unemployment and steer the Niger Delta towards a brighter future.”