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NANS Backs NLC, NUT Protests Demanding Rescue of Abducted Students

June 4, 2026 by admin

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has reiterated its resolve to ensure the rescue of abducted students and teachers nationwide, expressing support for the advocacy campaign led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) to secure their safe release. NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, amid growing concerns over the safety of students and education workers following recent abductions in parts of the country. Akinteye said the student body remained focused on ensuring that all abducted students and teachers regain their freedom, stressing that NANS would continue to engage relevant authorities and mobilise support for efforts geared towards their rescue. According to him, the association identifies with the concerns raised by organised labour, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Teachers, over the recurring incidents of kidnapping targeting schools and education personnel. “The safety of students and teachers must remain a national priority. NANS will continue to support every legitimate effort aimed at securing the release of those in captivity and preventing future occurrences,” he said. The NANS president said the recent wave of attacks on schools and education workers has created fear among students and parents, warning that insecurity could undermine access to education if urgent action is not taken. “Education cannot thrive in an atmosphere of fear. When students are afraid to go to school and teachers are uncertain of their safety, the future of the country is placed at risk. This is why all stakeholders must unite to confront this challenge,” he said. Akinteye added that NANS would continue to work with labour unions, parents, community leaders and security agencies to sustain pressure on the government until the abductees are rescued. “We commend the NLC and the NUT for standing up for the rights and safety of teachers and students. Their advocacy has helped draw national attention to the plight of the victims and the urgent need for stronger protection of schools,” he stated. While reaffirming support for the ongoing campaign, Akinteye stressed that the association’s primary concern remains the welfare of the victims rather than political considerations. “This is not the time for division or grandstanding. Our concern is the safe return of every abducted child and teacher. We must keep the focus on the victims and their families who are going through immense pain and uncertainty,” he said. The NANS president, however, distanced the association from groups he described as politically affiliated, insisting that the campaign for the rescue of abducted children should not be used as a platform for partisan interests. “We welcome support from all well-meaning Nigerians, but we believe advocacy on issues as sensitive as the lives of students and teachers must be driven by sincerity, responsibility and a genuine commitment to national interest,” he said. Akinteye also dismissed reports questioning his studentship status, describing the claims as false and reiterating that he remains a bona fide student of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology. He urged media organisations to uphold professional standards by verifying information before publication, noting that misinformation could distract from the urgent task of addressing insecurity in schools. “We will continue to defend the interests of Nigerian students andightened hat attention remains on the plight of abducted students and teachers. Our priority is their safe return and the protection of educational institutions across the country,” he added. “We are calling on the Federal Government, security agencies and relevant authorities to act swiftly and decisively. Every day spent in captivity is another day of trauma for the victims and their families. The rescue of these children and teachers must be treated as a matter of national urgency,” he added. The statement comes amid heightened concerns over the security of schools following the abduction of students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, an incident that sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for stronger measures to protect learning institutions. In response to the abduction, the Nigeria Union of Teachers directed its members to embark on a nationwide strike, citing growing insecurity and the need for urgent government action to safeguard teachers and pupils. The action received the backing of the Nigeria Labour Congress, which expressed solidarity with the teachers and demanded immediate steps to secure the release of those held captive. NANS had earlier mobilised students and stakeholders for advocacy activities in support of the victims, maintaining that the protection of schools and the safety of learners must remain a priority for governments at all levels.

Police Call on NLC and TUC to Reschedule Planned Tuesday Protest in Abuja

February 2, 2026 by admin

The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to reschedule their planned protest billed for Tuesday, February 3, 2026, citing security concerns. On Sunday, the unions announced plans to hold a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja on Tuesday, February 3. In a joint statement by the NLC spokesperson, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, N. A. Toro, the two labour unions said the peaceful rally will be staged at the Federal Capital Development Authority as a public demonstration of solidarity with affected workers. The NLC and TUC directed all affiliates and state councils in the Federal Capital Territory to ensure effective mobilisation and timely dissemination of the information to their members, adding that full participation in the lawful and peaceful action was expected. However, in a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the Command said it was aware of the proposed peaceful protest and acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly. However, Adeh disclosed that intelligence reports available to the Command indicated plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes that could threaten public peace and security. The statement partly read, “The FCT Police Command is aware of a planned peaceful protest by the NLC FCT Council, scheduled to hold tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, within the Federal Capital Territory. “While the Command recognises and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, and remains committed to providing adequate security for all lawful activities, intelligence reports at the disposal of the Police indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.” Adeh added that the measure was also aimed at ensuring the safety of residents, protecting freedom of movement, and allowing the unhindered conduct of lawful daily activities within the Federal Capital Territory. She said, “In view of the above, and in the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organisers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time. This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, while also ensuring that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon. ” The PUNCH reports that the workers of the FCT administration commenced an indefinite strike on January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears and poor working conditions. In response, the FCT authorities approached the National Industrial Court, describing the industrial action as illegal and seeking an order to restrain the unions and their members from continuing the strike. The court, however, ordered the workers to resume work. The NLC and TUC subsequently accused the FCT authorities of intimidation and vowed to resist it.

NLC Gives FG Four Weeks to Resolve ASUU Crisis

October 20, 2025 by admin

The Nigeria Labour Congress has resolved to issue a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government should it fail to conclude negotiations with all tertiary institutions-based unions. The NLC also condemned the no-work-no-pay policy introduced by the government as a form of sanction to members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities for daring to embark on a nationwide strike. The president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero made this known in an ongoing interactive session with labour correspondents in Abuja. The interactive session followed the meeting between the NLC and leaders of tertiary institutions’ based unions at the NLC headquarters in Abuja. “We have decided to give the federal government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector. They have started talks with ASUU but the problem in this sector goes beyond ASUU. “That is why we are extending this to four weeks. If after four weeks this negotiation is not concluded, the organs of the NEC will meet and take a nationwide action that all workers in the country, all unions in the country will be involved so that we get to the root of all this. “ The era of signing agreements, negotiations and threatening the unions involved, that era has come to an end. “The policy, the so-called policy of no work, no pay, will henceforth be no pay, no work. You can’t benefit from an action you instigated. We have discovered that most, 90% of strike actions in this country are caused by failure to obey agreements,” Ajaero said. The Nigerian higher education system has been faced with chronic instability, the latest leading to the closure of universities nationwide due to the ongoing strike by ASUU. Recall that ASUU National President Professor Chris Piwuna announced the strike at a press briefing at the University of Abuja on Sunday, following the expiry of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28. The union cited unresolved issues relating to staff welfare, infrastructure, salary arrears, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement. Negotiations in recent weeks failed to avert industrial action. Education Minister Tunji Alausa said two weeks ago that talks had reached a final phase, noting the government had released N50bn for earned academic allowances and allocated N150bn in the 2025 budget for a needs assessment to be disbursed in three instalments. However, ASUU rejected these measures as insufficient. The union is demanding full implementation of the 2009 agreement, release of three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries, sustainable funding for universities, protection against victimisation, payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and release of withheld deductions for cooperatives and union contributions. The NLC emphasised its full solidarity with ASUU and other tertiary education unions, calling for robust participation from all union leaders. It also highlighted the principle of a converse stance, “No Pay, No Work”, urging the government to honour collective agreements and respect the rights of workers. The emergency meeting is expected to chart the next steps for industrial action and explore strategies to safeguard the welfare of university staff, as well as the quality and continuity of public tertiary education in Nigeria.

JUST IN: NLC Begins Meeting with ASUU, Other Unions Over Strike

October 20, 2025 by admin

The Nigeria Labour Congress has commenced a meeting with the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics among others over the ongoing strike in universities and other concerns raised by workers in tertiary institutions nationwide. The meeting is currently holding at the NLC national headquarters in Abuja. Recall that the NLC in a letter invited all union leaders across various tertiary institutions of learning nationwide to a meeting to find lasting solutions to issues stemmed from failed negotiations with the Federal Government. Nigerian higher education system has been faced with chronic instability, the latest leading to closure of universities nationwide due to the ongoing strike by ASUU. Recall that ASUU National President Professor Chris Piwuna announced the strike at a press briefing at the University of Abuja on Sunday, following the expiry of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28. The union cited unresolved issues relating to staff welfare, infrastructure, salary arrears, and the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement. Negotiations in recent weeks failed to avert industrial action. Education Minister Tunji Alausa said two weeks ago that talks had reached a final phase, noting the government had released N50bn for earned academic allowances and allocated N150bn in the 2025 budget for a needs assessment to be disbursed in three instalments. However, ASUU rejected these measures as insufficient. The union is demanding full implementation of the 2009 agreement, release of three-and-a-half months of withheld salaries, sustainable funding for universities, protection against victimisation, payment of outstanding promotion and salary arrears, and release of withheld deductions for cooperatives and union contributions. The NLC emphasised its full solidarity with ASUU and other tertiary education unions, calling for robust participation from all union leaders. It also highlighted the principle of a converse stance, “No Pay, No Work”, urging the government to honour collective agreements and respect the rights of workers. The emergency meeting is expected to chart the next steps for industrial action and explore strategies to safeguard the welfare of university staff, as well as the quality and continuity of public tertiary education in Nigeria.

NLC Halts Protest As Subscribers Embrace 35% Tariff Increase

February 28, 2025 by admin

The Nigeria Labour Congress has shelved its planned protest scheduled for March 1, 2025, after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government on a 35 per cent increase in telecom tariffs, The PUNCH reports. NLC’s decision was welcomed by the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers on Thursday, as the group called for better relief measures for telcos. On January 20, 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission announced a 50 per cent hike in telecommunications tariffs—the first major adjustment in over a decade. Telecom operators, grappling with rising operational costs due to inflation and currency depreciation, had initially proposed a 100 per cent increase before the government intervened. Multiple insider sources at the NLC informed The PUNCH on Thursday that negotiations between the union and the Federal Government resulted in a compromise, lowering the initially proposed 50 per cent increase to 35 per cent. A 10-member committee was formed to deliberate and finalise the agreement. An impeccable source with the labour union said, “Have you not heard that an agreement has been reached between the NLC and the FG? The 50 per cent hike in telecom tariff has been reduced to 35 per cent as agreed by the 10-man committee.” When asked if this means the protest scheduled for March 1 would be shelved, the source replied, “That should be obvious.” In a previous interview with The PUNCH, the Chairperson of the Lagos State chapter of the NLC, Funmi Sessi, condemned the Federal Government’s decision to approve a 35 per cent increase, calling it an unfair burden on already struggling Nigerians. “How can the Federal Government be the one determining prices? This is an anomaly,” she argued. Sessi said any tariff adjustment should be gradual and not exceed 15 per cent, given the current economic hardship. Meanwhile, the NLC Public Relations Officer, Upah Benson, told The PUNCH that there would be a National Executive Council meeting of the union today (Friday) to deliberate further on the matter. NATCOMS welcomes reduction The President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, has welcomed the reported reduction of the proposed 50 per cent telecom tariff hike to 35 per cent but called for more relief measures to ease the burden on consumers. Speaking in response to reports of the tariff adjustment, Ogunbanjo said NATCOMS was not invited to be part of the committee that reviewed the rates. “I believe it is 35 per cent, but this is based on what I heard from sources,” Ogunbanjo told The PUNCH. “That information has been out there since Monday.” He described the 15 per cent reduction as a result of consumer advocacy but urged telecom operators to consider further reductions to cushion the impact on subscribers. “We fought, and at least a 15 per cent reduction is something,” he said. The Nigerian Communications Commission, which regulates the telecom sector, and industry groups, including the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, did not respond to requests for comment. Punch

Telecoms Tariff Hike: FG Deploys Security Agents As NLC Insists On Protest

February 17, 2025 by admin

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on Sunday warned the Nigeria Labour Congress against its planned March 1 shutdown of telecommunication services in response to the recent 50 per cent tariff hike. The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria similarly pushed back against the NLC’s planned boycott of telecom services and shutdown of telecom infrastructure, arguing that such actions are misguided and could harm the industry. The spokesman for the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, in a chat with The PUNCH on Sunday, said the agency had deployed operatives to the base stations to prevent any illegal action by the protesters. The NSCDC, tasked with protecting critical national infrastructure, including telecommunications, expressed concerns over the potential risks the NLC action could pose to national security and public safety. The NLC announced its intention to shut down the operations of telecommunications companies across the country if the tariff hike announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission was not reversed by the end of February. The union directed Nigerians to boycott the services of major telecom providers, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, daily between 11am and 2pm starting February 13 and continuing through the month. The NLC in a communiqué signed by its President, Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, accused the telecom operators of breaching public trust by implementing the tariff hike before the conclusion of a 10-man review panel’s deliberations. The union also faulted the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation. The NLC argued that the tariff increase represented a betrayal of public trust, given the earlier agreement to establish a committee to review the proposed hike. However, the NSCDC urged the NLC to reconsider its planned protest, warning that any disruption to telecom services could expose the country to criminal activities and compromise national security. Afolabi made it clear that the agency will not allow any action that could jeopardise the security of the nation. He revealed that state commandants had been directed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance at telecom facilities, with a nationwide deployment of officers, including undercover operatives, to ensure the protection of these assets. Citing the importance of telecommunications to national security, the corps warned that any disruption could result in vandalism and other criminal activities. He added, “Already, the NSCDC commandant-general has directed state commandants to maintain round-the-clock surveillance in and around all the telecom masts in their locations. “Also, there is going to be nationwide massive deployment of the officers and men of the corps, including undercover and intelligence operatives, to maintain peace and ensure that all the government and corporate organisations’ critical national assets and infrastructure are protected from the miscreants who might likely use the opportunity of the planned protest to carry out their criminal activities.’’ “Available credible intelligence already established the fact that the planned protest will be hijacked by hoodlums and that is why the NSCDC is on top of the situation,” he further stated. The NSCDC called for dialogue to resolve the dispute and hoped that the NLC would reconsider its stance. Afolabi stated, “The NSCDC, under the leadership of Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, is appealing to the organized labour under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress to shelve their planned protest of March 01, 2025 and the move to shut down telecommunication facilities nationwide. “Although peaceful protests are allowed under the law, experience and fallouts of similar threats in the past necessitate the need to appeal to the NLC not to embark on any action that will further affect the security of the country. “NSCDC will not fold its arms and allow any action that will expose the nation’s security and eventual compromised economic stability and public safety, under the guise of protesting the increase in telecom services tariffs. “The scars of similar protests that turned violent in the past are still there as reference points and the NSCDC and other security agencies in the country will not allow the miscreants, hoodlums and other non-state actors to hide under the guise of NLC protest to loot and vandalise government and corporate organisations assets and infrastructure.” The NSCDC stressed its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and stated that it is prepared to take decisive legal action against those who attempt to undermine the security of the country. “The NSCDC is committed to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians and property of the government and corporate organizations we are ready to take decisive actions against any individual or group that embarks on any action that can jeopardise the security architecture of the country,” he added. The corps said it has placed its personnel on high alert and warned that anyone found engaging in illegal activities during the protest will be dealt with according to the law. “We still believe that dialogue remains the best solution and we hope that organised labour will listen to the voice of reason and jaw-jaw with the government. We advise organised labour leaders to stay away from base stations and telecom mast locations as NSCDC personnel have been placed on red alert. “Anybody found wanting will be dealt with according to the stipulated law of the country,” the spokesperson cautioned. The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria criticised the NLC over its planned protest. The Secretary-General of PTECSSAN, Abdullahi Okonu, told The PUNCH on Sunday that the union had already made its position clear, arguing that the increase is necessary to prevent a collapse of the industry. In a letter addressed to the NLC, PTECSSAN said the labour congress had acted “in error” by taking decisions without consulting the union, which represents workers in the telecom sector. “It is our firm belief that the Congress Leadership has acted in error in taking these decisions without prior consultation with our union that operates in the sector,” the letter read. “Perhaps, getting in touch with us to provide you with information on the happenings in the sector would … Read more

Telecom Tariff Hike: NLC Halts Protest As FG Plans Review Panel

February 4, 2025 by admin

The Nigeria Labour Congress has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs approved by the Federal Government. The labour union aborted the planned rally scheduled for Tuesday (today) following a meeting with government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, on Monday. The telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, had defended the 50 per cent tariff increase, citing rising operational costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and higher energy expenses. In a statement, the regulator said the adjustment was in line with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 to ensure the financial sustainability of the telecom sector. However, the NLC rejected the tariff hike and demanded a reduction to five per cent, threatening a nationwide protest if its demands were not met. It condemned the hike as insensitive and unjustifiable, arguing that it would impose an extra burden on Nigerian consumers. The union’s president, Joe Ajaero, reiterated its demand for a significant reduction after the National Administrative Council meeting of the NLC. He said, “After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejects the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens. It, therefore, strongly condemns the Nigerian Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase.” “This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already suffering under worsening economic hardship caused by government policies beyond their control.” The union called on Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in protest against the increase. Despite the union’s pressure, telecom operators remained firm that the current adjustment was necessary to maintain service quality and support network expansion in an increasingly challenging economic environment. They ruled out negotiations with organised labour on the tariff increase, insisting that no reduction would be made despite the labour threat. The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, argued that the approved increase is vital to sustaining telecom operations amid escalating costs. “This increase is a lifeline that enables us to survive. Anything lower would be like giving someone who needs 100 litres of oxygen only a fraction—barely enough to keep them alive but insufficient for long-term survival,” he asserted. To ensure maximum impact, the NLC mobilised the electricity, aviation workers and civil society groups for the protest. However, following the Monday meeting, the NLC resolved to halt the demonstration pending further discussions. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, NLC President, Ajaero, said the government had agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure. According to him, the committee will be composed of five representatives from both sides and is expected to submit its findings within two weeks. Ajaero stated, “We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand. On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement. “So, the committee will be made up of five representatives, from both sides and expected to come out with a result after two weeks. That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement.’’ He added that the union’s next steps, including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, would depend on the outcome of the committee’s work. “The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow (today) will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee. The outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we put online,” he explained. While the planned symbolic submission of protest letters had been put on hold, Ajaero noted that the NLC remains concerned about other pressing economic issues, including electricity tariffs and burdensome taxes on workers. “We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime, which is killing workers. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed,” the labour leader said. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the NCC raised the tariff following a study. He stated that the NLC agreed to look at the study to come up with its resolutions, adding that a committee of five representatives each from both sides had been instituted. The minister said, “The crux of the matter is that there is already a study that was conducted by the NCC that led them to arrive at this 50 per cent increase. Now, we are discussing this with Labour. “Labour has agreed that they will look at that study, and then a small committee has been set up to look at that study once again and come up with a final resolution for the consideration of government and Labour in about two weeks. “So, the summary of it is that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the delegation of the Federal Government have set up a committee of five each. “We are going to meet here continuously for the next two weeks, and at the end of the second week, we will now come up with a recommendation that we will give to the government and the organised Labour for final consideration. “Both the organised Labour, the NLC particularly, and the government people have sat down here and have agreed on this position. “So, there won’t be any protest tomorrow (today) by the Nigeria Labour Congress, and there will be some form of report that will come up in about two weeks from now to consider the study and other considerations by both parties.” Meanwhile, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, which had initially supported the protest, also announced on Monday the suspension following a high-level … Read more

NLC Declares Warning Strike Tuesday Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

February 3, 2025 by admin

Bauchi State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress has disclosed that it will embark on a one-day warning strike on Tuesday. The state NLC Chairman, Dauda Shuaibu, made this known on Monday while briefing journalists shortly after an Executive Council meeting held at the NLC headquarters in Bauchi. According to Dauda, the strike is aimed at protesting the Nigerian Telecommunications Commission’s decision to increase tariffs by 50% for calls and data. He explained, “The purpose of the strike is to show our grievances over the increment in tariff by the Nigerian Telecommunications Commission. “We urge all organised labour unions in the state to mobilise their members to participate in the strike.” He added that the NLC has been actively involved in advocating for workers’ rights and protesting policies that negatively impact the workforce. “We will not fold our arms and watch as the government continues to impose harsh policies on the people. “We will continue to fight for the rights of workers and the general public,” he said. He urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to address the grievances of workers and the general public. “Failure to do so may lead to further industrial action. We are giving the government an opportunity to review the tariff increase and consider the plight of workers and the general public. “If they fail to do so, we will be forced to take further action,” he added. Punch

NLC Announces Nationwide Strike Over Unfulfilled Minimum Wage Implementation

November 11, 2024 by admin

NLC, Nigeria Labour Congress has announced a statewide strike in states where the 2024 National Minimum Wage has yet to be implemented, effective December 1. According to a communique signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the decision was reached during the Congress’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Port Harcourt on Friday. This action, according to Ajaero, is intended to push for immediate compliance with the minimum wage law, which many state governments have yet to enforce. In preparation for the strike, the NLC has announced the creation of a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee tasked with educating workers on their rights under the new law and mobilizing support across affected states. The Congress also said that the strike action is not just about enforcing the law, but about ensuring that Nigerian workers can maintain a basic standard of living amid rising costs. The NLC called on all state councils to adhere to the December 1 deadline, vowing to intensify the strike in states that fail to meet the wage requirements. “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship. It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them. “The NEC therefore resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization, and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights. Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria. To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” it declared. The strike is expected to affect public sector operations in several states, as the NLC has promised to remain unrelenting in its efforts to secure fair pay for all Nigerian workers.

Breaking: DSS Frees NLC President Joe Ajaero After Midnight Ultimatum

September 10, 2024 by admin

ABUJA – The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president Joe Ajaero. Mr Ajaero was reportedly released on bail at about 11:10 pm on Monday. The labour leader was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Monday on his way to the United Kingdom for a global Trade Union Congress meeting. NLC had given the DSS a midnight ultimatum to release Ajaero while placing its affiliates on alert. “The congress will not stand idly by while the rights of its leaders and members are trampled upon. Accordingly, we demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Comrade Ajaero,” NLC spokesman Benson Upah said in a statement.