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•Says action won’t end until Minimum Wage agreement is signed
•Oil, electricity, maritime, financial, and other critical sector unions warm up
Less than 24 hours after to start of the nationwide strike over a new national minimum wage and hike in electricity tariff, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has directed its state councils across the country to ensure total compliance.
This came to light on a day unions in the oil, electricity, financial and other critical sectors pledged total support for the indefinite strike declared by NLC and its counterpart, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC.
Recall that the two labour centres, last Friday, announced an indefinite nationwide strike from tomorrow (Monday) over the government’s failure to agree on a new national minimum wage and reverse the recent hike in electricity tariff.
NLC and TUC leaders had, on Workers Day, celebrations given the Federal Government a May 31 deadline to conclude the negotiations on a new national minimum wage or risk nationwide industrial unrest.
The tripartite committee on a new National Minimum Wage set up by the government failed to make a decision on a new national minimum wage after about four meetings.
Labour leaders had walked out of the meetings three times after rejecting government and the Organised Private Sector, OPS, offers.
Incidentally, the last walkout on Friday happened on a day the deadline labour gave the government to conclude a new minimum wage lapsed, as the old minimum wage of N30,000 that was signed into law by former President Muhammad Buhari on April 18, 2019, expired on April 18, 2024.
Earlier on May 31, organised labour negotiators had walked out of the meeting for a third time, over the refusal by government to make a new offer beyond the N60,000 it put forward.
It was gathered that the negotiations hit a brick wall when the government and the organised private sector, OPS, remained adamant on the N60,000 offers they made earlier on Tuesday.
Recall that organised labour’s negotiating team had, Tuesday May 28, for the second time in two weeks, walked out of the committee meeting after the federal government increased its offer to N60,000 from the N57,000 it offered on May 22.
Labour’s negotiating team had, on May 15, walked out of the tripartite committee meeting after the government offered N48,000 and Organised Private Sector, OPS, offered N54,000, against the N615,000.
Directive to state councils
NLC, in a circular by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, to all its state councils, among others, said “This is to inform you of the commencement of the proposed indefinite nationwide strike beginning on Monday, June 3, 2024, as a result of the failure of the Nigerian state to agree on a new national minimum wage and subsequently pass it into law before the end of this month as they were notified; Reverse the hike in electricity tariff without consulting the stakeholders as required by the law to N225/kwh back to N66/kwh and Stop the apartheid categorisation of Nigerian electricity consumers into Bands.
“We kindly request all State Councils to mobilise all their affiliates and members across the state to stay away from work commencing Midnight, this Sunday to ensure a comprehensive closure of all workplaces.
“Do please, set up joint Action Committees with the Trade Union Congress in your state for effective coordination of the strike action. We would be glad to receive continuous updates of your effort. Do remember that the success of this action is dependent on our collective determination and resolve.”
No agreement, no end
Also speaking on whether organised labour will call off action should government call and offer a higher amount, President of NLC, Joe Ajaero said: “Government can only call for a continuation of the negotiation not by an award. They can’t say come, we are giving you this. We have to sit down and negotiate from where we are today. It is like calling us tomorrow to say let us continue with the negotiation. Now we will negotiate from there, but not to call us to say we are giving you N10 or N20, that will be out of the concept of negotiation.
“Calling us does not mean agreement. Until we sign an agreement on what is mutually agreeable by the parties, action will be on. But action is not such that we will not equally negotiate, because the two parties are now going to negotiate under duress. We are under pressure. That is the meaning of this. So the earlier we resolve it, the better for us.”
On mobilisation at the state level, Ajaero said: “When you hear the National Executive Council, NEC, of any labour centre, it comprises all the states and all the unions. That is the situation, and that is where we got this mandate.
“You equally witnessed it on May Day when all workers gathered nationwide, and this pronouncement was made. In fact, it was a public one. it is not like there were two or three people. It was mass based.
“As of today, there is no minimum wage for Nigerian workers. Technically, the minimum wage had expired on the 18th of April. As of now, we are operating without any law backing up the minimum wage. They were talking about a 100 per cent increase. That is what they have offered, but the 100 per cent increase amounts to one loaf of bread per day for 30 days .They are not looking at the quality or the value of what they are offering to us.
“Those are the issues that we are looking at and all of us must address it because it is tight. There is nobody that can move on with this arrangement being done with inflation and devaluation. Everything is open.
“If we take even the N600,000 we are proposing today, by next week, it will not make any impact. So, we have to look at them holistically and see what we can do to save the working class in Nigeria. We are not doing a strike that will be one month without a bite. I’m not sure where you have labour centres in a country embarking on a strike for one month and you don’t listen to them.
“What we will be praying for is for the people who are suffering so much because they are some of our people. That was why we were reluctant. That was why we were virtually telling them to let us find a solution.
“When we were in the meeting today (yesterday) we told them we have to be here and allow you to go and get a mandate. We are ready to sleep here to allow you to get a mandate to come back to this meeting. They said no, we should just allow them whenever they get a mandate. That it is difficult to see even the President and that they do not have access and all that. Then they did not come out with anything. We found ourselves in a helpless situation. So, that is where we are now. Everybody should be patient with us.”
Critical sector workers
Meanwhile, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, and other critical sector unions have already written to their members to ensure total compliance.
NUPENG
In a circular to all levels of the union leaders, NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, said: “We bring you fraternal greetings from the National Secretariat of our great union.
“This is to notify all our members and branches in all oil and gas installations, operations and services including distribution and marketing of petroleum products, that our great union is fully committed to ensuring total compliance with the directive of the Nigerian Labour Congress issued on Friday, May 31, 2024, for an indefinite nationwide strike commencing from Monday, June 3, 2024. “As a union, we are deeply concerned and disturbed with the insensitive and irresponsive attitude of the federal government to the very critical issue of negotiating a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers in view of the various social economic policies of this administration that have impoverished the working people of this country.
“Leaders of our great union at all levels, from the units, Zones and Branches, should immediately put all processes in place to ensure total compliance with this directive Our solidarity remains constant because the union makes us strong. The struggle continues. And we shall overcome.”
NUBIFIE
Similarly, NUBIFIE, in a directive by its President and General Secretary, Abakpa Sheikh, said: “This is to inform all NUBIFIE organs that NLC has directed all its affiliates to commence an indefinite strike beginning from Monday, June 3, 2024. The import of the strike is to compel the federal government to agree on a new national minimum wage and subsequently pass it into law before the end of this month as they were notified, reverse the hike in electricity tariff without consulting the stakeholders as required by the law to N225/kwh back to N66/kwh and Stop the apartheid categorization of Nigerian electricity into Bands.
“In total compliance with the directives from the NLC, you are hereby directed to mobilize for effective participation in your respective Zonal Councils/Domestic Committee and ensure total compliance.
Electricity workers
Also, a notice by the President and Acting General of NUEE, Adebiyi Adeyeye and Dominic Igwebike, said “With reference to the circular from NLC dated May 31, 2024, we are to mobilise and embark on an indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, June 3, 2024, by 0.00hour due to the following failure of the Nigerian government to implement and sign into law the new national minimum wage on or before 31st May 2024, Non-reversal of the electricity tariff which was hiked from N65/kwh to N225/kwh without consulting the stakeholders as required by the law and Apartheid categorization of Nigeria electricity consumers into bands.
“Given the above, all National, State, and Chapter executives are requested to start the mobilization of our members in total compliance with this directive to ensure the Government does the right thing as stated above.
“You are encouraged to work with the leadership of State Executive Councils (SEC) of the Congress in your various states to have a successful action. The withdrawal of services becomes effective Sunday 2nd June by 12.00 midnight.”
Maritime workers
In the same vein, the President-General of MWUN, Prince Adewale Adeyanju, in a statement through the union’s head of Media, John Ikemefuna, directed members in the nation’s ports “to comply with the directive of both NLC and TUC to join in the indefinite total lockdown of the country commencing from Monday, June 3, 2024.
“The indefinite nationwide strike has become very imperative, given the failure of the federal government on the logjam and the inconclusive national minimum wage negotiation and refusal to reverse the hard biting hike in electricity tariff.
“Given the foregoing, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria has directed its members in all ports nationwide, jetties, terminals, oil & gas platforms to effectively ensure the total compliance of the strike as directed by the NLC and TUC. This is also to serve as notice to all our concerned stakeholders in the Maritime sector.”
[Vanguard]
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stated that democracy’s survival hinges on adherence to the rule of law and that Nigeria needs good governance rather than a change in its system of governance.
Speaking at the 30th anniversary celebration of Yusuf Ali & Co (Ghalib Chambers) in Ilọrin on Saturday, Shettima addressed calls for a switch to parliamentary system.
Shettima said, “Democracy can only survive by adherence to rule of law and quality of governance, not by parliamentary system as being canvassed by some people.”
According to him, many nations have collapsed due to lack of access to truth and justice.
“Many nations that collapsed did so because of lack of access to truth and justice; their access to justice was frustrated and denied,” he said.
The vice president added, “President Bola Tinubu never influenced the electoral process and we (presidency) never used instruments of office to hunt or hound perceived opponents standing trial.”
On his part, the former Minister of Works, Raji Fashola (SAN), recalled Nigeria’s past experience with the parliamentary system.
He questioned its failure and the country’s readiness to address those reasons now.
“Let’s think deeply about why the parliamentary system failed us and have we overcome those reasons?” Fashola urged.
Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said on Saturday that Nigeria was becoming more volatile, uncertain and complex.
He added that insecurity had made the country a dangerous place, filled with so much suffering and hunger.
For him, the leadership has to wake up to its responsibilities in other to create a better world for all Nigerians.
He said these in Lagos at the Africa Methodist Council Heads of Conference Summit and Women’s Movement Leadership Summit, where he was the Chairman of the public lecture.
The lecture’s topic, presented by the General Secretary, World Methodist Council, Bishop Ivan Abrahams, was, ‘Leadership in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous World’.
Obasanjo, giving his opening remarks asked that Nigerian leaders must re-evaluate the world.
“How do we re-evaluate the world? That is what I believe we have to do in our re-evaluating the world. What do we do? Jesus Christ himself told us that in this world, we would have trouble.
“I will give you two points. Wake up! We need a new generation of leaders; moral leaders, transformational leaders, and servant leaders.
“This new generation of leaders will lead by showing love and leading the re-evaluation and transformation,” he said.
Speaking further, he said, “Nigeria as it is now is volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous and dangerous.
“We have resources in Africa; we have 70 per cent of the world’s copper. Japan has no mineral resources. Singapore is even worse. No resources!
“But, whatever resources we have, if we are devoid of leadership, it won’t get us anywhere. That is why leadership in Africa is very important.
“We can’t create an Africa of hope, prosperity, devoid of oppression and one of security, peace and where leaders have vision, knowledge and understanding this way.”
He also noted that the late South African freedom fighter, Nelson Mandela, and Preacher, Desmond Tutu, advised him to contest the presidency for the second time.
He said, “When I came out of prison, and there was pressure mounting on me to take the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, the only place I went outside Nigeria was South Africa. I went to seek advice from Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
“Nelson said, ‘Olu, whatever your instinct tells you, do it.’ Tutu said, ‘If your people want you to serve, serve and stop making excuses’.
“I came back home and decided to make myself available and contest for the presidency of Nigeria.
“I found out that the years I spent in prison were advantageous to me in serving as president when I was elected.
“We can get good out of bad. That also happened to Nelson Mandela.
“When we get good leaders, let’s make maximum use of them because good leaders don’t flog. When you get one in a generation, make good use of them. Let’s learn the right lesson from them.
“We cannot make the world less volatile, simple or unambiguous unless we have the right type of leaders. We are talking about leaders that take examples of Jesus Christ and become like him.”
Responding to a question during the question and answer session, Obasanjo said the removal of History from the nation’s educational curriculum was a huge disaster.
He said, “I don’t know where we got the idea that we shouldn’t teach history in our school. It is a stupid idea.
“It is like losing one’s memory. It will be a disaster. I don’t know where we got it from. Some people feel there is an aspect of the history we don’t want to hear.
“There are always the bad and the good even in your own life. As you may know, I am a proprietor of a school, and in my school, we must teach History, and it must be taught the right way. You can then decide to take whatever you want to take out of it.
“There is no race in the world that has suffered like the black race, through slavery, slave trade and colonialism.
“In America, some people are now teaching that the slave trade was not a true story – that the white and the black went to the Caribbean in search of greener pastures.
“We were shipped there as slaves. If we allow that to go, we will be enslaved again, and we must not allow that to go.
“I have given myself the task of working with some people to keep the slave trade alive in our history. We must not allow anyone to say the slave trade is not a true story and we must keep it on the front burner.”
Speaking further, the former President said finding crude oil in Nigeria was the beginning of the country’s misfortune.
He said, “One of the things that was a little bit of misfortune in Nigeria is crude oil. We were drinking and sleeping oil, and it was a misfortune for us. It made us to abandon agriculture. Oil is a waste asset. Agriculture is renewable. We have to go back to it.
“We have to give something to our youths who are becoming restive, frustrated and dangerous.
“If we are going to curb that, it is giving them education, skills, empowerment and employment. If we don’t, they will soon come to attack us in our homes in the daytime, and it is a matter of time.
“Even food, we don’t produce enough. We spend over $20bn to import food. 60 per cent of arable land is not cultivated. The one cultivated is not used to maximum capacity. We need leaders who will lead us to the promised land.”
Advising up-and-coming politicians, he said it was a pity most politicians took politics as a profession without any backup plan.
He said, “Politicians are a different kettle of fish. They have to be in the world and be to some extent of the world.
“You must not be a professional politician. Politics is one profession you go into without any training. You can wake up today and say you are a politician.
“If you are going to be a successful politician you must have an alternative to being a politician, another means of livelihood
“When I was President, because I had to listen to my party and they wanted to push me in the way I should not go, I always told them, ‘Look! My farm is there. Take your job. I go back to my farm.’
“Some politicians have no second address. That is a great pity. A politician who has no second address will stand for anything. He has no principle, morality, dos and don’ts.”
Tinubu Orders Military To ‘Come Down Heavily’ On IPOB After Killing Of Soldiers - Says Sit-At-Home Order ‘Treasonable’
AFOLABI
President Bola Tinubu has ordered crackdown on members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following the brutal killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, resulted in the death of five soldiers and marked the second attack of that nature in recent months, following a similar one in Okuama, Delta State, that claimed the lives of seventeen soldiers including a lieutenant colonel, two majors and a captain.
In a strongly worded statement, Tinubu described the attack as “unwarranted, barbaric, and evil” and vowed that such acts would not be condoned by the Federal Government.
“The federal government will come down heavily against those who have made it a habit to needlessly attack the officers and men of our armed forces.
“On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state.
“I want to make it clear that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors, making our communities unsafe.
“I urge security agencies not only to fish out the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack, but also those calling on people to stay at home. Their action is nothing but a treasonable offence.
“The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness,” the president warned.
Earlier, the military high command promised a fierce response to the killing of the soldiers.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, said the military would bring overwhelming pressure on IPOB to ensure their total defeat.
According to him, the slain soldiers belonged to Operation UDO KA and were deployed at Obikabia junction checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Area adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia, where they attacked and killed by suspected IPOB/ESN members.
Buba said the surprise attack was executed using three tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and additional assailants from surrounding area.
“The attack sadly took the lives of five personnel of the armed forces. The armed forces mourns these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss.
“Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack. Overall, it must be reiterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption.
“Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible and the IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops.
“The situation leave more to be desired. Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops.
“The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat,” he said.
The Branch Controller (Ekiti) of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Mrs. T.A.Y. Lawson, has stated that the National Labour Congress’s nationwide strike set to begin on Monday will not disrupt examinations across the country.
This was disclosed in a letter to principals and school proprietors in Ekiti State, titled “Notice of commencement of indefinite strike by NLC and TUC.”
Lawson stated that though the examination body sympathizes with the unions’ concerns, it is crucial that students do not suffer by missing the ongoing examinations.
The letter reads, “The attention of Management has been drawn to a notice of the Commencement of Indefinite Strike by NLC and TUC effective, Monday, 3rd June 2024.
“Please be formally informed that the conduct of WASSCE SC 2024 goes on as scheduled.
“In as much as we share the concerns of the unions and the generality of Nigerians, the WASSCE SC is going on across the member Countries of WAEC and the Nigerian Child should not be put to a disadvantage of missing the exam.
“For the aforesaid reason, WAEC will conduct the exam and School Principals, supervisors, parents and the general public should please take note and make adequate arrangements for their candidates to sit the exam. Kindly be guided accordingly.”
The federal government says the N494,000 minimum wage proposed by organised labour is “unsustainable”.
In a statement on Saturday, Mohammed Idris, minister of information, said the demand by organised labour amounts to a N9.5 trillion bill for the federal government annually.
The minister added that the proposal of organised labour would increase the existing workers’ wage bill by 1,547 percent.
BACKGROUND
In 2019, former President Muhammadu Buhari approved N30,000 as the national minimum wage for workers.
Recently, the federal and state governments, organised labour, and the private sector commenced discussion over the new minimum wage.
Initially, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had proposed N615,500 as the minimum wage, citing the high cost of living.
However, the federal government rejected the N615,500 proposal and offered N48,000.
On May 15, the NLC and TUC rejected the N48,000 minimum wage offered by the government.
On May 21, the federal government increased the proposed minimum wage to N54,000, which the labour again rejected and described as “unacceptable”.
Again, the federal government proposed N60,000, and it was rejected.
On Friday, NLC and TUC declared an indefinite strike over the federal government’s refusal to increase the minimum wage from N60,000.
The planned strike is expected to kick off on June 3.
‘FG CONCERNED ABOUT 200M NIGERIANS’
The minister said organised labour is fighting for the interest of 1.2 million workers, while the federal government is concerned about 200 million Nigerians.
“The federal government’s new minimum wage proposal amounts to a 100% increase on the existing minimum wage,” the minister said.
“Labour, however, wanted N494,000, which would increase by 1,547% on the existing wage.
“The sum of N494,000 national minimum wage which labour is seeking would cumulatively amount to the sum N9.5 trillion bill to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“Nigerians need to understand that whereas the federal government is desirous of ample remuneration for Nigerian workers, what is most critical is that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not encourage any action that could lead to massive job loss, especially in the private sector, who may not be able to pay the wage demanded by the organised labour.”
[TheCable]
I have received yet another disheartening news of the killing of five soldiers by suspected militants of the proscribed terrorist organization, IPOB.
The slain soldiers were on peacekeeping duty in Aba, Abia State on Thursday when they were murdered, just two months after a similar tragic incident happened in Okuama in Delta state.
These unwarranted barbaric and evil acts stand condemned and should never be condoned and tolerated in our country.
Our soldiers and the police have the onerous duty to protect all of us from aggressors and non state actors. Hundreds of them have paid the ultimate price in fulfilment of their duty, while some have experienced the indignity of being manhandled by the people they protect.
They surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society.
The federal government will come down heavily against those who have made it a habit to needlessly attack the officers and men of our armed forces.
On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state.
I want to make it clear that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors, making our communities unsafe.
I urge security agencies not only to fish out the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack, but also those calling on people to stay at home. Their action is nothing but a treasonable offence.
The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness.
We are working to build a peaceful and harmonious society, but nobody should be under any illusion that the government will not act appropriately when the lives of our officers and men are wantonly taken.
While my condolences go to the families of the five slain soldiers, their colleagues and the leadership of our armed forces, I urge other men and women on peacekeeping duty not to be discouraged by the unfortunate incident in Aba.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria
June 1, 2024
The attention of WAEC Nigeria has been drawn to a notice of the Commencement of Indefinite Strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trades Union Congress (TUC) effective, Monday, 3rd June, 2024.
The Council shares the concerns of both Unions and the generality of Nigerians, however the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates which is currently going on in all member Countries is an international examination and as such the Nigerian Child should not be put to a disadvantage of missing the examination.
As a result of the aforesaid reason, WAEC Nigeria will continue with the conduct the examination as scheduled on the timetable.
All School Principals, Supervisors, Parents, Candidates and the general public should please take note and make adequate arrangements for their candidates to sit the examination in all centers in Ogun State as scheduled.
Thank you.
Ayobami L. Suberu
Branch Controller
For:Head of National Office
Aba Power Limited, Nigeria’s youngest electricity distribution, has given out over 22,000 smart prepaid meters since last November when it initiated its Mass Metering campaign.
“Much as our stakeholders are satisfied with our speed since we rolled out the programme”, Aba Power managing director, Ugo Opiegbe, told select journalists in Aba today, “we will do much more in the next six months and achieve a far greater target after that”.
It is estimated that meter installation for some 200,000 registered customers in the Aba Ring-fenced Area will cost at least N32 billion.
Aba Power commenced commercial operations in September 2022 and provides electricity to nine of the 17 local government areas (LGAs) in Abia State.
To reduce the financial burden on the power distribution company, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directed it to work in conjunction with meter vending companies which now charge customers between N129,000 and N147,640.01 for a single-phase meter and N227,207.76 and N241,875 for a three-phase meter, from N88,124 and N154,624 for single-phase and three-phase meters, respectively.
“We regret these increases in these difficult times for the Nigerian people, but they are inevitable because of the depreciating value of the naira against the dollar”, Opiegbe explained.
“The good news is that the customers will recoup the payments over 10 years through electricity credit”
The power utility executive disclosed that Aba Power is currently working with two meter vendors., though it is considering increasing the number as soon as possible to end the practice of estimated meter readings completely.
“Estimated bills are a no-no to us because it does not encourage accountability and transparency”, Opiegbe stated.
“They do not give confidence to our customers, so they cannot be satisfied”.
He revealed that some of the vendors Aba Power negotiated earlier but couldn’t hire because of issues of quality and integrity may be engaged now because they have made amends and “are willing to meet our standards, which must be international”.
There are unconfirmed reports that some agents of the vending companies were illegally charging money to individuals and businesses. The Aba Power MD declined to comment on the allegation.
The utility is currently working with Holley Metering Ltd and the KAYZ Consortium to install smart prepaid meters to all businesses and individuals in its coverage area.
The Aba Power MD said that his company has 31 feeders, making it difficult to provide smart prepaid meters to the people on all the feeders simultaneously.
“We are providing prepaid meters feeder by feeder”, he stated.
“We have covered four feeders in the last six months, namely, Aba Township, Aba East, Ehi Road, and the World Bank.
“We are about to start on the fifth feeder, and our chairman, Professor Bart Nnaji, has asked us always to prioritize manufacturing firms because they are the foremost group that brought Geometric Power to Aba, a key industrial city.
“We give them priority so that they can reduce the cost of doing business, which will, in turn, make their products more affordable and thus benefit the common man”.
Dike Ejike, an engineer and electricity consultant in Enugu, commended Aba Power for giving priority to industrialists.
“Manufacturers are going through a rough phase in Nigeria, and they must be encouraged to retain their staff, otherwise their collapse will have a cataclysmic effect on not just the economy but Nigerian society as a whole”.
The Dangote refinery in Nigeria has marked a significant milestone by exporting its first jet fuel cargo to Europe.
This milestone is pivotal in the global energy market, underscoring the rapid expansion of the facility’s operations.
On Friday, S&P Global Commodity Insights reported that BP is moving 45,000 metric tons of jet fuel from the Dangote refinery to Rotterdam via the Doric Breeze.
This export marks the refinery’s debut in the European market, following a substantial 120,000 metric ton tender.
According to PUNCH Online, “BP cargo” denotes the jet fuel shipment acquired and currently being transported by British Petroleum (BP).
This groundbreaking development involves BP leading the transportation of 45,000 metric tons of jet fuel to Rotterdam, signifying a pivotal moment for the new 650,000 b/d complex and potentially reshaping global energy dynamics.
The shipment, loaded from Lekki on May 27, highlights the refinery’s swift increase in production and its compliance with European jet A1 standards, potentially altering West African trade flows.
“Two sources confirmed that the Doric Breeze ship marked the inaugural BP cargo, loading 45,000 mt of supply from Lekki May 27, according to S&P Global Commodities at Sea data.
“Cepsa also secured part of the tender, with the Spanish refiner expected to deliver supply to the continent imminently, traders said.
“Neither of the companies were available for comments on purchases of jet fuel from the refinery, while a representative from Dangote previously confirmed to S&P Global Commodity Insights that the refinery has complied with European jet A1 standards since the product first started being shipped within Africa in April.
“The inaugural European shipment demonstrates the growing reach of products from the 650,000 b/d Dangote refinery as it has rapidly ramped up operations and aims to shake up established West African trade flows.
“Dangote has exported six jet fuel/kerosene cargoes starting April 8, with all material delivered to Senegal, Togo or Ghana, according to CAS data. BP is also expected to continue supplying jet fuel to the West African market with product from the refinery,” sources said.
European traders cautioned that the influx of fresh jet fuel flows from Nigeria could worsen existing market weakness due to oversupply.
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The Central Bank of Nigeria on Friday, announced that international oil companies can sell their retained 50 per cent of repatriated export proceeds in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market.
This decision comes after the CBN placed limits on the transfer of crude export proceeds by IOCs to offshore parent company accounts on February 14.
The apex bank noted that these transfers affected domestic foreign exchange market liquidity and sought to reverse the trend through ongoing reforms.
According to a circular signed by the Director of Trade and Exchange Department, W.J. Kanya, banks can only transfer 50 per cent of repatriated export proceeds to IOCs’ offshore parent company accounts, with the remaining 50 per cent repatriated after 90 days.
However, on May 6, the CBN reviewed this directive, allowing IOCs to repatriate 50 per cent of their export proceeds immediately or as needed, while the remaining 50 per cent can be used to settle financial obligations in Nigeria.
This move aims to balance the needs of IOCs with the need to maintain liquidity in the domestic foreign exchange market.
By allowing IOCs to sell their retained proceeds in the Nigerian market, the CBN seeks to boost liquidity and promote economic growth.
However, in a new development, CBN said following the release of the circular “dated May 06, 2024, referenced TED/FEM/PUB/FPC/001/008, in respect of Cash Pooling by banks on behalf of IOCs, we received several requests for clarification on item No 3 (
on forex sales at the Nigeria Foreign Exchange Market”.
Providing more clarifications, the apex bank said the “50% balance of the repatriated export proceeds may be sold to Authorized Dealers or eligible users of foreign exchange with eligible transactions”.
“If the IOC does not have any financial obligation to settle with the funds during or after the 90-day retention period, the 50% balance may also be sold wholly as stated in (1) above,” CBN said.
Some of the financial obligations mentioned by the CBN are the balance for cash calls, domestic loan principal and interest payments, transaction taxes (including the Nigerian Content Development Levy) and education tax
Statement to Condemn Rising Attacks on Military Personnel in Nigeria; Calls for Safety of Students and Campuses in Aba
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1. I have instructions of the President of the All-Africa Students’ Union – HE Osisiogu Osikenyi Enyinnaya to convey the Union’s condemnation of recent spree of attacks on Military Personnel in Nigeria especially the one in his hometown – Aba.
2. To this end, we have learnt with great chagrin, yet another dastardly, unwarranted, outrageous, cruel, and totally condemnable attack on military personnel at a military checkpoint at Obikabia Junction in the Ogbor Hill area of Aba, Abia State – Nigeria, on Thursday, May 30, 2024 which left five soldiers who were carrying out their lawful duties dead. Sadly, similar situations have been witnessed in recent times in Delta State, Anambra State, FCT, and other parts of Nigeria.
3. The President – HE Osisiogu Osikenyi Enyinnaya at this point wishes to join prominent Africans in condoling the Nigerian Military and the families of soldiers, who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident; and condemn the clandestine act of attack on Soldiers under any guise; while aligning with Statements of the Governor of Abia State HE Alex Otti; Chairman of South East Governors Forum HE Hope Uzodinma; Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu; former Minority Leader of the Senate – Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and others.
4. In addition to being the commercial nerve Centre of Nigeria; Aba City also plays host to major Institutions of Learning such as National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Abia State Polytechnic, Havard Wilson College of Education, Nigerian British University among other Vocational Skills Acquisition Centres located at nooks and crannies of the City.
5. Hence we wish to appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Chief of Defense Staff - General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja to consider disappointing prophets of doom by not unleashing excruciating military action on the thriving commercial city especially in considering high population of formal and informal student in the Aba and environs.
6. Recalling that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to the security of schoolchildren and other learning institutions against attacks within the ambit of Nigeria’s constitution; I trust that safety of students/schools and other innocent civilians will be compromised as seen in other parts of Africa such as Tigray(Ethiopia); Amhara(Ethiopia); Khartoum(Sudan); Mogadishu(Somalia) where even campuses are used as military concentration camps – a situation we always find disturbing.
7. The Union under the leadership of The President – HE Osisiogu Osikenyi Enyinnaya condemns these attacks and calls on the Nigerian Military to consider exercising retrain to guarantee safety of law abiding while also dealing with culprits decisively and professionally.
SIGNED:
Abrhaley Arefaine Hailenchael
Executive Director to the presidency, All-Africa Students' Union (AASU);
Suite 304, 3rd floor Guji Complex, Bole - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
The organized private sector has accepted the Federal Government’s proposal for a new minimum wage of ₦60,000.
The Director-General of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, Ajayi Kadri, confirmed this development during a recent interview, stressing that the private sector is constrained by microeconomic, infrastructure and security challenges and that anything more than the federal government’s proposed minimum wage is not feasible for the sector at the moment.
Ajayi emphasized that the ongoing negotiations between the government, private sector, and labour primarily focus on establishing a minimum wage rather than a living wage, representing the lowest possible payment for any worker in the country.
He further highlighted the significant economic challenges faced by both labour and private businesses, making it exceedingly difficult to meet the wage demands of labour unions.
“To start with, this is a very difficult time for anyone to negotiate minimum wage. From the perspective of government, labour and organized private sector, we operate in an environment where there is general acceptance of the fact that the macroeconomics are not right, even the global economy is experiencing a lot of shakeups and the aftermath of government necessary reforms.
“From the beginning of the negotiations of the minimum wage, it’s evident to the tripartite— that is, the government, labour, and organized private sector— that we are going to operate in a difficult terrain.
“Incidentally, the organized private sector and government have offered ₦60,000 as the minimum wage and I think it is very important for us to understand that what we are talking about is the minimum wage. That is what some people have called the walk-in wage. That is the amount we will pay the least workers in the country. It is the minimum wage we are negotiating, not a living wage,” Ajayi while on a Channels Television programme on Saturday.
Ajayi revealed that significant obstacles are being faced by both the government and the private sector in meeting the proposed N419,000 living wage demand.
He pointed out that the private sector, particularly, is struggling with economic difficulties and inflation, making it unfeasible to meet such a high wage.
Furthermore, he emphasized that the current period is not conducive for organized labour to engage in discussions regarding a new minimum wage. Rather, they should work together with other parties to bolster the economy.
“All of us in the tripartite— the government, the labour, and the private sector — we all knew that we were operating in a very difficult environment. The government itself realized that it had limited capacity to pay. The private sector is constrained by microeconomic, infrastructure and security challenges. So, we are also constrained to pay.
“Labour, on its part, is under intense pressure from its constituencies to ask for a higher wage because inflation has hit the roof and the operating environment is tough.
“Throughout the negotiation process, we made it known that this is not the best time to negotiate minimum wage. This is the time for us to agree, the crew behind the government, and grow the economy in such that we will bake a bigger cake, and then we’ll be able to share,” the director general added.
He urged the organized labour to rethink their choice of initiating a nationwide strike, emphasizing that leaving negotiations and resorting to strike action would not be beneficial.
He emphasized the importance of organized labour reconsidering their decision to go on a nationwide strike, highlighting that rejecting the N60,000 offer from the government and private sector was regrettable.
“We cannot afford to cripple the economy when all we needed to do was continue to build it. I think President Tinubu was very clear when he emerged as president that these are not going to be easy times, and I think we needed to tighten our belts to deliver on economy that we know has been seriously battered,” Ajayi-Kadir said.
He added: “Of course, the government on its own side has to demonstrate leadership, sensitivity and sense and sense of mind as well as the sense of occasion of the period that we are in. So, government expenditure, government choices of what needs to be done, how much to be spent, the cost of governance itself, all of it has to come to the table.
“I think what labour is actually worried about is that they appear to be the ones on the brunt of it but we needed to be able to engage, walking out on the process and declaring a strike, I do not think that that is what is going to solve this issue.”
Naija News reported earlier that the labour unions, on Friday, announced a nationwide strike without a specified end date due to the Federal Government’s rejection of increasing the proposed minimum wage of N60,000.
They asserted that the strike was initiated after the previous appeal to the Federal Government to finalize all discussions regarding a new minimum wage by the end of May had expired.
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Joe Ajaero has described the minimum wage negotiation with the federal government and other tripartite committee members, as a “helpless situation”.
Ajaero’s assertion was revealed during a press briefing shortly after an earlier meeting with the federal government which ended in a deadlock in Abuja on Friday.
THE WHISTLER had earlier reported that NLC and its counterpart the Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared an indefinite nationwide strike starting Monday, June 3, 2024.
The strike was to press home their demands for a new minimum wage, reversal of electricity hike, and the removal of electricity consumers from various bands announced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
However, Ajaero said “In the meeting today we told them we have to be here and allow them to go and get the mandate and come back to this meeting, we also told them we are ready to sleep here. But they said no, we should allow them that it is difficult to see Mr. President as they don’t have access to him.
When asked if the strike would be called off if the federal government calls for another negotiation with a new proposal, Ajaero responded, “The federal government can only call for a continuation of the negotiation, not by awards.
“You can’t say come we are giving you N10, N20. No, we have to sit down and negotiate, calling us doesn’t mean agreement. Until you sign an agreement to what is mutually agreeable by the parties involved, our action will not stop negotiations.
“Because the two parties are going to negotiate under duress now, that is the meaning of this strike, so the earlier they respond the better for all of us.
“I am not sure where you have the labour centres in a country and they are embarking on a strike for one month and you don’t listen to them.
“So, I think what you will be praying for, is for the people who are suffering so much and these are some of our people, that was why we were reluctant, and why we were virtually telling them that we needed to find a solution.”