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Category: General News

  • NDIC begins liquidation of Heritage Bank

    Liquidation

    By Grace Alegba

    Lagos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) says it has started the liquidation process of Heritage Bank with immediate verification and payment of insured deposits to bank depositors.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CBN revoked Heritage Bank’s license on Monday.

    Mr Bashir Nuhu, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, NDIC, in a statement, said that relevant laws necessitated immediate actions to safeguard depositors’ funds.

    “Following the revocation of the banking license of Heritage Bank Plc by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) today, June 3, 2024 and the appointment of the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) as the liquidator, pursuant to Section 12(2) of BOFIA, 2020,

    “The corporation wishes to announce to depositors of the bank in particular and the banking public in general, as follows:

    “The NDIC has commenced the Liquidation of Heritage Bank Plc in accordance with Section 55 sub-section 1 & 2 of the NDIC Act 2023

    “The corporation has also commenced the liquidation process of the failed bank with immediate verification and payment of insured deposits to the bank depositors.”

    He explained the payment options to various categories of the bank’s depositors.

    “Depositors of the bank that have alternate accounts within the industry will be paid up to the insured amount of N5 million per depositor using their Bank Verification Number (BVN) to locate their alternate account.

    “While depositors with funds in excess of N5 million will be paid liquidation dividend upon realisation of the bank’s assets and recovery of debts owed to the bank,” he said.

    Nuhu advised all depositors of the defunct bank without alternate bank accounts in the industry to visit the nearest branch of the bank with proof of account ownership, and verifiable means of identification.

    He listed the required documents to include a driver’s license, permanent voter’s card, National Identity Card, together with an alternate account and BVN for the verification of deposits and subsequent payment of insured sums.

    He added that depositors could also file online claims by visiting the NDIC website claims page on www.ndic.gov.ng/claims/claims, download and fill the claims forms and upload the required documentation.

    He advised creditors to visit the nearest branch of the bank to file their claims or via the online platform.

    “Please note that the process of payment of creditors will commence immediately after all depositors have been paid,” Nuhu said.

    He advised debtors who had not completed repayment of loans to contact the Corporation’s Asset Management Department (AMD).

    “Visit the NDIC website for more details. The NDIC wishes to assure the entire banking public of its commitment to the continued safety of depositors’ funds in all licensed banks.

    “As such, depositors are urged to continue their banking businesses without fear as banks whose licenses have not been revoked remain safe and sound,” he said. (NAN)

    GA/AWA

    ==========

    Edited by Olawunmi Ashafa

  • End strike, return to negotiating table – FG urges Labour

     

    FG appeal to Labour to call off strike, return to negotiating table
    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, (2nd Left) Minister of State for Labour, Mrs Nkiruka  Onyejiocha (1st Left) and the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga (3rd Left) during the news conference on Monday in Abuja.
    Appeal
    By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has appealed to the NLC and  TUC  to call off the ongoing strike and return to negotiation table to arrive at befitting minimum wage for workers.
    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the appeal at a news conference on Monday in Abuja.
    The briefing was addressed by Idris in company of the Minister of State for Labour, Mrs Nkiruka  Onyejiocha and the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
    According to Idris, the Tripartite-Committee comprised of the governments, organised labour and the private sector but it was only the organised labour that opted out to embark on strike.
    He explained that, the country belongs to all Nigerians, and that “power grid does not know political party, tribe or religion, adding that when it is shut down, it affects all Nigerians” .
    “We are making a heartfelt and deeply considered appeal to the labour unions to continue along the path of negotiations with the federal and state governments, under the auspices of the tripartite committee.
    “As government, we are desirous of a peaceful outcome, and we will do everything to make this happen.
    “Yesterday, the leadership of the National Assembly met with the Unions. Today, we have offered another invitation to the unions, to meet with us and continue our discussions.
    “We will continue to engage, and make ourselves very available in the context of these negotiations on behalf of the Nigerian people
    “Let me make it clear, that we are not opponents on this negotiating table. We are united by the fact that we want the best for Nigeria and for all 200 million citizens of the country,” Idris said.
    He further explained that the tripartite committee has a responsibility to strike a measured and realistic balance, in the effort to arrive at a new minimum wage for Nigerians.
    According to him, the minimum wage is not only for public sector workers alone, stressing that It will be binding on the private sector as well.
    The Minister added that this reality must be factored into the negotiations.
    “As I have explained earlier, labour’s current proposal of N494,000 is an increase of 1,547 per cent on the existing wage, and translates into an annual wage bill of N9.5 trillion Naira for the federal government alone.
    “This is apart from its cost implications for sub-national governments and private sector employees. Such a wage bill would cripple the Nigerian economy, by leading to massive job losses, especially in the private sector.
    “The National Consumer Credit Scheme and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) are additional significant demonstrations of a determination to bring relief to the people of Nigeria.
    “We want the labour unions to understand that the relief that Nigerians are expecting, and that they fully deserve, will not come only in the form of increased wages.
    “It will also come as efforts to reduce the cost of living, and to ensure that more money stays in the pockets of Nigerians.
    “The President is firmly committed to doing what is right, reasonable and sustainable regarding these minimum wage negotiations.
    “We call on the labour unions to reciprocate this gesture in the interest of the nation,” Idris said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    CMY/EBI/ROT
    ============
    Edited by Benson Iziama/,Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Strike: Motorists in Calabar resort to panic buying of petrol 

    Strike

    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, May 3, 2024 (NAN)Motorists in Calabar metropolis are now resorting to panic buying of petrol following the commencement of indefinite strike by the organised labour
    It would be recalled that the organised labour declared a nationwide indefinite strike effective June 3 as part of agitations for minimum wage increase.
    A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey around the city on Monday showed long queues of vehicles at the few petrol stations that opened for business.
    NAN reports that many petrol stations in the city were shut in compliance with labour unions directive for an indefinite strike while the few outlets that opened sold petrol at between N760 and N800.
    Some of the drivers who spoke to NAN said that their intention was to store up petrol to avoid running out of stock during the strike.
    One of them, Mr Andreaw Ekpenyong, a civil servant, said that there was so much uncertainty around the rift between labour and the government.
    “Nobody knows when it will end, nobody wants to be caught without petrol at a time like this,” he said.
    On his part, Mr Jones Adah, a commercial bus driver said that the strike had already made it difficult to access petrol.
    “They are hoarding the product, they are creating artificial scarcity because there is strike.
    “So I am here to buy some petrol so that I can go about my businesses during the strike,” he said.
    NAN reports that the strike brought many activities in the city to a halt with public schools, banks, hospital and others outfits completely shut.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/EBI/AZU
    ==========
    Edited by Benson Iziama and Azubuike Okeh

  • Medical doctors in Yobe shun NLC strike

    Medical doctors in Yobe shun NLC strike

    By Ahmed Abba(08162103232)

    Damaturu, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Yobe chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has dissociated itself from the ongoing  nationwide strike embarked by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

    The association’s Chairman, Dr Abubakar Mala, told newsmen in Damaturu on Monday that the state’s NMA is not part of the strike and will continue to provide medical services to patients.

    He said “we are not joining the NLC strike , we are fully attending to patients, our clinics are open, and we have been in the surgery theater and everywhere, attending to the sick.”

    Mala added that the NMA’s decision to distance itself from the strike was to ensure uninterrupted medical attention to residents.

    He, therefore, urged residents to go to the hospital to access care as doctors,  nurses and other health workers are available to attend to them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AIA/AH/HA

    Edited by Abdul Hassan/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

     

  • Minimum wage: Strike paralyses activities in Bauchi, Borno, Yobe

    Strike

    By Reporters

    Bauchi, May 3, 2024 (NAN) Workers in Bauchi, Borno and Yobe on Monday joined the nationwide strike embarked by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    The Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who monitored the strike in Bauchi, Damaturu and Maiduguri report that government offices, schools and banks were closed in compliance with the industrial action.

    The unions directed their members to embarked on an indefinite strike following disagreement with the Federal Government over the implementation of the new minimum and down ward review of the electricity tariff.

    In Bauchi, workers had stayed from their offices at the Federal and State Government Secretariats, banks, schools and other public offices while the NLC officials were going round to enforce compliance with the strike.

    Mr Maikudi Ibrahim, Acting Chairman of the Congress, said the state chapter had fully complied with the strike.

    “We are monitoring departments and agencies to ensure total compliance with the strike. No going back, we are on it,” he said 

    Corroborating Ibrahim, Mr Ibrahim Tafida, the Vice Chairman of the TUC, described workers’ compliance to the strike as encouraging.

    “It is a success; all offices, organisations and agencies remained closed in compliance to the directives from the national secretariat”.

    However, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Yobe Stare Chapter, has dissociated itself from the ongoing strike by the labour unions.

    The Chairman of the association, Dr Abubakar Mala, said that they directed their members to continue providing medical services to the patients.

    “We are not joining the NLC strike. We are not part of their affiliate, and we are not joining the strike.

    “We are fully attending to patients as usual. All our clinics are open, and we have been in the theater and everywhere,” he said.

    The measure, he said, would facilitate uninterrupted medical and healthcare services to the people.

    Similarly, some residents of Maiduguri in Borno have urged the organised labour to show human face while enforcing the strike.

    Mr Ibrahim Musa, a resident, said that it was imperative for the unions not to disrupt provision of essential services to the people.

    He said that, “there should be power supply to hospitals and water plants to service the poor.

    “People on Band C who are placed on only four hours of power supply daily should also be allowed to enjoy it”.

    Commenting, Bulama Mustapha and Hadiza Ali called for government and the unions to resume negotiation to facilitate speedy resolution of the impasse.

    “There should be skeletal services in some areas. For instance, students of the University of Maiduguri are writing their examinations, and some candidates are writing WAEC. They should be allowed to continue.

    “The strike should bear a human face so that innocent Nigerians will not suffer,” Ali said.

    Also, an Islamic cleric, Usman Sadisu, expressed concern over the strike which might disrupt the transportation of pilgrims for Hajj exercise.

    “We hope the closure of the airports due to the strike will not affect the transportation of pilgrims in areas where the exercise has not been concluded.

    “The labour unions should be considerate to easy movement of intending pilgrims in any airport to be concluded”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    Reporters/RSA

    ==============

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Lagos LG Chair empowers 400 traders with over N20m

    Some beneficiaries of Agboyi-Ketu LCDA We Lift Initiative

    Agboyi-Ketu Chair empowers 400 traders with over N20m

    Empowerment
    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) on Monday empowered no fewer than 400 petty traders with over N20 million to mitigate current socio-economic hardship.

    Mr Dele Oshinowo, Executive Chairman, Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, said at the council’s monthly “WeLift 400 Petty Traders Initiative” that grassroots governance should be all about empowering the people and making life better for them.

    The monthly scheme, witnessed by the Lagos State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, and top politicians saw the direct transfer of N50,000 cash support to 400 traders selected from various markets in the council.

    “The WeLift initiative is designed to empower 400 residents of Agboyi-Ketu by providing them with a grant of N50,000 each.

    “This financial support aims at enhancing their means of livelihood, alleviating their burdens, and paving the way for greater economic stability.

    “This is what I have been doing in the last five years. Our “WeLift Empowerment Programme” has just taken a new dimension now with better methodology to ensure transparency.

    “The rationale behind it is to lift people from abject poverty and alleviate their suffering.

    “We have decided to help them with a token which we believe will have multiplier effects on their trade,” Oshinowo said.

    The chairman said that his team went round markets and streets to do on-the-spot assessment of the market values of some traders, and those who met its criteria were selected to enjoy the gesture.

    He saw: “Let us reaffirm our commitment to support the dreams and aspirations of every member of our community.

    “Our administration will continue to be a pillar of support, fostering an environment where opportunity knows no bounds and every individual has the chance to realise their full potential.

    “We will continue to do this, empowering our people is very important especially during this difficult time that our President is trying to put the country on the path of sustainable prosperity and progress.

    “This is what we are doing and we are going to continue to do that till the end of my tenure.

    “We will continue to empower our people, build infrastructure, improve on grassroots healthcare, help our youths and elderly people, and build our society and community.”

    Expressing satisfaction with the feedbacks from past gestures, Oshinowo said that the success had been an encouragement to him.

    Noting that the gesture had no political colouration, the council boss said that his team always engaged the community development associations.

    In his remarks, the Lagos State APC Chairman, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended Oshinowo for his giant developmental strides and populist programmes targeted at improving the welfare of the residents.

    Ojelabi said that everyone, including the party’s state executive, had been watching Oshinowo’s initiatives for the betterment of the people, adding that the party was proud and not disappointed in the council boss.

    “You are truly serving the people with all your strength and complementing the efforts of the state government, promoting and expanding the goodwill of our party.

    “You are growing the economy and putting food on the table of the vulnerable.

    “With these you are doing, you are securing a better future for yourself. Continue to do what you know how to do best, you shall be rewarded,” he said.

    Also speaking, Chief Jumoke Okoya-Thomas, the APC Women Leader in Lagos State, lauded Oshinowo for prioritising the people above personal and political interest.

    She said that she was impressed by the chairman’s records of help to the less-privileged.

    Some of the beneficiaries who spoke glowingly about the empowerment initiative, noted that their businesses had received a boost that would enable them survive the challenges.

    Mrs Yemisi Ayeni, from Ward G, commended Oshinowo for the gesture, adding that it would go a long way to alleviate the current economic challenges.

    Also expressing her joy about the initiative, Mrs Yinusa Adejoke, a Food Vendor, said, ” Oshinowo is doing well. He is always surprising us. May God reward him.”

    The event was attended by APC state and local government executive council members, traditional rulers and other groups.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/COF

    ===========

    Edited by Christiana Fadare

  • Strike: Organised labour barricades Plateau Government Secretariat, others

    Strike: Organised labour barricades Plateau Government Secretariat, others

    Barricade

    Jos, June 3, 2024 (NAN), The organised labour, under the auspices of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Monday, barricaded the Plateau Government Secretariat, over the ongoing workers’ strike.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the organised labour declared the industrial action after months of failed negotiations with the Federal Government over a New Minimum Wage (NMW).

    Mr Sunday Akin, Plateau NLC Vice Chairman, who led the enforcement, said that there was a high level of compliance from Plateau workers.

    Akin told NAN that, apart from the state secretariat, the NLC/TUC monitoring teams were going around organisations to ensure compliance.

    “We will continue with the action until further directives from our headquarters.

    “As you are aware, the strike is an indefinite one, and workers will continue to stay at home till further notice,” he said.

    Dr Dalyop Badung, Plateau NLC, told NAN that there was effective compliance by workers, except at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Jos Network Centre and NHIS office, where the monitoring team had to enforce compliance.

    Badung said that workers would continue to sit at home till the government agreed on a new minimum wage and withdrew the electricity hiked tariff.

    NAN reports that the Plateau councils of the NLC and TUC had on Sunday in a statement, urged all affiliate unions to fully mobilise their members for the industrial action.

    “Comrades, this is to remind you of the commencement of a nationwide strike commencing on Monday, June 3, 2024, as a result of the failure of the government to agree on a new national minimum wage with organised labour.

    “The strike is also for the government to withdraw the unilateral hike in the tariff of electricity in the country.

    “Consequent upon this, you are urged to immediately mobilise your members to commence the strike as directed, please,” the two unions said in the statement. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    PAT/DOR
    ========
    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Strike: Anambra records 90% compliance- NLC Chairman

    Strike: Anambra records 90% compliance- NLC Chairman

     Strike

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

     Awka, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Anambra on Monday, said that the organised labour recorded 90 per cent compliance in the state.

     Nwafor told newsmen after going round Awka to monitor compliance in Awka and its environs.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that offices at the federal and state secretariats, the state House of Assembly schools, banks and courts did not open for business.

    Nwafor, while commending union leaders for their cooperation, said the strike would continue until the federal government yield to their demands

    “To be honest with you, I am very much delighted with the Anambra workers’ total compliance to the strike.

     “Picketing is ongoing across the state according to the directive from the national body, and it will continue until 6p.m. to ensure that no office is open for any administrative businesses,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) 

    LCO/AMM

    ========

    Edited by Abiemwense Moru 

     

  • Strike: Labour records 100% compliance in Niger

    Strike: Labour records 100% compliance in Niger

    Strike

    By Rita Iliya

    Minna, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Mr. Ibrahim Gana, Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Niger, on Monday said the union recorded 100 per cent success compliance with the ongoing  strike over the minimum wage in the state.

    He said this in an interview with newsmen shortly after monitoring the level of compliance in Minna, the state capital.

    Gana said that unlike in the past, the officials of the organised labour did not struggle with workers in their offices this time around.

    “This is a fantastic strike we have ever had, the level of compliance is 100 per cent, we didn’t struggle with people in their offices this time around.

    “Just a circular that workers should comply with national directive of both NLC and TUC and virtually everywhere we have gone we have 100 per cent compliance.

    He said that the level of compliance indicates that workers were beginning to listen to the labour leaders and also understanding the yearnings of the union in the country.

    The chairman said both Federal and state organisations observed total compliance, adding that the strike would continue until the union received further directives from its national body.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that parts of organisations shut down by NLC included the Minna General Hospital, Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, Federal Inland Revenue and the state High Court.

    Other places visited by the union officials were the Niger state House of Assembly, the state Secretariat, office of the Secretary to the Niger Government and office of the Deputy Governor.

    NAN recalls that NLC had on June 1, announced nationwide strike commencing on June 3, following the tripartite committee’s failure to reach an agreement on a new minimum wage for workers.

    In addition, unions are protesting against recent hikes in electricity tariffs, which they said had placed an undue burden on workers and consumers across the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    RIS/BAB/JPE

    ==========

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

  • World Bicycle Day: FRSC official calls for usage of non-motorised transportation

    Bicycle

    By Mujidat Oyewole

    Ilorin, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Kwara Command of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday in Ilorin called for the use of non-motorised transportation for movement from one place to another.

    FRSC Sector commander in the state, Corps Commander Stephen Dawulung, while celebrating the 2024 World Bicycle Day said it would enhance health, equity and sustainability.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for the 2024 celebration of World Bicycle Day was “promoting health, equity and sustainability through cycling”.

    The Sector Commander said the aim of celebrating the day was to enhance the use of bicycles as a means of transportation.

    Dawulung noted that there were many benefits of riding bicycle, saying that it improves physical fitness, health, as well as build strength and flexibility.

    He said it also helps in weight management, through the burning of calories, and could control mental health by helping the body to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.

    “Riding bicycle frequently increases mobility and sustains another means of transportation.

    “There are environmental benefits of riding bicycle, as it is eco-friendly and reduces carbon emission, as well as being cost effective,” the Commander said.

    Dawulung however warned that while riding bicycle, there are some safety measures to follow in order to avoid accidents, such as the use of safety helmets and following the rules.

    “A bicycle rider should wear reflective clothes for visibility, should not wear gowns, use hand signals when necessary, maintain the movement of the bike and avoid distractions,” he said.

    The Sector Commander therefore enjoined members of the public to get used to non-motorised transportation, in order to help their health status, saying the benefits could not be over emphasised.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    MOB/BEKl/OLAL
    ==============

    (Edited by AbdulFatai Beki and Olawale Alabi)