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Category: General News

  • Nationwide strike grounds activities at public, private institutions in Warri

    Nationwide strike grounds activities at public, private institutions in Warri

    Strike

    By Edeki Igafe

    Warri(Delta), June 3, 2024 (NAN) Commercial activities was on Monday grounded in  public and private institutions in Warri, Delta following the nationwide strike embarked upon by the organised labour over a new minimum wage.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the leadership of the organised labour, had on Friday declared a nationwide strike effective from Monday.

    Efforts by the government’s meeting on Sunday, led by the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio with the labour, also failed to stop the strike.

    Labour is demanding for N494,000 as the new minimum wage while the government is insisting it could N60,000.

    NAN correspondent, who monitored the industrial action in Warri, reports that most commercial banks on Warri/Sapele/Efurun Road  complied with the strike.

    Skeletal activities were observed at the Nigerian Port Authority, Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Warri South Local Government Secretariat, Courts and among others.

    Some commercial bank customers who vented their frustrations,  appealed to both the organised labour and the government to shift ground.

    Mr Andrew Okiemute said that he had transaction failure on Saturday and hoped to rectify it on Monday with his bank but could not because his bank was shut.

    Another bank customer, Mrs Comfort Tejiri said that she had issues with her Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card.

    According to her, my ATM card is not working, that is why I decided to come and lodge complaint unknow to me the strike will affect my bank.

    “We cannot afford another round of strike, so the government and the labour unions should negotiate and come to a comprised,” she said.

    Meanwhile,  there was free movement of individuals and vehicles in the metropolis at the time of filing this report. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EDI/DCO/JI

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Joe Idika

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Public offices, banks in Uyo closed as labour begins strike

    Strike
    Isaiah Eka
    Uyo, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Public offices and banks in Uyo were on Monday, not opened for businesses following the indefinite strike embarked upon by the organised labour.
    A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) checks around Uyo metropolis showed that labour leaders were monitoring workers’ compliance with the strike.
    It would be recalled that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) directed their members to embark on the strike.
    The labour unions’ decision is part of their ongoing agitation for a new minimum wage for workers.
    NAN reports that the Idongesit Nkanga state secretariat complex and the Federal Secretariat were also not opened to workers.
    At the state secretariat, labour leaders were seen playing drums and chanting solidarity songs.
    Security patrol vehicles were seen stationed at strategic locations in the city to avert any breakdown of law and order.
    Commercial banks located at the Udo Udoma Banking Layout, were not accessible to customers.
    Some of the customers who spoke to NAN expressed worries over their inability to access banking services.
    However, markets and motor parks in the city were operational and open to members of the public.
    Some public school students who were in school earlier in the day, were asked to go home following teachers’ unavailability.
    The NLC Chairman in Akwa Ibom, Sunny James, told newsmen that workers in the state would ensure total compliance with the directive to embark on indefinite strike.
    “We shall move around the state to enforce the directive, we shall continue until the Federal Government meets the demands of workers(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IE/AZU
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    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • Traders express mixed reactions over nationwide strike

    Strike
    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
    Ibadan, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Some traders in Ibadan metropolis have expressed mixed feelings over the ongoing nationwide strike declared by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    The traders, in their separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Monday, that the strike would, no doubt, affect their sales.

    Mrs Basirat Lawal, a pepper seller at Challenge, expressed sadness over the strike, saying that it would have a telling effect on her sales.

    Lawal said that she did not operate a bank account, as this would limit the number of customers she could attend to.

    “I don’t have a bank account. Even before this strike, I used to lose some customers who don’t have cash to pay, but with this strike, I know my sales will drop because banks have also joined the strike.

    “I’m not happy, I must say, but the people who embarked on the strike are only demanding for their rights,” she said.

    Abdulmalik Musa, a fruit seller at Molete, expressed the hope that the strike would yield results.

    According to him, the NLC must ensure that the strike is effective in order for them to achieve their desired goal.

    “Now that they have started the strike, they should continue and see it to its logical conclusion,” he said.

    Musa expressed full support for the workers demanding for a new minimum wage, saying that after all, the politicians, who he alleged of doing nothing, were getting so much.

    Miss Ajoke Busari, a fish seller, urged the federal government to constitute a committee that would be saddled with the responsibility of maintaining price control in the country.

    Busari noted that the fish business was no longer lucrative due to high prices, stressing that some of her colleagues had been forced to quit the business.

    “Before now, two or three of us normally shared a carton of fish so that we all could have varieties of fishes to sell.

    “Now, five or six of us share a cartoon, and we barely make gains at the end of the day.

    “To me, the demands of NLC and TUC should include increasing workers’ salary and reducing the cost of things so that the money can make an impact on everyone, not just the workers,” she said.

    Mrs Omobonike Ayinde, a foodstuffs seller at Molete market, said when workers were paid better, it would have ripple effects on the entire Nigerians.

    “Their monthly or weekly purchase will increase and so are our sales, while credit purchase will stop or reduce drastically.

    “But nowadays, when we sell too much on credit, restocking becomes a big problem for us, but we can’t do without selling on credit to some of our customers.

    “When workers receive good payment, it’s not just them that will enjoy; it will cut across,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SEY/MAM/WAS
    Edited by Modupe Adeloye and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Strike successful in  Kano as federal, state secretariats empty, banks comply

    Strike successful in  Kano as federal, state secretariats empty, banks comply

    Strike

    By Aminu Garko

    Kano, June 3, 2024 ( NAN) The nationwide strike called by the organised labour recorded huge success in Kano on Monday as banks, civil servants and aviation staff stayed away from work.

    However, private schools were in session as their worker defied the strike instruction by the organised labour led by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).

    The correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN ) who monitored the situation reported that doors of banks and public looks were under lock and keys.

    At the Federal Secretariat, Kano, it was observed that federal servants were not on duty. A similar scenario was observed at the Audi Baki Kano State Secretariat complex.

    The Federal Secretariat houses the National Agency for Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other Ministries, Agencies and Parastatals.

    At Malam Aminu Kano International Airport there were no flights except for those departing for the Holy Land for pilgrimage.

    Some private school workers told NAN that they were not part of the strike because they would not be affected by the new minimum wage if approved by the Federal Government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AAG/KUA

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    Edited by Uche Anunne

     

  • NLC strike: Normal activities in markets , transport sector in Kaduna

    NLC strike: Normal activities in markets , transport sector in Kaduna

    Strike
    By Muhammad Tijjani
    Kaduna, June. 3, 2024(NAN)  Normal activities were going on at the Sheikh Abubakar Mahmud Gumi Central market, Kaduna in spite of the ongoing nationwide indefinite strike ordered by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the new national minimum wage.
    The traders in the market, who spoke to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)Correspondent separately, said they were not aware of the strike until when they were in the market.
     Malam Abubakar Sadiq , a  trader in the  market said,”The point of going to strike is of no use, we should just go back to God and pray for better Nigeria.
    ”The strike has no effect , I better go to the market and sell my wares to feed my family .
    ” I don’t believe in strike but dialogue, many strike has happen in this country with no reasonable results.”
    Also, Rahama Idris, a foodstuff  seller expressed surprise to hear that there was a strike.
    Idris said, ” I am not in support of the strike, if you go to strike, who will bring food to your table .
    “The strike is not helping the poor at all with this present condition. With the strike, life will not be easy.” .
    She advised the government and the NLC to sit down and settle their differences for a better Nigeria.
    Also, Rabiu Ahmad, who sells motherly care delivery items said he was in support of the strike .
    Ahmad said the salary of a worker now can’t do  anything for him now due to the high cost of things.
    “That is why there is low patronage and that is the reason why the traders have not complied with NLC directive becausewith the present situation now, one has to look for food for his family.”
    When contacted, the Organising Secretary of the market, Mr Ike Bestman, said, ”The situation we found ourselves in is a sorry one.”
    Bestman said some of the traders have complied with the directive of NLC,  that is why some shops are closed.
    He said, “The shops you see that are not closed are because they are not aware of the strike .Life is very expensive for the poor in the country.”
    He advised the government  and NLC  to be responsible for the right thing for the benefit of Nigerians .
    NAN also reports that the transportation system and filling stations were all  smoothly without any disruption in the state.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    TJ/BRM
    ==============
    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Oyo judiciary workers, banks join nationwide strike

    Strike

     

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

     

    Ibadan, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Judiciary workers in Oyo State on Monday joined the nationwide strike as directed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Customary and Magistrates’ Courts; State and Federal High Courts and the Court of Appeal in Ibadan did not sit due to the strike.

    Although the gates were locked, some workers however were seen dressed casually around the court premises, hanging around.

    Mr Saheed Amoo, the Chairman of Oyo State branch of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), said the union’s national headquarters directed members to join the strike.

    “We’re complying with the directives from our National President, and being part of NLC we must obey them.

    “There’s no work, and no court will sit until further notice,” Amoo stressed.

    Banks along the Challenge and Ring Road axis were also closed to their customers who were seen standing in groups outside the bank premises.

    A bank customer, who preferred to be identified as Kehinde, complained that he needed money urgently but was denied access to the bank.

    “I was debited since Friday, and till now it hasn’t been reversed. I’m here again to the bank this morning for it but I’m not allowed to enter.

    “How do I get money for us (my family) to feed? They debited me without refund, so I can’t even go to POS also, because the money has been removed from my account,” he said.

    NAN reports that the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) office was also under key and lock as customers and staff were seen standing outside.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    CC/KOLE/MAS

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    Edited by Remi Koleoso and Moses Solanke

     

     

  • Strike: Aviation unions join NLC indefinite nationwide strike in Borno

    Strike: Aviation unions join NLC indefinite nationwide strike in Borno

    Strike

    By: Hamza Suleiman

    Maiduguri, June 3, 2024(NAN)Aviation unions on Monday shut down operations in the Maiduguri International Airport in compliance with the indefinite nationwide strike declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).

    The Borno NLC chairman, Yusuf Inuwa, who led members of the aviation union said they were at the airport to ensure full compliance.

    Inuwa said :”we closed down the airport around 8a.m. We have closed the state and federal secretariats too and  other government establishments.

    “We are now speaking with workers at the Borno express transport company  to make sure that they shut down motor parks.

    ”WE will be moving to the banks to make sure that they are not operating,” he said.

    NAN reports that the NLC and TUC had on Friday called for an indefinite nationwide strike over the failure of the federal government to conclude on the new national minimum wage and refusal to reverse the electricity tariffs hike.

    In a statement jointly signed by the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE); Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSAN); Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), the unions said Nigerian local airports will be shut by 00:00hrs on Monday, June 3 while the strike at the international airports will begin on Tuesday.

    According to the statement signed by the general secretary of NUATE, Abba Ocheme; deputy general secretary, ATSSSAN,  Frances Akinjole; secretary general, ANAP, Abdul Rasaq Saidu, and general secretary, NAAPE, Olayinka Abioye, the withdrawal of services by the Unions will be indefinite.

    “In compliance with the directive from our labour centers, NLC and TUC, we, hereby, inform the general public, aviation service providers, airline operators. aviation businesses and all aviation workers nationwide that starting from 0000hrs of June 3, all services at all Nigerian airports shall be fully withdrawn till further notice. (NAN) Hamzooryla@gmail.com

    HMS//AH/SH

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    edited by Abdul Hassan/Sadiya Hamza

     

  • Labour strike records 70 per cent compliance in Taraba- NLC Chairman

    Labour strike records 70 per cent compliance in Taraba-NLC Chairman

    Compliance
    By Martins Abochol
    Jalingo, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Mr Peter Jediel, Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Taraba Chapter on Monday said that the organised labour  had recorded 70 per cent compliance for the strike.
    Jediel made this known while briefing newsmen shortly  after going round to monitor compliance in Jalingo.
    He said that the cooperation from trade union leaders  by mobilising fellow unionists for the strike was impressive.
    He said that the compliance became necessary due to directives from their national body to down tools.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that unionists were seeing driving workers, who earlier reported at their duty posts out of offices.
    The state secretariat where majority of the state workers report to work  became deserted on Monday morning ,although commercial banks and private schools were seeing operating.
    NAN recalls that the organised labour had earlier embarked on an indefinite strike beginging from Sunday Midnight to press home their demands.
    These demands borders on non conclusion of negotiation  for  the National Minimum Wage and the hike in electricity tarrif. (NAN) www.nannews.ng.
    MK/YGA
    =======
    Edited by Gabriel Yough

  • Strike: Activities paralysed at federal, state secretariats in Ibadan

    Strike
    By Olatunde Ajayi and Ibukun Emiola
    Ibadan, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Activities were on Monday paralysed at the federal and state secretariats in Ibadan, in compliance with the directives of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the labour unions called for a nationwide strike over the breakdown in the minimum wage negotiations by a tripartite committee constituted by the Federal Government in January.

    The leadership of the labour unions had, on May 1, given the federal government up till May 31 to complete negotiations on the new minimum wage, failure of which they might not be able to guarantee industrial peace in the country.

    NAN also reports that the main gate of the federal secretariat in Ibadan was under lock and key, while security patrol from the Nigeria Police Force were seen stationed close to the entrance of the secretariat to maintain peace and order.

    A private security guard, who preferred anonymity, said that no worker was permitted to enter the secretariat premises, as the few ones who came early in the morning were asked to return home by union leaders.

    NAN reports that the strike had affected normal business activities in and around the secretariat, as some food vendors were seen lamenting that they had already prepared food to sell, thinking that the strike might not be effective.

    At the state secretariat, the entrance was manned by men of the Nigeria Police Force and Amotekun, with their vehicles positioned strategically.

    The main gate was, however, open for anyone to access the secretariat, while the access road from the flyover was under lock and key.

    NAN reports that the strike was partially observed, as some workers were seen doing skeletal duties in their offices.

    Some of the workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they were on ground to do one or two things, though they acknowledged that the strike was still on.
    NAN observed that some Amotekun personnel were strategically stationed in front of the state House of Assembly, with their vehicles on ground. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    TUN/IBK/KOLE/WAS
    Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Strike: Banks, schools, civil servants comply with NLC directive in Ondo, Osun 

    Strike: Banks, schools, civil servants comply with NLC directive in Ondo, Osun

    By Reporters

    Akure, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Banks, public schools and government ofices were closed in Osun and Ondo states as workers complied with the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress to commence a nationwide indefinite strike on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NLC, had ordered workers to begin an indefinite nationwide strike following the May 31 deadline for the Federal Government to approve and implement a new National Minimum Wage.

    NAN also reports that last minute intervention on Sunday night by the National Assembly to prevent the nationwide strike was futile as the meeting with government representatives and labour leaders ended in a deadlock.

    The Federal Government had insisted on N60,000 as the new minimum wage, while labour demanded N495,000 as what was acceptable to the unions.

    NAN correspondents, who monitored the level of compliance in Akure and Osogbo, in Ondo and Osun states respectively, reports that most banks did not open their doors to customers.

    Also, the federal and state secretariats and other government establishments in the two states were closed and offices deserted as workers complied with the directives of the labour unions.

    Pupils of public primary and secondary schools, who went to school early, were seen returning home after they were turned back at their various school gates by teachers.

    At the governor’s office in Alagbaka, Akure, there was low key activities as only few workers were seen in the premises

    In one of the commercial banks in Akure, a staff, who did not want his name published, told NAN that the closure was in compliance with the labour unions’ directives.

    “We are not open for service today and we can not actually say the day we are going to open until directives come from above,” he said.

    Also, speaking with NAN in Ikare-Akoko, a local government staff of Akoko North-East Local Government, Mr Muriana Balogun, called on the Federal Government to do the needful concerning Labour’s demand so that the strike would not have much impact on the nation’s economy.

    Balogun, who said that he could not blame the labour union for the commencement of the strike, noted that there was enough time for government to avoid the strike if it was serious about workers welfare.

    According to him, now that all the public schools are closed, government workers are at home, even none of the banks opened for services.

    “If care is not taken, it will affect the economy. Here in Ikare-Akoko, the only people you can see working today is INEC officials for registration of PVC ahead of governorship election coming up in November.

    “So, I will appeal to government and the labour unions to have a rethink and return to the negotiation table and arrive at a consensus to move the nation forward,” he said.

    At the Osun State Government Secretariat in Abere, Osogbo, the gates to the secretariat were locked, even as security men were stationed at the gates to prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Speaking with NAN, Mr Christopher Arapasopo, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Osun Chapter, said the directive was for all workers to stay at home and away from their offices.

    Arapasopo said there would be no form of protest or rally, as the instruction was just for workers to stay in their homes.

    He disclosed that a monitoring and enforcement committee had been set up to go round to ensure that the directive was fully complied with.

    Mr Taiwo Olapade, Chairman of the state labour monitoring and enforcement committee, told NAN that they were at the state secretariat gate, to ensure that workers comply with the strike directive.

    “We are at the Abere First Gate (Osun Government Secretariat main gate) ensuring people do not have access into the secretariat.

    “We are sending people back home that there is a nationwide indefinite strike. No worker is going into the secretariat now.” he said

    He said all the local government secretariats too had been shut down and there were enforcers too to ensure full compliance with the strike directive. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    REPORTERS/DC/KOLE/AOS

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    Edited by Deborah Coker/ Remi Koleoso/Bayo Sekoni