Category: Metro

Strike: Labour unions ground activities at Lagos airport

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Flight operations and other activities at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal II (MMA2), were grounded on Monday, following a nationwide indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Airport unions were seen manning the entrance of the airport as stranded passengers stood by at the MMA2.

Mr Francis Akinjole, General Secretary, Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, ATSSSAN, said activities at the international wing, would also be grounded on Tuesday.

He had earlier told passengers to return to their various activities if they had any, adding there was no sign that the strike would be called off soon.

”We just do not have any choice than to embark on what we are doing and it is clear.

”If the Federal Government signed the new minimum wage today we will leave but if they do not we are starting here today as the commencement day.

”Tomorrow, like we said in our notice to the general public, we are going to ground activities at the international wing.

”The only reason why we are not starting the international wing today is because we are aware that some flights were already airborne, so we are not as insensitive as some people might want think,” he said.

Akinjole said the union was prepared for the length of time the strike would last, but called on the federal government to consider the yearnings of Nigerians.

”We are prepared to go the whole length. Government should pay the Minimum Living Wage that is what they should do,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Patrick Evuarhehe, National Chairman of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) branch of the Association of Nigeria Airport Professional (ANAP), said that no skeletal activity was permitted.

Evuarhehe said that it was a fight for all and not of selfish interests because ‘an injury to one, is an injury to all’.

”Passengers that were here earlier, joined us in this strike because they are in solidarity with us. You understand.

”An injury to one is an injury to all, so, every passenger you see are all labour workers, they are actually traveling from here to one assignment or the other.

”As it is now, they know that my pain is their pain, so it is very important for them to join the struggle that is why you see many of them around.

“They are sitting patiently, doing what they are supposed to do because it is very important for us to get this right at least for once in Nigeria,” he said.

Also, Mr Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary, National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) said that the action was a signal to the federal government.

Abioye said that President Bola Tinubu, during his campaign, promised workers a living wage which he had yet to fulfill.

”When President Tinubu was campaigning two years ago, he promised Nigerian workers what is called a living wage.

&nbs

”We can all see that even the proposed N60,000, cannot take anybody from his house to the market,” he said.

A passenger, Ms Desire Joseph, who planned to fly to Calabar with Ibom Air, said that she was confused and hopeful that the strike would be called off before the day ends.

Also, Mr Alabi Musibau, an Aero Contractor passenger, who planned to attend a conference in Abuja said that the strike was uncalled for.

He said that the fight for the minimum wage increment was a spoiler as this could further increase the prices of goods in the market.

Some other passengers who stood by with their luggages, out of frustration, said they were too angry to talk.

At the General Aviation Terminal I, managed by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN activities were also grounded.

NLC had earlier notified the public of an indefinite national wide strike beginning June 3.

In a letter signed by four aviation unions; ATSSSAN, ANAP, NAAPE and NUATE on July 2, notified operators and the general public that it would fully support the NLC in the action at Lagos airports.

The letter had said that the MMA2 would be fully grounded while the Murtala Muhammed International Airport(MMIA) would begin on Tuesday..

Aviation agencies, NAMA; FAAN and others were under lock and key with police presence. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ITM/DOE

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Strike

By Philip Yatai

Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Monday, locked the entrance of the secretariat in compliance with infinite industrial action embarked by the labour union.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress had on May 31 directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike from June 3.

The action, according to the unions, was over the failure of the Federal Government to increase the N60,000 minimum wage it offered to workers and its refusal to reverse the recent increase in electricity tariff.

The President of JUAC, Mrs Rifkatu Iortyer, told NAN in Abuja, that the committee’s decision to deny workers access to the Secretariat was in compliance with the NLC and TUC directive.

Lortyer explained that JUAC, being part of the labour unions, has no choice but to fully enforce the strike.

“My advice to FCTA workers is simple: stay at home and be the obedient workers you’ve always been.

“The strike action is for the interest of the Nigerian workers,” she said.

The labour unions had during the May Day celebration issued the Federal Government an ultimatum to ensure that negotiation on a new national minimum wage was concluded by May 31.

The President of TUC, Festus Osifo, told newsmen that the strike had become necessary as the government declined to increase the N60,000 wage it offered on Friday during the meeting of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage.

Osifo also said that the strike was imperative due to the refusal of the government to reverse the hike in electricity tariff.

NAN reports that the NLC confirmed the nationwide strike after a failed meeting with National Assembly leaders.

Inspite of appeals to call off the strike, labour leaders insist on proceeding due to unresolved minimum wage disputes.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed that the nationwide strike set for June 3 will proceed, following a failed meeting with National Assembly leaders.

The meeting, which aimed to resolve the minimum wage dispute, ended without an agreement.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajuddeen Abbas presided over the discussions, which also included high-ranking government officials such as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

FDY/SH

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Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Archbishop Martins advocates fiscal  federalism, state police for development

Federalism

By Uchenna Eletuo

Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Most. Rev. Adewale Martins, advocates a return to fiscal federalism and the adoption of state police for Nigeria’s growth and security.

The archbishop made the call on Sunday at a Thanksgiving Mass to mark his 65th birthday anniversary.

He said that the return of federal system and the implementation of the state police were in dire need to reposition the country for greater development.

Martins, known for his insightful stance on national issues said that those would end agitations for self determination.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, the event that afforded the High Priest and the lay faithful opportunity to exchange pleasantries and examine policies of government.

The event was held at the Holy Cross Cathedral.

Speaking on the return to the old National Anthem, the archbishop said the wordings of the reverted anthem could inspire the needed patriotism in Nigerians.

The Gospel preacher, said that there were many pressing issues that Nigerians are clamouring for such as the implementation of a workable federal system of government.

He pointed out that the adoption of a state police structure has been in the minds of Nigerians to improve the security of life and property.

“If the legislature and Executive can exert same energy and commitment they applied in the passage and signing into law of the reversed anthem on salient issues agitating the minds of the people such as state police, fiscal federalism and LG autonomy, the country will get better, ” he said.

According to him, Nigerians have become impatient of unending despondency that has caused many depression and loss of lives because of improperly administered policies.

The archbishop thanked God for the gift of life, and urged people to continue to pray for divine directives on the leaders to do what was expected of them.

He said that without prayers things might have been worse than it was today. (NAN)

EUC/BEN/VIV

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Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Vivian Ihechu

Pilgrimage

By Uchenna Eletuo

Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has sent a team of its officials to the Holy lands of Israel and Jordan to ascertain the safety of intending pilgrims for the 2024 Easter Pilgrimage.

According to a document signed by the LSCPWB Secretary, Mrs Yetunde Gbafe, sighted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, the team includes the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Pilgrimage Matters, Rev. Bukola Adeleke and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs Lolade Aina.

The rest are the Board Secretary, Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs Yetunde Gbafe and some other members of the welfare board already in Israel and Jordan.

Gbafe said that as pilgrims were expected at the various holy sites during the exercise, the state officials embarked on a pre-visit to ensure the Holy lands were safe to visit.

“Inspection of the accommodations and sites to be visited during the forthcoming pilgrimage is essential to guarantee safety.

“It is important to have a first hand information about the safety and security of the Holy lands in order to reassure intending pilgrims of their well-being while on pilgrimage.

“The pre-visit is also aimed at making adequate arrangements for a hitchfree spiritually regenerating retreat.

“It’s an opportunity to make adequate preparation for logistics with ground handlers and to secure comfortable hotels amongst others,” the secretary told NAN.

Gbafe pointed that there were plans to explore Israel’s agricultural technologies to enrich the programme and add value to the Pilgrims.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

EUC/VIV

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu

Clinics

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) The Saudi Ministry of Health has granted an approval for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to operate two main clinics for the Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah.

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, made this known in a statement by the commission’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Fatima Sanda-Usara, on Sunday in Abuja.

Arabi said the approval letter was received by Dr Abubakar Isma’eel, NAHCON’s Head of Medical Mission for the 2024 Hajj Season.

“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is happy to announce that it has received an approval to operate two main clinics in Makkah for the meantime.

“The Saudi Ministry of Health revealed this development through its Medical Consultants attached to Ithra Alkhair company, NAHCON’s chosen Service Providers otherwise known as Mu’assasa.

“The two main clinics are those located at Masfala/Kudai and Shari’e Al-Mansour areas. They serve as the Medical Head offices,” he said.

Arabi also said that approval to start running three other outpost clinics (Triage Outposts 1, 2 & 3) was still being awaited.

“Dr A-Isma’eel expressed optimism that within the next 48-72 hours, the three outposts would also receive full approval to operate optimally.

“The proposed outposts are located at Nasarawa, Ogun/Oyo and Borno pilgrims Houses in Makkah respectively,” the chairman explained.

He said that the GPS of the outpost locations would be made available to the Nigerian pilgrims within hours of approval.

“It should be noted that the outposts are strategically situated within pilgrims’ hotel clusters to aid accessibility,” he noted.

He said that NAHCON had already deployed its team of professional medics “who are set to provide healthcare services to Nigerian pilgrims.”

The chairman solicited the cooperation of Nigerian pilgrims for the measures put in place to succeed. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

SSI/KLM

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Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Unity

By Philomina Attah
Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) Rev. Cletus Gotan, Chairman, Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), has emphasised the need for unity in Nigeria, stressing that it was crucial to building a strong and virile nation.

Gotan spoke in Abuja at a meeting with the NCPC board, management, state pilgrimage leaders, and Christian pilgrimage operators in Nazareth, Israel.

“We must all champion the cause of unity. We cannot get anywhere without it,” he stated.

Goran referred to John 17: 20-21, where Jesus emphasised unity, and encouraged Christian leaders to preach similar message to the Faithful.

He expressed optimism that God would grant the NCPC board the grace to lead excellently, emphasising the importance of selflessness.

“In NCPC, you and I have the responsibility to worship together so that truth and love should continue to bind us together,” he said.

He affirmed that Christianity had a strong tradition of pilgrimage, and highlighted the importance of reconnecting with God and learning about the history of Christianity.

The Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Mrs Agatha Afoekelu, in a remark, acknowledged the significance of pilgrimage in Christianity, and commended the leadership of Bishop Stephen Adegbite, NCPC Executive Secretary.

She emphasised the need for pilgrims to conduct themselves properly and avoid negative tendencies.

“Pilgrimage is not a jamboree; it is a serious spiritual exercise.

“The Holy Land is holy and will continue to be holy,” she declared.

According to her, the Nigerian Embassy is working closely with Israel’s Ministry of Interior to ensure the comfort and security of Nigerian pilgrims.

Adegbite, in his remarks, expressed gratitude for the retreat and highlighted the transformation in NCPC’s image since he was appointed.

“We shall strive to meet everyone’s expectation. We are one family and we will leave a remarkable mark behind.

“This retreat is a period of spiritual rejuvenation and we are here to seek the face of God,” Adegbite said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
APA/ETS
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Funds

By Itohan Abara-Laserian

Lagos, June 2, 2024 (NAN) The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has hailed the Nigerian government for clearing 98 per cent of airlines trapped funds in the country, which the carriers had hitherto been able to repatriate.

The Director-General of IATA, Mr Willie Walsh, gave the commendation in a statement on Sunday.

According to Walsh, as of June 2023, Nigeria’s blocked funds amounted to 850 million dollars, which significantly affected airline operations and finances in the country.

He said the 98 per cent amounted to 831 million dollars paid,  while the remaining two per cent amounted to 19 million dollars.

“At its peak in June 2023, Nigeria’s blocked funds amounted to 850 million dollars, significantly affecting airline operations and finances in the country.

“Carriers faced difficulties in repatriating revenues in U.S. dollars, and the high volume of blocked funds led some airlines to reduce their operations and one carrier to temporarily cease operations to Nigeria, which severely impacted the country’s aviation industry.

“However, as of April 2024, 98 per cent of these funds have been cleared. The remaining 19 million dollars is due to the Central Bank of Nigeria’s ongoing verification of outstanding forward claims filed by the commercial banks.

“We commend the new Nigerian government and the CBN for their efforts to resolve this issue.

“Individual Nigerians and the economy will all benefit from reliable air connectivity for which access to revenues is critical,” Walsh said.

The IATA boss, therefore,  urged the government to clear the residual 19 million dollars and continue prioritising aviation.

Walsh also said there was a 28 per cent decrease in the amount of airline funds blocked from repatriation by governments.

According to him, the total blocked funds at the end of April stood at approximately 1.8 billion,  a reduction of 708 million dollars (28 per cent) since December 2023.

“The reduction in blocked funds is a positive development. The remaining 1.8 billion dollars, however, is significant and must be urgently addressed.

“The efficient repatriation of airline revenues is guaranteed in bilateral agreements.

“Even more importantly, it is a pre-requisite for airlines, who operate on thin margins, to be able to provide economically critical connectivity.

“No business can operate long-term without access to rightfully earned revenues,” Walsh said.

He added that the main driver of the reduction was a significant clearance of funds blocked in Nigeria.

Walsh said that Egypt also approved clearance of its significant accumulation of blocked funds.

He said, however, that in both cases, airlines were adversely affected by the devaluation of the Egyptian Pound and the Nigerian Naira.

Specifically, eight countries accounted  for 87 per cent of the total blocked funds, amounting to 1.6 billion dollars.

The countries are; Pakistan, 411 million dollars for 40 months; Bangladesh, 320 million dollars for 40 months; Algeria, 286 million dollars for 37 months; XAF Zone, 151 million dollars for 50 months.

Also, Ethiopia, 149 million dollars for 58 months; Lebanon, 129 million dollars for 52 months; Eritrea, 75 million dollars for 116 months and Zimbabwe, 69 million dollars for 84 months.

IATA, still, urged governments to remove all barriers to airlines repatriating their revenues from ticket sales and other activities in accordance with international agreements and treaty obligations. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

ITM/CHOM/SOA
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Oluwole Sogunle

Support

By Joy Kaka/Jacinta Nwachukwu

Abuja, June 2, 2024 (NAN) A civil servant, Mr Ugochukwu Nwogute and his wife, Vivian have appealed to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians for support in raising their quadruplets.

The couple, who gave birth to the four babies in a private hospital in Kubwa, Abuja on May 21, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Speaking with NAN in the hospital, Mrs Nwogute, said she got married in 2015 and had her first daughter on Nov. 5, 2016.

“After years of waiting, I became pregnant in Sept. 2023 and was delivered of three boys and one girl through caesarean section at Vinca hospital, Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja, on May 21.

“When I was told I was going to have multiple babies, it was a mixed feeling for me.

“Mixed feelings, because I was not expecting it, but was happy because we have waited for years after our first daughter. So, we were hoping on God and praying and God did more than we expected,’’ she said.

She added that the hospital billed them about N1.7 million in the first instance, which they were still running around to pay.

“The babies eat two hourly, they consume almost half of their Pre NAN formula which we were asked to feed them with, and a tin costs N10, 000.

“We also have follow ups because the paediatrician said after we have been discharged, we are expected to be bringing the babies to the hospital weekly for check up,” she said

On the babies’ health, Mrs Nwogute said that they were responding to treatment, adding that her recovery was gradual.

“I am getting stronger because I have relapses. For example, last night I was cold all through and I have treated malaria and because of that, I cannot breastfeed my babies the way I am expected to,’’ she said.

The husband appealed to the government to come to their aid, financially and in the area of accommodation for a bigger apartment that can be convenient for the family.

“The journey has not been easy, taking care of a heavily pregnant woman and the only daughter we had eight years back.

“When the babies came, I was not expecting such a number, but I give glory to God for the marvelous thing He has done for us.

“My appeal to the government and well meaning Nigerians is for them to come to our aid.

“We need financial support to take care of the babies as well as, in the area of accommodation, because the apartment we are currently occupying cannot contain us anymore,” he said.

Nwogute, specifically appealed to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, to see the quadruplets as anniversary gifts to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He, urged Mrs Tinubu, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmud as well as the wife of the FCT Minister, Mrs Eberechi Wike, to render assistance to his family

On his part, Dr Chiemezie Odera, an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist at the hospital said it would not be easy, taking care of the children as they would need more hands for their care because the mother would not be able to do it all alone.

Odera, therefore, urged the general public to support the couple so as to take good care of the babies.

“Most importantly is care and support after delivery. Any woman that has more than one baby, needs more hands to help out because she might go into depression if you allow her to stay without care.

“So, we encourage that they have support, people should be around them to help in taking care of the children,’’ he reiterated.

The obstetrician said that it would not always be easy for the woman as her breast milk would not be enough for the babies.

According to him, Vinca hospital has been doing well in the area of maternal care, and the facility have had series of multiple birth.

Talking about the weight of the babies, he said, for the fact that they might not have weight like single birth, but they were still strong like any other single birth.

“In the uterus, they shared what was available, so, you don’t expect them to have much weight.

“But interestingly, those weights, no matter how small they appear compared to single birth, they are still as strong as those single births without any complication.

“Though they need to be observed after delivery, but they are doing well. Even if they weigh 1.5kg, they are still as strong as 3kg and above,’’ he explained.

The Doctor added that there would be  need for the babies to be reviewed over time by the paediatrician to see how they were faring.

Odera, while urging the nursing mother to eat well and rest, he advised her not to hesitate in coming back to the facility where the babies were delivered, in case of any issue.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

JK/JIN/ROT

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi