Nigeria's NLC, TUC, TMN to unveil the Labour Institute

From Idu Jude, Abuja

AGADA 

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and The Movement Nigeria (TMN) have concluded plans to unveil the Labour Institute of Nigeria with the aim of propagating and developing the true policies and ideology of the Labour Party as it currently runs worldwide.

The joint body also announced that it will soon hold a candle-lit rally for the kidnapped children in Ibadan, Oyo State, to drive home demands for an end to insecurity in Nigeria and the failure of the government to protect citizens.


Dr Peter Agada, founder of The Movement Nigeria (TMN) and former presidential aspirant of the Labour Party (LP), in an exclusive interview with Daily Sun in Abuja on Tuesday, highlighted that the project is designed to be a long-term, policy- and ideology-driven institute for the propagation of labour ideology and principles to be applied as the driving mentality of the Labour Party of Nigeria.

He added that it is an institute for the propagation and development of the true policies and ideology of the Labour Party as it currently runs the world over.

“Let me clarify that the Labour Institute of Nigeria is established as a non-partisan policy, research, and leadership development institution dedicated to institutionalising the core ideologies of the global labour movement within Nigeria’s democratic framework.


“It is modelled after the intellectual architecture that sustains Labour Parties in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other established democracies; the Institute’s mandate is to move labour politics beyond electoral cycles into permanent systems of governance, policy design, and social contract renewal.”

While detailing the core functions of the institute, he noted that the institute operates through four pillars, drawing direct parallels with the UK Labour ecosystem.

The pillar function, equivalent to the UK’s ‘policy development unit’, researches and drafts legislation on wages, decent work, social protection, industrial policy, and public services. It is also aimed at converting Labour Congress resolutions into actionable government blueprints.

Furthermore, Dr Agada said the idea is to enshrine Labour Party Policy Forum resolutions—a foundation built on ideology and political education to develop curriculum and training for aspirants, elected officials, and union leaders on social democracy, collective bargaining, and wealth redistribution. “This codifies the Nigerian Labour Charter, according to the Fabian Society Socialist Educational Association.”

The upcoming system, in his view, is also to serve as a Governance Lab designed to pioneer internal party systems for candidate selection, ward administration, and digital democracy, ensuring transparency, anti-corruption, and zoning compliance with constitutional law.

“This will also serve as a blueprint for the Labour Party NEC constitutional arrangements committee

The International Labour Bureau interfaces with ILO, TUC UK, ITUC, and sister Labour Parties to domesticate global best practices on just transition, gig economy, and worker ownership. Labour International, and the Labour Party International Office.”




While differentiating the new process from political party contests or elections, he said, “The Labour Institute builds the intellectual and institutional scaffolding that makes labour governments possible and successful. On policy continuity, while party leadership may change, the Institute maintains a 20-year National Labour Development Plan covering health, education, housing, and industrialisation.”




The policy is designed to have a leadership pipeline through the Labour Direct Fellowship. It has the capacity to train about 8,809 ward coordinators annually in budget analysis, community organising, and parliamentary procedure.




While running evidence-based politics, it will publish the annual State of Nigerian Labour Report using National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), ILO, and NLC data to set national discourse, similar to the UK’s Institute for Public Policy Research.




Dr Agada maintained that the required results would bring ideological custodianship, which prevents policy drift by maintaining the Labour ‘Red Book’—a codified set of non-negotiable principles on privatisation, minimum wage, and public ownership, akin to Clause IV of the UK Labour Party Constitution.




Consequently, in the United Kingdom, the Labour Party’s durability rests not just on unions but on institutions like the Fabian Society, which drafted the original welfare state proposals that became the NHS and council housing.




The TUC Economics department provides shadow cabinets with costed manifesto alternatives each election cycle. Additionally, Labour Together and Policy Network are think tanks established in 1884 that stress-test policies for electability and fiscal credibility.




The Labour Institute of Nigeria adapts this tripartite model: Movement plus Research plus Governance. It ensures that when labour candidates win, they inherit tested systems, not empty manifestos.




“It is a digital ward congress system with 12,047 verified member endorsements, ensuring bottom-up candidate legitimacy. It is a standardised service delivery benchmark for all LIN-elected LGA Chairmen on primary healthcare, schools, and market." infrastructure.


“It is also designing Nigeria’s framework for oil-sector decarbonisation without mass job losses, in partnership with NUPENG and PENGASSAN.”


Further highlighting the plans, Dr Agada remarked that the Institute is accountable to the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress through an annual Labour Policy Conference. The NLC and TUC occupy 40 per cent of board seats, ensuring that policy originates from workers, not consultants.

Minimum wage cries Envelope the air in Abuja as Nigeria marks June 12 Democracy Day (VIDEO)

THE SAD REALITIES OF JUNE 12, 2024 ANNIVERSARY IN A NIGERIA OF ANYTHING GOES!

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Ajaero And Osifo Trojans Of Now: Thanks To NLC and TUC For Raising The Progressive Bar

Let no one call them names, they have raised the Progressive Bar remarkably high, perhaps the highest since the 2012 Ojota Fuel Hike protestation. Yours sincerely was heavily involved in that siege against Jonathan's Administration (in fact I addressed the rally in Ojota several times through the near two weeks of that popular action), a siege that was supported in cash and kind by the present watchman President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Against formidable attrition and debauchery, against the threat of jail and imprisonment, against a government that is squandamania oriented, and against a government sold to propaganda and gaslighting, they rose, they mobilized and shut down the nation with intent to call government to address the need for living wage, and they did so effectively, effectually and efficiently for 48 hours. I'm impressed and enamoured by the commitment of the NLC and the TUC to Take Back Our Country for good with the call for Living Wage as veritable weapon. Kudos.

Also impressive is the suspension of the Strike (Industrial Action) with a timeline. In 5 days time if the negotiation for Living Wage for Nigerian Workers remains a hard-call for government, the Civil Society, the Progressive left and the Nigerian Studentry must join forces with organized Labour to rescue the soul of our nation from the hoard of rampaging buccaneers feasting on our collective patrimony with reckless abandon.

In the one year of the present watch, the government has shown an uncanny predilection to wastage and wanderlust. See instances and questions that dominate the social media space and ask yourself why the government is slow about the need for a healthy minimum wage for the Nigerian worker whereas on all fronts it has shown an unbriddled penchant for profligacy. READ..

® N90B for Hajj.

-N4B Cars for BAT.

-N2B Cars for RAT.

-N58B SUVs for NASS.

-N37m Monthly for NASS

-N7B for Shettima's House.

-500m for each NASS member.

-N3TN budget padding by NASS.

But you say the NLC doesn't deserve at least N150,000 monthly salary? - Author Unknown.

Reading further one would wonder why the present watch appears impervious to logic, they appear completely focussed on mendacious inveigle and perfidy, with soulless propaganda as chief BUT I'm glad for Trojans Ajaero and Osifo, and I'm thankful to providence that hurricane TUC and NLC is here. READ...

©In as much as I believe the 1000% minimum wage increment that NLC is seeking is outrageous and untenable, the FG needs to answer some vital questions:

1. What are we doing with a bi-camera legislature? Why do we need the Senate and the House of Representatives?

2. What are we doing with a Presidential Yacht, and why do we need a Presidential fleet of 10 airplanes?

3. Why was there a 300% increment on the salaries of Federal Judges, and why did the FG need to buy new SUVs for Ministers, Senators and Members of HoR?

4. Where did the FG get over ₦80 billion to finance the needless foreign trips of the President and his Vice within a year?

5. Where did the FG get the ₦100 billion used to finance the Muslim pilgrimage in 2024?

Until the FG is able to provide answers to these pertinent questions, they have no right or moral justification not to increase the minimum wage by at least 200%. Credit: Femi Falana SAN.

Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, we must therefore rise up and organize rather than agonize. We must close ranks and forge ahead with the NLC and TUC rather than break ranks. We must show to those who criticize and oppose our cause that the Hallmark of Patriotism is a critical mass, and proactive opposition. Once again I salute organized Labour for rising to be counted.

'E Soweto E Africa... Solidarity Forever!!

Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.

Convener COUNTRYFIRST MOVEMENT.

Strike Action: Governor Adeleke Commends Judicial Workers, Says His Arbitration Yielded Results

Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended the Judiciary Workers Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) for calling off its three months old strike action, describing the resolution as “a direct outcome of his arbitration”

Speaking on the reopening of the court system in Osun state, the Governor noted series of positive interventions by the executive arm of government and affirmed that he almost breached the concept of separation of powers to get the dispute resolved.

“ We all know the executive should not intervene in judicial matters. We are all aware the issues are centred on human resource management and sundry operational matters. I believe all along that the judicial management in the state should take up the matter.

“This expectation was not fulfilled. So, I was compelled to act because the matter was degenerating and negatively affecting administration of justice in the state.

“ At first, I ordered fresh re-payment of the withheld salaries of some judicial staff, hoping this would put an end to the strike. But, the dispute persisted over other issues such as wardrobe allowance and other operational questions.

“ I was unjustly accused by many including of my brother comrade in Lagos until Chief Ozhekome voluntarily interevene to set the records straight. The fact was that the issue is basically an employer - employee dispute. 

“In response to public outcry and appeal from well-meaning Nigerians, I acted again by setting up a high powered Resolution Panel chaired by the Secretary to the State Government. I gave them a seven day ultimatum.

“On the seventh day, the panel got the stakeholders to sign a resolution agreement. To fast-track implementation, I immediately ordered payment of ward robe allowance, which is one of the key demands. I am happy the union called off the strike despite the fact that some of the items on the agreement are yet to be implemented by the management of the judiciary in the state”, the Governor narrated.

Governor Adeleke therefore appealed to signatories to the agreement to abide by its terms to ensure lasting peace in the judicial sector.

According to the Governor, all signatories must demonstrate good faith and ensure a new lease of life for judicial workers in Osun state.

Signed:

Mallam Olawale Rasheed,

Spokesperson to the State Governor

Osun State : Governor Adeleke Pays Another Half Salary Debt, Says Osun Fund is under Judicious Management

The Governor of Osun State Ademola Adeleke has approved the payment of another batch of  half salary debt with workers currently receiving alerts statewide.  A statement signed by the spokesperson to the Governor Mallam Olawale Rasheed confirmed this.

It reads in part;

The salary debt of almost N30 billion was owed by the previous government of the All Progressive Congress(APC). The liability also includes about N56 billion pension debt also owed workers by the previous APC government.

Governor Adeleke on assumption of office however announced a comprehensive template to pay up both the pension and half salary debts to alleviate the pains and sufferings of workers and their dependents.

The salary and pension debts have since been paid on a quarterly basis in line with a template accepted by both workers and government.

The current alerts for this quarter’s half salary debt  follow payment last week of wage awards to workers and pensioners in the state.

Speaking on the new development, Governor Adeleke said he is committed to settling the pension and salary debts, noting that his administration will not trade workers’ welfare for any other thing.

“I am clearing the mess I met on ground. I am paying off the half salary and pension debts. Yes, we cannot watch our people suffering and unattended to. Ours is a compassionate government. We are focussed on making positive impacts on our people.

“The state fund and accruals are being judiciously managed. We are not a thieving government. Ours is about accountability, transparency and due process. Our funds are going into tangible programmes and policies to alleviate the suffering of our people”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

Osun Judiciary Strike: Adeleke Hosts Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, Seeks Resolution of Strike Action

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has again called for amicable resolution of the ongoing strike action by the Osun State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, expressing unhappiness about the hold up in the justice administration due to the industrial action.

Mallam Olawale Rasheed who is the spokesperson to the Governor confirmed this in a statement. 

The statement reads in part;

Speaking while hosting a delegation of the national leadership of the judicial union led by its President, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, Governor Adeleke narrated his interventions to resolve the strike to include the payments of the withheld salaries of some judicial workers and negotiations with the union on their wardrobe allowances.

Describing the dispute as purely a judicial matter, Governor Adeleke said the subject matter of the industrial action has nothing to do with the executive arm of government, stressing that his intervention was to avoid further delay in the state’s justice administration system.

“I thank you for visiting Osun state. We value your interventions. I have tried to address some of the issues but most of them are not within my purview. Your presence in Osun will speed up the resolution efforts.

“As the national body, help us interface with all the parties to find amicable resolutions. You have my full support for this assignment “, the Governor told the team.

Responding, the JUSUN national president described the industrial action and the protracted paralysis of the Osun judiciary as ‘unfortunate’, citing his previous sickness as responsible for his late intervention.

“We are in Osun state to find a lasting solution. I will meet all stakeholders and I assure Mr Governor that industrial peace would soon be restored to the state judiciary”, the National President who was accompanied by his national.officers noted.

EFCC Plans Workshop to Eradicate Pension Fraud in Nigeria

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in collaboration with stakeholders in the Pension Industry, is organizing a two day Sensitization Workshop with the theme: Eradication of Pension Fraud in Nigeria.

According to the Chairman of the Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, the workshop scheduled for October 5 and 6, 2021, at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, is expected to serve as a platform for sensitization and practical exchange of information on how best to eradicate Pension Fraud in Nigeria.

Bawa further said the workshop would help highlight the areas of corrupt practices in Pension Administration and collectively develop strategies to curb the menace threatening the country’s pension schemes.

The workshop is expected to be graced by Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); Anti-corruption agencies; Members of the Legislature and National Pension Commission (PenCom). Other participants expected at the workshop include officials from the Military Pension Board; Police Pension Board; Pension and Records, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation; Federal Ministry of Finance; Budget Office; National Union of Pensioners (NUP); Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, (PTAD); Retirement Benefit Advisors; Pension Fund Administrators and Civil Society Organisations.

By EFCC