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AGF faults labour’s strike says it’s premature
AGF faults labour’s strike says it’s premature
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, has condemned the call to industrial action by organised labour describing it as “premature, ineffectual, and illegal.”
Fagbemi’s stern rebuke comes in response to the announcement made on May 31, 2024, by the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress declaring an indefinite nationwide strike action from June 3, 2024.
Highlighting the premature nature of the strike declaration, Fagbemi in a letter dated June 1 addressed to the leadership of the TUC, NLC emphasised that negotiations between the Federal Government and other stakeholders on determining a new national minimum wage had not reached a conclusive end.
He underscored the importance of considering the interests and capacities of all employers, including the organised private sector, in setting a minimum wage that benefits the entire working population.
Drawing attention to legal provisions, Fagbemi cited Sections 41(1) and 42(1) of the Trade Disputes Act 2004 (as amended), which mandate both NLC and TUC to issue mandatory strike notices of at least 15 days.
He argued that the failure of the labour unions to comply with these provisions renders their strike action illegitimate and unlawful.
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Furthermore, Fagbemi questioned the legality of the proposed strike action, pointing out that the labour unions had not initiated trade disputes with their employers or issued any strike notices as required by law.
He emphasized the gravity of non-compliance with the mandatory 15-day notice, highlighting the criminalization of such actions under Sections 41 and 42(1) of the Trade Disputes Act.
“I wish to further draw your attention to the fact that the conditions outlined by our national legislation for exercising the right to strike are in tandem with the International Labour Organization principles concerning the right to strike.
“It is the position of the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association that the obligation to give prior notice, obligation to have recourse to conciliation, mediation and (voluntary) arbitration procedures in industrial disputes, etc are prior prerequisites for declaring a strike, the AGF said.
Regarding the alleged ultimatum issued to the government by labour for the conclusion of negotiations, Fagbemi asserted that it did not meet the requirement of issuing a formal notice of strike action.
In addition, Fagbemi reminded organised labour of the interim injunctive order granted on June 5, 2023, which restrained both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action or strike. He emphasized that the order remains binding on the labour unions until overturned.
In light of these legal considerations, Fagbemi urged organized labour to reconsider their stance and return to negotiation tables, emphasizing the importance of pursuing their cause within the bounds of the law.
AGF faults labour’s strike says it’s premature
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Nigeria making progress in money laundering, terrorism financing fight – FATF
Nigeria making progress in money laundering, terrorism financing fight – FATF
According to the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Nigeria will exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list by early 2025.
The FATF acknowledged Nigeria’s progress during its June 2024 Plenary meeting in Singapore. Nigeria’s efforts to address anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing deficiencies have been recognized.
The Nigerian delegation at the Plenary included the EFCC Executive Chairman, the SCUML Director, and the NFIU CEO’s Chief of Staff.
A statement by Sani Tukur, Head of Strategic Communications at NFIU, confirmed Nigeria’s advancement and commitment to the Action Plan.
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It noted, “The Plenary approved two more upgrades. Nigeria has completed 30% of the Action Plan and is on track to exit the grey list by early 2025.”
Hafsat Abubakar Bakari reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to fully implementing the Action Plan and updated the Plenary on GIABA’s progress in strengthening its technical capacity.
Nigeria was placed on the grey list in February 2023. Exiting the list is expected to enhance Nigeria’s international reputation and attract foreign investment.
Nigeria making progress in money laundering, terrorism financing fight – FATF
News
Scrap LGs if govs won’t allow them to function, Audu Ogbeh tells FG
Scrap LGs if govs won’t allow them to function, Audu Ogbeh tells FG
Former Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh, has called on the federal government to consider scrapping the local government system if state governors continue to hinder its effective operation.
Ogbeh highlighted concerns over the inefficiency of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, citing issues of governance control and alleged mismanagement of funds by governors. He emphasized that little improvement has been seen despite calls for local government autonomy and recent legal actions against governors for misusing local government funds.
Speaking on the socio-political programme “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande” on Channels Television, Ogbeh, a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), expressed frustration over disappearing funds meant for local government administration. He criticized the lack of visible development projects despite significant federal allocations.
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“If we don’t want the local government system, let’s scrap it. But if allowed to function properly, it could be a fantastic system,” Ogbeh asserted.
He urged the federal government to withhold monthly allocations to states where governors appoint caretaker committees for local government administration, labelling such committees illegal according to Supreme Court rulings.
“Don’t send them cash; deduct their allocations and retain it,” Ogbeh insisted. He argued that governors failing to manage local government affairs adequately undermine national stability and development.
“These failures are creating dangerous problems for the country,” he concluded, emphasizing the urgent need for effective governance at the grassroots level to benefit all Nigerians.
Scrap LGs if govs won’t allow them to function, Audu Ogbeh tells FG
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Pension: Military begins three-month electronic verification of retired soldiers July 1
Pension: Military begins three-month electronic verification of retired soldiers July 1
The Military Pension Board (MPB) has announced the commencement of an Electronic Verification Exercise starting from July 1, 2024, aimed at all veterans who served commendably before retirement.
Chairman of the Board, Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson, revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja, highlighting that the exercise will span three months, concluding on September 30, 2024.
Irumheson emphasized the shift to electronic verification as essential due to the security risks associated with physical travel, particularly for elderly pensioners and those residing abroad who face high transportation costs.
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Following a successful pilot test conducted from February 19 to March 1, 2024, involving 2000 pensioners with only 15 participants encountering issues, Irumheson assured that the system was refined based on trial phase feedback.
“On behalf of the Military Pension Board, I declare the Electronic Verification Exercise open for all retired pensioners,” stated Irumheson. He underscored the importance of public awareness and education initiatives to effectively guide pensioners through the verification process.
The Board stressed that pensioners failing to participate in the electronic verification exercise risk non-payment of pensions in the future. The initiative has received approval from Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. CG Musa.
The MPB urged all retired military officers eligible for pensions to actively engage in the exercise to ensure a smooth continuation of pension disbursements.
Pension: Military begins three-month electronic verification of retired soldiers July 1
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