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Fuel Subsidy: FG’s meeting with NLC ends in deadlock

Published

3 days ago

September 19, 2023

Fuel Subsidy: FG’s meeting with NLC ends in deadlock

The meeting between the federal government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) ended in deadlock, on Monday.

The meeting which was convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, failed to address any of the issues raised by Congress as reasons for the proposed strike.

Briefing the journalists after the meeting, Lalong expressed optimism that though it could not immediately address the issues raised by the Nigerian workers, most of their concerns will be resolved before the deadline.

“I fully acknowledge and appreciate the invaluable role the NLC plays in championing for the rights and welfare of our workers.

“Your dedication and tireless advocacy have been critical in shaping a fair and inclusive work environment, and ensuring the wellbeing of our workforce.

“We acknowledge the valid grievances that have fueled the recent labour crisis, and we are committed to addressing them in a just and equitable manner.

“We must also recognize the economic realities that confront us. As we address the concerns of our workforce, we must be mindful of striking a balance that promotes economic growth and secures sustainable progress for our nation.

“Today, I call upon each one of you to join hands in an open-minded and constructive dialogue, enabling us to bridge any gaps that may exist between the interests of workers and the ultimate goal of driving economic advancement.

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“In the spirit of unity and with utmost commitment to the betterment of our nation, let us seize this opportunity to listen and understand one another.

“Together, let us explore innovative approaches, reimagining strategies that enhance working conditions and worker benefits while nurturing a robust economy,” Lalong stated.

He expressed optimism that a constructive dialogue which has just began will lead to resolution of the issues on the ground.

On his part, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the two-day warning strike earlier embarked on by the union was necessitated by frustration on the part of the working class.

Ajaero stated this at the commencement of a meeting called at the instance of Lalong.

Expressing his displeasure on the way government was handling the palliative scheme amidst the subsidy removal policy, Ajaero said none of the demands raised by workers, which government pledged to meet has been met despite the two-day warning strike.

The apex Labour union said not that workers were keen on embarking on strike but recent developments in the labour sector, particularly the crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) where the police have taken over the secretariat leaves much to be desired.

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Before the meeting broke into a closed door session, Lalong had in his opening remarks said the country was witnessing teething challenges, marked by industrial actions and unrest that have adversely affected the economy.

“We had a meaningful discussion on issues relating to our demands. We equally discussed frankly on issues bordering on the coup plotted and executed by the Nigerian Police against the NURTW, which had led to the sideling of the democratically elected leadership of the union. Both parties agreed that to express concern about.

“This is one sore area that the Nigerian Trade Union is not ready to compromise is that coup must be condemned, whether it is in Niger, whether it’s in Congo, whether it’s in Mali or whether it’s in the trade Union movement in Nigeria,” he told newsmen.

When asked the specific issues considered at the meeting, Ajaero said: ” in the ultimatum we gave and in the NEC resolution, the issue of NURTW was clearly stated and it was at the time the issue has not degenerated the way it is now. That was why we had to bring it along with issues.

“On the other issues you can see that there were no agreement on any, there is no CNG anywhere and refineries are not working neither gas.

“Nothing has been done on the issue of wage award and cash transfer or the ASUU issues. However, we believe that between now and the next few days, when the ultimatum expires, something will happen.”

Related Topics:Featured FG fuel subsidy NLC

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Obi, Rabiu, Agabi among prominent Nigerians affected by Wike’s revocation of land in FCT

Published

3 hours ago

September 22, 2023

Trends Admin

Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike

Obi, Rabiu, Agabi among prominent Nigerians affected by Wike’s revocation of land in FCT

The Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has ordered the immediate revocation of 165 plots of land in the serviced districts of the Federal Capital City.

Some high profile individuals affected by the action include the presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi; former Governor of Cross River State, Senator Liyel Imoke; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Uffot Joseph Ekaette; former Justice of Supreme Court and chairman of the National Political Reforms Conference (NPRC), Late Justice Niki Tobi.

A report by THISDAY listed others aa former Justice of Supreme Court, Udoma Udo Udoma; two-time Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Kanu Agabi; Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu; former Chairman of Leadership Newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah and columnist Donu Kogbara, among others.

Obi’s plot of land in Katampe District was revoked, while Imoke plot of land in Maitama was also revoked.

The FCTA explained in a statement yesterday, that the revocation was premised on the failure of the allotted owners to develop the plots.

It added that the notice for the revocation as compiled by the Land Department was approved by Wike, due to continuous contravention of the terms of agreement as encapsulated.

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The FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adesola Olusade, said in a statement yesterday, that the revoked plots belong to individuals and corporate organisations, who have continually failed to keep to the terms of agreement as contained in Section 28(5) (a) & (b) of the Land Use Act.

The affected plots are situated within some districts in the FCC namely: Central Business District, Maitama (A05); Maitama (A06); Wuse II (A08); Gudu (B01) and Wuye (B03).

Others are Jabi (B04); Utako (B05); Katampe Extension (B19); Idu Industrial Area (C16) and Asokoro (A04) Districts respectively.”

The Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA hereby informs the general public that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him under Section 28(5)(a) & (b) of the Land Use Act 1978, revoked the underlisted plots with names and titles as reflected in our records for continued contravention of the terms of development of the Right of Occupancy to wit non-development,” Adesola said.

Also the Director Information and Communication FCT Mohammad Hayat Sule, stated in another statement last night that the revocation of the affected plots was approved by the Wike following the violation of the terms of Rights of Occupancy.

“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory has, in the exercise of the powers conferred on him under Section 28(5)(a) & (b) of the Land Use Act 1978 revoked the affected titles for continued contravention of the terms of development of the Right of Occupancy to wit non-development,” Sule said.

Wike had upon his appointment as minister vowed to revoke undeveloped plots and those whose ground rents had not been paid for years.

He recently gave allottees defaulting in the payment of their ground rent a two-week grace to pay their obligations or risk revocation of their allocations.

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NASDAQ: Tinubu 1st African President to ring closing bell

Published

4 hours ago

September 22, 2023

Trends Admin

NASDAQ: Tinubu 1st African President to ring closing bell

PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu on Thursday rang the bell at the National Association of Securities Dealers Automatic Quotation System (NASDAQ), becoming the first African Head of Government to do so.

The president rang the bell at the world’s financial capital, New York and became the first African President to perform such task.

NASDAQ is world’s second largest stock exchange.

Tinubu, while performing the task, was in company of some Nigerian business leaders and officials of the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. (NGX).

The President also used the opportunity, presented by the historic moment, to advance his foreign investment push in front of financial markets at the famous stock exchange.

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“It’s a great honour for me to be here. I am happy to bring Nigeria to your doorsteps and I am honoured that we are here, today, with a bubbling Nigerian stock market that will evolve in the West African sub-region.

‘’The greatest economy in Africa is Nigeria. There is an immense opportunity in Nigeria, where you can invest your money without fear,” the President said.

He said that his government would address longstanding problems and impediments, such as the recent economic policies taken since assumption of office in May.

He said these include restoration and unification of the foreign exchange rate market to a stable and trustworthy level.

According to him, this will allow new investors to bring their money and be free of worries about whether they can take it out at any point in time.

“You’re free to take in your money and bring out your money. I count on you to invest in Nigeria,” the President said.

NASDAQ: Tinubu 1st African President to ring closing bell

(NAN)

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Mohbad represents millions of Nigerian youths without proper mentors – Lagos Pastor

Published

5 hours ago

September 22, 2023

Trends Admin

Pastor Godman Akinlabi, Mohbad

Mohbad represents millions of Nigerian youths without proper mentors – Lagos Pastor

The Senior Pastor of the Elevation Church in Lekki, Lagos, Godman Akinlabi, has stated that the life and death of the late Nigerian singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji, popularly known as Mohbad, reflect a lack of adequate mentorship.

Newstrends reports that Mohbad passed away on September 12 under controversial circumstances that have left Nigerians, the Lagos state government, and security agencies searching for answers.

Folakemi Falana of the Falana Falana Chambers alleged on September 18, in a letter to the Chief Coroner of the Lagos State High Court, that the deceased showed no signs of illness before leaving home and even performed at a show in Ikorodu but died hours after his performance.

Mohbad was hastily buried, but authorities exhumed his body on Thursday to conduct an autopsy to determine the cause of his death.

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However, in a Facebook Reel video on Thursday night, Pastor Akinlabi said that the narrative surrounding the singer’s life might actually be representative of what many young people are facing – a lack of proper mentorship and protection.

“Mohbad represents millions of exposed young men and women whose lights have been dimmed or extinguished due to the absence of the right mentors to guide and protect them in different phases and seasons of their lives.

“Intimidation and abuse often occur, even within the church. It goes unchecked because the victims are vulnerable, lacking the right support in the form of a mentor to look out for them and shield them from predators and destructive lifestyles,” the cleric said.

He went on to challenge everyone on his newsfeed to seek out a younger person to mentor on the right path.

“Treat them kindly. Speak words of life and healing to them. Protect them. Help them grow into the men and women God has destined them to be. May God bless you as you do.

“It’s not enough to simply call for justice for Mohbad. Let’s take this as a sign to treat other people, especially the vulnerable, more kindly,” he added, calling for justice for the late singer.