Editorial
ASUU: One Strike, Too Many
Recent threats to embark upon a fresh industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may be a pointer that the industrial peace currently enjoyed in Nigerian universities would soon be disrupted. After the Federal Government failed to implement agreements reached with the union, ASUU warned that its members would soon down tools.
ASUU has been voicing its opposition to unpaid arrears of academic allowances and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) issues, as well as the selective payment of wages the union calls “government contractors”. The strike might commence after the next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting. The union noted that the government had only reached one of the nine agreed items.
Other contentious matters are non-payment of members’ salaries for 14 to 16 months in some universities. ASUU also alleges arbitrary wage reductions which it refers to as “amputated wages”, among others. The situation is so deplorable that no lecturer knows what they will earn as salary each month. The resort to strike by university teachers over welfare issues has become a repeating decimal in the nation’s varsity system.
It is quite unfortunate that despite 22 years of democratic rule, no succeeding government has been able to find a lasting solution to the recurrence of strikes by university teachers in Nigeria. There is no doubting the fact that one of the major causes of educational backwardness in this country is the incessant strikes by ASUU, which are always precipitated by controversies between the government and lecturers.
The impending industrial action should be of great concern to every Nigerian. It is regrettable that the federal authorities have not respected the pacts concluded with the union since 2009. We plead with the government to act fast and do everything within its capacity to redeem the agreement it entered with ASUU that led to the suspension of the strike on December 24, 2020. If special consideration is given to education, there will be no place for strikes at public universities.
The federal government should henceforth, in the interest of the lasting stability of the nation, stop renouncing with impunity the strong and mutually beneficial indentures concluded with labour unions. The government’s constant failure to comply with agreements signed with unions which has become a recurring decimal is one of the major causes of the current strike by resident doctors, resulting in the dislocation of the health sector in the country.
There were indications that the Federal Government wanted the doctors’ strike to occur, with no thought given to its consequences for patients. The resident doctors made their demands in January of this year, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Government in March, with an addendum to it in April, following 10-day strike action. Then, they gave the government a four-week ultimatum in June, and finally struck indefinitely on August 2.
It is disturbing that state actors who have access to state funds are not concerned about the parlous state of education and the squalid condition of university teachers in Nigeria because they can easily send their children or wards abroad to receive quality education. Our leaders must realise that what can destroy Nigeria faster than bandits and insurgents is nothing more than the continued relegation of education.
Unending ASUU strikes and despicable treatment of university teachers may soon prompt many of them to leave Nigeria in droves like the medical doctors, and this brain drain is becoming a brain gain for even African countries. All the children of our frugal President and the so-called symbol of integrity have enjoyed the best of education in the United Kingdom where he too has preferred to be treated at their best hospitals.
What the university lecturers are asking for is not new and out of place. Therefore, it seems that slandering them for seemingly rejecting dialogue misses the point because their case is not a demand for talk, but a bargain that must be implemented. Any action at this stage should be well-intentioned and objective. In this respect, the National Assembly should intervene in the present imbroglio to avert the strike as it did in its laudable efforts to resolve the previous impasse.
Incessant industrial action by lecturers has been a bane of tertiary education in Nigeria. The impact of a lengthy strike on Nigerian students and the education sector as a whole cannot be overstated. Currently, the academic calendars of most public universities have been disrupted, making it impossible to cover course outlines before writing examinations. Many students have lost confidence in education and the education sector because of repeated strikes.
Globally, there is the usual giggling when our universities are mentioned and a quick link to the unstable academic calendar because of frequent strikes. This image denies graduates of our internationally esteemed institutions even when their value has not been proven by employment. In addition, top-performing universities looking to hire staff and exchange students will choose to partner with universities with stable academic calendars in other parts of Africa.
If Nigerian universities are nowhere in the ranking of the top 1,000 universities in the world, it may not be simply because of inadequate funding or infrastructure, but also because for large chunks of the academic year, university academic staff are on strike for legitimate reasons when they could be contributing scholarly growth that would propel our institutions into the list of some of the best in the world.
Time has come for the government to tackle the problems and end the cycle. This time it should not be looking for temporary but permanent solutions. Conversely, ASUU should lessen its hard stance and allow a win-win situation to prevail. The union should make requests based on their particular circumstances and that of the country. Let influential Nigerians and other stakeholders in the education sector intervene to abort the impending strike. The crisis requires a permanent solution.
Workers in the Rivers State civil service have been eulogising Governor Siminalayi Fubara for delivering on his promise to implement a new minimum wage of N85,000, which was reflected in the salaries paid for November. This increase is N15,000 higher than the national minimum wage of N70,000. This represents not only an enhancement in the financial welfare of civil servants but also a recognition of their hard work and dedication to public service. The raise has been met with widespread jubilation among the workforce, who have long advocated for a better wage to cope with rising living costs and economic challenges.
As the news spread, offices filled with laughter and sigh of relief, as employees exchanged stories of how this financial boost would positively impact their families and dependants. The new minimum wage is not just a number; it symbolises the government’s commitment to improving the standards of living for civil servants and fostering a more equitable workforce. Many workers expressed their gratitude for the governor’s timely intervention, highlighting how important it is for public servants to feel valued and adequately renumerated.
Governor Fubara’s decision is expected to reinforce morale within the civil service, fostering greater productivity and dedication among employees who contribute significantly to the state’s development. With the new wage in place, there is a renewed sense of optimism among civil servants, who now feel more empowered to serve the government and the citizens with greater enthusiasm and commitment.
The Governor had declared an increase in salaries for state workers, emphasising that this adjustment is not only a reflection of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its employees but also a strategic move fueled by the state’s enhanced Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). He assured workers that the financial backing for this increment is sustainable, stemming from the state’s focused efforts to bolster revenue through various initiatives, including tax reforms and enhanced efficiency in public service delivery.
Furthermore, the governor’s promise of funding the increment solely through increased IGR signifies a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. It reassures the people that the government is proactively managing resources while investing in their future. As the state continues to explore opportunities for revenue enhancement, Fubara’s administration remains focused on ensuring that these initiatives translate into tangible benefits for the workforce, ultimately fostering a more motivated and dedicated public sector.
The decision by Fubara to be the first in Nigeria to implement the new national minimum wage is a commendable step that reflects a proactive approach to governance and an understanding of the pressing needs of the workforce. In an economy where many families struggle to make ends meet, especially in the face of rising living costs, this enterprise will improve the quality of life for workers and also set a precedent for other states to follow.
In recognising the various drives and support provided by Fubara’s government, it is necessary that the workers reciprocate by embodying a spirit of productivity and commitment to the current administration’s goals. They should align their daily operations with the administration’s objectives to enhance effectiveness and foster an environment of collaboration and trust. This reciprocal relationship can lead to innovative solutions and efficient service delivery, ultimately benefiting the state and strengthening public trust in government institutions.
Surprisingly, despite the political challenges the government has been navigating, alongside the myriad of ambitious projects it is embarking on, it has managed to raise funds to implement a minimum wage of N85,000 This achievement reflects a commendable level of resilience and resourcefulness within the government’s fiscal strategies. In a nation often marred by economic volatility and political discord, finding a way to sustain and even elevate the livelihoods of its employees is no small feat.
Workers in the state have truly found themselves in a remarkably advantageous position under this administration, especially when compared to the previous regime. The immediate past government’s blatant refusal to implement the minimum wage of N30,000 left many employees disheartened and struggling to meet their basic needs. What was even more disconcerting was the absence of meaningful negotiations with labour representatives, leaving workers feeling unheard and undervalued. In contrast, the present administration has prioritised dialogue and engagement with labour unions, recognising the importance of fair wage for workers’ contributions to the state’s economy.
With the current government’s commitment to improving wages and working conditions, it is clear that a major shift has taken place. This renewed focus on the welfare of workers empowers them and instils a sense of hope and optimism for the future, as they can now look forward to a more equitable and supportive work environment. Ultimately, the ongoing trajectory suggests a promising era for labour relations in the state, one where workers are valued and their rights upheld.
Siminalayi Fubara has consistently demonstrated his dedication to workers’ welfare since taking office in May last year. Unlike his predecessor, who left many employees feeling overlooked and unsupported, Fubara wasted no time in addressing the longstanding stagnation of promotions that had plagued the workforce for eight years. He took further steps towards financial justice by initiating the long-overdue payment of gratuities that were neglected during the last administration.
Similarly, we urge the governor to take another step forward by reviewing the stipends received by pensioners. The current pension amounts have become woefully inadequate, leaving many of them who dedicated their lives to public service struggling to make ends meet. These dedicated individuals who have contributed to the development of our dear state now find themselves in a precarious financial situation, receiving stipends that are alarmingly low and insufficient to cover basic living expenses. The rising cost of living has rendered their pensions nearly meaningless. Therefore, a comprehensive reevaluation of these stipends is a required measure to ensure that those who have served our state with honour can live their remaining years with dignity and security.
In a report from the National Pension Commission (PenCom), it was disclosed that only 26 states in Ni-
geria have implemented the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), two decades after the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2004 was passed. The report highlights the inconsistent espousal of the CPS across states, with some states partially adopting the scheme, others not yet participating, and some facing challenges in getting the bill approved in their state legislative assemblies.
In 2012, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of former Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, embarked on a critical initiative by enforcing the Contributory Pension Scheme. This strategic move aimed to establish a sustainable pension system by requiring contributions from both the employer and the employee. The arrangement was designed to ensure that employees have a secured and reliable source of income post-retirement, fostering financial security and stability for the workforce.
Following the introduction of the plan, the government adopted a three-year transition that aimed to fully implement the scheme by 2015. During this transition period, the authorities focused on educating both employers and employees about the benefits and responsibilities of the CPS. This included workshops, seminars, and public awareness campaigns to ensure that all stakeholders were well-informed about the scheme.
The creation of the CPS represents an important milestone in the ongoing efforts to overhaul and enhance the state’s pension system, aiming to establish a more robust and secure retirement savings framework for its workforce. The primary objectives of the CPS are to effectively tackle the inherent shortcomings of the former pension system, including limited coverage, insufficient benefits, and financial uncertainty. This strategic framework is designed to ensure that employees receive sustainable and dependable retirement benefits.
However, to ensure fairness and protect the rights of all workers, it is imperative that the effective date of the contributory pension law be prospective, applying only to workers hired in or after 2012. This would allow those employed before 2012 to continue to benefit from the provisions of theDefined Benefit Scheme (DBS), while ensuring that new hirees are subject to the updated pension provisions.
Unfortunately, the pension programme has experienced several challenges. Despite monthly deductions being taken from civil servants’ salaries for their counterpart funding, the government has not fulfilled its obligation to contribute its share. This has impeded the advancement of the scheme and has left many civil servants without sufficient pension arrangements upon retirement.
As a result, the state pension law has undergone multiple revisions to address the issue of retiring civil servants who ordinarily should be covered by the contributory scheme. The amendments have aimed to accommodate these individuals within the DBS which provides a guaranteed level of pension, based on years of service and salary grade level.
The inability of the contributory pension scheme to gain traction has sparked worries about the long-term viability of the state pension system. The absence of government contributions has resulted in a funding shortfall that jeopardises the government’s capacity to fulfil its pension commitments to employees in the future.
Even if the CPS was created to address the perceived shortcomings and lack of sufficient funding of the DBS by combining funds from employers and employees’ contributions to pension funds custodians, retirees under the scheme have not experienced better outcomes than those who retired under the DBS. On the contrary, the execution of the CPS is different from what its advocates led employees to expect.
The complaints regarding the implementation of the CPS are varied and concerning. Retirees are underpaid despite years of dedicated service, with some having served for the mandatory 35 years. Corruption is rampant within the system, and many state governments and employers are not complying with the provisions of the Reform Act, 2014. Labour leaders in the country have criticised the scheme as being anti-workers and retirees welfare. The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has even called for the scheme to be scrapped, labelling it as a “huge fraud.”
Similarly, we urge the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, to completely abolish the contributory pension scheme in the state, as it will not benefit civil servants. We are particularly concerned about the future of workers who will retire under this scheme, especially since the current legislation allowing for the Defined Benefit Scheme will be obsolete in June next year, when the contributory pension law will be effective.
Moreover, the state government is deducting and remitting workers’ contributions to the pension scheme, but failing to contribute their own counterpart funds as required by law. This action is a violation of the rights of contributors as outlined in section 4(1) of the Pension Reform Act 2014. According to this section, employers are mandated to contribute a minimum of 10 per cent of an employee’s monthly salary to their pension fund administrators. Employers are also required to deduct a minimum of eight per cent from the employee’s salary and remit it to the fund administrator.
A government that supports labour rights, like the current one, should not allow workers to suffer from a failed retirement scheme. Workers who are close to retirement age should not have to face unnecessary challenges. The failure of the scheme is evident from the number of agencies that have withdrawn from it. Therefore, it is important for the state leadership to revoke the legislation.
Unlike previous administrations that may have disregarded the experiences of workers in the state, the present government has consistently recognised and appreciated their contributions. The labour-friendly policies of this government have shown its dedication to the well-being of workers. However, the failed retirement scheme remains a critical issue that needs to be addressed.
Determined to make a difference in governance, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has signed an Executive Order aimed at the establishment of an investment agency. This initiative is poised to coordinate the growing number of enquiries and business interests expressed by local and foreign investors who now consider the state a destination of first choice. The Governor has endorsed Executive Order No. 002 of 2024, establishing the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency (RIPA), presented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dagogo Israel Iboroma, SAN.
The Governor explained that what he had just done was to give force to one of the recommendations in the report submitted to him by the committee that handled the organisation of the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit in May. He said it was undisputed that the summit served as a veritable platform to open up the state for economic advancement, adding that the Investment Promotion Agency would be a one-stop shop to handle all related activities seamlessly in the state.
Fubara said: “This will enable investors, when they come in; they won’t need to run around, and maybe, fall into wrong hands or associations that will want to rip them off their investment stakes. With this, they will have an agency that they could go to, liaise with and the agency will have the required answers to whatever it is that they will need to address concerns before it.”
It is common knowledge that Rivers State is rich in natural resources and has a thriving economy primarily driven by oil and gas. However, beyond these industries, there is an abundance of other untapped opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and technology. Yet, despite its wealth of resources, the state has faced numerous challenges such as infrastructural deficits, poor governance in the past, and an economy heavily reliant on oil. As a result, diversifying the economy has become obligatory.
This development is a significant step towards making Rivers State a premier investment destination, with the Agency expected to play a critical role in attracting and retaining businesses, creating jobs, and driving economic growth. Fubara’s action points to the fact that beyond organising the summit, his administration can live up to fulfilling its promise of making Rivers State great again, economically. Any wonder the Governor stated he was not going to end with the signing of the Executive Order alone but would drive it to a conclusive end to achieve the desired fulfilment that Rivers people expected.
The recent inauguration of RIPA’s board marks a watershed moment in the state’s economic trajectory. Fubara’s decision to set up the Agency reflects his administration’s commitment to reversing the economic decline that has plagued the state for years. By appointing a new board, the government aims to inject fresh ideas and perspectives into the establishment, promoting a culture of transparency, efficiency, and accountability.
Entrepreneurial drive is strong in our state, leading to the daily rise of small-scale enterprises and new entrepreneurs. In today’s world, aspiring business owners frequently face challenges like insufficient funding, limited access to information about available resources, bureaucratic obstacles, and a lack of supportive government policies. The current administration should acknowledge these challenges and be dedicated to stimulating a favourable investment climate.
While the Governor’s vision and the Agency’s efforts are critical, achieving sustainable economic transformation will require collective engagement from all stakeholders. The active participation of the community, local businesses, and civil society is essential for the realisation of these goals. Community involvement is pivotal in ensuring that the needs and aspirations of the populace are integrated into the economic policies and initiatives. Creating avenues for public participation not only empowers citizens but also nurtures a shared sense of responsibility towards the development of the state.
The role of the media cannot be understated in this collective effort. The media serves as a watchdog and an informer, ensuring that the government remains accountable and that citizens are aware of opportunities and challenges in the economic landscape. As with any ambitious vision, several challenges may impede the speed to economic transformation in the state. These challenges must be acknowledged and addressed to ensure that progress is sustainable. The government, alongside the Agency, must proactively identify the barriers and develop strategic solutions.
Corruption remains a vital hurdle in many sectors in Nigeria, and Rivers State is no exception. To combat this, the government must demonstrate unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability, ensuring that funds allocated for development are utilised effectively. Also, the state must prioritise infrastructure development, which is foundational to economic growth. By investing in modern infrastructure, the government can lay the groundwork for enhanced productivity and attract local and foreign investors, nourishing an environment conducive to economic development.
Fostering partnerships with international organisations and development agencies can provide valuable resources and expertise. Such partnerships can facilitate technology transfer, capacity building, and investment opportunities that enrich the local economy. Furthermore, the message of economic transformation must be communicated to all residents of the state. Building awareness and consensus around the vision for the state will galvanise support and encourage collective participation in the transformation endeavour.
Undeniably, Fubara’s leadership and vision have given Rivers people hope for a better economic future and his initiative has put the state on the path to realising its full potential. Its commitment to creating an investment-friendly environment is necessary to attract investors and stimulate economic growth. RIPA’s mandate to return Rivers State to its rightful place as an economically viable entity is a challenge that requires collective effort and support.