Labour
NLC Crisis: Need For Urgent Settlement
L-R: Newly elected chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kaduna State Council, Ephraim James, Deputy Chairman, John Adaji and Treasurer, Danladi Yahaya, during the 11th NLC state delegates conference in Kaduna, recently.
The Nigeria Labour Con
gress (NLC), one of the umbrella bodies of trade unions in Nigeria is a non-partisan public organisation, which unites on a voluntary basis, workers and other employees of all occupations, irrespective of race, nationality, sex or religious beliefs. It is the organising and directing force of Nigerian workforce and mobilises them for the struggle to build a verile industrial society.
It is only possible to understand the part actually played by the trade union under the Nigerian democratic system if the relationship between the unions are borne in mind. A knowledge of history can be very useful in understanding the situation in present day Nigeria.
In Nigeria, a workers’ body existed before there were any real trade
unions and the economic struggle was combined with political action.
The founding fathers of trade unionism in Nigeria had earlier emphasised that working class action must be both social and political, especially after the industrial revolution in the coal city of Enugu. They worked out a coherent doctrine on the position of the trade unions on what to be done. On this vital issue, the government and the trade unionists were at loggerheads. The government was against trade union political posture and against trade unionism on the Nigerian model, and against any opportunistic approach. At last, the government, however, was in favour of trade union neutrality towards a workers’ political party and clung to a reformist rather than a revolutionary doctrine, and a resolution on the trade union struggle was passed.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the past two months has been embroiled in an avoidable rift, which is almost rendering it ineffective to speak in one voice on issues affecting the workforce.
The disagreement and division in 23 out of the 36 affiliate unions of the NLC, including the NLC itself arose from issues centering on corruption and electoral malpractices. The leadership of the NLC in most states and the nation has over the years failed to live up to workers’ expectations and denied the country of actions that would have enhanced economic growth.
The situation now in the NLC is open to question as they have changed and found themselves in different circumstances.
They now operate a democracy with opposition instead of a ‘one-party democracy’. The union no long operates a government with the consent of members but a government by sectional members. This is a serious matter. Even at the state branches, there is no democratic structure. The branches are the basic building blocks of the whole democratic structure of trade unions. All these have added up to the death of democracy in trade unions, which calls for a steady update and other restrictions on union officialdom in Nigeria.
Trade unions were designed to be highly democratic institutions and their notion of democracy was government by the members with every member of a national executive belonging to a local branch. The branches submit motions to a national conference and, if passed, they become union policy. No official of a union is free to fly in the face of rules and union officials are compelled to observe their union’s constitution. The European Trade Union (ETU) in 1961, after finding its executives guilty of electoral malpractice changed all of them.
In other countries, trade union executives are judged by their members according to their success or failure in obtaining specific objectives.
In the case of Nigeria, union executives do all fraudulent things with impunity.
Trade unions have three primary objects such as to improve members’ wages and conditions through collective bargaining, to further their members’ interests through political activity; and to provide welfare benefits, but the immediate past executive of the Rivers State NLC was very far from those objectives. This was less important to them hence the rift that tore the state branch apart.
The duty of union executives is to sign agreements on matters concerning their members and decide when to take industrial action if the need arises. Union executives are supposed to rule with the consent of their members and have in mind all the eventualities that the members have not foreseen. This boosts the power and prestige of the officials. Any union that resorts to waiting for government for action would miss many opportunities to influence government policy that affects workers.
A responsible union executive must use their judgement to represent the best interests of their members. It will not be in the good interest of workers that the NLC should operate with oppositions rather than working as ‘a one-party democracy’ recognized by the governments both at the state and national levels.
It will be absurd to see the NLC operate parallel leaderships at this time when the country is transiting to a new democratic regime. Any union leadership that exists as a dead wood or does not carry the obvious implications for union policy should be discarded. They must perform their functions to the benefits of members and not as anarchists who object to union objectives. The NLC should not allow itself degenerate to such.
Unfortunately, the objectives of NLC leaders are now open to doubt given that both national and state branches or the officials take a good deal upon themselves when dealing with governments. From what is happening among union leaders in this country one can only conclude that many trade union members do not believe the opinions voiced on their behalf. Also from the happenings recently, the NLC has been involved in deep corruption that has cut across its body system. In the face of this type of evidence, there is a case for formal opposition within the trade union government, and workers are now compelled to lose confidence in the union and its executives, which means that some workers may wish to give up their union membership. Afterall, union membership is not under compulsion and it is not reasonable to suppose that all members enrolled under these circumstances are necessarily in agreement with a union’s stated objectives.
In fact, Nigerian trade union leaders have appeared to be out of line with a very substantial proportion of their members and there is no proof of unity of interest in the union any longer. Indeed, there is a clear case to be made for the urgent reconciliation of all the aggrieved parties at all levels of the NLC before it grinds to a halt. This goes with the dictum that a house that is divided among itself will fall, just as when things fall apart the centre cannot hold. It is important to ensure a much greater unity of interest among the NLC members. A permanent opposition will appear to be irreconcilable with the very nature of the trade union, which is expected to achieve concerted action on behalf of its members with a special set of interests.
The role of government
In theory, the government is a third party to industrial relations and intervenes in special circumstances. When there is dispute between union (employees) and employers, which are the principal parties, the government owes a duty to wade in to settle their differences. Democratic governments were established in Nigeria after powerful trade unions but the third party theory was hatched under conditions in which unions had no reason to trust government in terms of freedom and better welfare package coupled with the deliberate exclusion of the working class from political life. Some special circumstances warrant government intervention into matters that otherwise would have to be best left to free collective bargaining.
The current rift in the Rivers State NLC requires government intervention to restore peace among the leaders and members. Since government regulates terms and conditions of employment in a comprehensive manner, it is also expected that it intervenes in such matters as being experienced currently in the NLC as a body of its employees. Also, since governments are not only concerned with the welfare of workers or trade union members, it is needful for them to wade into the present crisis in the union across the country in order not to divide their actions into the real executives and the oppositions.
There is no doubt that trade union members are into conflict amongst themselves both at states and national for one reason or another, so it behoves the government to call the concerned groups to a round-table discussion with a view to reconciling them so that it understands the relevant body it can deal with. Dealing with a faction of the union portrays government as taking side, which is not right in the eyes of the public. If the unions cannot settle and protect themselves and their members, government could sue for the return of peace among them. Giving preference to a particular faction will lead to endless battle and government will not be satisfied that it is dealing with a trade union, which is involved in the economic development of the nation or state.
There is a chink in the union’s armour through which the precepts of common law may penetrate but when government and the unions think that the gap between them is unbridgeable, this throws the whole issue back into doubt. The role of government in the NLC crisis is clear enough so it could vouchsafe to the union to play the game by the rules. It is the government and trade unions that run the economy in partnership, so to a certain extent, therefore, the government has the responsibility to address any dispute arising therein to balance the status of trade unions.
Shedie Okpara
Breaking into any field isn’t easy, especially now when so many companies have taken a hit from COVID and are in the process of changing their operations. New graduates are likely going to face intense competition in a job market filled with recently unemployed people, many of whom have serious credentials and work experience that makes them viable candidates. Downsizing on a more practical front includes reducing the number of entry-level employees, which could make a college graduate with no experience feel like they’ll never get hired.
Although you do have a six-month grace period to start paying your student loans, it’s natural to worry what you’ll do if you don’t find a good paying job by then. In the event you are still unable to lock down a stable income, you may consider refinancing your student loans to save money. Refinancing can modify the interest rate and terms of your loan to make them more manageable, especially if you’re not earning enough to even be financially secure. Before you worry about loans, though, here are three things to keep in mind while you’re applying to jobs.
Focus on Skills, Not Job Descriptions
If you don’t have any relevant work experience, focus on what you know how to do, instead. The goal of a resume isn’t to show employers what you’ve done but rather what you can do for them. While prior experience is always great, you shouldn’t let it deter you from really selling yourself as a talented, eager candidate. In the event your experience was not in a related field, try to draw out any details from your responsibilities that carry over. Align your resume to each job’s specific needs, which will drastically improve your chances of getting a callback. Avoid turning in the same resume to different employers; even if you only change the wording on a few lines, it shows you care enough to read what an employer wants.
Don’t Say No to Internships
You may think interning is for undergrads, but it actually might be your ticket to a full-time position. Interning isn’t for everyone, and if the gig is unpaid, it certainly won’t work for a lot of people. But most internships function more like temporary jobs, which means you are paid hourly or given a fixed amount for working a set amount of time.For recent college graduates, internships can provide the experience, skills and connections they need to qualify for positions in the field of choice. You may also find a mentor in one of the company’s employees who can give you insider knowledge and teach you things that you’d never have found out on your own. Many jobs also promote interns into employees if they perform well enough. So, it may not be your first choice, but if you’re looking for work and considering a part-time job anyway, it’s worth considering.
Stay Connected to Your Fellow Alumni
Your university’s alumni community will allow you to network with other graduates who have found work in your desired field. They can offer you tips, provide some sound advice and possibly even recommend you for positions in their own company. Sometimes, job recruiters even check out alumni groups at universities to find candidates that are available for immediate start. Make that point clear whenever you mention you’re looking for a job.
Inflation is a rise in the price levels in relation to goods available leading to endless fall in an economy’s purchasing power over a period of time. It measures the proportion of the rate at which the normal price level of goods and services rise over time in an economy. Nigeria has been experiencing increased levels of inflation since the pandemic broke.
The world is currently fighting COVID-19 that has greatly affected many countries and the world at large, that has measures put in place to suppress the virus. Not only did these measures help curb the spread of the novel virus, but it has also reduced the performance of many economies, businesses and health systems of countries. Currently, more than 3,000,000 people got infected worldwide, with almost over 220,414 people dead. 44 people died in Nigeria from the virus with 255 recoveries. This has had a drastic effect on Nigeria’s economy, which saw its peak in March when the first case was recorded. In March, the CPI recorded a 0.84% rise in month-on-month inflation rate in Nigeria, which was a 0.5% increase from the previous month.
The inflation rate in Nigeria has continually been on an increase from month-on-month and year-on-year rates and several financial experts in Nigeria express their concerns about it and are calling for the currency’s stabilization. A majority of forex traders are particularly unaware about the state of the currency at a given period of time, especially beginners who rely on their brokers to update them on events plaguing the markets. The issues with FX broker comparison is that some brokers are more analytical than others when it comes to delivering information to their customers. While some brokers would prefer analyzing news before delivering it to a beginner trader, others just send out the news to their clients, without ensuring that the implications of the news are fully understood.
The average change in the percentage in both rural and urban areas in CPI of one year, ending in March 2020, over the CPI for the previous year till March 2019 was 11.62%. This shows a 0.08 increase rate of over 11.54% recorded in February 2020 for the same average.
In March 2020, the inflation rate in urban regions increased by 12.93% YoY; which was a 0.08 increase rate from 12.85% YoY change recorded in February 2020. With regards to the MoM rate, urban regions list increased by 0.88%, which is a 0.06 increase rate point from 0.82% recorded in earlier months.
This MoM development is generally caused by the prices of food to other consumer goods. Additionally, in March 2020, the inflation rate in the rural areas also increased by 0.03%, highlighting 11.64% from 11.61% in February 2020, which significantly contributed to the index prices of food. Simultaneously, there was a 0.80% increase in indices, at an additional 0.04 rate point from the 0.76% increase recorded earlier that month.
Statistics show that there was a rise in food prices that were brought about by an increase in costs of Potatoes, sweet potato, yams, fish, oils and fats, meat, fruits, bread and oats, and vegetables. There is currently volatility in the prices of all agricultural products, with the inflation rate steady at 9.98%, which is a 0.25% increase compared to the 9.73% recorded in March.
The highest inflation levels in Nigeria were recorded in bicycle prices, passenger transportation by sea and rates increased, medical services, medication, health services in general, and Major family equipment whether electronic or not. The most recent report suggests a quick rise in the prices of all products and services in the country, which was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and the continuation of the pandemic. It is worth noting that the most recent inflation rate implies that the buying capacity of customers has decreased.
On Tuesday morning, Nigeria’s Consumer Prices Index, also known as inflation massively increased in August 2020, by 13.22% as per information delivered by the National Bureau of Statistics. This indicates the twelfth continuous rise since September 2019 and the most noteworthy in 28 months reported by a business examination shows that information from the NBS August 2020 expansion.
Ringier One Africa Media has announced that Hilda Kabushenga Kragha, who was the Jobberman Nigeria CEO, as the new Managing director of ROAM Africa jobs.
ROAM connects Africans to opportunities. They empower people through transparency and are transforming markets with high technology. ROAM embraces diversity and it’s their key to success. Since the diverse backgrounds are driving them to innovations, they seek and hire people from all walks of life, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion. ROAM creates a business with real people.
Why do they stay at the highest level all the time? Because of teamwork and most importantly a passion for what they do. They believe that shaping future leaders ( as they accept MBA internship candidates ) with externship programs on an ongoing basis will lead to success.
ROAM Africa’s job brands are dominant recruitment solutions platforms in Africa, Including BrighterMonday in East Africa and Jobberman in West Africa (Focusing on Nigeria and Ghana). Hilda will take over from Kwaku Agbesi, who chose to fully focus on his role as CEO of Jobberman Ghana. In the future, he will give his full attention to the big potential of his home country.
Hilda joined Jobberman Nigeria as CEO in June 2019. Under her leadership, the brand has strengthened its position as Nigeria’s largest job platform with over 2 million job seekers and 68.000 employees.
Taking her new role in the company, she said that she was very excited to take her role within the ROAM family. Since the ROAM has been the leading industry in the market, with the power of technology, Hilda Kabushenga promises to increase workplaces and productivity by supporting employers to place them in the right places for them. With Africa’s growing youth population and employment opportunities, ROAM Africa is promising to bring transparency to Africa’s labor markets. This attitude is promising for Africans to work in a healthy environment, and it goes without saying that it will improve their livelihoods.
CEO of ROAM Africa, Clemens Weitz added that Hilda’s passion and concise vision will make her the ideal person for the role and a fantastic addition to the ExCo team. She really brings a wealth of experience whenever she goes. He also added that he is especially proud that the ExCo team is now chaired by female leaders, which is certainly an exception in Africa.
Hilda’s main focus will be to remain in Nigeria until the end of the year. She will start her job in January 2021.
Economy of Africa
The economy of Africa consists of the trading, industry, human resources, continent, and agriculture. As of 2019, 1.3 billion people were living in 54 countries of Africa. Africa is a very rich continent within resources.
Africa has been working hard lately to deepen intra-continent trade and integration. That’s why this country has the potential to grow and develop its impact on global reforms. Yet, for many African countries implementing trade facilitation reforms will require overcoming challenges such as supply constraints and slow economic growth. Uganda is slowly becoming a center of FX trading, because of the perfect space for investors to take a keen interest in trading deals.
Despite the global pandemic, more and more African traders are joining the forex market. The increase is also opening up new opportunities for investors in financial markets. African traders are exploring different options of trading since it is becoming the new era’s most popular field nowadays.
In that sense, many Africans are searching for a list of best forex brokers in Uganda 2020, since Uganda is already trading with countries like Kenya, South Sudan, Rwanda, Congo, Dem, Rep, and Italy.
The path to economic diversification
The debate on the benefits of trading has dominated this decade. Africa has cast its vote for better trade with itself. In march of 2018 African countries signed a landmark trade agreement, the African Continental free trade area Agreement (AfCFTA), which commits countries to remove tariffs on 90 percent of goods and progressively liberalize trades in services. This agreement created a single African market with over a billion consumers with a total GDP of over $3 trillion. Since Africa is one of the biggest trading areas in the world, people are more and more connected with their lives to trading and are trying to make their life qualities better with trading.
AfCFTA is focusing on trading in goods and services, investments, intellectual property rights, and competition policy.
Can Africa do better with trading? With proper and trustworthy people, absolutely. A total of African exports have been increasing by about 10% from 1995 to around 17% for now.
ECA considers that African countries trade with themselves creating more knowledge about transfers and creates more value.
Trade diversification of exports is vital and it allows the countries to build resilience to movements in demand, due to economic downturns in importing countries and their price dips.