Editorial
Time To Resolve FG, Labour Impasse
President Bola Tinubu’s withdrawal of fuel subsidy during his inaugural speech on May 29 was a steely re-
solve well-made. But it has set the alarm bells reverberating. The decision sits nicely with the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and technocrats who had participated in protracted advocacy for it; but not so for the downtrodden, who understand particularly the unpleasant effects that progress with it.
A day after the announcement, all hell was let loose at petrol stations. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) rolled out a fresh price template for the commodity, which supplanted the N185 per litre, for between N448 and N557 across the 36 states of the country and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). But the retail marketers traded above the price dimension, for up to N800 per litre in some localities.
The organised labour’s expeditious and truculent reaction, with its threat of a nationwide strike, was not unforeseen. Its grouse was the non-consultation with varied stakeholders before the decision was reached and the paucity of measures put in place to insulate the deleterious effects of the price spike on workers. That the 2023 Appropriation Act (budget) captured fuel subsidy until the end of June made its precipitous and unilateral elimination further abhorrent to labour.
Earlier agreements snapped in the bud the planned 7th of June nationwide strike. These encompass the establishing of a joint committee to reconsider proposals on wage escalations; inclusion of low-income earners in the $800 million cash transfer programme; rehabilitation of the country’s ailing refineries; repair of highways, the $70 billion proposed fund for financing of the SMEs, among others.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) had in its separate consultations with the government’s team, presented a N200,000 minimum wage demand to replace the prevailing N30,000. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) endorsed it. However, finding a common ground on this proposition and the consequential adjustments on general wages to be conducted at both Federal and state levels will be convoluted.
Following a prolonged lag in winding up dialogues with the Federal Government regarding the implementation of subsidy incentives, labour resolved to call out workers in protest. They reached this step to communicate their dissatisfaction with the government’s unseriousness to engage in meaningful negotiations with the labour side. Tinubu’s moratorium in assembling a team is attributed to his filibustering in forming his government.
The government’s failure to agree on labour’s demands led to a recent two-day warning strike by workers. Following this, workers issued a 14-day ultimatum which expired last Friday. Labour leaders are now eager to confront the Federal Government, which may happen after their meeting tomorrow to determine the next course of action. The hasty removal of fuel subsidy, without adequate measures to alleviate its impact on Nigerians, reinforces concerns about President Tinubu’s readiness for effective governance.
The NLC acted within its rights as an organisation dedicated to workers’ welfare. Since the subsidy was withdrawn, life has not been easy for the average Nigerian. It has stoked inflation, at over 25 per cent. The inflationary spiral is already being felt in the over 200 per cent hike in transport fares. Frenetic discussions between labour and government representatives have not been producing any tangible advancement.
Organised labour is entitled to enlist in amicable mass actions. The anguish and hardship are real. The recent street protests that upset Benin City and the looting of warehouses and businesses in Yola, Adamawa State, are timely cautions. These call for immediate responses. The unfolding development is a clarion request for the Federal and State authorities to expedite effort on the promised palliatives.
Therefore, the Federal Government must end the gridlock with labour as the lamentable situation intensifies the misery Nigerians have been going through since the spontaneous fuel subsidy elimination. Tinubu must realise that thoughtlessly abolishing the subsidy which contributed to the hike in petrol price by over 300 per cent within a couple of weeks, while promising to administer palliatives thereafter, is comparable to operating on a patient and applying anaesthesia later.
To pursue the struggle to a logical conclusion, both the NLC and the TUC have to join hands, work together, and overthrow all dangerous policies of the government. The cacophonous tunes by the two labour centres in the present imbroglio are regrettable and do not portend well for labour activities in the country. For the trade union movement to be effective in any nation, there has to be solidarity of purpose. The struggle to salvage Nigeria is no longer a matter the organised labour alone should pursue, because the government’s grim strategies touch every citizen.
The two labour centres must move out to disparate groups in society so that their protests and strikes will be laudable and better productive. Market women and men, artisans and civil society groups must be approached because the struggle now belongs to everybody. Labour must re-strategise. They should build a dynamic alliance and function collectively to negotiate and obtain a stronger deal to enhance workers’ and the citizens’ welfare.
Tinubu must be aware of the dangers in ignoring obvious red flags in a distraught, hungry citizens of a nation and her disoriented youths. We are gratified that he is amenable to listen and react positively to the sentiments of the people. Labour should be malleable as well. We implore the Federal Government to explore an amicable solution to the standoff which will be acceptable to both parties. There is no substitute for a harmonious resolution of the dispute. The economy cannot afford a messy labour cul-de-sac.
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A New Dawn For Rivers’ Workers
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.