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NLC/TUC STRIKE, IN WHO’S INTEREST?

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3 years ago

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NLC/TUC STRIKE, IN WHO’S INTEREST?

 

 

Barring last minute change of decision by the organized labour unions in obeisance to the restraining court ruling on its strike, the Nigeria society from the 3rd of October 2023 might witness another round of industrial unrest as championed by the NLC/TUC arising from their national executive council meeting, in reaction to the federal government response to the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal on the Nigerian worker.

 

 

NLC/TUC STRIKE, IN WHO’S INTEREST?

 

Before we proceed in this exercise, it is important for us to situate the issues in proper perspectives for understanding and clarity of purpose. However, in doing so, one is not oblivious of the fact that sentiments and emotions might becloud the reasoning of some persons whose only idea of objectivity, truth and pro people, is if one takes or support positions against government actions or policies in the absence of rationality, fact and logic. Nevertheless, we are unmoved and cannot be cowed from expressing our views on national issues which is a fundamental human right, no matter whose ox is gored.

On the issue of fuel subsidy removal, it’s an indisputable fact that Nigerians are collectively on the same page over the removal of this virus that has ravaged the Nigerian economy to our collective detriment and which must be exterminated to allow the economy and Nigerians breathe.

It is not in doubt that strike action by labour unions is one of the legitimate instruments employed to ventilate its grievances to employers or government over work conditions. From that premise, the resort to strike is a legitimate and fundamental right of the worker or workers which is indisputable and non-negotiable.

In addition, an indisputable truism is that strike action is a serious business that ought to be employed as a last resort and must not be turned into a blackmailing tool, else it becomes trivialized and loses its cherished import.

As regards the threatened latest round of strike by the organized labour, the question that should bother any discerning mind, is in whose interest is this strike?

One recollects that immediately after the presidential pronouncement of the removal of fuel subsidy, Mr. President also made a public announcement of the need to effect a positive change in the welfare of the Nigerian worker in line with economic reality and to put in place measures to ameliorate the conditions of not only the working class but the generality of Nigerians in the immediate and long term through the retooling of the economy for national prosperity.

Thus, following the removal of fuel subsidy and the attendant economic distortions, the federal government constituted a committee comprising representatives of the federal and states governments, the organized private sector and the organized labour to come up with recommendations on the way forward with regards to the economic conditions of the working class population.

Even while the constituted committee was work in progress, we are all living witnesses to the palliatives programmes of states governments like Kwara, Ogun, Edo, Lagos, Bornu, Oyo, etc who came up with policies such as reducing the official working days from 5 to 3, award of N10, 000 per month to workers, reduction of transport fares in BRT buses, purchase and deployment of mass transit buses at subsidized boarding costs among other relief measures to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.

In the midst of the economic dislocation and inconvenience caused by the removal of fuel subsidy which was expected and affecting all strata of the society, as a way forward, the federal government relinquished and decentralized some aspects of the distribution of the relief measures or palliatives to states governments and it’s a fact, that we are living witnesses to the distribution of the palliatives in some states of which we have seen reportage in the media, but in some others, we are in the dark about what is being done, but it is expected that in due course, all the states governments will be made to render account of stewardship in this regard.

One must also add that in Lagos State, where yours sincerely lives, one has experienced as an eye witness, distribution of palliatives not only by the state government, but also by local government council and local development council areas administrations.

Even as Nigerians battle the economic hardship which is a global phenomenon, the organized labour at every turn of its engagement with the federal government on the aftermath of the removal of fuel subsidy, threatened going on strike, went on a one day strike and rally and later, on a 2 days strike and public rally to ventilate it’s anger over the plight of workers and it’s disapproval of government response to the issue of the palliatives and other matters.

However, an aspect of the labour statement on why it is going on strike is its claim that it’s action is because of the suffering of the generality of the Nigerian people over the removal of fuel subsidy, which needs to be examined to determine the truth.

This statement in view of our present economic circumstances looks more like an attempt to pull wool over the eyes of Nigerians who have become traumatized by the broken record threat of strike by the organized labour at the slightest opportunity. That the Nigerian people are going through a lot because of the economic hardship is not in doubt, but the present situation though painful, is one in which the people have exhibited patience and understanding and are only looking for relief rather than the pains which the proposed strike portends.

So one wonders why the organized labour is trying to deflect from the truth that the primary focus of its present agitations at the federal level is the interest of federal workers which is legitimate and in order? In sincerity, one might be safe to assume that workers at the state and local government levels don’t need to be part of this strike, because some of the palliatives which the federal workers are clamouring for through the organized labour, is already being enjoyed in the states even by the federal workers too, save for wage issues which is a national matter and is already being looked into by the tripartite committee.

But this is not to assert that the society as a whole has not benefitted from the struggles of the organized labour in the past, absolutely not. Infact, we must commend the organized labour for its sacrificial role in nation building which is indelible and must continue to constructively engage with this institution of national unity for our collective benefits.

But on this planned strike, we must affirm that it is not in the best interest of the generality of the Nigerian people and her economy that will be at the receiving end of this action. At the moment, over 80% of our working population are in the informal sector where they live on daily earnings, without which, it will be economic catastrophe and so we ask, how will the interest of this mass of our population and their dependents be ameliorated by an indefinite strike? Also if workers go on strike, the economy that is being retooled for optimal governmental responsibility will be deprived of the expected returns of the retooling process for the good of the people.

As at the last count, the organized labour went on a 2 days warning strike between September 5th and 6th 2023, the effect of that strike on individuals, businesses and the economy was incalculably in the negative in all ramifications.

If the ideals of labour is to create wealth for a better and prosperous society for all, then the planned indefinite strike needs to be rethinked, shelved and the federal government given more time to engage with labour on all the issues.

Therefore, without doubt, the proposed indefinite strike by NLC/TUC is not in the interest of Nigerians and Nigerian workers.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,

E-signed,

Nelson Ekujumi,

[email protected]

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Old Students Association rejects alleged commercialisation of Unity School land ‎

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20 minutes ago

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May 11, 2026

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‎Old Students Association rejects alleged commercialisation of Unity School land
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‎By Ifeoma Ikem

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‎The Unity Schools Old Students Association (USOSA) has rejected the alleged commercialisation of any unity schools land under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) initiative.
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‎The association made its displeasure known during their awareness walk to protest the concession of the 33 hectares of land belonging to Federal Government College (FGC) Kano yesterday in Lagos.
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‎The members were carrying placards, some of which read “PPP: Save the Future”, “Protect Unity Schools”, “PPP must serve Education not land conversion” and “Schools are not for Real Estate”.
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‎President-General of the Unity Schools Old Students Association USOSA Michael Magaji says Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) was designed to improve public institutions, and not strip them of assets or reduce their land.
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‎Over 60 Unity schools members were drawn from across the nation for the awareness walk to protest against the alleged sale of the school lands.
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‎ The P-G said the association was advocating for a sustainable funding model that would preserve educational assets while improving infrastructure, manpower and learning conditions.
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‎“Our coming together is to restore the lost glory of Unity Schools and strengthen Nigeria’s education system. Unity schools are nation-building institutions that have produced leaders across various sectors.
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‎ “Unity Schools were not just about education, they were about integration built not by spectators but by active citizens that believe in one nation.
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‎ “ The alumni support PPP but oppose the sale of educational assets. Unity never happens by chance but designed, nurtured and protected,’’ he added.
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‎He added that the awareness walk brought about by the alumni across the nation was also to have a stronger network to revive the vision of the Unity Schools.
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‎Mr Humphrey Nwafor, Lagos Chapter President, Federal Government College, Kano Old Students Association said that they are pushing back against the alleged commercialisation of Unity School lands.
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‎Nwafor pointed out that the 33 hectares of land belonging to FGC Kano was concessioned without adequate consultation with stakeholders.
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‎“We are saying there is a better option. Instead of selling our lands and assets, we would rather fund the schools ourselves.
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‎“If the government says it does not have enough money to run the schools, the old students can provide support without taking one inch of the land,” he said.
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‎According to him, the concession arrangement involving the school’s land will undermine the future of unity schools, which were established in the first place to promote national integration.
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‎“These schools were established to unite Nigerians from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and we are appealing to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and ensure that public educational assets are protected,” he added.
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‎He called on the Federal Government to leverage alumni networks in addressing funding challenges confronting unity schools.
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‎“We are in solution mode and impact mode and we believe alumni associations should be integrated into the process of repositioning these schools.
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‎“We recently met with officials of the Federal Ministry of Education and discussions are ongoing toward finding mutually beneficial solutions,” he said.
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‎Mr Alex Akindumila, President of FGC Idoani Alumni Association said the concession controversy was a national test of how public assets and educational institutions are being managed.
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‎He said that they are concerned that reducing lands allocated to unity schools could limit future expansion, agricultural projects, sports facilities, technical workshops and staff accommodation.
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‎“The lands allocated to unity schools were deliberate and visionary.“They were designed to ensure that the schools remain self-sustaining and adaptable to future needs.
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‎According to him, when you shrink the land of a unity school, you do not just reduce space, but reduce possibility , reduce ability to run agricultural programs that can feed students and teach enterprise, even the space required for sports facilities that build discipline, health and national pride.
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‎Also, Mrs Ifeoma Okeke, an alumna of FGC Nsukka, called for transparency, due process and stakeholder engagement in any PPP arrangement involving educational institutions.
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‎She said PPP agreements should align with the public purpose of the schools and not diminish their long-term capacity.
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‎“There must be transparency, competitiveness and proper stakeholder engagement in any concession process involving public educational assets,” she said.

 

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NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative

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18 hours ago

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May 10, 2026

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NAPS Southwest Condemns Delay in Passage of HND,/B.SC Dichotomy Bill, Issues 30 Days Ultimatum to Nigeria Senate and Federal House of Representative

 

The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) Southwest has strongly condemned the continued delay in the passage of the bill aimed at ending the long-standing disparity between Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) qualifications in Nigeria. The association has described the delay as unjust, discriminatory, and harmful to the future of polytechnic education in the country.

The NAPS Southwest expressed deep frustration over what it called the unacceptable silence and inaction from the Nigerian Senate and Federal House of Representatives regarding the bill. The proposed legislation seeks to abolish the dichotomy between HND and B.Sc holders, a divide that has for years limited career progression opportunities for polytechnic graduates, particularly in the public sector.

This ongoing delay represents a significant policy gap that must be urgently addressed. The continued discrimination against HND holders contradicts the principles of equity, fairness, and meritocracy that should define Nigeria’s public service.

For years, polytechnic students and graduates have faced systemic discrimination in employment opportunities, career progression, and societal recognition an injustice that undermines the value of technical and vocational education in national development. The proposed bill represents a critical step toward equity, fairness, and the full recognition of polytechnic education in Nigeria.

We therefore call on the current administration and the National Assembly to prioritize the reintroduction and immediate passage of this critical legislation. Nigeria cannot afford to sideline a significant segment of its skilled workforce due to outdated and discriminatory policies.

It is therefore disheartening that the Nigeria Senate and House of Representatives has yet to act decisively on this matter of urgent national importance. The continued delay raises serious questions about the commitment of lawmakers to addressing the challenges faced by millions of Nigerian youths in the polytechnic system.

The NAPS southwest unequivocally calls on the Senate and House of Representatives to, without further delay, deliberate on and pass the bill to end the HND/B.Sc dichotomy. The future of countless students and graduates depends on this decisive action.

The continued delay in passing this bill is a direct attack on the dignity and future of millions of Nigerian students and graduates, the statement read. We cannot continue to tolerate a system that places artificial barriers on capable individuals simply because of the institution they attended.

Failure to meet this demand will leave NAPS Southwest with no choice but to mobilize Nigerian Polytechnic Students and Graduates across the country for peaceful but firm actions to press home our demands. We are prepared to take all legitimate steps necessary to ensure that justice is served.

NAPS Southwest has therefore issued a strong warning to the Senate and House of Representatives, urging lawmakers to prioritize and immediately pass the bill without further delay. The association made it clear that failure to act promptly would trigger nationwide protests and coordinated actions by Nigerian polytechnic students and graduates.

We urge all relevant stakeholders to initiate comprehensive reforms that will harmonize qualification frameworks, ensure equal opportunities for career advancement, and restore confidence in the civil service system.

NAPS Southwest remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of polytechnic students and graduates across Nigeria. We will continue to engage constructively with policymakers and mobilize support until justice is achieved.

Signed

Comr Ogunsola Adewale John
NAPS Southwest Coordinator
+234 704 720 2907

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African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —

Published

1 day ago

on

May 10, 2026

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African Focus Historic Royal Visit of Olúkòyí of Ìkòyí Ọba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade in Los Angeles, CA —

 

 

African Focus Inc. its 20th Anniversary with Goodwill Awards and Induction Ceremony in April, 2026, held at the Renaissance LAX in Los Angeles, California.

 

The landmark event brought together distinguished guests, cultural leaders, and members of the African diaspora for an evening of recognition, reconnection, and celebration.

 

The ceremony honored outstanding community leaders and cultural champions whose contributions have strengthened African heritage and unity across generations.

 

The evening featured an elegant dinner, and an inspiring awards presentation, commemorating two decades of impactful service.

 

Highlight of the event was the African Family Induction, a signature tradition of African Focus.

 

18 Diaspora Africans were formally welcomed into native African families for a meaningful cultural experience.

 

The Inductees received certificates bearing their native names, along with cultural artifacts symbolizing their new lineage.

 

This initiative continues to foster cultural identity, bridge generational and geographical divides, and encourage deeper engagement with the African continent.

 

Many past inductees have gone on to travel to Africa with their host families, strengthening cultural bonds and understanding.

 

This year’s event was graced by a Yorùbà monarch His Royal Majesty, Oba Iyiola Akande Morenigbade, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi in Osun State, Nigeria who doubled as special guest of honour and historically served as Royal Father of the Day.

 

His royal presence brought cultural significance to the celebration.

 

The event was hosted by Uchenna Nworgu, Founder and Director of African Focus Inc, alongside a distinguished team of Cultural Ambassadors and leaders, including Paul Babatunde, Director of Cultural Initiatives; Dominique DiPrima, Cultural Ambassador; Wole Nipede; Ojise Isedale (also known as Olubunmi Olukanni); Ade James; and other notable contributors.

 

The event was concluded with vibrant music and dance, reflecting the spirit of unity and cultural pride that has defined African Focus for the past 20 years.

 

African Focus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reconnecting the African diaspora with their cultural roots through education, cultural exchange, and community engagement initiatives.

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