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NLC RIVERS STATE CHAPTER DISMISSES GEORGE NWEKE’S ALLEGATIONS AS BASELESS AND MISLEADING

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Chapter, has strongly refuted claims made by Dr. George Nweke, the former Head of Service of Rivers State, in a press statement issued on March 28, 2025. The NLC described the allegations as unfounded and an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Labour movement in the state. In a rebuttal issued by the Rivers State Council of the NLC, the Congress emphasized its commitment to impartiality and the welfare of workers, dismissing insinuations that its leadership had been compromised or was engaging in political partisanship. “The NLC is a non-partisan organization dedicated to defending workers’ rights. It is irresponsible for Dr. Nweke to suggest otherwise,” the statement read. The NLC also denied claims that its Chairman had held private meetings with the Governor or received financial inducements, labeling such accusations as false and defamatory. “These allegations are nothing but a diversion from the real issues affecting workers in Rivers State. Our engagements with the government have always been transparent and in the interest of workers,” the statement added. Addressing Dr. Nweke’s remarks on the state of emergency, the NLC reaffirmed its right to engage in national discourse, stressing that its stance is guided by the impact on workers and citizens. “We will always oppose any action that threatens democratic rights or stability in Rivers State. Our priority remains the welfare of workers and the people,” the Congress stated. The NLC called on Dr. Nweke and other political actors to refrain from dragging the Labour movement into political disputes, warning against attempts to undermine its integrity. “We will not be intimidated or coerced into taking sides. Our focus is on workers’ welfare, and we will continue to uphold this mandate with accountability,” the statement concluded. The NLC urged the public to disregard Dr. Nweke’s claims, reaffirming its dedication to its principles and the well-being of workers in Rivers State.

NLC AND TUC CONDEMN STATE OF EMERGENCY IN RIVERS STATE

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. In a statement, the two labour unions described the action as “hasty and unconstitutional,” violating Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. The President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the President of the TUC, Engineer Festus Osifo, said the purported suspension or removal of the Governor, Deputy Governor, and the State House of Assembly is “not only unlawful but a direct assault on democracy.” They emphasized that this action sets a dangerous precedent, eroding constitutional governance and threatening the autonomy of subnational governments. Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo urged President Tinubu to revoke the declaration, citing the need to comply with Section 305(6) of the Constitution. They stressed that the President must exercise restraint, respect constitutional limits, and act in a manner that inspires national confidence rather than suspicion. The labour leaders warned that the state of emergency will have severe socio-economic repercussions on workers and the masses, including disrupting economic activities, leading to job losses, and exposing citizens to security risks. They demanded the immediate reversal of the declaration, emphasizing that Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency. As Ajaero and Osifo pointed out, Nigeria has suffered the painful consequences of political overreach in the past, and it cannot afford to repeat such mistakes. They urged President Tinubu not to betray his democratic credentials by engaging in actions reminiscent of military-era authoritarianism.

NLC MOVES TO REBRAND LABOUR PARTY AHEAD OF 2027 GENERAL ELECTIONS IN NIGERIA

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced decisive steps to rebrand and reposition the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria. In a statement, the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajero, declared the enforcement of the resolutions of the NLC National Executive Council (NEC) to implement the “Terms of Settlement” with immediate effect. This move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the party’s structures and mobilize millions of Nigerians into its fold. The NLC, exercising its prerogative as the owner of the Labour Party, has resolved to conduct an All-Inclusive and Expansive National Convention in 2025. This decision aligns with the Terms of Settlement brokered by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on April 26, 2022, and executed between the NLC and LP on June 27, 2022. The strategy includes the composition of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Labour Party, with Comrade S.O.Z Ejiofor appointed as the LP BoT Chairman. In a statement, the National Youth Leader of the Labour Party (2019-2024), Comrade Engr. Dr. Eragbe Anslem Aphimia, outlined the comprehensive plan to rebuild the party. The plan includes the conduct of congresses at various levels to elect substantive party structures nationwide. Ward Congresses will be held to elect Labour Party Ward Executive Council (WEC) structures across Nigeria’s 8,815 political wards for a three-year tenure. Similarly, Local Government Area (LGA) Congresses will elect LGA Executive Council structures across the 774 LGAs, while State Congresses will elect State Executive Council (SEC) structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Additionally, a Delegates Election will be conducted to elect representatives for the All-Inclusive and Expansive National Convention 2025. These delegates will vote for members of the Labour Party National Working Committee (NWC) for a four-year tenure. The convention itself will mark a significant milestone in the party’s rebranding efforts. The NLC also announced the immediate commencement of an intensive membership drive aimed at mobilizing 15 million Nigerians into the Labour Party. Furthermore, all pending court cases related to the party’s internal matters are to be discontinued to ensure a smooth transition and focus on the party’s goals. Comrade Engr. Dr. Eragbe Anslem Aphimia emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “This is a new dawn for the Labour Party. We are committed to building a strong, inclusive, and progressive party that truly represents the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses.” He reiterated the party’s motto, “Forward Ever, Backward Never,” and called on Nigerians to support the rebranding efforts. The NLC’s move to rebrand the Labour Party comes at a critical time as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. With these reforms, the party aims to position itself as a formidable force in the country’s political landscape.

NLC THREATENS NATIONWIDE PROTEST OVER PLANNED ELECTRICITY TARIFF HIKE

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plans to regularize electricity tariffs for customers in Bands A, B, and C. In a communique released following the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, the union vowed to initiate mass protests across Nigeria if the government continues with its proposed changes. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently announced that consumers in lower bands would be upgraded to Band A, a move the NLC claims is a “forceful migration” that will lead to increased financial burdens on citizens. NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja condemned the actions of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) as a sham, arguing that the reclassification of electricity consumers is a tactic to impose unjustified tariffs under the guise of service improvement. Ugboaja described this move as “economic violence” against the working class. The NLC warned that any further attempts to increase electricity tariffs would meet with significant resistance. “The Congress resolves to immediately mobilise for a nationwide protest should the Ministry of Power and NERC proceed with their exploitative plan,” Ugboaja stated. Nigeria has long struggled with energy challenges, including inconsistent power supply, which hampers productivity. The NLC’s firm stance reflects growing frustration among citizens facing rising costs of living amid stagnant wages and inflation.

NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT REDUCES PROPOSED TELECOMS TARIFF HIKE FROM 50% TO 35%

The Nigerian government has scaled down its proposed increase in telecommunications tariffs from 50% to 35% following strong opposition from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The decision was reached after a high-level meeting between government officials and labour leaders at the National Security Adviser’s office on February 21, 2025. The meeting, which lasted about three hours, saw NLC officials vehemently rejecting the planned tariff hike. Their persistent pushback led the government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to lower the proposed increase by 15%. An official announcement confirming the new tariff structure is expected soon. The NLC had earlier slammed the tariff hike, arguing that it violated an agreement previously reached with the government and telecom regulators. The union warned that if the rates were not reversed by the end of February, a nationwide shutdown of telecom services would commence on March 1, 2025. To protest the increase, the NLC directed workers and the general public to boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The union also urged Nigerians to stop purchasing data from these companies, accusing them of exploiting consumers. Labour leaders condemned telecom providers for implementing the tariff hike before the conclusion of a committee’s review, describing the move as a breach of trust and an attack on Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship.

NLC THREATENS NATIONWIDE TELECOM SHUTDOWN OVER 50% TARIFF HIKE

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent 50% tariff hike by telecommunications companies, describing it as a “betrayal of trust, an affront to the principles of negotiation, and a direct slap on the government and its institutions and a disdain for Nigerian people”. The NLC Central Working Committee (CWC) met in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to deliberate on pressing national issues, including the tariff hike. The committee expressed grave concern over the implementation of the hike, despite an earlier agreement reached with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The NLC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff hike and insists that the companies revert to the previous tariff until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement. As a first step in resisting the hike, the NLC has directed a boycott of the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025. The NLC also urges all workers and citizens to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, which has become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens. If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025. In addition to the tariff hike, the NLC also reviewed the ongoing discussions around the Tax Reform Bills being considered by the government. The Congress insists that any tax policies must be designed to alleviate the burdens on Nigerian workers and not worsen the existing economic hardship. The NLC shall engage with relevant authorities to ensure that tax reforms are fair, equitable, and worker-friendly. The Congress calls on all Nigerians to unite in this struggle against exploitative economic policies and to actively participate in the outlined actions to demand justice and fairness in telecommunications, taxation, and transportation policies.

NLC REJECTS 50% TELECOMS TARIFF HIKE, CALLS FOR NATIONWIDE PROTEST

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) decision to approve a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, describing it as “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace.” The NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) reached this resolution after an emergency meeting held on January 29, 2025, to discuss pressing national issues. The council rejected the tariff hike, citing its harsh impact on citizens already burdened by economic hardship. According to Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, “The decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by policies of government which was no fault of theirs.” In response to the tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on February 4, 2025. The rally aims to serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000. The NLC has directed all its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilization in preparation for the nationwide protest rally. The Congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy. The NLC demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike and calls on the Federal Government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment. Comrade Ajaero emphasized that the NLC will escalate its actions, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions, if the government fails to heed their demands. “We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people,” he said.

NLC CONDEMNS 50% TELECOM TARIFF HIKE, CALLS FOR NATIONWIDE BOYCOTT

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently condemned the Federal Government and telecommunications companies for implementing a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, amidst rising living costs. NLC President Joe Ajaero described the hike as “an assault on the welfare of Nigerians” and a reflection of the government’s preference for prioritizing corporate profits over the needs of its citizens. Speaking at Labour House in Abuja on January 22, 2025, Ajaero emphasized that the NLC is not against tariff reviews but objects to the magnitude of the increase. “Telecommunication services are essential for daily life, with the average Nigerian worker spending about 10% of their income on telecom charges,” he said. For those earning the minimum wage of ₦70,000, this hike translates to an increase in telecom costs from ₦7,000 to ₦10,500 per month, which constitutes 15% of their salary—an unsustainable burden. Ajaero also criticized the National Assembly for failing to advocate for the majority of Nigerians regarding such policies. He noted the stark contrast in the government’s responsiveness, as it approved the tariff hike within a month while taking nearly a year to revise the minimum wage. “This disparity highlights a troubling trend of aligning with corporate interests over those of ordinary citizens,” he said. The NLC has called for an immediate halt to the implementation of the tariff hike and suggested the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecom services to compel a reversal of what they describe as a punitive increase. Ajaero urged Nigerians to prepare for collective action, stressing the importance of defending their rights and dignity against policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality. “We must ask: When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority? When will the common man heave a sigh of relief in Nigeria?” Ajaero asked. The NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protect the interests of Nigerian workers and the broader populace, advocating for a more humane approach to tariff adjustments.