All posts by EEI

Lockdown
By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos, March 30, 2020 (NAN) The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on Nigerians and foreigners to abide by the Federal Government’s lockdown order.

TUC’s President, Mr Quadri Olaleye, and Secretary General, Mr Musa-Lawal Ozigi, made the appeal in a joint statement on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had on March 29 ordered the lockdown of Lagos, Ogun and Abuja for 14 days with effect from 11:00pm, March 30.

“We all must show some understanding now by complying with all the safety precautions reeled out by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and other professionals.

“We must all realise that the lockdown order is issued because there is a need for it.

“We have a ‘life and death situation’ at hand; therefore every necessary step must be taken to ensure the virus does not spread further, ” the statement read.

The labour leaders commended organisations and philanthropists who had made efforts to support the vulnerable at this time of the pandemic.

They also called on other well meaning Nigerians to emulate those who had shown support.

“Many Nigerians live on what they make daily; such people may escape the deadly virus but may not escape the pangs of hunger.

“It is a very difficult time, but we can overcome if we are willing to make sacrifices, ” the statement read.

The union leaders appealed to the government to cut down on the cost of governance and build infrastructure in the country.

“We need hospitals of international standard and other amenities necessary for our corporate development.

“We cannot keep spending on medical tourism,” the statement read.(NAN)
EEI/SOA
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

COVID-19: NUPENG promises steady petroleum products distribution

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, March 27, 2020 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) has assured Nigerians of  continuous  distribution of petroleum products by its members for commercial, industrial and domestic uses in spite of coronavirus pandemic.

The union’s  National President, Mr Williams Akporeha, and the General Secretary, Mr Afolabi Olawale, gave the assurance in a statement they jointly issued on Friday in Lagos.

According to the statement, the leadership of the union met and examined the critical roles the union plays in the socio-economic landscape of the country.

“We came to the conclusion that the nation needed our essential services in same manner the nation requires the services of all those in the front line of the fight to curtail the spread of the virus.

“It was, therefore, unanimously resolved that all our members,  on the value chain of distribution of petroleum products for commercial, industrial and domestic uses, shall continue to work.

“This set of workers include petroleum tanker drivers, petrol stations and petroleum products depots workers, oil and gas suppliers,  liquefied petroleum gas retailers and others, ” it said.

It added  that the union would provide any necessary safety kits it could afford at various loading points and to all petroleum tanker drivers.

It urged all petroleum depots owners, operators, petrol station owners and industrial set-ups to provide necessary mechanisms and tools.

It urged  social distancing at locations, and called for support for workers, with necessary kits and logistics

“The union will provide, within our meager resources, whatever assistance we can to mitigate various unforeseen circumstances that may arise in the course of our service to our fatherland.

“We implore other stakeholders to support the initiative of our union in whatever manner they can, ” it said.

It  urged members of the union to strictly ensure hygiene  at work,  home, on the streets and with everyone they would interface with in their daily activities.

He said that adherence to the safety measures would go a long way to check coronavirus spread  and keep socio-economic activities of the country alive.(NAN)

EEI/CCNIGO

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Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Ijeoma Popoola

Lockdown
By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos, March 25, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has declared its support for any complete lockdown declaration that would contain further spread of COVID-19 in the state.

Its Chairman, Mr Gbenga Ekundayo, and Secretary, Mr Abiodun Aladetan, made the pledge in a joint statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

According to them, we believe a complete lockdown declaration is needed at this time.

“This is because, if we allow this pandemic to get out of hands, it will overwhelm our health facilities and the whole country.

“This pandemic is real and critical; we can see the devastating impact in Italy and presently in the U.S.

“As at March 23, 2020, the U.S has 34,407 cases at about 4:35p.m Nigerian time, according to CNN, a media organisation.

“This figure almost doubled in the space of 24 hours; the only way to break the circle of spread is total lockdown, which is what the government is gradually progressing toward,” Ekundayo said.

The union leaders urged Lagosians and Nigerians at large to adhere to the directives of the government on how to stay safe at this critical time.

They also called on wellmeaning Nigerians to show patroitism by coming together to support all efforts of the government.

“We all have a role to play to stay safe, must follow all directives and maintain personal hygiene, social distancing and stay at home; though, this will not be easy, but it is necessary.

“We call on corporate bodies, individuals, religious bodies, among others, to assist the government in whatever way they can by providing resources, sanitisers, face mask through relevant agencies.

“We all must come together to fight this battle; government will provide leadership, but the citizens must show understanding and cooperation so that all efforts of the government can yield positive results” TUC leader said.

They also commended the Lagos State Government for its policy measures introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The duo described the action of the government as a step in the right direction, saying, “desperate times requires desperate measures”.

When contacted, the state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mrs Agnes Sessi, urged the state government to take stringent measures to ensure that people comply with its stay-at-home order.

Sessi, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), also called on the government to punish anyone who flouted the order.

“People will not comply if strict measures are not put in place, because many Nigerians still believe Coronavirus is not for the country.

“This kind of attitude can only make matters worse and increase the number of infected persons.

“The country does not have the capacity to address a pandemic; so, we should use preventive measures, because we do not have the capacity for curative measures,’’ Sessi said. (NAN)
EEI/AO/GOK
Edited by Angela Okisor/Olagoke Olatoye

Members
By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, March 24, 2020 (NAN) The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has expressed concern over the health and safety of its members in the informal sector as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage countries.

The Union’s National President, Mr Williams Akporeha and the General Secretary, Mr Afolabi Olawale, raised the concerns on Tuesday in Lagos.

The duo said its members included the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, Petrol Stations and Petroleum Products Depot Workers, and others who in the course of serving the nation become highly vulnerable to the virus.

The Union said it might be forced to direct these workers to stay at home with effect from 00.00hrs on Friday 27th March 2020.

“This is a very difficult decision but necessary and important with respect to the safety of these set of workers who are our members in the informal sector.

“”At this crucial time, NUPENG is seriously monitoring the unfolding situation, while also putting into account the safety and welfare of these vulnerable and integral segments of our membership which are of paramount concern to us.

“”They include the Petroleum Tanker Drivers; Petrol Station Workers; Petroleum Depot Workers; Independent Marketers Employees; Oil and Gas Suppliers; Surface Tank Kerosene Peddlers; Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers, ” the duo said.

The union leaders urged its members and other stakeholders in the Downstream Sector of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry to diligently follow international protocols.

“”NUPENG is also using this opportunity to encourage all our members across the country to continue to adhere strictly to social distancing and high level of hygienic behaviour at work.

“”Also, at home, on the streets and with everyone they interface with in their daily activities so as to reduce the spread of the contagious COVID-19.

“”Also, keep the socio-economic activities of the country alive industrially, domestically and commercially.

“”It is our prayer that stakeholders in the health sector across the globe will find a lasting solution to this scourge, so that the world can be safe and healthy for us to live in,’’ the NUPENG officials said. (NAN)
EEI/COF/WOJ
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Wale Ojetimi

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Lagos TUC wants restriction order extended to offices, commercial vehicles

Restriction

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, March 22, 2020 (NAN) The Lagos State Council of Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on Gov. Mr Babjide Sanwo-Olu to also expand the restriction order over COVID-19 to cover work places and commercial vehicles, and not just closure of schools and other social gatherings.

The TUC made the call in a statement jointly signed by its Lagos State Chairman, Mr Gbenga Ekundayo and Secretary, Mr Abiodun Aladetan.

“We think the government should be more specific in its directives by asking all workers in the state and other employers of labour to allow their workers to work from home.

“This is so, because most offices have more than 50 staff in view of the directive issued by the government concerning the number of people allowed to come together in a particular social setting,” the duo said.

Both union leaders also called for restrictions on commercial vehicle operations in the state for at least, a minimum of two weeks.

According to the duo, this may be necessary in view of the fact that most people who ride on commercial vehicles can be exposed to the virus due to the untidy manner and tight nature of vehicles.

“If restrictions are not placed on commercial vehicles in Lagos, it might make a mockery of other efforts of governments,” they said.

The leaders urged Lagosians, including workers, to take every precaution seriously and keep themselves safe and healthy.

The union, which also called on the people to unite in the fight against COVID-19, said that every spirited effort was required to keep the state safe and healthy.

While commending the government for the effort so far in the fight of the scourge, the TUC urged the government to do more in the area of enlightenment and awareness.

They said continuous awareness creation was necessary to break the dogma among Nigerians who were yet to believe in the potency of the virus.

“The government should, as a matter of urgency, approach the issue with all seriousness it deserves.

“It should do this by ensuring that all allocations released to fight this virus are effectively and judiciously used for the purpose if we are to get positive results,” the leaders said.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, on the March 22 2020, five new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Nigeria.

Till date, 27 cases have been confirmed, two cases have been discharged and there has been no death from COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Of the new cases, three are in Lagos State and one in Oyo State and one in Federal Capital Territory. (NAN)
EEI/ESAN/WOJ

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Edited by Abiodun Esan/Wale Ojetimi

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Salaries
By Esenvosa Izah
Lagos, March 21, 2020 (NAN) The management of Coleman Wires and Cables, Arepo, says it has been consistent in the payment of workers salaries and other benefits.

The company’s Administration Manager, Mr Fatai Adebimpe, made this known on Saturday following allegations by some company’s workers alleging refusal to pay their entitlement after which they embarked on strike.

Adebimpe, said in a statement, that the management took the welfare of its workers in high esteem.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the workers, including the trainees had on March 20 embarked on strike requesting for increment in salaries.

“There is no time we owe workers salary, even when the company had financial challenges.

“We ensure prompt payment of staff salaries, even to one of our staff who died.

“Recently, the company purchased a bus for the convenience of our workers,” he said.

Earlier, the national leaders of Steel and Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria (SEWUN), had written a letter to the Coleman on the need to intervene in the matter.

The letter was jointly signed by the union’s National President, Mr Elijah Adigun, and the Deputy General Secretary, Mr P. E Okonma.

The duo said: “We refer to the trade dispute between our union and your management as it relates to the non-implementation of the 2019 National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) collective agreement dated Oct. 8, 2019 for the benefit of your employees.

“Kindly note that in the circumstance that we find ourselves, we have no opinion than to prevail on our member-workers in your company to withdraw their services in the event that you fail to implement the NJIC collective agreement on or before March 19, 2020.”

Adebimpe said the management, in responding to the letter, promised to look into the NJIC collective agreement.

He said the management unanimously agreed that the issue of communication gap should not be allowed to be a barrier.

“Hence, the management promises to look into the training of workers once a year and also educate the staff during the company’s end of the year party, ” Adebimpe added.

He said that a reconciliatory meeting to resolve all issues raised was organised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ogun, which is to hold on March 26.

Adebimpe said the management had decided not to attend the meeting, as workers, in spite of the agreements reached, decided to embark on strike. (NAN)

EEI/GOK

Edited by Olagoke Olatoye
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Petrol

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, March 19, 2020 (NAN) Some labour union leaders have expressed dissatisfaction over the reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N145 to N130, saying the Federal Government ought to have reduced it further.

They spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr Chris Onyeka, Deputy General-Secretary, United Labour Congress of Nigeria, said that the current crude price of 25 dollars per barrel was not reflective in the reduction to N130 per litre.

According to him, the impact of the reduction will be minimal on the citizenry.

“Any reduction in the price, not just for petroleum products, is a welcomed development.

“However, whether it is commensurate with the realities on the ground is another thing altogether.

“If there is more than 50 per cent drop in the price of crude, which constitutes almost between 60 and 70 per cent of the entire cost of PMS, then, we expect an equivalent impact on the price reduction.

“We believe the price ought to have been less than the N130. The 25 dollars should have an impact of probably between N60 and N70 per litre.

“That is the kind of reduction we expect,’’ Onyeka said.

Also, the Lagos State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Mrs Agnes Sessi, urged the government to also reduce the prices of other petroleum products to cushion the effect on the citizens.

“We commend the federal government for the good step.

“However, the current price is still high, because a barrel is down to about 24 dollars and may still reduce.

“So, we are still expecting a further reduction in petrol price,’’ Sessi said.

On his parts, the General Secretary, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Mr Olawale Afolabi, who expressed worry and scepticism over the reduction, said that there were implications.

Afolabi said that NUPENG had advocated that deregulation in the oil and gas industry should be done based on local production of refined petroleum products and not on importation.

According to him, deregulation solely based on importation will not serve Nigerians well.

“The cost of crude slashed to 28 dollars from the anticipated budget rate of 57 dollars and the price of petrol is reduced by N10 or N15.

“When the price increases and on this same premise of the so-called deregulation, it may be increased to about N200 or more; that is the implication,’’ Afolabi said. (NAN)
EEI/AIB/GOK

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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Olagoke Olatoye