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Articles by Michael Oche
ITUC-Africa protests Senate President's 'economic sabotage' label on Nigerian workers' strike
By Michael Oche The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has protested the recent remarks made by Nigeria's Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, regarding the minimum wage strike embarked by workers in Nigeria under the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) The regional organisation representing 17 million workers in 52 African countries, including Nigeria, expressed "grave concern" over Akpabio's...
ITUC-Africa backs Nigerian workers in struggle for improved wages
By Michael Oche The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has thrown its weight behind the agitation by Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for a better national minimum wage.
Nigerian govt faces mounting pressure from African workers to meet unions demands
*Negotiations should be genuine and binding, says ITUC-Africa By Michael Oche The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has urged the Nigerian government to demonstrate genuine and clear intentions of reaching an amicable and binding agreement with organised labour on the new national minimum wage.
Labour "relaxes" strike for one week
By Michael Oche Organised labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has relaxed their industrial action to allow for negotiation on the minimum wage. A joint NEC meeting of TUC and NLC approved the decision to relax the industrial action for one week with immediate effect.
NLC begins nationwide strike today as FG faults action
By Michael Oche and Kenneth Atavti A last minute attempt by the leadership of the National Assembly, led by senate President, Godswill Akpabio to persuade the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union congress (TUC) to suspend their planned strike action failed to yield any result.
Govt explains rationale behind N60,000 minimum wage offer
*urges labour to consider economic realities in wage demands By Michael Oche The Federal Government has explained the rationale behind its offer of N60,000 as the new national minimum wage, a 100% increase from the current wage.
NLC, TUC declare indefinitely strike over breakdown in minimum wage negotiation
By Michael Oche Organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has declared a nationwide indefinite strike following a breakdown in negotiation over a new minimum wage.
Labour, FG resume Minimum Wage negotiations today
By Michael Oche The Tripartite Committee meeting on the new minimum wage will reconvene today as the Federal Government makes a last minute push to convince Organised Labour from embarking on its proposed strike, should negotiations on the minimum wage fail.
Solidarity Center, Unions spotlight impact of GBVH in workplaces in Nigeria
By Michael Oche Utilizing the power of Theatre, trade unions in Nigeria, with the support of Solidarity Center have drawn attention to the prevalence and impact of discrimination and Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBVH) in work places, urging the government to ensure effective implementation of the already domesticated ILO Convention 190.
Solidarity Center campaign in Nigeria targets increased workers voices in climate change conversation
By Michael Oche In the sweltering heat of Nigeria's industrial hubs, workers toil tirelessly, their labour fueling the nation's economic growth. Yet, they face an unseen threat: climate change. Rising temperatures, heat stress, and extreme weather events imperil their health, safety, and productivity Amidst this crisis, workers' concerns appear to have been neglected in the climate change conversation in Nigeria.
NLC reinforces demand for inclusion of labour, employers on Climate Change Council
...says workers must be at centre of actions on climate change By Michael Oche As the review of Nigeria's Climate Change Act gets underway, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has insisted that workers and employers must be at the center of discussions and actions being the direct precursors and index victims of the effect and impact of climate change and environmental degradation.
Stakeholders urge Media, CSOs to engage govt on viability, implications of Nigeria's gas plans
By Michael Oche The media and civil society organisations in Nigeria have been tasked on the need to facilitate public discourse on the viability and implications of Nigeria's plans for utilising gas in non power sectors. Faith Nwadishi, the executive director of Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) made the call at a one-day capacity development workshop tor Media on Right-Sizing Nigeria's National Gas Plans for Non-Power Uses.
ITUC-Africa welcomes Doha Dialogue as Africa, Gulf countries unite to improve labour migration
*calls for genuine, inclusive implementation of resolutions By Michael Oche The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has commended the just concluded "Doha Dialogue" on labour mobility between the Africa Union, Gulf Cooperation Council States, Jordan, and Lebanon.
PSI tasks govt on provision of quality public services for IDPs
By Michael Oche Public Services International (PSI) has called for improved collaboration among stakeholders that will guarantee the protection of the rights of victims of forced displacement in Nigeria. The global workers union also cautioned against any form of discrimination in the provision of quality public services, especially for IDPs, saying such practice impedes on their human rights.
OTUWA, Solidarity Centre quality healthcare campaign gains momentum
By Michael Oche Executive Secretary of Organization of Trade Unions of West Africa (OTUWA) Comrade John Odah has said that the campaign for quality healthcare in the West African region has been expanded to include other Africa regional and global trade unions.
Solidarity Centre supports Nigerian workers in climate change fight
By Michael Oche In a bold move to raise awareness on the devastating impact of climate change on workers' mental health, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), with support from the Solidarity Centre West Africa, have launched a campaign to combat heat stress.
Labour walks out on FG!
*Says N48,000 minimum wage proposed by government insult to Nigerian workers *Labour had proposed minimum wage of N615,000 before govt's invitation for negotiation *Accuses govt, private sector of being unserious to engage in reasonable negotiation *That it cannot in good conscience accept wage proposal that would reduce workers' income By Michael Oche Ongoing negotiations on a new national minimum wage between labour and government suffered a breakdown on Wednesday as organised labour...
Engage in dialogue with unions to resolve workers' concerns, ITUC-Africa tells Benin Govt
*calls for protection of protesters head of May 11 protest in Benin By Michael Oche Workers in Africa led by the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) have called on the government of Benin Republic to engage in dialogue with trade unions protesting the high cost of living in the country. The call by ITUC-Africa comes as trade unions in Benin prepare for another round of protest on Saturday, May 11.
TUC threatens to lead nationwide protest
By Michael Oche Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has threatened to mobilize Nigerians on a nationwide strike that would culminate into a total shutdown of the Nigerian economy, should the Federal Government refuse to immediately reverse the newly introduced Cybersecurity Levy. TUC in a statement by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo described the Levy as exploitative, accusing the government of imposing hardship on Nigerians through its policies.
NLC demands immediate reversal of Cybersecurity levy
By Michael Oche The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent directive by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to levy a 0.005 percent Cybersecurity Levy on electronic transfers in the country. The NLC in a statement by Comrade Joe Ajaero said the levy, to be implemented by deduction at the transaction origination, is yet another burden on the shoulders of hardworking Nigerians.
Labour ministry committed to Tinubu's job creation agenda- Perm Sec
By Michael Oche Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ismaila Abubakar has said that the ministry is committed to President Bola Tinubu's renewed Hope Agenda which seeks to eradicate poverty and create jobs for millions of unemployed Nigerians. The Permanent Secretary stated this when he met with the leadership of the Labour Correspondents Association of Nigeria (LACAN) who were on a courtesy visit to his office.
Labour, FG yet to agree!
*NLC, TUC propose N615,000 as living wage *Vow to embark on strike if negotiations don't end by May ending *New minimum wage will be backdated to May 1, 2024 whenever implemented - FG *Says delay in its implementation would soon be resolved By Michael Oche As controversy continues to trail the issue of minimum wage for Nigerian workers, the Federal Government, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC are yet to agree on the amount a Nigerian worker should earn as a...
Workers in Africa commemorate May Day amidst rise in attacks on trade union rights
By Michael Oche As workers around the world mark the 2024 May Day, also known as Workers Day, this year's celebration of the annual event is coming amidst a concerning trend: a rise in global attacks on trade union rights. From legislative measures to outright suppression, trade unions are facing mounting challenges in advocating for fair labour practices and workers' rights.
ITUC-Africa demands action on climate-related occupational health hazards
By Michael Oche As workers around the globe commemorate the 2024 International Workers Memorial Day (IWMD), the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has raised the alarm over the adverse impacts of climate change on occupational health of workers.
NLC celebrates Earth Day with renewed commitment to Climate Justice
By Michael Oche The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government Federal Government to adopt and develop Compressed Natural Gas as an alternative fuel, adding that the recent astronomic price increases of the Premium Motor Spirit have exacerbated the scourge of energy poverty in Nigeria.
African workers condemn arrest of union leaders, describe action as an attack on democracy
*call for immediate release of detained workers By Michael Oche As global outrage trails Saturday's arrest of union leaders by the Beninese police, trade unions in Africa led by the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) have called for their immediate release. Trade Union leaders across the globe have expressed shock over the arrest of at least three union leaders by the Beninese government.
Speed up work on Port Harcourt refineries, TUC tells FG
By Michael Oche Following the resurfacing of fuel scarcity in Abuja and parts of Nigeria, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has asked the federal government to speed up work at the Port Harcourt refineries to save Nigerians from more hardship. President of the TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo made this position known while briefing journalists on Thursday in Abuja at the end of the union's National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.
ITUC-Africa denounces clampdown on workers rights by Argentina govt
*calls on President Milei to engage unions protesting education budget cut in constructive dialogue By Michael Oche The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has denounced the clampdown on trade union rights by the Argentina government, while also expressing its support for Argentina workers protesting against the austerity measures by President Javier Milei.
CTA lauds FG's reconstitution of NEITI's NSWG
By Michael Oche Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) has described as a welcome development the recent reconstitution of the National stakeholders Working Group (NSWG) also known as the board of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), saying it marks a significant step forward in the transparency and governance of extractive industries in Nigeria.
24.6m children in Nigeria engaged in child labour
By Michael Oche A survey by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has indicated that 24.6 million children, representing 39.2 percent of child population in Nigeria are engaged in child labour. Of the 24.6 million children, the survey titled 'Nigeria Child Labour Survey 2022' noted that 39.6% of the numbers are boys while 38.8% are girls.
Nigeria's complex visa process raises dust among campaigners for Africa's free movement
By Michael Oche Have you wondered why organisers of regional events in Africa often choose countries like Kenya, Rwanda, South Africa and not Nigeria for their conferences? Some stakeholders say it may not necessarily be connected with the insecurity in parts of Nigeria. They suspect that Nigeria's cumbersome visa processes, added with expensive charges, could leave many applicants frustrated, thereby discouraging them from visiting the country.
NLC demands setup of Transition Committee to probe Abure leadership
By Michael Oche Stakeholders in the Labour Party led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for the composition of a Transition Committee to take over from the Julius Abure led leadership of the party. This followed a vote of no confidence passed by the stakeholders on the purported Labour Party national convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State which led to the return of Abure as national chairman of the party.
Institute seeks Labour minister support to combat quackery in power sector
By Michael Oche Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN) has sought collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Employment to promote professionalism and upscale knowledge and skills within the nation's power sector. Engr. Israel Abraham, President of CIPEN, made the request when he led a delegation of the institute on a courtesy visit to the Minister of Labour and Employment.
Textile sector can create over 2m jobs, union tells Tinubu
By Michael Oche National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) on Tuesday said if revived the Cotton, Textile and Garment Industry has the capacity to transform Nigeria's economy, creating over 2 million jobs, improve internally generated revenue, reduce over $4 billion import bill incurred annually on textile and apparel, safeguard and earn foreign exchange for the country.
Education, activism, unity should be at the heart of trade unions actions, says ITUC-Africa GS
By Michael Oche Education for action, activism, as well as unity among trade unions is at the heart of workers' quest to contribute to transforming Africa, Akhator Joel Odigie, General Secretary of the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has said. Africa is at a critical crossroads in its transformative quest, and workers say they are committed to contributing to the transformation of the continent. The question is, how?
NLC, ILO train advisors on strategies to protect women migrant workers
By Michael Oche In its avowed commitment to end discrimination against women migrant workers, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has re-emphasized the need to build the capacity of workers to better protect the rights of migrant workers. NLC general secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja stated this at a three-day sensitization workshop for Migrant Recruitment Advisors on Gender Mainstreaming, held in Kano.
ITUC-Africa says its time to "break Africa's debt chains"
*Asks IMF, African leaders to provide transformative solutions that prioritise workers, citizens By Michael Oche The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has called on the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Africa's leaders and multinational corporations to provide bold and transformative solutions to Africa's debt crisis.
Don't mortgage our future, trade unions caution African govts
By Michael Oche Trade Unions in Africa have cautioned governments across the continent against mortgaging the future of workers and citizens with 'irresponsible borrowing'. This formed part of discussions by trade union leaders within the African continent led by the African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) under the leadership of Comrade Martha Molema, and Comrade Akhator Joel Odigie, as president and General Secretary respectively.
Trade unions demand solutions as African countries struggle with mounting debt burden
*Caution govts against mortgaging future of Africa By Michael Oche Trade Unions in Africa have said they will no longer lament about the state of affairs within the continent, especially the unnecessary borrowing by African governments, but will build capacity of their members to proffer solutions and monitor how such funds are spent.
NLC backs NASU, SSANU strike, demands immediate payment of salaries
By Michael Oche Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has said it is in support of the ongoing protest by its affiliate unions, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational (NASU) and associated institutions of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). In a statement signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero on Monday said there had been no credible reason or explanation for withholding those salaries in the first place.
AWNA wants barriers that affect women in trade addressed
By Michael Oche African Women Network on AfCFTA (AWNA) has called for the elimination of all gender barriers that discriminate against the full participation and benefits of women in the African Free Continental Trade Agreements (AfCFTA). This position was canvassed at a workshop and formal lunch of the African Women Network on AfCFTA (AWNA) in Abuja with support from the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES).
ITUC-Africa celebrates women's resilience, contributions to progress
...Demands end to practices that undermine and suppress rights of women By Michael Oche To commemorate the 2024 International Women's Day, African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has hailed women in Africa and across the world for their contribution, resilience, achievements and unwavering commitment to progress. Our Correspondent reports that the theme for this year's International Women's Day is "Invest in women: Accelerate progress".
Senior civil servants back FG on implementation of Oronsaye report
By Michael Oche Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), on Monday threw its weight behind the implementation of Oronsaye report by the federal government, saying there was need to cut down the cost of governance in the county The union however, cautioned the Federal Government against throwing workers into the labour market through the implementation of the Oronsaye report which recommended the merger or scrapping of some parastatals, agencies and commissions.
Protests by workers spread across Nigeria, Genuine, Kenya
By Michael Oche A new wave of protests by workers to demand accountability by public officials appears to be spreading across Africa. In the last one week, workers in Nigeria, Guinea, and Kenya have stormed the streets to demand improvement in working and living conditions for citizens.
ITUC-Africa denounces police shooting of union leader in Kenya
By Michael Oche The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), has condemned in strong term the shooting of Dr. Davji Atellah, Secretary General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) by the Kenyan police. Dr. Atellah was rushed to Nairobi Hospital for treatment after he was reportedly shot at close range by a police office while leading a protest over the delayed posting of medical interns.
We were intimidated, threatened not to embark on protest -Ajaero
By Michael Oche President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), comrade Joe Ajaero on Wednesday said the leadership of the workers' body was intimidated and threatened not to go ahead with its two-day nationwide protest on mounting hardship and insecurity.
ITUC-Africa asks Nigerian govt to engage workers protesting against hunger in constructive dialogue
By Michael Oche The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has said it stands in solidarity with the Nigerian workers and people rallying nationwide under the banner of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to draw attention to the worsening socio economic situations in the country.
Group urges stakeholders to engage INEC's 2023 election report to improve future polls
By Michael Oche The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) an election observer group has said the recently released report by INEC on the conduct of the 2023 general election is not merely academic; but a call to action for all stakeholders involved in the democratic process, aiming to foster a more robust, transparent, and inclusive electoral environment in the years to come.
African workers welcome ECOWAS' lifting of sanctions on Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea
By Michael Oche The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has commended the recent decision by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to lift, with immediate effect, a large part of the sanctions imposed on Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Guinea on account of military takeover of power.
We are not part of NLC protest -TUC
By Michael Oche Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), has said it was never part of the process, meeting and declaration of embarking on streets protest against the economic hardship slated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
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