Osun NLC backs JUSUN strike, faults JSC on workers’ neglect.

The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has thrown its weight behind the ongoing industrial action by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Osun State Chapter.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NLC urged the Osun State Judicial Service Commission, JSC, to prioritise the welfare of judiciary workers in accordance with existing policies and commitments.

The statement which was signed by the NLC Chairperson, Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, described JUSUN’s grievances as legitimate and long overdue, citing consistent neglect and administrative insensitivity as reasons for the strike.

According to Arapasopo, the demands of JUSUN include the implementation of pending promotions and entitlements for 2024 and 2025, the restoration of imprest and statutory allowances, sponsorship of staff training at the National Judicial Institute, NJI, and the provision of official and utility vehicles to boost productivity.

“It is regrettable that judiciary workers continue to face neglect despite their critical role in the administration of justice. Their welfare must not be treated with indifference or delay,” the statement said.

The Congress expressed concern over what it termed the indifference of the Honourable Chief Judge and Chairman of the JSC, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, calling for immediate intervention from relevant authorities to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

“It is disheartening that workers in ministries and other agencies on the same grade levels as judiciary staff have received their 2024 and even 2025 promotion letters, with corresponding salary adjustments, while judiciary workers continue to lag behind. This is grossly unfair and unacceptable,” the statement read.

The NLC also cautioned against a growing culture of impunity and abuse of office within the judicial arm, warning that such actions undermine staff morale and institutional credibility.

Popular Activist Abiodun Aremu killed by Hit-and-Run Driver.

Prominent Nigerian activist and secretary of the Joint Action Front (JAF), Comrade Abiodun Aremu, has died following a hit-and-run accident in Ota, Ogun State. He was 65.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening when the veteran pro-labour campaigner was struck by an unidentified driver while crossing the road around 6:00 p.m. Eyewitnesses said the driver fled the scene immediately, leaving Aremu critically injured.

He was rushed to a nearby hospital where doctors battled to save his life, but he was pronounced dead shortly after despite attempts to revive him with oxygen.

Confirming his passing, Owei Lakemfa, former Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity and ex-acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), described Aremu’s death as a huge loss to the labour movement.

Lakemfa, speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Labour Movement, said the late activist “joined the pantheon of revolutionaries” on Sunday, October 12, 2025.

He described Aremu as “one of the greatest revolutionaries and internationalists of our time,” adding that his contributions to workers’ rights, democracy, and social justice in Nigeria would never be forgotten.

According to Lakemfa, Aremu will now be laid to rest on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at his residence located at No. 30, Kabiru Fatoye Street, Opposite Alaka Field, Ijako Sugar Bus Stop, Ifo Road, along the Lagos–Abeokuta Expressway.

He explained that the burial date, originally scheduled for October 13, was shifted to allow adequate time for mobilisation of comrades, labour leaders, and civil society groups who wish to pay their final respects.

“The greatest honour we can give our fearless teacher and leader is to continue in his footsteps and build a world founded on social justice,” Lakemfa said.

Every Day, Nigerians Go Hungry While Their Pastors Buy Private Jets – Former NLC Vice President.

Nted, who spoke during his 65th birthday celebration, which coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day, said the contrast between his personal growth and the nation’s decline leaves him deeply troubled.
Anthony Emmanuel Nted
Former Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and ex-President-General of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Anthony Emmanuel Nted, has lamented the growing hunger in the country, accusing pastors of amassing wealth while their congregants struggle to feed.

Nted, who spoke during his 65th birthday celebration, which coincides with Nigeria’s Independence Day, said the contrast between his personal growth and the nation’s decline leaves him deeply troubled.

“I am happy I was born on October 1, but I am not happy I share the birthday with Nigeria. While I am moving forward, the country is going backward,” he was quoted by Vanduard as saying.

He said the hardship facing Nigerians has reached alarming levels, noting that “every day I get 200 calls asking for food. People are dying of starvation. Things were better before, but today Nigerians can’t eat. Reforms are not feeding the people.”


The former labour leader condemned both past and present administrations for failing to alleviate poverty, saying leaders must stop making excuses. “It didn’t start from President Tinubu—it began with past leaders.

“But if you accept leadership, you must take responsibility. You can’t keep blaming those before you. Once you are in office, you must do the right thing and show people progress,” he said.

Nted took a swipe at religious leaders, accusing them of misusing church funds for luxury.

“Did God ask for money to buy jets? No. That money should go to the needy. Every day people are hungry, yet pastors are buying jets. It is wrong,” he said.

Twist As PENGASSAN Denies Signing Dangote Truce To Suspend Strike.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has distanced itself from the federal government communique that announced the suspension of its nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery, insisting it did not sign the document.

Fresh Twist As PENGASSAN Denies Signing Dangote Truce To Suspend Strike
the union suspended its industrial action on Wednesday, October 1, after government intervention, but stressed that its concerns over the welfare of more than 800 sacked workers were not fully addressed.

Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, October 2, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, explained that the communique presented after the negotiations was not an agreement between the parties.

“If you see that communiqué, we did not sign it. Normally, it is supposed to be signed by three parties. We did not sign because we felt that some things in it were not okay with us,” Osifo said.

He clarified that the communiqué was only a communication by the Minister of Labour and Employment, who acted as chief conciliator in the matter.

Union Insists On Workers’ Reinstatement
Osifo said the core of PENGASSAN’s demand was the reinstatement of the disengaged staff.

“The statement that Dangote made on workers sabotaging the economy was totally incorrect. If we had allowed that sabotage tag to stand, those 800 people would not be able to secure jobs in the future. That stigma would remain forever. Clearing that was a very big win,” he said.

The union leader dismissed suggestions that PENGASSAN’s fight was about check-off dues, stressing that the priority was ensuring its members could return to work and provide for their families.

“Our position is clear: take the people back to the refinery. That is all we asked for,” he insisted.

"Time for pleading is over"- NLC begins mobilization for nationwide strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions to commence full-scale mobilization for a nationwide strike against Dangote Group.

Naija News reports that the directive was issued in an internal memo signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on September 29, 2025.

Ajaero accused Dangote of a “deliberate anti-worker crusade” and disregard for Nigeria’s labour laws, stressing that the time for “pleading and fruitless dialogue” with the conglomerate was over and that the moment had come for “decisive, collective action.”

The memo read, “The ongoing disputes with PENGASSAN and NUPENG are only symptoms of a deeper problem: a systemic anti-labour policy of union-busting, worker exploitation, and disregard for the rule of law that defines the Group’s industrial relations practices.

“For too long, the Dangote Group has operated like a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our labour laws with contempt. Its facilities have become plantations of exploitation where workers’ dignity is deliberately crushed in pursuit of profit for a few.

“The time for pleading and fruitless dialogue is over. The moment for decisive, collective action is now. All affiliate unions are hereby placed on immediate and full alert, begin vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within Dangote facilities under your jurisdiction. This is a strategic priority.

“Commence preparations to mobilise members and resources for full-scale, decisive engagement against the Dangote Group’s anti-labour stance.

“The Congress also issued clear demands to the Dangote Group: “Unconditional respect for workers’ right to freely join unions of their choice, an end to intimidation, victimisation, and union-busting activities, and full compliance with Nigeria’s labour laws and institutions.

“To enforce the directive, each affiliate union has been instructed to immediately set up an Action Mobilisation Committee and liaise with the NLC National Secretariat within 72 hours to coordinate strategy, logistics, and communication. Unity of purpose and action is non-negotiable.

“The NLC accused the Dangote Group of operating with impunity, alleging that regulatory authorities had failed to rein in its excesses. The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the collective resistance of organised labour. No amount of propaganda or paid agents will stop us from defending workers’ rights, especially in the face of regulatory capture, where the state appears to have abdicated its duty to hold this conglomerate accountable.

“The blood and sweat of Nigerian workers built the Dangote empire; we will not allow it to become a monument to their oppression. Together we stand! Together, we will overcome!”

Obi seeks FG’s intervention, as NLC mobilises for full-blown strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, on Monday, began mobilisation of all its affiliate members ahead of a full-blown nationwide workers’ strike, as Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, urged the federal government to urgently resolve the ongoing disagreement between the Dangote Group and the workers in the oil and gas industry to avert a strike.

The NLC, in a letter issued on Monday to all affiliate members, said, “This serves as a formal and urgent request in response to the protracted and deliberate anti-worker crusade being waged by the Dangote Group against the Nigerian working class.”

In the letter signed by Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, the Union noted that the ongoing battle with PENGASSAN, NUPENG and the Dangote group is “merely a symptom of a deeper sickness; a capitalist pathology of union-busting, worker enslavement, and gross impunity that defines the Group’s industrial relations strategy.”

According to the NLC, ” Dangote Group has operated for too long as a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of our Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our national labour laws with contempt.

” Their facilities are not workplaces but plantations of exploitation, where the dignity of the worker is systematically crushed to maximise profit for the few.

The Union said the time for pleading and endless, fruitless dialogue is over.

The Union, while stating that it is time for decisive, collective action, called for ” total mobilisation of all Unions and workers, adding that ” All aforementioned affiliate unions are hereby placed on IMMEDIATE AND FULL ALERT”

“You are requested to commence, with immediate effect, preparation for a vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within every Dangote Group facility falling under your jurisdiction. This is a strategic priority.

Why Must Dangote Bully Everybody Out Of Business? They Did It In Sugar And Cement Ogbeifun Reveals.

Brown Ogbeifun, also known as Dr. Louis Brown Ogbeifun, a former President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has accused the Dangote Group of stifling competition and showing disregard for workers’ rights.

Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, September 29, 2025, Ogbeifun, who is also a retired Manager of Employee Relations at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and ex-President of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), emphasized that unionization was a right recognized by Nigerian labor laws.

“Let us get it straight. It is the right of the union to organize by labor laws. What we are seeing here today is an organization that has no respect for human dignity, for worker dignity,” he said.

Responding to questions on whether there had been any engagement with Dangote Refinery before the unions moved to strike action, Ogbeifun insisted that there had been efforts but alleged that some workers were fired simply for joining unions.

“It is not about PENGASSAN or NUPENG. The question is the kind of thing that happened in Dangote as it grew. Why must Dangote organization bully everybody out of business? They did it in sugar. They did it in cement. You saw what happened to BOA in cement. Must we build a monopoly around Dangote organization?” he asked.

Ogbeifun acknowledged Aliko Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy, especially in oil and gas, but maintained that the group’s approach to labor relations and market dominance raises concerns.

He further stressed that the situation reflects a wider systemic failure:“Both organizations can come together PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and the Dangote Group. What we are seeing today is failure of the conflict resolution system in the country.”

"Dangote is the person sabotaging our economy"- PENGASSAN president.

The President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Festus Osifo, has accused the chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, of sabotaging the Nigerian economy.

News recalls that the row between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery escalated on Sunday, September 28, 2025, after the union directed all its members across the country to withdraw their services, following the reported sack of at least 800 workers.

The development, union leaders said, amounted to a direct attack on workers’ rights and the freedom of association, following the mass enrollment of staff in PENGASSAN at the refinery.

The refinery’s management, however, insists that the dismissals were part of an internal restructuring exercise.

The company also resisted unionisation efforts by its workers, sparking accusations of anti-labour practices.

Speaking on the ongoing rift, Osifo, during an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television, said Dangote is Sabotaging Nigeria’s economy despite benefiting from the country.

He said, “The person that is sabotaging our economy is Aliko Dangote. The man is who he is today because of Nigeria.

“Nigeria gave Dangote a single licence to import flour, sugar and salt.

“Dangote built his refinery with our money; the Nigerian government subsidised FX for him to build the refinery.”

Dangote Is The Person Sabotaging Our Economy PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo.

The President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Festus Osifo, has accused the chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, of sabotaging the Nigerian economy.

The row between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery escalated on Sunday, September 28, 2025, after the union directed all its members across the country to withdraw their services, following the reported sack of at least 800 workers.

The development, union leaders said, amounted to a direct attack on workers’ rights and the freedom of association, following the mass enrollment of staff in PENGASSAN at the refinery.

The refinery’s management, however, insists that the dismissals were part of an internal restructuring exercise.

The company also resisted unionisation efforts by its workers, sparking accusations of anti-labour practices.

Speaking on the ongoing rift, Osifo, during an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television, said Dangote is Sabotaging Nigeria’s economy despite benefiting from the country.

He said, “The person that is sabotaging our economy is Aliko Dangote. The man is who he is today because of Nigeria.

“Nigeria gave Dangote a single licence to import flour, sugar and salt.

“Dangote built his refinery with our money; the Nigerian government subsidised FX for him to build the refinery.”

Nationwide blackout looms as electricity workers embark on strike.

Nigeria faces the risk of a nationwide blackout as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) commenced an indefinite strike on Wednesday over unresolved labor issues.

The union said the action was prompted by the federal government’s failure to implement the national minimum wage, persistent casualisation of workers, and other unaddressed demands.

In a notice signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the union stated that the strike followed the expiration of its ultimatum to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

NUEE criticized the TCN management for what it described as a lack of seriousness in addressing workers’ grievances, warning that the electricity supply industry is being pushed “down the drain.”

“It is unfortunate that TCN management has chosen to treat these matters with levity, showing no clear plan to resolve them. We cannot continue to watch while our rights are violated and the power sector deteriorates. Consequently, members are directed to withdraw their services until management fulfills its obligations,” the statement read.

NLC Demands Urgent Review of ₦70,000 Minimum Wage, Says it No Longer Meets Basic Needs

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and federal government workers have called for an immediate review of the national minimum wage, arguing that the current ₦70,000 can no longer meet basic needs.

Their demand comes after several states increased workers’ salaries beyond the ₦70,000 benchmark to cushion the effects of rising living costs.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), union leaders and workers stressed that soaring inflation, escalating food prices, transportation costs, rent, and other essential expenses have made the wage unsustainable.

President Bola Tinubu had in July 2024 signed the new National Minimum Wage Bill into law, raising it from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000. The law covers federal, state, and local governments, as well as the private sector.

FG Urges NUPENG To Suspend Strike, Convenes Meeting Monday

The Federal Government has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to suspend its planned nationwide strike slated for Monday, September 8, 2025.

Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, in a statement signed by ministry spokesperson Patience Onuobia, urged both NUPENG and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to halt industrial actions while the government intervenes in the dispute with the Dangote Group over alleged anti-union practices.

Dingyadi said a conciliation meeting has been scheduled for Monday, stressing that any disruption in the petroleum sector could cause huge economic losses and hardship for Nigerians.

NUPENG had announced the strike in protest of Dangote Refinery’s reported restrictions on its compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from joining unions. While some driver associations have distanced themselves from the action, NUPENG on Sunday reaffirmed its readiness to proceed.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, backed the union, arguing that Dangote’s policy violates Nigeria’s Constitution, labour laws, and international conventions on workers’ rights.

PETROAN Set For Nationwide Shutdown Over Alleged Monopoly

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has announced a planned three-day nationwide shutdown of fuel lifting and dispensing starting Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

According to PETROAN President Billy Gillis-Harry, the action is to resist alleged monopolistic practices in the downstream petroleum sector, safeguard workers’ rights, and prevent the dominance of a single player in the industry.

The group warned that aggressive policies linked to Dangote Refinery could push depot owners, modular refineries, and transport operators out of business, leading to job losses and worsening economic hardship.

PETROAN urged President Bola Tinubu and other key stakeholders to intervene, adding that a 120-man compliance team will oversee safety during the shutdown.

Ref: Channels TV
#PETROAN #Petrol #Nigeria #NNPCL #FuelCrisis #BreakingNews

The Ebonyi State Government has approved a new minimum wage of ₦90,000 for civil and public servants, up from ₦70,000. The increase, which takes immediate effect, was announced after the State Executive Council meeting in Abakaliki.

Commissioner for Information Ikeuwa Collins-Omebeh said the decision reflects Governor Francis Nwifuru’s People’s Charter of Needs Agenda, prioritizing workers’ welfare.

The council also approved the establishment of the Ebonyi State Virology Research and Innovative Centre to enhance research, diagnosis, and surveillance of viral diseases.

#MinimumWage #EbonyiState #WorkersWelfare

Workers’ Group Condemns Planned Salary Hike For Politicians
August 24, 2025

The Solidarity Network for Workers’ Rights (SNWR) has slammed the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission’s (RMAFC) plan to increase salaries for the President, governors, legislators, and other political office holders, calling it a “callous insult” to Nigerians.

SNWR said the proposal comes amid rising inflation, poverty, and strikes by workers demanding fair wages, accusing the government of rewarding politicians while neglecting ordinary citizens. It urged labour unions, students, and civil groups to mobilise protests to resist the move.

#WorkersRights #NigeriaEconomy #SayNoToSalaryHike

Pension funds: Strike countdown begins as PenCom, Labour disagree.

PenCom reacts, NSITF silent as Labour issues seven-day strike notice over alleged 40% pension fund diversion

The Nigeria Labour Congress has threatened a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to return what it claims to be billions of naira taken from workers’ insurance contributions. It also demanded that the government fill the leadership gap in the country’s pension regulatory commission within a week.

The NLC accused the Federal Government of syphoning 40 per cent of contributions from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund into the national treasury. The fund, which is financed by payroll deductions from millions of workers, is meant to protect them in the event of injury or job loss.

However, the National Pension Commission argued that the Contributory Pension Scheme remains secure and continues to grow, as it kicked against claims of missing funds.

“The (NLC) Central Working Committee expressed outrage at the ongoing assault on workers’ social protection rights through the Federal Government’s diversion of 40 per cent of workers’ contributions to the national coffers as revenue, in flagrant violation of the statutes establishing the NSITF,” NLC President Joe Ajero said in a communique shared on Thursday.

The union noted the move violated the laws establishing the NSITF and stripped it of its role as a safety net. “Pension funds are deferred wages, not government revenue,” Labour stated, warning that any further interference would trigger industrial action.

The group also criticised the government’s failure to appoint a governing board for the National Pension Commission, leaving the administration in sole control of billions in retirement savings. The union said the vacuum created heightened risks of mismanagement and political interference in the pension sector.

The standoff comes amid broader disputes over pension management across the country. In July, a coalition of labour unions in Ogun State gave state officials 72 hours to halt the planned rollout of a contributory pension scheme, citing a 17-year backlog of unpaid contributions worth over N82bn. They called for a return to the old pension system or a delay until the arrears are cleared.

FG Knocks US Embassy for Overstepping Bounds, Intruding in Internal Affairs.

Officials of the Federal Government has accused the United States Embassy in Nigeria of overstepping its diplomatic bounds and interfering in the country’s internal affairs, following the circulation of a critical media report targeting Nigerian leaders.

Government officials expressed outrage over the U.S. Mission’s alleged role in promoting an article published by The Africa Report, which criticised state governors for lavish spending on new government buildings in Oyo and Gombe States.

The report, it is understood, drew backlash in Abuja, with senior sources accusing the U.S. Embassy of encouraging a “smear campaign” under the guise of press freedom.

“The embassy’s actions are not only inappropriate but violate diplomatic norms,” a senior government official told reporters. “They have crossed the line into political interference.”

The Federal Government defended the governors mentioned in the article, describing Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe as models of fiscal discipline. Officials said both governors have maintained responsible budgeting, improved public services, and met workers’ salaries regularly.

Sources also alleged that the article was influenced by personal motives. According to them, the publisher of The Africa Report had earlier approached the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for sponsorship of an “Africa Roundtable” event but was turned down. The rejection, officials claim, led to strained relations and eventual negative coverage — now reportedly circulated by the U.S. Embassy.

“This isn’t journalism. It’s retaliation disguised as reporting, and the U.S. Mission’s role in spreading it is unacceptable,” a government source said.

The government pointed to Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which bars foreign missions from interfering in the domestic affairs of host countries. Officials say the U.S. Embassy’s recent actions clearly violate this principle.