News
TUC Re-elects Osifo For Second Term As President
The National Administrative Council of the Trade Union Congress has ratified the nomination/election of its President, Festus Osifo, for a fresh four-year term in office.
This is just as the President, Bola Tinubu, counseled affiliate unions of both the TUC and the Nigeria Labour Congress to always prioritise transparency in the election of their leaders.
Osifo and 18 other members of the executive were returned to the office unopposed Friday evening in Abuja during their inaugural quadrennial National Delegate Conference.
Speaking earlier before the election processes began, Osifo lamented that the current economic difficulties in the country have continued to grossly affect Nigerian workers.
Osifo spoke on the theme of the conference: “The Future of Work- Ensuring Fair Labour Practices and Economic Justice in a Digital Era”.
The labour leader explained that Nigerian workers’ challenges were compounded by the devaluation of the Naira by the President Tinubu-led administration.
Commenting on the killings in Plateau, Benue and other places, he said the food insecurity in the country would only continue to worsen if the cases of insecurity continue to rise.
According to him, insecurity has been making it impossible for farmers to gain access to their respective farmlands, adding that unemployment was also fueling the insecurity crisis that was throwing the country into chaos.
“One of the reasons the food prices are skyrocketing today is actually because of the insecurity we are having in places like Plateau, Benue, Borno, and I could go on and on.
“Everybody wants to preserve their lives, because when you go to the farm, your life is not safe. The middle belt of Plateau and Benue is actually the food basket of our country, and this has greatly affected us.
“We call on government to take decisive steps to ensure that the state of insecurity in Nigeria is addressed because that is our primary responsibility of government,” the labour leader said.
He also expressed concerns over the increasing number of out-of-school children in the country, urging the government at all levels to prioritise education by building better individuals.
“We have a lot of Nigerians, youths that are unemployed; we are actually feeding the insecurity net. You are actually saying that if you don’t have a job, people could turn to alternative means.
“We call on the government; let’s see how we can sit down on a round table and develop strategies and systems with which we would have sufficient employment as a country, so that men and women who are able and are willing to work will have jobs to do.
“We are calling on the federal, state, and local governments. They must all come together to quickly address the issues that are affecting out-of-school children.
“We cannot have a country where we have between 20 million and 40 million out-of-school children. We don’t feel that this is correct; we think it’s wrong.
“The state government must wake up because education is at risk. It is not an exclusive prism of the federal government alone.
“They must sit down collectively to develop strategies to address this system because when most of these children are not educated, it gives room to child labour and child labour is one of the tenets that the ILO has been fighting against that trade unions all over the world are also pushing and fighting against.”
Brace up for tough time ahead, labour advised
Meanwhile, the Country Director of the International Labour Organisation in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Ghana, Vanessa Phala, while commending the TUC, advised the labour centre to brace up for tougher times ahead.
She said, “We recognize each and every effort that you have made in trying to really make workers’ lives better in Nigeria. We are also aware that the journey has not been easy, and it is going to be tougher because of the challenges that the President has shared with us.
“But I want to assure you of the ILO’s support in this journey, that we remain committed to working with you in this journey, to supporting you in whatever ways we can.
“We’ve implemented several interventions together. We’ve been behind the TUC in some of the achievements that you’ve had, and I’m very happy that we were able to negotiate a new minimum wage.
“I would also like to encourage you to not fold over and stop fighting, because we know the problem is not the minimum wage, but the implementation of the minimum wage.
“So I do hope that you will work together with the relevant authorities to make sure that each Nigerian worker does not get paid below the minimum wage.”
The ILO official urged the government of Nigeria and the labour centres to always embrace social dialogue in resolving issues, even though dialogue was not always easy, given that the different parties involved do not always agree.
*Prioritize transparency in electing your leaders – Tinubu*
Earlier, the President, Bola Tinubu, encouraged delegates of unions affiliated to both labour centres to embrace integrity and transparency in the election of new leaders who would advance the interests of workers.
He also said his administration would remain committed to improving the welfare of Nigerian workers and ensuring fair labour practices amid growing economic challenges in the country.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, said there is a need to prioritize fair labour practices, strengthen labour laws, invest in skills development, and advance economic justice.
“Your demand for better economic conditions following the removal of the floor subsidy in 2023 and your subsequent active participation in negotiations with the government culminated in the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers today, attests to your invaluable efforts.
“You are integral to our mission to build a Nigeria where every citizen can achieve their full potential. Although technology has the power to transform industries, create new opportunities, and drive economic growth, it poses risks of job displacement and widening inequalities.
“It is, therefore, our political responsibility to harness the benefits of digital innovation whilst guiding the principles of fairness, equity and justice.
“I urge you to elect leaders with vision, accountability, and innovation, individuals who will champion workers’ voices in a rapidly changing world of work,” the President said.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has given a 24-hour ultimatum to the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Abdulganiyu, demanding his personal appearance over the recent fire truck accident in Abuja that left three people dead and several others injured.
This directive was issued on Tuesday by the Minority Whip, Rep. Ali Isah, following the agency’s failure to honour an earlier invitation to address the matter.
Naijablitznews.com recalled the tragic incident occurred on Friday evening at ECOWAS Junction, Wuse 2, during an emergency operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex, where a fire truck reportedly lost control, claiming the lives of three siblings.
Rep. Isah expressed dismay that despite graphic videos circulating online, the Fire Service had not issued any public statement or shown presence at the scene. He called on the agency to visit the bereaved family without delay, cover all medical expenses of the victims receiving treatment, and arrange adequate compensation.
He also demanded that the Fire Service take concrete steps to prevent such an incident from happening again.
Earlier in his brief, a top-ranking officer in charge of Administration and Supplies at the Fire Service, Samuel Olumode, admitted the agency deeply regretted the fatal incident in Abuja.
He stated that while the Controller-General couldn’t appear in person due to pressing state duties, he had given clear instructions for a team, including Olumode himself, to represent the service at the hearing.
Olumode eemphasised hat no one takes the loss of life lightly, especially when such a loss is irreversible. He attributed the tragic occurrence to the urgent and chaotic nature of the firefighting operation that night.
According to him, the driver of the fire truck did not stop at the scene immediately after the crash, fearing possible attacks from an angry crowd, something fire crews reportedly face often. However, the driver later turned himself in at the nearest police station and has remained in custody since.
Olumode also disclosed that the Fire Service, under the leadership of the CG, had already begun reaching out to those affected. Visits had been made to the victims’ family and the injured in hospital. Fire officers were also present at the funeral held at the National Mosque and the burial that followed.
He described the moment as extremely difficult for the bereaved family and confirmed that another team had visited the boys’ mother to console her personally.
Olumode added that the Fire Service had made a public apology, which was aired and published by several leading media outlets across the country.
By Francesca Hangeior
The move to transform YabaTech in Lagos State to a University of Technology and Vocational Studies has got a boost as a Bill to this effect has scaled second reading in the Senate.
After being read the second time yesterday, the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, APC, Kano North, who presided at Tuesday’s plenary session, thereafter referred it to the Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFUND for further legislative action and report back in four weeks.
It is titled, a Bill for an Act to provide for the Establishment of the Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State and to make comprehensive provisions for its due management and administration and for other related matters, 2025 (SB. 738).
In his lead debate on the general principles of the bill, the Senate leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, APC, Ekiti Centra,l said that the Bill essentially seeks to transform and upgrade the YabaTech to Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State, which has already been done via a presidential fiat.
Bamidele said, “This Bill seeks to establish Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies Yaba, Lagos State. The Bill was read the first time in this Hallowed Chamber on Tuesday, 11th March, 2025.
“The Bill essentially seeks to transform and upgrade the YabaTech to Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, Yaba, Lagos State, which has already been done via a presidential fiat.
“Nigeria’s steady march towards education for all in the shortest possible time has taken a giant leap with the introduction of this Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of this University.
“I am personally excited by the prospect of transforming this Polytechnic to a University of Technology and Vocational Studies as it will motivate both students and academic staff, just as it will upgrade its facilities and enhance its capability to achieve its objectives.
Similarly, The New University will encourage the advancement of learning and hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction the opportunity of acquiring a higher and liberal education. It will also do the following: Provide courses of instruction and other facilities for the pursuit of learning in all its branches, and to make those facilities available on proper terms to such persons as are equipped to benefit from them; Encourage and promote scholarship and conduct research in all fields of learning with emphasis on technical education”
According to the Senate leader, the new school will m”Relate its activities to the social, cultural and economic needs of the people of Nigeria; and Undertake any other activities appropriate for a university of the highest standards.
“If Nigeria, as planned, should aim to become one of the world’s twenty leading economies of the world in this 215t century, we must be ready to adjust and position our educational institutions so that its products are geared towards technological challenges inherent in such projections. Our educational authorities are moving to revamp our institutions for these objectives.
Yaba Federal University of Technology and Vocational Studies, when enacted by the National Assembly will have power to establish such campuses, colleges, faculties, institutes, schools, extra-mural departments and other teaching and research units within the University as may from time to time seem necessary or desirable subject to the approval of the National Universities Commission.
“To ensure continuity in the administration of the university, all property held by or on behalf of the Yaba Polytechnic shall be vested in the University and be held by it for the purposes of the University. Notably, all staff of the Polytechnic are hereby transferred to the University and previous service in the Polytechnic shall count as service for the purposes of any pension payable by the University.
” The institution is prepared to undertake the educational and other modifications that are a natural corollary of transforming to a university. The institution is also prepared to remains true to its core mandate of producing well-trained manpower capable of driving the technological, management and business goals of the nation.
“In this regard, it will seek to emulate the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) which has built upon a tradition of distinction to become one of the world’s foremost educational institutions.
By Francesca Hangeior
A human rights lawyer and counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has faulted the Amnesty International report on Okigwe killings, describing it as “hasty and full of inconsistencies”, just as he called for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation.
Recall that some yet-to-be-identified armed men reportedly ambushed and killed some travellers along the Okigwe Road in Imo State, some days ago.
The alleged killings have triggered mixed reactions, with a call for a thorough investigation to unravel the perpetrators.
But in a statement released on Tuesday, Ejiofor said the quick attribution of the killings to IPOB, without exhaustive verification, raises serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of the Amnesty International report.
According to him, this approach does not align with the expected standards of a globally respected human rights organisation.
He said while he condemned the killing of the innocent travellers by yet-to-be-identified “heartless” perpetrators, he called on Nigerian security agencies to promptly and meticulously investigate the heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law.
The statement read, “In light of the recent hasty statement issued by Amnesty International (Nigeria) on the Okigwe killings, it is imperative to underscore the need for a thorough, impartial, and evidence-based investigation.
“The quick attribution of the killings to IPOB, without exhaustive verification, raises serious concerns about the integrity and neutrality of the report.
“It must be unequivocally stated that no individual or authority, regardless of their constitutional powers, is permitted to take another’s life outside the due process enshrined in Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). The sanctity of human life must remain inviolable.
“I call on Nigeria’s security agencies to promptly and meticulously investigate these heinous crimes and ensure that those responsible are identified, apprehended, and prosecuted according to the law.
“The security agencies should stop paying lip service as they often do, and actually conduct a thorough investigation into these dastardly and wanton killings.”
The human rights lawyer said upon a careful review of Amnesty International Nigeria’s statement, several inconsistencies and troubling lapses were observed, such as “questionable sources of casualty figures, premature attribution of blame, potential conflict of interest and ongoing threats in the region”.
“Amnesty International Nigeria reported specific casualty figures without disclosing any independent verification sources.
“This departs from their well-established protocol, which emphasises independent investigations often taking days or weeks before conclusions are drawn.
“While the police acknowledged the attack, they refrained from confirming exact casualty numbers or the real identity of the attackers. Amnesty’s conclusive link to IPOB, therefore, appears speculative and unsubstantiated.
“Concerns have also been raised about the neutrality of the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, who use to hold a political appointment as Special Assistant to the Governor of Yobe State. This dual role casts a shadow over the objectivity of the organisation’s reporting.
“It is a well-known fact that remnants of armed elements loyal to Simon Ekpa continue to destabilise communities across the South-East. While this remains a security concern demanding urgent state intervention, it should not justify rushed attributions of blame without due diligence,” he added.
According to him, national and international stakeholders must demand a credible, unbiased, and fact-driven investigation into the Okigwe killings.
He insisted that the loss of innocent lives must not be politicised or sensationalised, adding that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done, both to honour the victims and to safeguard the rule of law in our democracy.
“Only the truth, firmly established through rigorous investigation, can pave the path to justice and lasting peace,” he said.
-
News14 hours agoJust in: Another major headache as 3 PDP senators defect to APC
-
News23 hours agoUS revokes governor’s visa
-
News23 hours ago2nd Anniversary: Tinubu to commission Abuja International Conference Centre – Wike
-
News16 hours agoUnion seals Lagos company over racial discrimination of workers
-
News14 hours agoCourt Jails Two Six Months for Naira Abuse in Lagos
-
Metro22 hours agoTension in Ondo community as herdsman dies in clash with vigilance group
-
News14 hours ago$1.43m scam: Ajudua on the run as Supreme Court orders his return to prison
-
News22 hours agoTaraba Woos Global Investors Ahead of Landmark Economic Summit