The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sharply criticized Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, for his recent comments regarding the shutdown of the National Grid.

Akume had labeled the action by the Organized Labour as a treasonable felony and an act of economic sabotage.

In a statement released late Friday by NLC spokesperson Benson Upah, the Labour organization argued that the real economic saboteurs are those in power who misuse public resources.

The statement highlighted that these individuals, often seen in convoys and wearing flowing Agbada robes, are the true culprits harming Nigeria’s economy.

Earlier, Akume had condemned the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their shutdown of the National Grid on Monday, which was restored on Tuesday.

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He lamented the financial losses incurred by the Federal Government due to this action.

The NLC clarified that their industrial action was a protest for economic justice and fair treatment of Nigerian workers.

They emphasized that their demands are for a new national minimum wage reflective of the current cost of living, a reversal of the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh, and the abolition of discriminatory electricity consumer bands.

The NLC statement read: “The SGF should recognize the true economic saboteurs: those looting the treasury, diverting funds meant for hospitals and schools, engaging in foreign exchange fraud, and inflating contracts. These are the individuals who commit treasonable felony, not the workers seeking fair treatment.”

The Labour Congress also expressed disappointment in Akume’s remarks, noting that such statements trivialize the legitimate concerns of Nigerian workers.

They pointed out the disconnect between government officials and the everyday struggles of ordinary Nigerians, citing Akume’s assertion that he cannot afford to pay his drivers N100,000 monthly as indicative of this gap.

The NLC urged the government to address their grievances seriously and to work towards resolving the issues rather than exacerbating tensions with dismissive statements.

A significant legislative proposal aimed at reinstating the regional system of government in Nigeria is set to be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu next week.

Dr. Akin Fapohunda, the drafter of this private bill, disclosed his intention to engage with members of the National Assembly before forwarding the proposed legislation to the president.

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Fapohunda anticipates that President Tinubu will present the bill to the parliament as an executive bill.

The bill, currently before the National Assembly, is expected to be enacted into law by October 1, 2024.

Excerpts from the draft bill, begin with a preamble criticizing the 1999 Constitution, established under Military Decree 24, for lacking the explicit consent of the Nigerian people.

The bill asserts the need for a constitution derived from the people’s deliberations and consensus, advocating for a Federal/Regional system of government.

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The draft highlights the desire of Nigerians for a constitutional change, emphasizing that both federal and regional governments should operate within its provisions.

It suggests that ethnic groups within states should have the autonomy to organize themselves into provinces, divisions, and districts, managing their affairs independently.

The bill proposes that the National Assembly should use its authority to annul the 1999 Constitution, deemed an act of the National Assembly rather than a military decree, and replace it with a new governance model by October 1, 2024.

This amendment would be subject to a national referendum.

Regarding the governance structure, the bill outlines that Nigeria would comprise regional territories and a Federal Capital Territory, collectively forming the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

It emphasizes the unconditional right of every ethnic nationality in Nigeria to self-determination within their territories, advocating for the establishment of self-governance institutions and equitable representation in both federal and regional governments.

The bill defines “Ethnic Nationality or People” as groups with shared cultural practices, languages, beliefs, and identities, residing within distinct territories.

This legislative initiative marks a potential shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, aiming to decentralize governance and empower regional administrations.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized state governors for rejecting the proposed increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦60,000.

In a statement issued on Friday, the governors deemed the proposed wage hike as unsustainable and unrealistic.

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NLC spokesperson, Comrade Benson Upah, accused the governors of selfishness and insensitivity to the plight of workers.

He highlighted that many states are already failing to meet the current ₦30,000 minimum wage, with only Lagos and Edo states recently increasing their payments to ₦70,000.

Upah argued that more governors are willing to pay a reasonable wage but are hindered by those who violate wage laws.

He emphasized that paying fair wages is crucial for driving the economies of states, and failure to do so only impoverishes them further.

Reacting to remarks by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who expressed his inability to pay his drivers ₦100,000 monthly under the proposed wage, Upah criticized him for discouraging the implementation of a fair minimum wage.

He stressed that the capacity to pay a reasonable wage is a necessity, not a matter of surplus resources.

“Our concern is not at the pleasure of the governor or government officials; it is a necessity, a need,” Upah stated.

He further remarked that those claiming they cannot afford the proposed minimum wage often spend more on non-essential expenditures, implying that the issue is one of priorities rather than financial capability.

The Federal Government has put forward a revised offer to the organised labour, proposing an increase in the national minimum wage from ₦60,000 to ₦62,000.

In response, the organised labour has adjusted their initial demand from ₦494,000 to ₦250,000.

Despite the new proposal, the Tripartite Committee on the New National Minimum Wage has adjourned without reaching a consensus.

Reports indicate that the organised private sector has accepted the government’s new offer of ₦62,000.