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‘Total shutdown’: Electricity workers, PENGASSAN sets to join NLC strike

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1 year ago

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The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), say its members will join the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the planned indefinite nationwide strike.

The labour had threatened to go on an indefinite nationwide strike from October 3 over the removal of the petrol subsidy by the federal government and its attendant impacts on Nigerians.

Specifically, the labour is asking the government for tax exceptions, allowances to public sector workers, reduction of cost of governance, and wage awards following the removal of the petrol subsidy.

Earlier in the month, the NLC had embarked on a two-day warning strike after which the federal government was given a 21-day ultimatum to meet its demands.

The ultimatum expired on Tuesday without the government attending to the requests of the union.

Also, the meeting between the federal government and the leadership of NLC scheduled to hold on Friday to prevent the planned nationwide strike by the unions failed to take place.

Aligning with the labour unions, NUEE, in a statement signed by Dominic Ogwebike, acting general secretary, directed its members to commence full mobilisation to ensure compliance with the directive.

“Hence, we are to totally withdraw our services and participate in street protests and rallies until the government responds to our demands,” the statement reads.

“To this effect, all National, State and Chapter executives are requested to start mobilization of our members in total compliance with this directive.

“Please note that withdrawal of Services nationwide commences from 0.00 hours of Tuesday, October 3, 2023.”

“The employees are encouraged to work with the leadership of state executive councils (SEC) of the congress in various states with a view to having a successful action.”

‘PENGASSAN JOINS LABOUR UNIONS’ STRIKE’

On its part, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in a recent statement, directed members in the formal and informal sectors of the Nigeria oil and gas industry to commence full mobilisation for the indefinite strike.

The union directed its members to ensure unwavering compliance with the directive of the two labour centres to all affiliate industrial unions to embark on a nationwide industrial action from October 3, 2023.

“The leadership of NUPENG finds it so disturbing and unfortunate, that the federal government of Nigeria and other tiers of governments are so insensitive to the excruciating and debilitating socio/economic pains Nigerians are passing through as a result of very harsh and sudden economic policies taken by this administration without any accompanying socio/economic policies to ameliorate and cushion the immediate effects and impacts those difficult and harsh policies are having on the citizenry,” PENGASSAN said.

The union said the “apparent lack of regard and respect” for cries and yearnings of the organised labour, civil society organisations and the general public by the administration, is worrisome.

MORE TRADE UNIONS DECLARE SUPPORT FOR STRIKE

At the moment, more trade unions have declared their support for the planned strike.

The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has directed its state councils to immediately commence intensive mobilisation of members “in total compliance to the indefinite strike, peaceful protest and rallies as has been declared by the organised labour”.

Also, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) in a circular by Peters Adeyemi, its general secretary, instructed its members to “embark on total and comprehensive strike action as directed”, with a view to getting the federal government to react positively to the demands of labour.

Others unions are National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), the Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), and the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUHAP).

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Lagos state government removes illegal shop extensions blocking drainage channels in Lagos Island

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30 mins ago

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November 25, 2024 10:55 am

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The Lagos State government has cleared illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and a government-provided water tap in Lagos Island.

The exercise was conducted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), led by its General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Adu Ademuyiwa, Director of Public Affairs at LASBCA, via the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday.

The enforcement operation focused on Idi-Oluwo Street, where shop extensions had blocked critical drainage channels and access to potable water, leaving the community without essential resources.

Arc. Gbolahan Oki highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents, noting that several shop owners had constructed extensions over public drains and a government-provided water tap, causing significant disruptions to the area.

“In a proactive effort to ensure public safety, orderliness, and the smooth flow of traffic, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has taken decisive action by removing illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and community water supplies along Idi-Oluwo Street, Lagos Island.

“Leading the LASBCA Enforcement Team, the General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents. He noted that several shop owners had built extensions over public drains and water tap, causing significant disruptions,” the statement read in part.

The statement revealed that one of the removed extensions had blocked access to a government-provided water tap, cutting off the entire community’s supply of potable water. The swift removal of these illegal structures restored water access to the affected area.

Arc. Gbolahan Oki emphasized the need for residents to respect public infrastructure and take collective responsibility for preserving community resources.

Furthermore, the statement noted that Arc. Gbolahan Oki issued a one-week ultimatum to traders at Idi-Oluwo, directing them to address the identified violations or face stringent legal consequences.

At Mankanra Market, the LASBCA team uncovered several environmental infractions, including shanties obstructing walkways, which compromised the market’s functionality and safety.

Additionally, the statement highlighted that Hon. Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised LASBCA’s proactive efforts.

She urged market leaders to ensure their members adhere to state regulations on sanitation and structural integrity, warning that defaulters would face penalties as prescribed by law.

The LASBCA team also visited Bombata Market, where Arc. Oki advised market leaders to prioritize cleanliness and foster an orderly trading environment.

He assured them of a follow-up inspection within three months to confirm compliance with required standards and maintain the improvements.

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Lagos state government shuts establishments in Gbagada, Ogudu, others over noise pollution, environmental violations

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2 hours ago

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November 25, 2024 9:24 am

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The Lagos State government has shut down several establishments located in Gbagada, Ogudu, Ojodu, and Agidingbi for violating noise pollution and environmental laws.

The enforcement operation was carried out by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), under the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

This development was announced on Sunday in a post by Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

The exercise led to the closure of establishments including Divine Perfection Ministry, Eagle Paints Nig Limited, Daveoris Global Ventures Limited, and Ene Global, which were found to have disregarded environmental regulations despite receiving prior warnings.

“In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental infractions, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed several establishments across Lagos, including Gbagada, Ogudu, Ojodu and Agidingbi.

“This action is part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to creating a healthier and more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.

“The establishments sealed include: Divine Perfection Ministry, Eagle Paints Nig Limited, Daveoris Global Ventures Limited, and Ene Global.

“These establishments were shut down for failing to adhere to environmental standards despite prior notices,” Wahab’s tweet read.

The sealings aim to promote a healthier environment, addressing the harmful effects of noise pollution and other infractions on public health and quality of life.

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How Ebonyi governor caught civil servants diverting health ministry’s documents (Video)

Published

3 hours ago

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November 25, 2024 8:10 am

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Francis Nwifuru, governor of Ebonyi, has ordered the arrest of six civil servants for allegedly packing documents belonging to the state’s ministry of health without authorisation.

The governor posted a video on his Facebook page on Saturday showing how he apprehended some men caught loading a vehicle with documents suspected to be records of the ministry of health.

Some of the men in the video appeared to be the state’s workers and buyers of the items.

In the video, Nwifuru said he was on his way to inspect some projects and instinctively asked his convoy to reverse into the premises of the health ministry.

The governor said he saw the vehicle loaded up with some materials.

“I was stunned to see that the vehicle was loading up for sale materials meant for our primary health care centres and general hospitals in the state,” he said.

“Unfortunately, while we continue to make sincere efforts to meet the needs of our people, some are bent on sabotaging the system and our desires to give our people the best.”

Among some of the materials were non-polio vaccination cards, daily antenatal registers, and child immunisation registers.

In a statement on Sunday, Monday Uzor, Nwifuru’s chief press secretary, said the governor ordered the arrest and prosecution of one Ndukwe Ayansi and five others for allegedly diverting materials meant for the state’s ministry of health.

Uzor said it was also discovered that all the documents had been sold without government approval.

He added that the suspects have been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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