News
FG Prevails on NLC to Register CONUA, NAMDA
The Federal Government, Tuesday, appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress to rescind its opposition to the registration of two new academic unions in the Nigerian public university system.
The PUNCH reports that the new unions- the Congress for Nigerian University Academics and the Nigeria Association of Medical and Dental Academics -received letters of recognition recently during a ceremony at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Abuja.
However, in a letter to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, the President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, demanded for the withdrawal of the letters issued to the unions, on the grounds that their registration contravened the laws guiding trade unionism.
In his reply, dated October 12, 2022, Ngige appealed to NLC to allow the new unions to exist in the spirit of Freedom of Association.
He insisted that the Trade Dispute Act 2004 gives him the sole power to register new trade unions, either by registering a new union or regrouping existing ones.
The minister reiterated that the new unions were offshoots or by-products of regrouping and their applications were considered by two committees of his ministry, with the Registrar of Trade Unions participating when the first recommendation for approval was given in 2019, and again in 2022.
He explained that CONUA and NAMDA were regrouped from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), for efficiency and effectiveness in the system and more importantly, to protect these groups of university teachers whose worldview differs from the restive parent union.
Ngige said, “Comrade President, do not unnecessarily oppose the registration of these new academic unions because with ASUU, they are all like seeds on the academic soil of Nigeria and which will grow into big trees we don’t know, but the one which her trees are not bearing good fruits, we already know. So, as an uncle of the unions, oppose none in the spirit of Freedom of Association.
“It should be noted that Section 3 (2) of the Trade Dispute Act, CAP T14 gives the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, the sole power to register new trade unions, either by registering new trade union or regrouping existing ones. This matter was a subject of litigation in the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) in most recent case which the President of the NLC failed to mention in his narration of court cases – the case of the Nigerian Union of Pensions (NUP) and the regrouped Federal Parastatals & Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPAN) from NUP where the Law on Regrouping of Trade Unions was extensively explored and ruled upon unlike the cases cited by the President of the NLC to misinform the general public and unfortunately lead astray his affiliate Trade Union – ASUU. “
He recalled that the NICN in a suit no. NICN/ABJ/219/2019, buttressed its earlier ruling on the matter and which had stated inter alia that the power to register trade unions resides with the Minister of Labour and Employment.
He noted that the last segment of Section 3(2) does not refer to the regrouping of existing trade unions, hence, the differentiation within the section between registering a new trade union and regrouping existing ones.
Ngige said, “We note your reference to Section 5 of the same Act, which deals with the “Procedure on receipt of application for registration” of a Trade Union. Section 5(4) in Particular states that the Registrar shall not register a trade union if it appears to him that any existing trade union is sufficiently representative of the interests of the class of workers concerned – CONUA members were ostracised and de-unionised by ASUU. Do we as the Competent Authority on Labour matters including trade union services pay homage to ASUU and acquiesce to leaving a large segment of lecturers and academia un-unionised, without protection, without a voice, and without a right at work. Are these workers not covered by the same ILO Conventions nos. 87 & 97?”
Regarding NAMDA, he said they are medical doctors lecturing in the universities who are bound by their professional ethics and Hippocratic oath to “first do no harm” to all and as such, were against the incessant prolonged and illegal strikes by ASUU, which had disrupted medical training and caused consequential damages to the educational system and by implication, the quantity and quality of future medical doctors and dentists in Nigeria.
“They have been teaching and some have graduated their students since the 8-month-old strike by ASUU which commenced on Feb 14 2022. Universities of Maiduguri, Bauchi and Sokoto medical teachers are indeed patriots. Moreover, their peculiar needs are quite different from the rest of ASUU members and they are often left out on welfare and career progression in the universities-the core functions of a registered trade union.”
Ngige told the NLC President to desist from using his position to deceive the general public by misguiding them with mal-citations of Labour Authorities.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari has been buried in the garden of his residence in Daura, Katsina state.
The body of the late president was interred after funeral prayers were held at a helipad near his country home on Tuesday.
Buhari was buried in a spot where he usually sat in his compound’s garden when he was alive.
Military pallbearers wheeled Buhari’s body, draped in the colours of the Nigerian flag, to the graveside in a trolley. Gunshots were fired as a mark of respect for the former president and commander-in-chief.
The Prime Minister of Niger, Ali Lamine Zeine, was present at the graveside alongside President Bola Tinubu, Vice-President Kashim Shettima, and former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, among others.
Earlier, Tinubu received Buhari’s remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina.
The late president passed away on Sunday, July 13, in a hospital in London, United Kingdom (UK), following a prolonged illness.
TheCable
The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 15 July, 2025, as a public holiday in honour of the late former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
According to a statement released by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, the holiday is furtherance to the seven days of national mourning declared by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The statement said the Honourable Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, following the approval of His Excellency, President Tinubu.
The Minister stated that the holiday is a mark of respect for the late President’s service to the nation, his contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, and his enduring legacy in governance and national development.
“President Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria with dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the unity and progress of our great nation. This public holiday provides an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on his life, leadership, and the values he upheld,” the Minister said.
He urged citizens to use the day to honour the late President’s memory by promoting peace, patriotism, and national cohesion, in line with his vision for a prosperous and united Nigeria.
As earlier announced, the National flags are to fly at half mast for the seven days of mourning period from Sunday 13th July, 2025.
The Federal Government extends its deepest condolences to the family of the late President, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, while praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
At a press briefing, the Katsina governor said following consultations with the late president’s family and close associates in London, it has been agreed that the remains of the former leader would arrive in Katsina on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, by noon.
He disclosed that the burial would take place in Daura, the hometown of the late president, by 2pm on the same day.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has condoled with the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the immediate family of the departed former President of Nigeria, General Muhammadu Buhari on the death of the ex-maximum and democratic leader.
In his letter of condolence made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), the Minister acknowledged Buhari as a true leader and dedicated servant of the nation.
Details below:
Letter of Condolence to the Family of Ex-President Muhammadu Buhari
I, the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, CON, wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Nigeria, especially the Buhari family, on the passing of our esteemed former President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, who departed us today.
The Ministry of Police Affairs and the entire Police Ecosystem share in this moment of grief and sorrow with the family, the people of Nigeria, and the nation at large. In honoring a statesman of such stature, we acknowledge the profound contributions he made to our country and the lasting impact of his leadership.
The loss of a true leader and dedicated servant to our nation deeply saddens us all. His legacy will endure through his unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to serve Nigeria. Notably, his foresight in prioritizing national security led to the re-establishment of the Ministry of Police Affairs as a dedicated entity to address the needs of the Police Ecosystem. He also approved vital funding for fuel supplies for police operational vehicles across the country, demonstrating his commitment to enhancing our security infrastructure.
This is indeed a profound loss for Nigeria. Buhari’s commitment to public service and his unwavering dedication to the security sector will always be remembered and cherished.
Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the passing of a distinguished statesman who served with honor and integrity. May his spirit of leadership continue to inspire generations to come.
During this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all Nigerians. His remarkable contributions to our nation will never be forgotten.
May his soul rest in peace.
