By Joan Nwagwu

Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Friday re-elected its President, Mr Festus Osifo, for another four-year tenure in the office.

Osifo and 18 other executives were returned to the office unopposed at the first Quadrennial Delegates Congress and 20th Anniversary of TUC in Abuja.

It would be recalled that Osifo and others were elected into the office in 2021.

Osifo, while speaking on behalf of the executives, commended the delegates for the confidence they have in them, promised to take the labour movement to greater heights.

He added that the TUC under his leadership would also strengthen workers welfare and address issues of unionisation amongst others.

“I wish to make this singular promise that we will never let you down; that we will work day and night with the respective affiliates and state councils as well as the Women’s Commission to ensure that the plight of Nigerian workers remains a going concern.

“I will ensure that the welfare of the Nigerian workers remains sacrosanct, that we deepen the issue of remuneration and welfare much more than we have ever done before.

“I can confirm to you that this evening, you have elected men of timber and calibre, astute unionists, experienced unionists, people that work in different strata of the Nigerian society, men and women that will be there to ensure that the mandate given to us is continuously sustained.

“We will continuously push for the issues that affect you on a daily basis. We want to assure our past leaders that the confidence that is reposed in us, that the battle that they have passed through secessions to us today, that we will not let them down,” he said.

He assured all that the new executives would continue to advocate issues that would better the lives of its members.

“We will continuously advocate for those companies who are still preventing workers from unionising. We will take the battle to them. For those affiliates that need great assistance, and those that need total support, we will be there for you.”

Osifo recalled that TUC was able to bring in about 10 new affiliates as pledged in the last three years.

“We are going to push that even further to have much more membership to the affiliates and bring in much more affiliates into the TUC.

“For us, we believe that our strength is in our number, so we aspire to grow much more further than we did in the last three years. So, those unions that need more membership, we will push for them.

“Those unions that are not as strong as the big ones, we will give them the requisite support,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Joan Nwagwu

President Bola Tinubu says his administration remains committed to ensuring fair labour practices in the country.

Tinubu said this at the First Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Friday in Abuja.

The theme is: The Future of Work- Ensuring Fair Labour Practices and Economic Justice in a Digital Era.

Tinubu, who was represented by Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment, said the fair labour practices were to protect workers’ rights, eliminate exploitation and promote safe working conditions for workers.

According to Tinubu, on the part of the government, his administration is unwaveringly committed to fostering an environment where every Nigerian worker can thrive on different fronts.

“We will strengthen labour laws to protect workers’ rights, ensure safe working conditions and eliminate exploitation.

“As work evolves globally, we must equip our workers with the skills needed to succeed in a digital economy. We shall continue prioritising education, vocational training and digital literacy initiatives.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to create opportunities for all Nigerians, every worker, irrespective of industry or background, to enjoy economic justice,” he said.

Tinubu said that in an era where digital revolution had put many jobs at risk, the government had a responsibility to prioritise and protect the rights and dignity of workers in Nigeria.

He said as the world navigates the complexities of the digital revolution, the Federal Government would ensure that the rights and dignity of workers remained at the forefront of national agenda.

According to him, the government is poised to shaping a nation where progress is for many and not just a few.

Tinubu commended leaders of the TUC for their unwavering dedication to the welfare of workers and their pivotal role in shaping policies that promote social and economic progress.

“Your demand for better economic conditions following the removal of forced slavery in 2023 and your subsequent active participation in negotiations with the government culminating in the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers today, attest to your invaluable efforts.

“You are integral to our mission to build a Nigeria where every citizen can achieve their full potential,” he said.

He charged the delegates to put aside sentiments and elect new officials who would lead the TUC in advocating for the rights and welfare of workers across Nigeria.

“I encourage you to prioritise transparency and fairness. Let the electoral process reflect the values of democracy and justice that this labour centre stands for. Every vote must count, and let us hear every voice.

“Elect leaders with vision and dedication. Choose individuals who embody the principles of service, accountability and innovation who will champion workers’ causes in this rapidly changing world of work. Remain united in purpose.

“As President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I reaffirm my administration’s commitment to supporting this labour centre in its endeavours.

“This election will be a testament to the strength and unity of the TUC. I wish you wisdom, peace and success as you choose your new leaders,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joe Idika