Ngige Charges NLC for ECA Act 2010 Implementation

Senator Chris Ngige, the minister of labor and employment, has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to move swiftly to implement the Employees’ Compensation Act (ECA) 2010 by State Governments.
He pointed out that due to the act’s non-implementation, many workers were not protected by the ECA Act in the event that they suffered injuries or even died while performing their jobs.

Ngige, who made this announcement yesterday at the 13th Quadrennial National Delegates’ Conference of Nigeria, said the NLC should address this issue because ensuring the welfare of workers is one of the Confederations’ primary responsibilities as a trade union.
He added that it should be noted that the PENCOM Act of 2014 makes it a requirement for all employers to provide insurance coverage for workers they employ.
The minister made a plea to the NLC’s incoming leaders to address the issue of reporting, which he claimed was impeding sincere social dialogue and negotiations because the vast majority of the workforce was left with little to no information, inaccurate information, or often no information at all.

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Ngige urged the Confederation of Trade Unions leadership to always be brave and inform the affiliates of the actual status of labor laws, even when it is not in their favor, adding that it would help in avoiding mistakes and missteps.

In order to support his policy that all newly elected trade union officials must take relevant courses at the Michael Imuodu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), he urged the NLC to comply with all labor laws, particularly those found in the Trade Disputes Act on trade disputes. This would provide them with the necessary training and transform them into seasoned Industrial Relations experts, he claimed.

According to him, “It is acknowledged on a national and international level that government would not interfere in trade union matters and that trade unions are not to interfere in labor administration unless as provided by the laws and principles of tripartism. Since the appointment of public officials like permanent secretaries, director generals, and directors falls under the purview of government functionalities, trade unions are not required to impose their will on the government. How will a trade union fare if the government begins to dictate how and who they elect as executives?

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The outgoing NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, reached the pinnacle of his labor career and was elected President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). As a result, the Nigerian workers were truly adequately represented. “The NLC leadership took Nigeria workers whom they are representing to the Governing Body of the ILO.”

This executive has demonstrated excellence in the area of investments, particularly in real estate and the development of human capital. In that regard, let me once more extend my congratulations to the departing executive for the creation and opening of the Hassan Summonu Court, a stunning structure that was unveiled yesterday in Abuja. Legacy refers to this. Long after the executive has left office, it will continue to bring in money for the NLC and speak for them. I also commend the departing Executives for establishing the two Annual Harmattan Schools for the staff of the NLC to advance their knowledge.