The Nigeria Civil Service Union Federal council has condemned the arbitrary retirement of workers in the Nigeria Public Service system
This was part of the highlight of the 10 points communique issued at the end of the 58th Federal Executive Council held on Thursday 14th March ,2024 at the Maryam Babangida National centre for Women Development , Jointly signed by Comrade Daniel Otakpo, Secretary and Comrade Adoga Aruwa, Chairman, Federal Council respectively .
The Union fumed at the Arbitrary Retirement of Civil Servants.
Non payment of earned entitlements and severance Allowances.
Non transparent process of Review, the meeting therefore calls on government to put in place an appraisal mechanism that will include the participation of social partners.
There is no doubting the fact that “Civil Service remains a critical facility for Rational and Responsible Pro-people policy, advice, formulation, implementation, and Review; the undue interference of the activities of the Civil Service through patronage system and partisan political considerations have negated and virtually vitiated the essence of the Civil Service both at the Federal and State levels.”
“The time to restore the time tested ethos of neutrality, diligence, merits, stable career, competence, commensurate reward and Discipline mechanism as a means of achieving efficiency and accountability in the Public Service is now, in order to raise high productivity index in the service delivery to the populace.” the communique added
The meeting acknowledges the inevitability of the on-going Public Service Reforms noting that its main defect was the exclusion of critical social partners particularly workers, the Unions and Senior citizens. Council further noted some of the implication as:-
Non Appreciation of Extant Rules and Regulations.
The communique equally expressed reservation at the implementation of self funding by some Federal Government agencies such as the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria, whom it viewed as a non-Revenue Generating Agency.
Council therefore request the Government to urgently return this Agency to its Budgetary system in other to cushion the plight of workers owed since January 2024; it remarked that workers in this Agency are already restive, and can no longer guarantee Industrial peace.
Minimum Wage
FEC-in-Session expresses satisfaction over the proposals brought before the Federal Government of Nigeria by Nigeria Labour Congress on the proposed Minimum Wage. Council therefore urges Government to consider and approve the proposal of the NLC in view of the high cost of living being experienced in the Country today.
Council further appreciated Government at all levels who have provided short term alternatives to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal in form of wages award and other palliatives.
Reduction in the Cost of Governance
Council-in-Session advocated for a drastic cut in the cost of Administration at all levels of Government in view of the dwindling resources. It expresses concern that millions of Naira is expended in maintaining political office holders, while a greater percentage of Nigerians especially the Youths are unemployed and are faced with abject poverty.
Council in Session therefore called for a reduction of political appointees in order to save resources to meet up with other development programs.
Public Service (Rule 2021 Edition).
Council-in-Session commended the Federal Government for updating the Public service Rule. Council however noted that critical stake holders were not involve to contribute their quota in the formation of the PSR particularly as at affects Rule 020612 which states, inter-alia that Trade Union/State Association are mandated to introduce a tenure limit of Two (2) terms in their Constitution. FEC regarded this Rule as anti-Democratic as Unions and their members make Rules that govern them, noting further that the Rule, will amount to interference which the 2005 Labour Laws frown at. The Council-in-Session therefore urge the Government to expunge that Rule without further delay.
Freedom of Association
FEC-in-Session is worried that despite being a signatory to various ILO Conventions including Convention 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and protection of the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining, some Management still interfere in the internal affairs of the Union.
The Right of Freedom of Association and Voluntary membership of Unions are encapsulated in Section 40 of 1999 Nigeria Constitution and Section 2, 3, and 7 of Trade Union Amendment Act 2005.
FEC-in-Session however consider as unfortunate and illegal the continue coercion of members of the Union to Unions they dont wish to belong and forcefully deduct from their salaries dues. FEC-in-Session therefore vow to resist any attempt by Management to interfere in the choice of membership by workers.
Leadership of the Federal Council
FEC-in-Session commended the Federal Administrative Council (FAC) led by its Chairman Comrade Adoga Gupada Aruwa for placing the Federal Council of the Union at the Right Track, despite difficult challenges experience within the reporting period. FEC-in-Session move a vote of implicit confidence on the Federal Administrative Council (FAC) and urges them to remain focus without minding distractive tendencies.
National Leadership of the Union
FEC-in-Session restated its commitment , loyalty and Trust in the National Leadership of the Union led by Comrade Sunday OluwoleAdeleye, within the reporting period.
FEC-in-Session commends all the organs of the Union and the entire membership for their continue support and commitment in the process of constructive engagements and the Rule of law.
FEC-in-Session further urge Civil Servants to remain Resolute, Diligent, Committed and Transparent in their official responsibilities and duties.