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Strike: How Labour Veterans Got NLC, TUC To Close Ranks

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Leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and their Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterparts, Tuesday, September 26, 2023, announced to Nigerians, especially workers, that the two labour centres would jointly prosecute the planned nationwide indefinite strike starting on October 3, 2023.

Until then, the two centres had been in a cold war and worked at cross purposes to the detriment of the suffering masses especially workers, who are bearing the brunt of the removal of subsidy on petrol.

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Recall that after the initial joint meeting the NLC and TUC held with the representatives of the Federal Government in June led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, other meetings with the government were held separately.

Although, the NLC and TUC held a joint nationwide protest on Wednesday August 2, 2023, to protest perceived government insensitivityto the plights of poor Nigerians, the frosty relationship between them came to a boiling point ahead of the two-day warning strike declared by NLC for August 5 and 6, 2023.

Why TUC backed off

Leaders of the TUC after a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, were quoted by a section of the media to have said they had backed out of the planned strike.

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As expected, leaders of NLC hit back at TUC, dismissing the claims that they were backing out of the planned strike as untrue because TUC did not declare a strike in the first place. In other words, leaders of TUC could not withdraw from a strike they did not call.

The leaders of the TUC also went ahead to give the government two weeks to address their demands, claiming the government still needs more time to address those demands.

On Monday, September 18, after a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment, TUC told Nigerians and workers that the government would announce wage awards for workers the following week.

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READ ALSO: NLC, TUC To Ground Activities Nationwide From Oct 3

NLC 21-day strike notice

On the other hand, at its meeting with the government, leaders of NLC told the Labour minister and his team that the government had up till Friday when the 21-day ultimatum given to the government by NLC would expire.

Recall that on September 1, while declaring the two-day warning strike, NLC had also given the government 14 days and 21 days notice within which to address its demands or face an indefinite nationwide strike.

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Consequently, the September 18 meeting ended in deadlock as the meeting that commenced around 2 pm, ended around 4.23 p.m. without agreement.

On Friday, September 22, NLC summoned an emergency meeting of its National Executive Council, NEC, for Tuesday, September 22, to invariably fix the date to commence an indefinite strike.

Intervention by veterans

While all these were happening between NLC and TUC, Vanguard gathered that concerned elders in the Labour movement and civil society allies became worried that the movement was slipping into the divide-and-rule agenda of the government and that urgent intervention was needed to rescue the movement from the antics of the government.

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According to sources, the elders and civil society allies reached out to the presidents and executives of both labour centres on the need to work together as one if they hoped to achieve anything for the masses of the country, especially workers who they are leading.

Following the intervention, the president of NLC and his TUC counterpart reached out to each other and stated talking, it was gathered.

Vanguard learned that following the success of the interface between the presidents of both labour centres, a broader meeting of leaders of NLC and TUC was held on Monday, September 21 at night.

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The marathon meeting, it was gathered, lasted for over five hours and leaders of both centres told themselves the truth.

They were told to forget ego, pride and frivolities and face the onerous task of making life and living conditions better for the suffering masses of Nigeria most especially workers.

READ ALSO: Strike: Again, FG Invites NLC For Meeting Monday

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TUC’s grouse

In fact, before the intervention, one of the leaders of TUC had confided in Vanguard that the leaders of NLC do not see TUC as partners but a labour centre they could always lord things over.

He complained that the NLC took a decision to embark on the August 2 protest alone without bothering to carry the TUC along.

According to the source, the TUC decided to join the protest at the last minute in the interest of the masses and workers.

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The TUC source said what broke the camel’s back was NLC’s decision to declare the two-day warning strike without consulting or carrying TUC along.

The source said: “To the chagrin of TUC leaders, we read about the two-day warning strike notice on the pages of the newspapers like other Nigerians. The right thing to have been done was for the two Labour centres to either hold a joint NEC and decide on the warning strike or for NLC to reach out to TUC on its decision before making it public. Both NLC and us (TUC) would then meet and decide on the warning strike and jointly announce it. Alternatively, we could announce the warning strike separately but on same day. This was not done.

“When we looked at the content of the NLC’s communique announcing the warning strike, it appeared to be personal to NLC. The communique talked about the government interference in the leadership and occupation of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, headquarters in Abuja, without talking about Lagos State Government takeover of our affiliate, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN office and seizure of two TUC buses parked at RTEAN secretariat in Lagos.

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“The NLC communique also talked about some state governments’ interference in its state councils. So, essentially, we saw it as NLC’s affairs since we were not carried along and the things that concerned us were not included.”

NLC’s response

However, some leaders of NLC while dismissing the TUC’s claims, alleged that leaders of the TUC breached NLC’s trust and confidence from the onset.

One of the NLC leaders told Vanguard: “One of the TUC’s betrayals of trust was on September 4, a day to the two-day warning strike. On that day, the Minister of Labour and Employment invited us and TUC to a meeting. The meeting was supposed to hold around 3 p.m. But before the meeting, the minister held a press conference addressing the issues we were supposed to discuss and so on. We saw no reason to attend the meeting again. But our sister Labour centre attended.

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READ ALSO: Edo People Will Vote Against Any Candidate Obaseki Anoints – PDP Chieftain

“That was not the first time. There was another example before the ministers were appointed by the President. We had a scheduled meeting with the government team at the Villa. We were not only held back at the gate for quite some time but when we got to the venue, the Chief of Staff to the President, who was supposed to preside over the meeting was nowhere to be found.

About three low-ranking officials were left to hold the meeting with us. We left after waiting in vain for senior officials of government to turn up including the Chief of Staff to the President. But our sister labour centre stayed. Their utterances and body language before these examples were not convincing to us.”

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NLC, TUC leaders meeting
Notwithstanding, sources at the reconciliation meeting informed Vanguard that leaders of NLC and TUC were made to understand that they needed to work together since both NLC and TUC were working for the masses and workers of Nigeria.

One of the sources said: “The leaders of both NLC and TUC were told and in fact, they agreed that both centres are working for the Nigerian masses, especially workers but with different approaches and methods. They were made to see reasons why a united force is a panacea to fighting a formidable enemy.

“They were also made to realize that the more they continue to work at cross purposes, the more the gap between them continues to widen and the more government will take advantage of it to unleash more anti-poor policies. They have also realized that the government will not address any of their demands if they continue to fight independently of each other.”

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At the end of the meeting held at a hotel in Utako area of Abuja, Vanguard gathered that both NLC and TUC with over five representatives from each centre resolved to work as one to challenge the anti-poor policies of the government that have worsened poverty, unemployment, insecurity and other situations across Nigeria.

A source at the meeting said “They agreed that government has failed, that both NLC and TUC are the same family with common interests and must not allow the government to divide them.

“There was also the understanding that the NLC and TUC are the only hopes of Nigerian people and that they must do everything possible not to betray the Nigerian masses.

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“There was equally an understanding that issues affecting them (NLC and TUC) should be discussed and addressed within them without allowing such issues to degenerate into wrangling or disputes, and so on.”

The product of the September 21 night meeting was the joint communique of Tuesday, September 22, by leaders of NLC and TUC declaration of an indefinite nationwide strike starting from October 3, 2023.

VANGUARD

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Trump Says Putin ‘Playing With Fire’ In New Jab At Russian Leader

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US President Donald Trump warned Vladimir Putin Tuesday that he was “playing with fire,” launching a fresh broadside at his Russian counterpart over stalled Ukraine peace efforts.

Trump’s latest comments came after he called the Kremlin leader “CRAZY” over the weekend following a mass Russian air attack on Kyiv, and warned that Moscow risked new sanctions.

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“What Vladimir Putin doesn’t realise is that if it weren’t for me, lots of really bad things would have already happened to Russia, and I mean REALLY BAD,” Trump said on his Truth Social network Tuesday.

“He’s playing with fire!”

Trump did not specify what the “really bad” things were or make any specific threats.

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REA ALSO: Trump Revokes Harvard University’s Right To Enroll Foreign Students

But the Wall Street Journal and CNN both reported that Trump was now considering fresh sanctions against Russia as early as this week, while stressing that he could still change his mind.

Trump had told reporters on Sunday he was “absolutely” considering increasing sanctions on Moscow.

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The US president’s recent rebukes mark a major change from his previous attitude towards Putin, whom he often speaks of with admiration and has previously held off criticising.

Trump has, however, expressed increasing frustration with Moscow’s position in deadlocked truce negotiations with Kyiv.

READ ALSO: S/African President Meets Trump Over Rising Tensions

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That frustration boiled over at the weekend when Russia launched a record drone barrage at Ukraine, killing at least 13 people.

“I’ve always had a very good relationship with Vladimir Putin of Russia, but something has happened to him. He has gone absolutely CRAZY!” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Sunday night.

Russia’s attacks have continued despite a phone call between Trump and Putin eight days ago in which the US leader said the Russian president had agreed to “immediately” start ceasefire talks.

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Moscow on Tuesday accused Kyiv of trying to “disrupt” peace efforts and said its aerial assaults on Ukraine in recent days were a “response” to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on its own civilians.

AFP

 

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Check Out World’s Richest King With 38 Private Jets, 300 Cars, 52 Golden Boats

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While there are countless billionaires around the world, few match the regal wealth and extravagant lifestyle of King Maha Vajiralongkorn of Thailand—better known as King Rama X. According to The Business Standard, he is considered the richest king in the world, with a staggering estimated net worth of Rs 3.7 lakh crore (approximately USD 43 billion).

Unlike typical billionaires, King Vajiralongkorn’s wealth is rooted in centuries-old royal lineage and further amplified by modern investments. His fortune, inherited largely after the passing of his father King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 2016, has since been expanded through stakes in Thailand’s major companies and real estate holdings.

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The monarch owns over 17,000 properties in Bangkok alone, making him one of the largest landowners in the country. His luxury collection includes over 300 high-end cars, 38 private jets, and a fleet of 52 golden boats, which are used exclusively for royal ceremonies and reflect the opulence of Thailand’s monarchy.

Born in 1952, Vajiralongkorn is the only son of King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit. He received military education in the UK and Australia and is a trained jet and helicopter pilot. He graduated from the University of New South Wales with a degree in military studies and served in the Royal Thai Army, even taking part in anti-insurgency operations during the 1970s.

READ ALSO: King Charles III Hospitalized Amid Cancer Battle, Pulls Out Of Royal Engagements

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Despite his controversial personal life, including four marriages and frequent media scrutiny, King Vajiralongkorn remains a dominant symbol of Thailand’s royal legacy, luxury, and power.

Meanwhile, in India, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani continue to dominate the billionaire charts. As of May 2025, Ambani, with an estimated net worth of USD 92.5 billion, holds the title of India’s richest person. Adani follows with USD 56.3 billion, with investments spanning energy, ports, and infrastructure.

In contrast to corporate billionaires, King Vajiralongkorn stands out not only for his immense wealth but also for a lifestyle that rivals any global celebrity or monarch.

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Source: Financial Express

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Top 10 Courses To Study In Germany For High Employment Opportunities

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Here are 10 of the best courses to study in Germany—and why they stand out

Germany continues to attract international students with its tuition-free or low-cost public universities, globally respected degrees, and strong career prospects.

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With world-class infrastructure and many programs taught in English, Germany has become a go-to destination for higher education.

Here are 10 of the best courses to study in Germany—and why they stand out:

1. Mechanical Engineering

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Germany is a global hub for mechanical innovation, home to industry giants like BMW, Siemens, and Bosch. Programs emphasize research, design, and real-world applications, making graduates highly sought-after in Europe and beyond.

READ ALSO:10 Countries With Multiple Capital Cities

2. Computer Science & IT

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With a growing tech ecosystem, Germany offers excellent opportunities in AI, cybersecurity, and software development. Universities partner with startups and multinationals, giving students hands-on experience and strong job placement.

3. Business Administration & Management

Germany’s powerful economy and strategic location in Europe make it ideal for studying business. Courses blend theory and practice, often including internships with global firms in finance, marketing, or consulting.

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4. Electrical Engineering

This field powers Germany’s energy transition and automation advancements. Programs focus on electronics, robotics, and renewable energy systems, preparing graduates for high-tech careers with competitive salaries.

5. Medicine & Healthcare

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Germany offers rigorous medical training with strong clinical exposure. Though most programs require German proficiency, the high demand for doctors and healthcare professionals makes this a promising path with excellent job security.

READ ALSO:5 Asian Countries Nigerians Can Visit Without A Visa

6. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

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Germany is investing heavily in AI across sectors like finance, logistics, and health. These courses, often housed in computer science faculties, provide research-driven education with pathways into cutting-edge tech roles.

7. Automotive Engineering

Study in the birthplace of Mercedes, Porsche, and Volkswagen. Courses emphasize vehicle design, sustainability, and automation, with direct pipelines into internships and jobs in the thriving German auto industry.

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8. Environmental Engineering

Germany’s leadership in renewable energy and sustainability makes this a timely field. Programs focus on waste management, water treatment, and climate solutions—ideal for those passionate about environmental change.

READ ALSO:

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9. Architecture

Combining history with innovation, Germany offers a dynamic environment for aspiring architects. Courses often highlight green design, urban planning, and energy-efficient construction, preparing students for the global market.

10. Psychology

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Mental health is gaining attention worldwide, and Germany is no exception. With a focus on clinical and organizational psychology, these programs open doors to healthcare, HR, education, and research roles.

 

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