The National Union of Market Traders Employers of Nigeria (NUMTEN) has pledged  to end illegal price fixing and exploitation in Nigerian markets.

NUMTEN President, Mr James Chukwuma, made the pledge while receiving the union’s Certificate of Registration from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday in Abuja.

NUMTEN is the newest affiliate of the NLC.

Chukwuma said that the unstable market prices were worrisome to Nigerians and one of the objectives of the union is to ensure market reform.

“We are going to work with the market traders, distributors, manufacturers and even government to ensure that prices are regulated,” he said

He added that the union would protect traders from persistent exploitation and victimisation by unscrupulous elements hiding under the garb of the government.

According to Chukwuma,  NUMTEN was registered to liberate helpless market traders from persistent intimidation and extortion in the hands of illegal market associations.

“This unlawful act perpetrated by these illegal impostors have caused grievous bodily harm to the market traders, with people losing their life on a daily basis on the account of the encounters

“The idea is to tackle all the identified challenges, including, non-conducive trading environment, unrealistic business profit, unstable market prices, incessant loss of properties in the market from fire outbreak,” he said.

Chukwuma said that NUMTEN is a symbol of hope to salvage government revenue being siphoned by minority individual and illegitimate associations.

He said the union would ensure that the right revenue goes into the government purse, and the labour of its members would not be in vain any longer.

NUMTEN president also promised to enter into collaboration with other sister unions and government agencies, to ensure Nigeria becomes a productive and not consuming nation.

“We will ensure that Nigeria becomes an industrialised nation producing finished goods for consumption by other nations in the world,” he said.

NLC Head of Information, Mr Benson Upah, urged the union to be up and doing and prioritise workers’ welfare.

The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has called for a new minimum wage and a better working condition for Nigerian workers.

Rep. Kingsley Chinda, the House Minority Leader, stated this in a statement to mark the 2024 Workers Day in Abuja.

“Today, as we celebrate the resilience and contributions of Nigerian workers, the backbone of our nation’s development, we stand in unwavering solidarity with Nigerian workers across all sectors and facets, acknowledging their tireless efforts and sacrifices.

“Today is a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions of workers to our nation’s growth and prosperity.

“As we mark this Workers’ Day, and honour the contributions of workers, let us recognise the challenges faced by workers, including poor working conditions, inadequate remuneration, and erosion of workers’ rights.

“Let us reaffirm our collective responsibility to advocate for a fairer, more inclusive society where every worker is treated with dignity and respect,” he said.

Chinda added: “We call on the government to urgently consider a living wage for the Nigerian worker and commence implementation with the same speed used for the implementation of tax and tariff increases on the populace.”

He reiterated the commitment of the caucus to addressing these issues through legislative actions and advocacy.

He said that the minority leadership had resolved not only to reflect on the pressing issues facing the Nigerian workforce but to act and prioritise the welfare and rights of workers.

“Just as we have commenced the drive for a living wage for Nigerian workers against the minimum wage offered by the government.

“We urge the government to prioritise policies that promote decent work, social protection, and fair labour standards.

“We demand an end to the exploitation of workers and the promotion of equal opportunities for all,” he said.

The lawmaker said that the resilience, dedication, and sacrifices of Nigerian workers cannot be overstated and should not be taken for granted.

Chinda congratulated the Nigerian workforce saying that their labour builds the nation and the caucus honours their contributions.

…Demands distributors invest in more pipelines to deliver gas to end users

Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, yesterday visited the site of the gas explosion at ItaOshin in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where there was a loss of life and destruction of property, as a truck conveying CNG, which experienced brake failure, crashed into the road barricade and the truck head went up in flames.

On the Minister’s entourage were the Authority Chief Executive (ACE) of NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, members of the Minister’s technical team and officials of the NMDPRA.

The Minister was received by Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who thanked him for the visit, stressing the importance of a thorough investigation to unravel the root cause of the accident and implementation of recommendations made to forestall future re-occurances.

Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs. NoimotSalako-Oyedele, and other officials of the state government had conducted Ekpo and his team on tour of the accident site.

The Minister commiserated with families affected by the tragedy and Gasco Marine Ltd, owners of the gas truck. He also commended the swift response of fire service personnel, and first responders, in the aftermath of the gas explosion even as he reiterated his commitment to grow the gas space.

Ekpo said going forward, rather than trucking to end users, the regulators will emphasise issuance of distribution licences that will ensure that licensed distributors invest in the installation of pipelines to deliver gas directly to end users.

He said the shift from trucking to pipeline transportation would not only enhance safety, but improve efficiency and reliability in delivering gas to consumers.

“As the Honourable Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), I am committed to growing the gas space, but however I can assure you that every effort is being made to prevent such accidents as this one from occurring in the future,” he said.