Govt raises team over NIMC labour crisis

THE Federal Government has raised a team to resolve the industrial crisis between National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCN).

The independent committee, which was set up by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity was tasked with the mandate to look into the issues bothering on alleged certificate forgery, irregular career progression, upgrade and promotions resulting in proposed dismissal of some staff of the commission.

While inaugurating the verification committee in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Clement Illoh declared that the outcome of the assignment is expected to proffer lasting solution to the labour crisis in NIMC.

“I have no doubt therefore, that the outcome of this assignment will put to rest all the suspicion, misconception, ill feelings, emotional outbursts and tension this crisis has generated in the commission” he stated.

The committee which has its members drawn from the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, NIMC, ASCSN, Federal Ministry of Interior, Federal Ministry of Justice, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and Federal Civil Service Commission with a single term of reference which is to ascertain whether the disciplinary actions taken by the NIMC were based on due process, transparency and accountability.

The committee chaired by (Mrs.) Chinedu Dike, Director, Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations in the Ministry has 10 days to submit its report.

Meanwhile, towards finding a lasting solution to the problems of certification and revalidation on lifting equipment, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity in collaboration with the social partners and stakeholders in the labour sector plans a 4-day workshop and qualifying assessment for approved persons on lifting equipment.

The workshop is in continuation of the certification and revalidation for approved persons on lifting equipment for the effective implementation of the provisions of sections 24-26 of the Factories Act, cap F1 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Objectives of the workshop are to strengthen preventive safety culture in the operation of lifting equipment in Nigeria; to update knowledge base of approved persons on the examination and testing of Lifting equipment in line with global best practice and standards; to conduct written and practical examination for the revalidation of existing Certificates and issuance of fresh Certificate to successful candidates; and to review and publish the Register of Approved Persons in line with the provisions of Factories Act, 2004.