Security arrangements around the embattled Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, was on Monday strengthened following threats by leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress to attack the Minister.
The number of security personnel attached to the Minister who was increased as he arrived the Banquet hall of the Presidential Villa, to inaugurate the Board of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF.
BusinessDay gathered from the Presidential Villa, that the increase in Ngige’s security followed threats by the protesting leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC. to attack the Minister.
Following the threats, security officials had to open the main gate usually reserved for the President for Ngige to avert possible attacks as he made way to the main hall of the banquet hall for the event.
Despite appeals by Presidency on Sunday to the Labour leaders for calm as government plans reconciliation efforts , the Labour leaders still embarked on protests against the inauguration of the new Board of the NSITF.
The President of the NLC , Ayuba Wabba, who shunned the event, Businessday gathered , was leading another protest in Abuja.
The Minister while inaugurating the 12 man board, charged them against operating contrary their mandate and specially warned against financial recklessness, associated with the previous Board.
“The Board should not step into the temptations fixing remuneration sand special allowances for themselves like the former Board did”
“ The financial Regulation FR of the Federal government as well as the public Service Rules PSR apply to all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies MDAs
“ The NSITF is not an exception except where a Special exception is sought for and generated by the relevant authority”
“ The Board remuneration has been clearly spelt out as to what to be paid for Board Meetings and for travels both within and outside the country while Salaries and Emoluments of staff members fixed by the Board but subject to the ratification by the Supervising Ministry and subsequent confirmation of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission.
“Therefore the Board should not step into the temptation of fixing remunerations and special allowancesfor themselves like the former Board did.
“The Financial Regulations (FR) of the Federal Government as well as the Public Service Rules (PSR) apply to all Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
“The NSITF is not an exception except where a special exemption is sought for and granted by the relevant authority.
Ngige while noting that the Fund is in arrears in her Audited accounts from the period is 2012 – 2018, a period of seven years, said “ these Audited Accounts as soon as possible, to enable us do our Annual reports to Mr. President”
He also noted that more work will also be needed in the area of resolving the issue of unremitted PAYE Tax, which were deducted from staff but not remitted to the State Tax Boards resulting in the sealing up of many Branch offices, e.g. Port Harcourt, Owerri, amongst others
Ngige also cautioned the Board against delving into contract awards “ as there are Parastatal Tenders Board put in place for such purposes, guided by the Public Procurement Act (PPA), 2007.
“In this wise, the Parastatal Tenders Board should strictly adhere to the prevailing public procurement thresholds for contract for Consultancy/Supplies of Goods and for Construction.
“Expenditures threshold that are above the Parastatal Tenders Board should be forwarded to the Ministerial Tenders Board (MTB) for approval and from there to the Federal Executive Council, if the threshold is above the MTB’s approval limit.
Tony Ailemen, Abuja
