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Mass sacking: FG bullies banks, telcos, threatens sanctions

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Ngige booed trying to defend Buhari’s appointments

After pleas would not work, the Federal government has threatened to sanction financial institutions, and telecommunications companies that sack employees.

One of such sanctions would be to withdraw their operating licences, the minister for labour and employment, Dr. Chris Ngige has said.

Ngige issued the threat while speaking to Nigerian journalists at the ongoing 105th session of the International Labour Congress, ILC, in Geneva, Switzerland.

According to him, government had a duty to protect jobs in such a harsh economy.

Read also: Oil hits 2016 high amidst doubts of price stability

The minister had earlier directive to to banks and other financial institutions to stop further retrenchment of workers pending the stakeholders meeting scheduled for next month.

He said, “We will go a step further if they continue. We know what to do. After all, the banks have the licenses given by the government.

“Section 20 of the Labour Act says it. You must call the unions and discuss with them. You don’t just treat them as slaves in their own country and you want us to keep quiet.

“We want them to maintain the status quo. As far as I am the minister of labour, I will protect the interest of workers; same to the telecommunication companies, they are also talking about compiling lists without discussing with anybody.”

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