Headlines

Advocating for Justice: Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed SAN Pushes for Prompt Disbursement of NITEL/MTEL Workers’ Benefits

Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has taken a prominent role in advocating for the prompt disbursement of benefits owed to over 17,696 former employees of the Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and its mobile subsidiary, MTEL. These workers were retired or disengaged in 2006 following the liquidation of NITEL-MTEL between 2012 and 2014. Despite being paid a five-year “buy-out,” they have yet to receive their outstanding entitlements, leading to financial hardship and health challenges. Mohammed highlights constitutional provisions, international human rights standards, and principles of justice in his advocacy efforts, urging authorities to fulfill their obligations to the retirees.

Published

2 months ago

March 3, 2024

Stella Charles Akupue

Advocating for Justice: Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed SAN Pushes for Prompt Disbursement of NITEL/MTEL Workers' Benefits

In a recent development, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, has stepped forward to advocate for the urgent disbursement of benefits and entitlements owed to over 17,696 former NITEL/MTEL employees. These workers were retired or disengaged in 2006 following the liquidation of NITEL-MTEL between 2012 and 2014.

Underpinning his advocacy with legal frameworks, Mohammed emphasizes the constitutional duty and responsibility of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers to uphold and apply the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. He specifically points to Section 13 of the Constitution, which mandates adherence to constitutional requirements.

Join The Legal Attorney Blog Channel

Drawing attention to Section 173(1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, Mohammed stresses the Federal Government’s need to promptly settle the accrued benefits and entitlements of the former NITEL/MTEL staff. Despite being paid a five-year “buy-out,” these workers are yet to receive their outstanding entitlements, leaving them in dire financial straits and, in some cases, facing severe health challenges.

Numerous appeals and letters have been made to authorities, citing constitutional provisions and international human rights standards, including Article 15 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. However, efforts to secure the rightful payments have been futile, exacerbating the plight of the retirees and their families.

The situation has reached a critical juncture, with Mohammed highlighting the deprivation of the right to life for over 17,696 former NITEL/MTEL retirees in contravention of Section 33(1) of the Constitution. Despite their inclusion as necessary parties in the Federal High Court Abuja liquidation process, justice continues to elude them.

Mohammed underscores the principles of justice, equity, and good conscience, asserting that retirees deserve timely payment of their entitlements, as “a labourer always deserves his wages.” The urgency of the matter is further underscored by the recent protests by former NITEL workers at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), emphasising their frustration over the prolonged delay in receiving their disengagement benefits.

In advocating for the prompt disbursement of benefits to the former NITEL/MTEL workers, Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed SAN shines a light on the pressing need for accountability, transparency, and respect for workers’ rights. As the legal battle continues, his efforts serve as a beacon of hope for the retirees and a reminder of the imperative to uphold justice and the rule of law in Nigeria’s labour sector.

ATTENTION:

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material and other digital content on this website, in whole or in part, without express and written permission from Legal Attorney Blog is strictly prohibited.

Exciting news!

Stay informed and ahead of the game! Follow The Legal Attorney Blog on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline – join now!

Exciting news!

Stay informed and ahead of the game! Follow The Legal Attorney Blog on WhatsApp for real-time updates, breaking news, and exclusive content. Don’t miss a headline – join now!

Join The Legal Attorney Blog Channel