Minimum Wage: Tinubu To Meet With Organised Labour

President Bola Tinubu will meet with the Organised Labour in Abuja on Thursday to further discussions on a new minimum wage for workers in Nigeria. A top labour source told Channels Television that the President invited the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to the meeting expected to be held at the Aso Villa in the nation’s capital city. The President is expected to make a decision on the ₦62,000 proposal of the government and private sector side; as well as the ₦250,000 demand of the Organised Labour. The Thursday meeting is coming about a month after the President said in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024, that an executive bill on the new national minimum wage for workers would soon be sent to the National Assembly for passage. On June 25, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by the President stepped down from consideration and deliberation on the memo on the new minimum wage to allow for more engagement with stakeholders. Two days after, Tinubu and Vice President Kassim Shettima, at the 141st meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), met with governors of the 36 states of the Federation and ministers to deliberate on a new minimum wage for workers. Long Walk To New Wage Talks for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers have been on for a while. The Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which made ₦30,000 the minimum wage, expired in April 2024. The Act should be reviewed every five years to meet with contemporary economic demands of workers. President Bola Tinubu in January set up a Tripartite Committee to negotiate a new minimum wage for workers. The committee comprises the Organised Labour, representatives of federal and state governments as well as the Organised Private Sector. However, the committee members failed to reach an agreement on a new realistic minimum wage for workers, forcing labour to declare an indefinite industrial action on Monday, June 3, 2024. Businesses were paralysed as labour shut down airports, hospitals, the national grid, banks, National Assembly, and state assemblies’ complexes. The labour unions said the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 can no longer cater to the well-being of an average Nigerian worker, saying the government should offer workers something economically realistic in tandem with current inflationary pressures, attendant effects of the twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of the forex windows of the current administration. Labour “relaxed” its strike on June 4, 2024 following assurances from the President that he was committed to a wage above ₦60,000. Both the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership subsequently resumed talks with the representatives of the Federal Government, states, and the Organised Private Sector. On Friday, June 7, 2024, the two sides (labour and the government) still failed to reach an agreement. While labour dropped again its demand from ₦494,000 to ₦250,000, the government added ₦2,000 to its initial ₦60,000 and offered workers ₦62,000. Both sides submitted their reports to the President who is expected to make a decision and send an executive bill to the National Assembly to pass a new minimum wage bill to be signed into law by the President.

Reps query minister over N45m spent on new year party, others

The House of Representatives has queried the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, for spending unrelated expenditures, including N45m for a New Year party, N20m for sanitary pads, the News Agency of Nigeria reports on Wednesday. Others include N1.5m for vehicle fuel. NAN reports that Rep Kafilat Ogbara, Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs, led the interrogation of the minister, over the non-payment of N1.5bn to contractors despite the fund release in Abuja. She said that the investigative hearing was aimed at uncovering the truth and not witch-hunting the Minister and the officials of the ministry. The committee also investigated the alleged diversion of funds meant for contractor payments, following a petition from contractors. The committee also sought clarification on funds appropriated for the African First Lady’s mission and the whereabouts of the N1.5bn meant for contractor payments. The minister, however, denied the allegations of misappropriation, overspending, and non-payment to contractors. The procurement officer confirmed contractors’ claims, and the Director of Finance and Administration acknowledged only paying approved contracts. It would be recalled that the committee had at its last sitting summoned the minister to appear before it to explain the rationale behind the non-payment. The committee also ordered the stoppage of all 2024 contract processes by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs until the whereabouts of the money for the said contracts are determined.

CJN inaugurated 22 Appeal, 12 FCT courts justices .. Charges them to be upright

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, Wednesday, charged the newly inaugurated 22 Appeal Court and 12 FCT high court justices to be upright in the discharge of thier duties in the temple of Justice. The CJN reminded the justices that they have taken the oath of allegiance to the dictates of the Almighty God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, therefore, should deliver justice to Nigerians without fear or favour. “It is a solemn pledge and commitment to good conduct in the course of your adjudication, especially as senior judicial officers in the appellate court. ‘The number of Justices that we have just sworn-in today is quite unprecedented in the recent history of the Court of Appeal. The last time we had a large number like this was on Monday, 28 June, 2021, when 18 Justices were sworn-in. That was preceded by that of Monday, 5th November,2012 when 12 Justices were inaugurated. “Today’s ceremony is an indication of the perilous times that we are currently in, which has resulted in an upsurge in litigation. “Several unfathomable crimes are being committed in the country, aside from the usual political matters that have made litigations to go on alarming rise. “No Court in the land is spared of this litigation deluge, as it were. We are constantly on our toes and the dockets are ever increasing in response tO the challenges of the time. “This underscores the tact that Nigeria is fast emerging as a frontline crime-infested country that we all have to urgently curtail. “The enormous task of cleaning the Augean stable rests squarely on Your Lordships. So, you must hastily fasten your belt and roll up your sleeves to face the challenges head-on. In other words, you should hit the ground speeding at a supersonic velocity; and not just running. “You must redouble your pace to catch up with the expectations of the sprawling community of litigants. As judicial officers, you have a divine mandate on earth that you must discharge with unveiled honesty and sincerity. You must give good account of yourselves to justify your elevation to the Court ot Appeal. “In the next couple of months, we shall be having two governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States, respectively. As usual, the Courts will be besieged with Plethora of petitions. It is our statutory duty to hear all matters that come before us and adjudicate according to the laws of the land. “We must not falter; and we must not tread the path of infamy. Yes, it is true that we cannot please everyone through our actions and work, but with the right application of the law and the Constitution of the land, which we all have collectively pledged to uphold, we can go a long way to do those things that our conscience will be very proud ot; and the generality of the Nigerian citizens will equally be happy about. “Every position we attain in life always avails us that unique opportunity to do something novel and impactful, especially if there was any previous act of wrongdoing or misapplication of discretion. “With Your Lordships’ elevation to the higher Bench today, you have to be very mindful of the enormous confidence the public is now reposing in you vis-a-vis their expectations. “Like we often say, to whom much Is given, much is expected. Your Lordships must not rest on your oars, as the onus now lies more heavily on you to discharge your judicial duties more dispassionately and transparently. “So, you must, individually and collectively, guide your loins to do more to earn lasting trust and integrity. Your conduct and disposition must tally with the yearnings and aspirations of the generality of the citizenry. “I have made it known at different fora that we have been treated to an unpalatable cocktail ot misleading and conflicting judgments as well as trivolous interlocutory orders emanating from courts of coordinate jurisdictions, which have literally attempted to make a mockery of our judicial system and flagrantly desecrate the revered Temple of Justice. “Several cases of such abound across the length and breadth of the country. This is, largely, an embarrassment to our jurisprudence, and we win never handle it with levity. Punitive measures must detinitely be meted out to such erring Judges. “We have already activated the process of reining-in such errant Judges with a view to making them face the consequence of their despicable and odious conduct. “As Judicial Officers, we have to continually remind Ourselves the fact that we are not occupying our respective positions to serve ourselves, but the Nigerian masses; and the best way we can serve them is by doing what will make them feel safe in our hands and also trust us to always deliver the right judgments that will not be tainted by sentiments, emotions or other clandestine considerations. congratulate “Your Lordships for making the list and wish you the best that you can achieve in this strategic position you now occupy”, the CJN said. Those inaugurated into the bench of the appellate court by the CJN, are: Abdullahi Muhammad Liman from Nasarawa State; Abiodun Azeem Akinyemi from Ogun State; Olukayode Adegbola Adeniyi from Oyo State; Zainab Bage Abubakar from Kebbi State; Isaq Mohammed Sani from Kaduna State; Lateef Babajide Lawal-Akapo from Lagos State; and Ngozika U. Okaisabor from Imo State respectively. Others are: Donatus Nwaezuoke Okorowo from Enugu State; Ruqayat Oremei Ayoola from Kogi State; Polycarp Terna Kwahar from Benue State; Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike from Rivers State; Fadawa Umaru from Borno State; Oyewumi Oyejoju Oyebiola from Oyo State; Ntong Festus Ntong from Akwa Ibom State; Nehizena Idemudia Afolabi from Edo State; and Nnamdi Okwy Dimgba from Abia State. The rest are Abdu Dogo from Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; Abdulazeez M. Anka from Zamfara State; Owibunkeonye Onwosi from Ebonyi State; Asma’u Akanbi-Yusuf from Kwara State; Victoria Toochukwu Nwoye from Anambra State; and Enenche Eleojo from Kogi State.

Price Hike: Reps threaten arrest of Cement firm mgt over failure to appear

The House of Representatives Joint Committee on the arbitrary increase in the price of cement has threatened to arrest the management of Dangote Cement if it fails to appear at its next hearing. This followed the absence of officials of the cement company during a hearing to address the problem of cement increase in the country on Tuesday. The special panel while advocating for the downward review of cement prices, expressed worry over the increase in cement prices and the untold hardships it has brought upon many Nigerians. It directed the Cement Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Central Bank of Nigeria to make appearances before the committee in the next two weeks. This, it said, is to deliberate on measures necessary to address the situation for the benefit of the people. “They want to over-profit without any sense of empathy for the citizens that have given it this platform. I think it calls for a rethink of the position of the government. “On Dangote my ruling is simple. The laws have given us the necessary powers but we owe you a duty of care. We are going to give you one more chance. We are going to communicate a date. “Failure to comply with that date, a subpoena will be issued, a warrant of arrest will be given for you to cause appearance before the National Assembly, and no single individual is bigger than the parliament of his country. No single Nigerian is bigger than the National Assembly,” Jonathan said

Minimum Wage struggle not dead – TUC President, Osifo

  President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo has written off criticisms that the struggle for a new national minimum wage may have waned. While reacting to the insinuations, Osifo said the Federal Government is still having conversations with all relevant stakeholders cutting across the Nigerian Governors Forum, Local Government Administrators as well as the Organised Private Sector and Labour Unions. Osifo noted that both Unions still insist on the N250,000 demand it made to the government which was part of the recommendations submitted to the President by the Presidential Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage. He made reference to the existing minimum wage of N30,000 which took two years to be negotiated, assuring that the Tripartite Committee has made appreciable progress since January 2024 when negotiations started. His words, “minimum wage negotiations cannot be dead, you know when we started this conversation you asked us that in 2017 if you remember we started the minimum wage that was signed in 2019, it took about two years to see the light of day. We promised you when we started in January that we will ensure this one is fast-tracked for us not to be in the conundrum that we were as at 2019 which took two years. “So where we are today, we submitted the divergent position in June, when we did that you know clearly that Mr President came out to say that he wanted to consult across board which is the governors, local government chairmen, organised private sector and labour, so we are doing some level of reach out and conversations. “So that what will be submitted to the National Assembly will actually be a minimum wage that will cater for the poorest of the poor, so for the fact that in the media we are not shouting, we are doing some level of internal work so that this bill will be submitted in earnest soon. Of course, we still insist on the N250,000 benchmark as the ideal minimum wage”.

Tinubu Creates New Ministry 

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced the creation of the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development. The President announced while inaugurating the Renewed Hope Livestock Reform Implementation Committee, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. But President Tinubu did not mention the name of the Minister for the new ministry as it is expected that he has to forward the name to the Senate for screening and confirmation if it’s a new nominee. Present at the Inauguration were the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila amongst cabinet members. Recall that President Tinubu on 15th September 2023, approved the establishment of the Presidential Committee dedicated to the reform of the livestock industry and the provision of long-term solutions to recurring clashes between herders and farmers in the country.

BREAKING: Bill to create extra 74 seats for women in parliament passes second reading

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the constitution to create extra legislative seats for women in the National and state assemblies. The bill, jointly sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, and 12 others, was debated on the floor, with several members vehemently opposing it. It proposes to creat one senatorial seat and one House seat in each state and the FCT. It seeks to amend Sections 48 and 49 of the Constitution to provide one special seat reserved exclusively for women in the Senate and House of Representatives for each state of the federation and the FCT, effective after the term of the current National Assembly and subject to review every 16 years. Additionally, the bill seeks to amend Section 91 of the document to provide three special seats reserved exclusively for women in the Houses of Assembly of each state of the federation, which shall be spread across the three senatorial districts of each state.

Breaking: NUPENG, PENGASSAN write Tinubu, seek probe of alleged IOCs against Dangote Refinery

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG and its Petroleum and Natural and Senior Staff Association, PENGASSAN, have written to President Bola Tinubu, demanding a high powered investigation into the allegation that the International Oil Companies, IOCs, are plotting to undermine and destabilize the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals. In a written through the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, dated July 1, 2024, the oil workers demanded among others, that the findings of such investigation must be made public to ensure transparency and maintain public trust. The letter signed by the NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale and his PENGASSAN’s counterpart, Lumumba Okugbawa, read “The leadership and members of our great Union and Association profoundly appreciate your commitment and dedication to restoring the economic growth and prosperity of our dear Nation and we are also fuly mobilized and committed to supporting al your laudable thoughts and hard decisions towards these lofty goals. “Unfortunately, we are deeply concerned and shocked by the recent unusual allegations by the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company of a deliberate plot by some International Oil Companies (IOCs) to frustrate their business efforts and continued existence. “These sabotaging actions reportedly include denying the Refinery crude oil supply and artificially inflating market prices of the crude oil to the Company, thereby forcing Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals Company to source crude oil from other countries, even as far as the United States of America with attendant high operating costs and logistics. “The Dangote Refinery is not only a critical National asset but also a beacon of hope for our energy security, economic growth, and employment opportunities. The economic benefits of a Local Refinery with such capacity as the Dangote’s to Nigeria, can never be overstated. “This is why for several decades now, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have campaigned vigorously that Nigeria should make ti a pre-requisite condition that Companies that want to benefit from JVC arrangements with Nigeria, to set up a Refinery/Petrochemical Company ni Nigeria. “Unfortunately, no sucessive Governments summoned enough political and patriotic courage to take that logical and pragmatic policy direction. The survival of companies that have braved ti up and invested hugely ni refining crude ni Nigeria thus saving our Nation from wasteful product importations that profit other countries and cost us forex, should be of great interest to us as a Nation because of the enormous economic benefits involved. “Our demands are as follows: Immediate Investigation: The Federal Government should set up an independent panel ot investigate the claims of sabotage by some International Oli Companies. This investigation should be compreensive and transparent, ensuring that al parties involved are held accountable. “Public Disclosure: The findings of this investigation must be made public ot ensure transparency and maintain public trust. Nigerians deserve to know the truth about the actions of these International Oil Companies and the impact on our National interests. “Legal Action: Should the allegations be substantiated, we expect the Government to take decisive legal action against the entities involved. This must include sanctions, penalties, and any other measures necessary to deter future acts of economic sabotage. “Support for Dangote Refinery: The Government should provide al necessary support to ensure the uninterrupted commencement and operation of the Dangote Refinery. This includes ensuring security and stability around the Refinery’s operations. “Your Excellency Sir, we trust your courage and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian project and we believe that the Presidency wil take decisive action to safeguard the Dangote Refinery and ensure its successful operation for the benefit of our Nation.

KWASU expels 175 students

The management of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, says it has expelled 175 students for various offences. This is contained in a statement issued by the Director of University Relations, Dr Saeedat Aliyu, on Tuesday. The university management said that the expulsion approval followed the recommendations of the Students’ Disciplinary Committee, which held sittings between Oct. 2021 and March 2024. The management said the expelled students were penalised for offences ranging from examination malpractice, theft, using fake results to gain admission, assault, fraud, belonging to unregistered associations and possession of firearm. ”The management of KWASU wishes to reiterate its zero-tolerance for all acts of indiscipline as the institution stands firm on producing graduates, who are excellent both in character and in learning,” Aliyu said.

Federal Government Suspends Duties and Tariffs on Essential Food Imports

The Federal Government has announced the suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes on select essential food items imported through land and sea borders. The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the announcement during a press briefing at the National Press Centre, Abuja, on Monday. Kyari revealed that the affected food items, including maize, wheat, husked brown rice, and cowpeas, will benefit from a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window. This initiative is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilization and Advancement Plan, aimed at achieving food security and economic stability in Nigeria. The minister highlighted the government’s efforts to combat the ongoing food inflation crisis, which has led to unprecedented price increases. Kyari assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to ensuring food security and preventing hunger. “The Federal Government has announced a 150-day Duty-Free Import Window for food commodities, suspending duties, tariffs, and taxes on the importation of maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas through land and sea borders,” Kyari stated. “Under this arrangement, imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP).” He emphasized that the government’s standards would not compromise the safety of the imported food items for consumption. Additionally, the Federal Government plans to import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize. These semi-processed food commodities will be distributed to small-scale processors and millers across the country. In a related development, Kyari announced the inauguration of the Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee. This committee is tasked with developing and implementing policies that prioritize livestock development in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.