News
20 governors under fire for delaying N70k minimum wage
The National President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Alhaji Haruna Kankara, on Sunday, said about 20 states have yet to implement the N70,000 new minimum wage for local government workers and primary school teachers.
The states include Yobe, Gombe, Zamfara, Kaduna, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Borno and 11 others.
The NULGE leader disclosed this in response to questions from The PUNCH on the implementation of the new minimum wage with reference to the LG workers and primary school teachers in the country.
Following the signing of the Minimum Wage Act, 2024 into law, about 20 states commenced the implementation of the new wage law.
The states included Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Niger, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Jigawa, Gombe, Ogun, Kebbi, Ondo, Kogi and others.
President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 minimum wage bill into law on July 29, 2024, after months of negotiations with labour unions.
The new monthly minimum wage was raised by 133 percent from N30,000 to N70,000, amid the economic hardship in the country.
Giving an update on the implementation of the law, Kankara said, “We truly have the challenge of so many states, like about 20 that have not started implementing the new minimum wage.
“We have states like Sokoto, Yobe, Gombe, Zamfara, Kaduna, Imo, Ebonyi, Borno, Cross Rivers, FCT Abuja, among others. Some have started paying the state workers leaving out the local government workers and primary school teachers but we have continued to engage and plead with them to do the needful for these workers.
“Some of them promised but failed to fulfil their promise but we are hoping that just very soon all of these would have been resolved.”
On the implementation of the LG autonomy, the NULGE leader explained that the Central Bank has yet to communicate with the councils on the opening of bank accounts.
“What the union has always demanded is for the Central Bank of Nigeria to issue a circular for the local government to open an account with them but up till now, that is yet to be done,” he disclosed.
The Kwara State President of NULGE, Seun Oyinlade, said the state government started paying the N70,000 to the state workers in October 2024.
However, he lamented that the heavy taxation imposed by the government on the workers has reduced the workers’ take home pay.
“The implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage approved for the workers in the state have been implemented for local government staff since October 2024 but the heavy taxes imposed by the state government have greatly affected the take home pay of our members.
“When the state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress appealed to the state government to reduce the taxes, the government only gave the workers three months of tax relief, which has ended in December 2024 but the government has started deducting the tax since January,” he added.
The NLC state chairman, Muritala Olayinka, confirmed that the state government had started payment of the new salary to all categories of workers in the state.
He noted, “The Kwara State government started the implementation of the new minimum wage to all categories of workers since October last year and all workers have started enjoying the new salary.
“Although the workers complained of high taxation which the NLC made an appeal for one year tax holiday but the government only approved three months tax holiday for the workers which had ended in December.
“The congress had since written a letter to the governor for the extension of the tax holiday. We are waiting for a reply from the government, and we hope it is going to be positive.”
A teacher in Sokoto confirmed that the state government has implemented the new minimum wage for teachers and local government workers in the state.
“We have been paid the new minimum wage with effect from January. Although the implementation was delayed due to FAAC allocation. We received the January and February payment a few weeks ago,” he said.
An LG worker, Usman Abdullah, corroborated Umar, stating that N50,000 was added to their old salary.
“They added N50,000 naira to our salary, but the last minimum wage of N30,000 naira was not implemented at the local government level. This administration added N 50,000 to our old salary as our minimum wage benefit,’’ he pointed out.
Meanwhile, data obtained from the National Union of Teachers revealed that some teachers have yet to be paid the N30,000 minimum wage of 2019.
The data revealed that Zamfara, Yobe, Taraba, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Kaduna, Imo, Gombe, Cross River, Borno, Benue, Adamawa and Abia State have yet to implement the N30,000 minimum wage for teachers.
Some LG teachers appealed for the Federal Government’s intervention.
A teacher, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of victimization, said, “For us in Yobe, we haven’t even benefited from the previous minimum wage, how can someone who didn’t even enjoy N30,000 talk of enjoying the N70,000. We appeal to the president to please intervene.”
A teacher in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT lamented the neglect of the LG workers and teachers by the FCT Administration.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said, “In FCT, not only teachers are involved but all other categories of LG workers. Last month, we went on strike, and we resumed after a few days due to negotiation. It is so unfair the way LG workers are being treated in this country.’’
On March 24, 2025, teachers in public primary schools in the FCT embarked on the fourth strike in four months.
The teachers boycotted the classes twice in December last year and once in February this year.
They were protesting the non-implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage by the chairmen of the six area councils.
The latest strike disrupted the second term examinations in most of the schools across the six area councils.
Announcing the strike in a communique issued at the end of an emergency State Wing Standing Committee meeting, the teachers emphasised that one of the critical agreements reached during previous negotiations was the implementation of the new minimum wage for primary school teachers in February 2025, which formed the basis for suspending the previous strike.
The union expressed disappointment over the payment process, stating, “The payment of February salary by the councils without recourse to the union and the New Minimum Wage is disturbing, disheartening, and lacking in sympathy for the plight of primary school Teachers in the FCT.”
The SWSC questioned the ongoing financial burden on teachers, asking, “Why the continuous impoverishing of the impoverished? Why impose continuous hardship and suffering on the teachers and their families? Enough Is Enough!”
The communique outlined several demands, including immediate implementation of the national minimum wage in February salaries, with the payment of the differential between the old and new wages.
It demanded “The payment of March salaries according to the new minimum wage; Disbursement of six months’ worth of minimum wage arrears as previously agreed and immediate steps towards implementing various allowances, including a 40 percent peculiar allowance and additional salary increases.’’
The National President of the NUT, Titus Amba and Secretary General, Mike Ene, could not be reached for comment on Sunday as calls to their phones indicated they were switched off.
The Secretary-General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Mohammed Abubakar, said that state commissioners of finance were frustrating the direct payment of allocation to the councils, which has affected the finances of the LGAs.
By Chinedu Sabastine
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and Afrinvest have urged Nigerian clubs to embrace digital transformation, saying strong online presence, quality data and commercial partnerships are key to financial sustainability.
Speaking at a seminar for media and marketing officers of NPFL clubs in Enugu, NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owunmi, challenged clubs to improve their digital platforms or risk missing sponsorship opportunities.
To underscore the importance of data, Owunmi offered a ₦100,000 reward to any club with a functional website containing comprehensive statistics from the just-concluded season, including player profiles, goals, match records and attendance figures.
He lamented that many clubs either lack functional websites or operate platforms with little useful content, stressing that data and digital engagement have become major revenue drivers in modern football.
“Our Gen Z audience lives online. If clubs are absent from the digital space, they cannot reach young fans, attract sponsors or benefit from e-commerce opportunities,” he said.
According to Owunmi, potential sponsors now demand audience and performance data before committing funds, but many clubs are unable to provide credible figures due to poor data generation.
He urged clubs to reduce dependence on government funding by strengthening their media and marketing departments, citing Rangers International’s ₦200 million sleeve sponsorship deal and other commercial partnerships as examples of what effective branding can achieve.
Owunmi also disclosed that from next season, the NPFL will introduce measurable digital benchmarks for clubs, including website functionality, quality content and social media engagement.
Afrinvest Manager, Emmanuel Eleojo, said the company’s partnership with Rangers International and the NPFL is anchored on its “Finance Meets Football” initiative, which promotes corporate investment in football.
He said Afrinvest’s support for Rangers since 2023 has boosted youth development, led to the establishment of the club’s academy and contributed to two league titles in three seasons, while producing players for the national team.
“When finance meets football, we see growth. We see progress. We see trophies won,” Eleojo said.
One of the lead paper presenters at the seminar, Mr George Isitua-Onukwu, who spoke on ‘Monetising NPFL Clubs Through Marketing, Sponsorship and Brand Investment’, harped on the need for the clubs to adopt a clear and timed approach to branding and marketing.
According to him, NPFL sponsors report hesitation because clubs cannot yet guarantee the consistent visibility and production quality brands ask for.
“Clubs without a structured calendar for renewals, activation briefs, and reporting are, by definition, always reacting,” he further stated.
The seminar brought together media and marketing officers from the 20 NPFL clubs to strengthen capacity in digital marketing, branding, content creation and data management aimed at improving the league’s commercial appeal.
A socio-political organization, Forum of Abia Democrats (FABD), has lauded the sterling leadership qualities of Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa.
Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa is the Nigeria Democratic Congress State House of Assembly candidate for Isiala Ngwa South Constituency of Abia State
Forum of Abia Democrats (FABD), whose membership is drawn from the seventeen (17) local government areas of Abia State in a statement on Thursday, hailed
Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa’s resilience and commitment to nation-building and development.
The statement by the forum was signed by the Chairman, Surveyor Samuel Azubuike and Secretary General, Victor Mbanaso.
While noting that Dr Michael Chiemezuo ‘s invaluable contributions towards deepening democracy in Abia state and Nigeria cannot be overemphasized, Forum of Abia Democrats(FABD) also noted that Dr. Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa has remained unwavering in her pursuit of gender equality in the country.
The pro-democracy forum further noted that Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo’s continued support for human empowerment, community development, and as well passion for good governance.
“Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa has remained committed to public service and also dedicated to the advancement of democratic values in Abia state and larger Nigeria. And this illustrious son of Abia state has continuously demonstrated his desire to contribute to societal building and development, having chaired and coordinated professional bodies effectively and efficiently.
Forum of Abia Democrats (FABD) therefore threw their weights behind Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa’s House of assembly bid, describing his recent emergence as the NDC State House of Assembly standard-bearer for Isiala Ngwa South state Constituency as a beginning of a new chapter of progress and purposeful leadership in Isiala Ngwa South.
The forum expressed confidence in the ability and capacity of Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa in driving even development and uplifting local communities across Isiala Ngwa South Constituency through attractions of government’s provision of critical infrastructural amenities and projects when elected into the Abia State House of Assembly come 2027.
According to the ethnic-nationality body, aside from attracting meaningful socio-economic and infrastructural projects across IIsiala Ngwa South Constituency, we believe Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa equally possessed the wherewithal to pursue and make impactful laws that strengthen all statutory and relevant institutions of democratic governance in Abia State.
“Dr Prince Michael Chiemezuo has remained a defender of justice and advocate for the rights and welfare of average Nigerians.
“The confidence and widespread acceptance he enjoy among the electorates in isiala Ngwa South state constituency will turn into electoral victory for NDC in the coming general election next year,”the forum noted.
Forum of Abia Democrats (FABD) pledged to rally bulk votes for NDC State House of Assembly Candidate, Dr. Prince Michael Chiemezuo Agrippa to ensure his total victory in the upcoming election in 2027 in isiala Ngwa South Constituency by the independent national electoral commission (INEC).
The southeast forum also used the medium to call on all eligible Nigerian citizens to participate in the ongoing nationwide voters registration exercise by INEC, so as to enable them exercise their franchise in next year’s general election in the country.
“Every eligible imo citizens should ensure it register and collect their permanent voters cards (PVC), because, it is the only weapon and power vested on citizens by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to effect a change in government, and vote in credible people to mount leadership saddle in all levels in the country,”They stated.
The Service stated this in a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday.
According to the NIS, the only authorised platform for passport payments by Nigerians, both within the country and in the diaspora, is its official passport portal.
It added that foreigners seeking Nigerian visas should use only its official visa portal for embassy applications or the designated e-visa portal for electronic visa applications.
It said, “The Nigeria Immigration Service wishes to reiterate that the only authorised platforms for passport payments for Nigerians (at home and in diaspora) is https://passport.immigration.gov.ng.
“For foreigners wishing to apply for visa, https://visa.immigration.gov.ng (for visa at the Embassy) and https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng (for e-visa) are the official links.
The NIS urged applicants who require clarification or assistance with passport or visa applications to contact its verified communication channels.
It listed its official X accounts as @nigimmigration and @InquireAtNaija, while its verified Facebook and Instagram handles are @nigimmigration.
The Service also provided WhatsApp numbers 09160878000 and 09117717772 for enquiries and support.
The statement reiterated the Service’s commitment to ensuring secure and transparent passport and visa application processes, urging the public to avoid fraudulent intermediaries.
The US Department of State said the move is aimed at centralising routine visa services in regional hubs to enhance national security, reduce government spending, and ensure greater consistency in visa screening, vetting and adjudication.
In a statement on the US Department of State website on Wednesday, the department said the reorganisation aligns with the President Donald Trump’s administration’s priority of placing America’s interests and security first.
“The Department of State is constantly evaluating its overseas operations in order to advance America’s priorities as efficiently and effectively as possible. This includes a visa process that maintains rigorous standards of security screening and vetting and aligns resources and operational capacity with America’s national interests.
“The Trump administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans, and the State Department will continue to provide Americans with appropriate consular services and assistance at diplomatic posts around the world,” the statement read.
Besides Abuja, the affected diplomatic posts are located in Asmara, Bamako, Banjul, Brazzaville, Bujumbura, Conakry, Cotonou, Durban, Freetown, Gaborone, Harare, Juba, Libreville, Lilongwe, Lusaka, Maputo, Maseru, Mbabane, N’Djamena, Niamey, Nouakchott, Ouagadougou and Windhoek.
It also emphasised that all diplomatic missions will continue to provide consular services and carry out their regular functions on behalf of the United States.
The department further assured travellers that the policy does not invalidate visas that have already been issued.
The United States periodically reviews its global diplomatic operations to reallocate resources and streamline consular services.
Under the new arrangement, applicants in countries affected by the policy are expected to access routine visa services through designated regional processing hubs, while embassies and consulates continue to provide other diplomatic and consular assistance.
The Women’s Aid Collective (WACOL) has condemned the alleged rape, severe domestic violence, mob torture and attempted murder of a 34-year-old mother of six in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
WACOL, in a statement signed by its Senior Communication Officer, Ezugwu Bethel, said it received the reports with “profound shock, outrage and deep sorrow,” describing the incident as a gross violation of human dignity, fundamental human rights and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law 2019 of Enugu State.
According to the organisation, the survivor had allegedly endured years of domestic violence at the hands of her husband, who reportedly physically assaulted her and her mother.
WACOL said the woman, in an attempt to escape the abuse, rented a separate apartment, but her husband allegedly tracked her down and attacked her on the night of July 17, forcing her to flee to her mother’s residence.
The organisation alleged that the husband followed her there and threatened to kill her if she remained, forcing her to seek refuge with a male palm kernel trader.
According to WACOL, because the trader was married, he took the woman to a friend’s house for temporary shelter. However, the organisation alleged that the friend and another resident connived to restrain the trader and raped the woman.
WACOL further alleged that the attackers subsequently locked the woman and the trader inside the house before informing her husband of their whereabouts.
The organisation claimed that the husband arrived with a mob, broke down the door and allegedly subjected the woman and the trader to severe physical abuse.
It alleged that the husband publicly raped the woman while members of the mob restrained the trader, who had reportedly attempted to help her.
WACOL further alleged that the husband took the woman’s money, used it to buy drinks for youths and other members of the community, and allegedly incited them to attack the woman and the trader.
The organisation said the mob stripped the two victims naked, spat on them and beat them severely. It further alleged that some female members of the mob used broken bottles to shave the woman’s hair, while the victims were also allegedly inflicted with multiple cutlass wounds.
According to WACOL, the severely injured woman was subsequently dragged into an “evil forest” and abandoned.
The organisation said the woman spent three days in the forest before, despite her injuries, crawling to the main road, where she was discovered by Good Samaritans who contacted her sister and facilitated her rescue.
WACOL said the survivor is currently receiving medical treatment at a police clinic while remaining in hiding for fear of further attacks.
The organisation also raised concerns over the whereabouts of the male palm kernel trader, who was allegedly tortured alongside the survivor, saying his current location remains unknown.
WACOL said the police had arrested the woman’s husband and some female accomplices, but alleged that several other suspects remained at large.
The organisation also expressed concern over alleged interference by community leaders, claiming that the traditional ruler and President General of the community had banished the survivor and her family after they reported the incident to the police.
WACOL described the alleged banishment as victim-blaming and an abuse of power, adding that the community leaders must be held accountable if found to have obstructed justice or aided criminal suspects.
The organisation commended the Enugu State Police Command for its intervention but called on the Commissioner of Police to ensure that all fleeing suspects are arrested and prosecuted.
WACOL also demanded an immediate search and rescue or recovery operation for the missing palm kernel trader.
It further called on the Enugu State Government and the Ministry of Chieftaincy Matters to investigate the alleged roles of the traditional ruler and President General, while demanding adequate security for the survivor, her sister and other family members.
WACOL said its legal and psychosocial teams had been activated to support the survivor in her recovery and pursuit of justice.
The organisation called on Nigerians, human rights groups and the media to join the campaign for justice for the mother of six.
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