News
May Day: Labour makes 20-point demand, calls for recall of Gov Fubara
Among other things, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress asked for tax cuts, better retirement package, reversal of the emergency declaration in Rivers State, salary adjustment, withdrawal of the Tax Bills, reduction of telecommunication co tariff from 50 per cent to 35 per cent and upward review of retirement age to 65 for all categories of civil servants.
The National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, presented the demands during the event in Abuja.
Making a case for better treatment for Nigerian workers, the NLC leader said, “It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges to all public servants.”
In 2023, Ajaero said that the NLC would dialogue with President Bola Tinubu on the matter.
Already, teachers under the employment of the government at all levels are enjoying the implementation of a new retirement age, an Act signed into law by the former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Central to the workers’ demands was a call for economic justice.
They highlighted the urgent need for salary adjustments that reflect current economic realities, insisting that workers cannot continue to bear the brunt of inflation, rising costs, and policy failures.
The NLC and TUC criticised the existing PAYE tax system and demanded transparency in how the deductions are calculated and applied.
The labour centres further rejected the Tax Bills currently before the National Assembly, stating that these legislative moves have excluded the voices of Nigerian workers.
Ajaero insisted that workers must have a seat at the table during the formulation of tax policies that will directly affect them.
Reading a speech he jointly signed with his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo, the NLC leader expressed frustration with the continued prioritisation of corporate profits over the survival of the ordinary Nigerian, calling for reforms that would shift focus toward the people.
Essential services such as energy, infrastructure, and public utilities, he emphasised, must be oriented toward serving the public interest rather than private gains.
In line with this, the organised Labour reiterated its longstanding demand for a comprehensive review, with the ultimate aim of a reversal of the electricity sector privatisation, which it argued has failed to improve service delivery while deepening economic hardship for consumers.
On matters of governance, it demanded democratic accountability, transparency, and urgent electoral reforms.
The labour bodies condemned what they described as a sustained suppression of civic space and dissent, calling on both federal and state governments to stop actions that erode citizens’ rights and instead work to strengthen democratic norms.
Security was also a major theme in their speech. They called for an immediate end to the widespread killings and bloodshed across the country, labelling the violence as genocidal and intolerable.
They expressed deep concern over the safety of Nigerian workers, both within their workplaces and in the general environment, urging the government to prioritise the protection of lives.
The leaders condemned the continued indiscriminate registration of new unions in sectors where existing unions already have effective coverage, warning that such actions weaken organised labour and threaten its coherence.
They demanded the immediate settlement of all outstanding allowances, pensions, and gratuities across the country, stressing that retired public servants, who devoted decades to national service, deserve a dignified and secure retirement.
Labour also raised the issue of what it described as dehumanising verification exercises faced by retirees, calling for more humane and efficient systems that respect the dignity of the elderly.
It pushed for the establishment of a nationally accepted minimum pension that guarantees retirees a life of dignity and demanded that pensions be automatically adjusted following inflationary trends to protect their real value.
The unions also reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers.
They called on the government to engage in genuine dialogue and to treat workers not as adversaries, but as partners in the effort to build a just, prosperous, and equitable nation.
Ajaero said, “We make the following demands: An urgent reversal of the unconstitutional suspension of the elected Government of Rivers State via a state of emergency, which is alien to our laws.
“That the federal and state governments should cease actions that erode the civic space but should encourage and deepen it for the sake of our nation. An immediate salary adjustment in sync with economic realities.
“That government explains what exactly it is taxing in the PAYEE. The withdrawal of the Tax Bills before the National Assembly to allow Nigerian workers to sit at the table where it is being conceived.
“An immediate implementation of the reduction of telco tariff from 50 per cent to 35 per cent as agreed. Economic Justice: A living wage, fair taxation, and an end to policies that prioritise corporate profits over workers’ survival.
“Democratic accountability, transparent governance, electoral reforms, and an end to the suppression of dissent. Energy, infrastructure, and essential services must serve the people, not private interests. Regulators must work for the people!
“An end to the genocidal killings and bloodletting across the nation. Workers’ rights and security – Safe workplaces, the right to organise, and protection from state and employer violence.
“An expansion of National Labour Advisory Council’s activities and increasing the meeting periods: That the indiscriminate registration of new unions in areas with proper coverage should stop. Immediate payment of all outstanding allowances, pensions and gratuities across the nation.
“Restoration of gratuity payments: Public servants, who served diligently for decades, deserve a dignified exit just like political office holders who serve for much shorter periods.
“Upward Review of Retirement Age: It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service, currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges, to all public servants.
“An end to dehumanising verification exercises in the public service. An acceptable National Minimum Pension to guarantee dignity in retirement. Automatic adjustment of pensions to reflect inflationary trends. Once again, we call for a review of the electricity privatisation exercise with the view to a reversal.”
In their respective speeches, President Bola Tinubu and the state governors pledged better deals, protection for workers.
Tinubu explained that his administration was determined to pursue a labour-first agenda that prioritises tougher workplace protections, employment security and a frontal assault on under-employment.
“On our part as government, we will continue to strengthen labour protections, improve job security and ensure fair treatment for all workers in line with international best practices,” Tinubu said.
Represented by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, the President praised labour as “the backbone of our society” and sketched wide-ranging reforms that span job creation, civic participation and an intensified fight against corruption.
By Our Reporter
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s real estate industry, alongside Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, have called for urgent reforms to strengthen professionalism, transparency, and investor confidence in the sector.
The call was contained in a communiqué issued on Monday in Enugu following the company’s 2026 Mid-Year Seminar/Luncheon, held on Friday, July 3, at Wendy’s Place. The seminar, themed “Next-Level Real Estate Practices,” brought together real estate developers, chief executive officers, realtors, marketers, investors, and other stakeholders from the South-East to examine emerging industry trends, challenges, and practical strategies for sustainable growth.
According to the communiqué, participants unanimously adopted several resolutions after extensive deliberations.
Among the key resolutions was a call for stronger government action against the multiple sale of land. Participants urged the Federal, State, and Local Governments to strengthen land administration policies and impose stringent sanctions on communities and individuals involved in the fraudulent sale of the same parcel of land to multiple buyers.
They noted that such practices continue to erode investor confidence, fuel land-related litigation, and discourage genuine investment in the real estate sector.
The stakeholders also stressed the need to promote professionalism and healthy competition within the industry. They maintained that competition should be driven by integrity, innovation, quality service delivery, and professionalism rather than unhealthy rivalry, misinformation, or actions capable of damaging the reputation of fellow practitioners.
They further encouraged industry leaders to embrace collaboration as a means of promoting collective growth and enhancing public confidence in the sector.
The communiqué also emphasised the importance of honesty and transparency in dealings with clients. Participants urged real estate practitioners to refrain from making false claims, exaggerating property values, misrepresenting estate locations or approvals, or giving unrealistic assurances merely to secure transactions.
They insisted that prospective buyers should be provided with accurate, verifiable, and complete information before making investment decisions.
On service delivery, the seminar called on real estate developers and chief executives to establish effective internal controls to eliminate the overselling or double allocation of plots. Developers were also urged to ensure prompt allocation of purchased lands and timely issuance of all necessary documentation.
According to the communiqué, efficient service delivery is critical to sustaining customer trust and improving the credibility of the industry.
The participants also called on government agencies, industry regulators, professional bodies, community leaders, developers, and practitioners to work together in building a transparent, accountable, and investment-friendly real estate environment that protects property buyers and supports sustainable national development.
Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical business practices, professional excellence, continuous capacity development, and responsible real estate investment in Nigeria.
The communiqué was signed by Comrade Damian Ogudike and Mr. Ikechukwu Eze, directors of Golden Land Estate Ventures Limited, on behalf of the company’s board. It was also drafted and endorsed by the seminar’s resource persons, Mrs. Amaka Dim of Exotic Landlady Estate and Miss Blessing Anene of BuildWise Solution Centre Estate.
By Our Correspondent
ENUGU — Two families were left homeless on Saturday after a fire destroyed two flats in a two-storey building located at No. 22 Church Road, Asata, in Enugu metropolis.
The fire, which started at about 10 a.m., reportedly broke out after the occupants of the affected upper-floor flats had left for their daily activities.
Although the cause of the fire was yet to be ascertained as of the time of filing this report, eyewitnesses said the inferno completely destroyed household items and other valuables in the affected apartments.
One of the victims, who returned home while the building was engulfed in flames, reportedly collapsed after seeing the extent of the damage. He was revived by sympathisers at the scene.
The victim, said to be an employee of one of the higher institutions in Enugu State and nearing retirement, lamented that years of hard work had been wiped out by the incident.
According to him, the fire destroyed all his household property, including important documents and certificates, leaving him with no option but to relocate his family to his ancestral home.
“All I have worked for all these years is gone,” he said in tears.
No life was lost in the incident, but residents appealed to the Enugu State Government, emergency management agencies and public-spirited individuals to come to the aid of the affected families, even as they urged the authorities to investigate the cause of the fire.
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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the apex students governing body, has issued a four days ultimatum to South African business interests to evacuate Nigeria.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Enugu by Comrade Amb. Bestman Okereafor, NANS National Executive Director, Cooperate and Private Sectors Engagement.
The statement said that after the expiration of the ultimatum, South African business interests would face full wrath of the over 43.1 million Nigerian students scattered in the nooks and crannies of the country.
“The attention of the apex students governing body, NANS, has been drawn to continuous attacks, intimidation and subsequent chase of law abiding, peaceful and hardworking Nigerians and other Africans from South Africa.
“As the biggest students body in Africa, we are giving South African business interests four days to evacuate our beloved country, Nigeria.
“The reason for this action is simple. South Africans cannot continue to oppress and chase our people from their country and expect their businesses to thrive on our soil,” it said.
The statement further noted that immediately after expiration of the ultimatum, NANS will consider picketing South Africa business interests, while further actions will follow.”
It called on the Federal Government of Nigeria and the African Union (AU) to take more decisive actions against South Africa for their inimical acts towards other Africans.
“It is on record that Nigeria played a major role in support of South Africa during the apartheid struggle and should never be paid with disloyalty, disrespect and global embarrassment,” it added.
It would be recalled that xenophobic attack by South Africans on other Africans for some months had led to Nigerians being physically assaulted, embarrassed, intimidated, injured and some gruesomely murdered.
Several Nigeria business interests and business premises, owned by law abiding Nigerians in South Africa, had been completely burnt down or destroyed by rampaging South Africans without any justification.
The alleged perpetrators of these crimes had earlier given Nigerians and other Africans an ultimatum of June 30 to leave South Africa.
The Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had in recent weeks airlifted hundreds of Nigerians, who are willing to leave the unfriendly country and her people, free of charge back to Nigeria.
However, some of those, who returned to Nigeria recently, left South Africa barely with the cloth they put on, losing savings, valuables and businesses they set up or acquired after many years.
A man identified as Gospel Uebari Kinanee, who disappeared in 2007 at the age of 14, has been found alive after spending 18 years in detention at the Port Harcourt Maximum Security Correctional Centre.
According to reports, Gospel was allegedly taken into custody by suspected security operatives and detained without trial, formal charges, or any case file.
Before his disappearance, he had gone out to play near his home in Ogoni, Rivers State, in 2007 and never returned. His family launched an extensive search, visiting police stations, mortuaries, and even the same correctional facility where he was unknowingly being held. Unable to cope with the uncertainty and anguish, both of his parents reportedly died during the years-long search.
His family and advocates were unable to locate him because he had been wrongly registered by the correctional facility under the name “Baridi Sunday” instead of his real name, Gospel Uebari Kinanee.
His ordeal came to light during a prison outreach programme conducted by the Haven360 Foundation, where he was identified as one of several “ghost prisoners”—individuals detained without proper legal documentation.
Gospel was subsequently released by the Chief Judge of Rivers State, Justice Simeon Amadi, during a jail delivery exercise aimed at decongesting correctional facilities.
Now in his 30s, Gospel is reportedly battling severe mental and psychological health challenges following his prolonged detention.
His family is pursuing a ₦10 billion lawsuit against the Federal Government and the Rivers State Government, seeking justice and compensation for his alleged unlawful detention.
News
18 LG Chairmen, 22 Exco Members, 28 Aspirants Shun “Kangaroo Grand Entry,” Pledge Loyalty to Anosike
In a fresh show of solidarity within the Anambra State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), sixteen Local Government Chairmen, twenty-two State Executive Committee members, and twenty-eight aspirants across the state have distanced themselves from what they described as a “kangaroo grand entry,” reaffirming their allegiance to the state chairman, Senator Emma Anosike.
The mass show of support comes amid lingering tension in the party following a controversial court process that had sought to challenge Anosike’s leadership , a move the state APC executive had earlier dismissed as a “kangaroo judgment” lacking the backing of genuine party stakeholders.
Sources within the party say the boycotted event, tagged a “Grand Entry,” was organized by a faction opposed to the current leadership, apparently in an attempt to project an alternative structure and challenge the legitimacy of Anosike’s executive. However, the near-total absence of substantive party officials at the event has been read by observers as a clear indication that the rival faction lacks the grassroots backing it claims to have.
In separate statements, the affected chairmen, exco members, and aspirants said their decision to stay away was a deliberate stand against what they called an orchestrated distraction targeted at the “constitutionally recognized” leadership of the party in the state. They restated their commitment to the Anosike-led executive, insisting that the chairman and his team remain the only legitimate authority running the affairs of the APC in Anambra.
Party loyalists argue that the scale of the boycott — spanning local government administration, the state working committee, and aspiring candidates — sends a strong signal about where the balance of support lies within the party’s grassroots structure. They maintain that any parallel structure or gathering outside the recognized leadership amounts to a distraction that will not derail the party’s preparations for the National Assembly, State Assembly, and local government polls.
As of press time, the organizers of the “Grand Entry” have yet to respond publicly to the mass boycott, while the Anosike-led executive is expected to address the development formally in the coming days.
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