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Minimum wage: FG targets N62,000, govs want N57,000

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The Federal Government may be on a collision course with governors, and the private sector for agreeing to pay a minimum wage higher than N60,000.

According to findings by Saturday PUNCH, while the Federal Government may be ready to accept N65,000 as the new minimum wage, governors and the organised private sector were against paying as high as N60,000. They insisted that any figure above N57,000 may not be sustainable.

The major argument by the governors, according to insiders, is that the states would be left with nothing for developmental projects if they accepted to pay a minimum wage above N57,000, as they would have to pay a large chunk of their resources as wages to workers.

Negotiation not over

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However, the negotiation for a new minimum wage is far from over as Organised Labour and the Federal Government continue to make offers and counter-offers.

Organised Labour, comprising of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, had again rejected the offer of the Federal Government to pay N60,000 as a new minimum wage for workers.

The Organised Labour also shifted ground from its N497,000 stance last week to N494,000.

A prominent member of the Tripartite Committee for the negotiation of a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers had told The PUNCH that the Federal Government and Organised Private Sector side of the talks proposed a N60,000 monthly minimum wage on Tuesday, as against the N57,000 they proposed last week when the committee last met.

The government and the OPS had initially proposed N48,000 and N54,000 last week, which were also rejected by Organised Labour.

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Meetings

The organised labour had presented N615,000 as the new minimum wage but saw reasons to drop their demand to N497,000 last week, and then to N494,000 on Tuesday.

The last meeting of the committee was, however, deadlocked as talks ended without an agreement on what to pay as the new minimum wage.

The labour unions said the current minimum wage of N30,000 could no longer cater to the well-being of an average Nigerian worker, lamenting that not all governors were paying the current wage award, which expired in April 2024, five years after the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 was signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

FG’s proposal unsubstantial – Ajaero

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NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described as ‘unsubstantial’, the fresh proposals by the government. “It is still not substantial compared to what we need to get a family moving,” the labour leader had said of the current N30,000 wage paid to workers in the country.

“The economy of the workers is totally destroyed. In fact, the workers don’t have any economy. I think there are two economies in the country— the economy of the bourgeoisie and the economy of the workers. I think we have to harmonise this so that we can have a meeting point,” Ajaero had said.

Strike

For failing to meet their demands, the unions embarked on a nationwide strike on Monday.

Although the strike was short-lived, it grounded economic activities in the country.

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The strike, which commenced on Monday, was called to protest the failure of the Federal Government to approve a new minimum wage by May 31, as well as its failure to reverse the hike in electricity tariff.

The PUNCH reported that after a six-hour meeting with the leadership of Organised Labour in Abuja on Monday night, the Federal Government expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to raising the N60,000 offered as the minimum wage.

The agreement stated, “The President of Nigeria, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is committed to establishing a National Minimum Wage higher than N60,000; and the Tripartite Committee will convene daily for the next week to finalise an agreeable National Minimum Wage.”

Organised Labour also agreed to “immediately hold meetings of its organs to consider this new offer, and no worker would face victimisation as a consequence of participating in the industrial action.”

These resolutions were signed on behalf of the Federal Government by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

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‘Why governors can’t pay N65,000 minimum wage’

Governors, however, accused the Federal Government of caving under labour’s pressure without critically looking at the feasibility of paying above N60,000 for states.

A governor from the south, who is a member of the opposition, while speaking with our correspondent under anonymity, lamented how he would use huge amounts to pay less than 200,000 civil servants in the state, which did not constitute more than five per cent of the population.

The anger, according to Saturday PUNCH findings, is however more among players in the Organised Private Sector.

“The FG has literally shaved our heads in our absence. Though we had nominal representations, they were not allowed to come back to us for proper consultation,” said a manufacturer in Lagos who craved anonymity.

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Though governors, local governments and Organised Private Sector are against the N60,000, a member of the FG negotiation team said the Federal Government was ready to keep its promise of a figure higher than 60,000.

“Actually, FG’s position is that we can pay as much as N65,000, because the President believed in a quick and amicable solution,” the member told our correspondent on the condition of anonymity.

Also, documents seen by our correspondent with one of the governors who is a member of the negotiation team show the precarious financial status of the states and their inability to pay anything above the N57,000 they proposed alongside the private sector.

One of the documents which was released by the secretariat of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and titled, ‘Comparative Analysis of States Gross Allocation Between Subsidy and Non-Subsidy Regimes (January – December 2023)’,  showed the gross income received by states from the Federation Account.

A table in the document shows the States Gross Allocations, including revenues from Statutory Allocation, Value Added Tax, Electronic Money Transfer Levy, Exchange Gain, and Augmentations, as of when the subsidy regime was in place, and the non-subsidy regime in 2023.

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Many states received more allocation in the second half of the year of the post-subsidy regime compared to when the subsidy regime was in place.

This, according to the NGF, was due to an increase in the 13 per cent derivation in the first half of the year, and a reduction in the 13 per cent derivation in the second half of the year.

As seen on the table, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states, were the only states that received more allocation in the first half of the year when compared to the second half of the year of the non-subsidy regime.

Meanwhile, Abia’s gross allocation before subsidy removal (January to June 2023) was N38.7bn. After subsidy, it increased by 20 per cent to N46.30bn.

Adamawa received N38.380bn before subsidy, and increased by 22 per cent to N46.803bn.

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Surprisingly, the gross allocation for Akwa Ibom reduced by 33 per cent to N125bn from N185bn (before subsidy removal).

Anambra’s allocation increased by 15 per cent to N53.603bn. Bauchi’s allocation also increased by N21 per cent to N53.937 bn.

States that saw a reduction were Delta (-26 per cent), Rivers (-12 per cent), Bayelsa (-20 per cent) and Akwa Ibom (-33 per cent).

The rest saw an increase by, at least, 20 per cent, except Edo (four per cent); Ondo (three per cent), and Anambra (15 per cent).

Another document sighted by our correspondent, titled, “Analysis of State FAAC Inflows and State Expenditures Profile” from the NGF secretariat showed that some states were not viable and may not be able to afford the minimum wage proposed by Organised Labour.

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According to the table, Abia’s total revenue stood at N94bn. After paying salaries, the state will have a shortfall of over N17bn.

Ekiti, with a total allocation of N79bn, would have a shortfall of over N13bn after clearing a recurrent expenditure of N93bn.

Gombe would have a shortfall of N7.6bn after paying a recurrent expenditure of N82bn from a total revenue of N74bn.

Imo would have a shortfall of over N2.2bn after paying a recurrent expenditure of N97bn from its total revenue of N95bn.

Also, Katsina with a total revenue of N90bn would have a shortfall of N15bn after paying a recurrent expenditure of N106.26bn.

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Oyo State would have a shortfall of N2.6bn after paying N152bn as recurrent expenditure from a total allocation of N149.4bn.

Other states with shortfalls include Plateau (N17.01bn); Sokoto (N3.440bn); Yobe (N18.720bn) and Zamfara (N27.369bn).

N60,000 unsustainable – NGF

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum has issued a public disclaimer in reaction to the offer by the FG which they described as “unsustainable”.

The NGF in a statement by its acting Director of Media and Public Affairs, Halimah Ahmed, expressed concerns that if the N60,000 minimum wage was adopted, many states would allocate their entire allocations to salaries, leaving no resources for development projects.

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 The statement read in part “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due. The forum also sympathises with labour unions in their push for higher wages.

“However, the forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners. The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.”

The NGF urged all parties involved in the negotiation process, particularly the labor unions, to take into account all socioeconomic factors, and reach a sustainable agreement.

Committee close to agreeing on new wage – Uzodinma

Meanwhile, the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, said the Tripartite Committee on the minimum wage was close to agreeing on a new national minimum wage.

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He disclosed this after emerging from the meeting of the committee on Friday which lasted for over 12 hours.

“We had a very fruitful deliberation and of course you know it is a technical subcommittee of a committee.

“And at the level of the committee, we have reached near consensus, and by the time we go to the plenary, we will have a complete agreement and maybe from there, the media can start their job. As it is now, I think we are better off than we were,” Uzodimma said.

He added that the committee had just finished with their various unit meetings and had now proceeded to the plenary where the committee was expected to harmonise their decisions and hopefully come up with a figure.

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“Go and Verify”: How Sunday Umeha Is Redefining Representation in Ezeagu/Udi

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Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha has continued to distinguish himself not only as a grassroots politician but as a sound parliamentarian who clearly understands the true essence of legislative representation and public service.

Since emerging as the Member representing Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Umeha has consistently demonstrated capacity, vision, and commitment both on the floor of the National Assembly and within his constituency.

Unlike many politicians whose promises disappear after elections, Rt. Hon. Umeha has steadily transformed his campaign mantra, “Go and Verify,” into practical realities visible across communities in Ezeagu and Udi Federal Constituency.

From road construction to solar-powered streetlights, classroom projects, healthcare interventions, agricultural empowerment, scholarships, boreholes, and youth development programmes, his stewardship has remained rooted in service delivery and measurable impact.

Observers say one of the strongest qualities that separates Umeha from many lawmakers is his deep understanding of parliamentary responsibilities. Through strategic bills and motions, he has continued to show that representation goes beyond rhetoric and political appearances.

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Among several notable legislative efforts, he sponsored bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Entrepreneurship and Skill Acquisition in Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency, reforms in the education sector through the abolition of levies in public basic schools, mandatory insurance protection for NYSC members, and the establishment of a National Football Academy.

He also sponsored motions addressing critical national concerns, including the investigation into the gruesome killing of Nigerians by soldiers in Enugu State and the urgent completion of the Karshi/Apo Road project in Abuja to ease traffic congestion.

Political analysts note that these interventions reflect a lawmaker who understands that effective representation must combine constituency development with strong legislative advocacy.

Many constituents equally commend him for remaining faithful to the promises he made during his campaigns. Across the constituency, residents point to completed and ongoing projects as evidence that the lawmaker has not reneged on his commitments to the people.

Beyond governance and legislative duties, Rt. Hon. Umeha also played significant roles in efforts aimed at restoring sanity, stability, and internal cohesion within the Labour Party before his eventual defection to the APC.

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Sources within the political space in Enugu State revealed that Umeha consistently pushed for peace, unity, and institutional order within the party during periods of internal crisis and leadership disagreements. His interventions were said to be driven by the desire to protect the interests of party members and preserve the integrity of the platform.

However, following prolonged internal challenges and unresolved structural issues within the Labour Party, the federal lawmaker eventually moved to the All Progressives Congress (APC), a decision many political observers described as strategic and inevitable.

Despite the political transition, supporters insist that his focus has remained unchanged — delivering quality representation, empowering constituents, and sustaining developmental projects across Ezeagu/Udi Federal Constituency.

For many residents, Rt. Hon. Barr. Sunday Cyriacus Umeha represents a rare blend of grassroots leadership, legislative competence, humility, and political responsibility.

And across the constituency, the verdict from many communities remains simple:

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“He promised, and he delivered.”

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Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma Lays His Beloved Sister to Rest

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Today, Friday 8 May 2026, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma (Onwa Umueri) laid his beloved sister, Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke to rest in a solemn but dignified ceremony.

A large number of family and friends gathered in Ogboji in Orumba South Local Government Area for her burial.

It was a solemn yet beautiful celebration of a life well lived, one marked by grace, resilience, and strong family values. The Funeral Mass was officiated by His Emience, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpalaeke, The Catholic Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese.

In a heartfelt family tribute, Chief Sir Paul Chukwuma shared that her sister “it is indeed well with your soul and has gone to rest with the Lord,” expressing profound grief over the irreplaceable loss of a beloved sibling who played a significant role in their family. He prayed for God to grant her His mercy and reward her with Beatic Vision. He opined that they as a family will continue from where she stopped. Our Hope in God and Believe in the resurrection of the dead and communion of the saints will spur them on as they continue to place all their hopes in God who made Heaven and Earth.

The Funeral and Burial Ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including Her Excellency Senator Dr Iyom Uche Ekwunife, APC State Chairman, Most Distinguished Senator Emma Anosike, Chief Uzoma Igbonwa (Okeife Alor), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate 2025 Governorship Election, His Excellency, Chief Uzu Okagbue, Former Nigeria Ambassador to Burundi, His Excellency, Ambassador Elijah Onyeagba (Ozonkpu Ike Enuguwu-Ukwu N’Umunri, Dr Oby Orah, Executive Director FAAN, Prof Charles Esimone, Former Vice Chancellor Unizik, Chief Hon Raph Okeke, Barr CJ Chinwuba, Hon Chizo Obidigwe, Hon JC Okeke (Deputy Chairman ,APC Anambra State, chief Anthony Obiazie (Ichie Ide), Onwa Lento Aluminium.

Others are The Vice Chancellor of Benue State University and Members of the Governing Council, the Rector Anambra State Polytechnic,Dr Njideka Rita Chiekezie, Hon Obi Henry APC State secretary, Hon Ify Nwachukwu (Ada Onowu), Prof Jaja Nwanegbo, and several other respected leaders from the political, traditional, and religious communities.

Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke died after Major Brain Tumour Surgery in Germany, aged 44 years. May the soul of Late Mrs Christiana Amaka Okeke rest in perfect peace, and may God grant the entire Chukwuma of Umueri and Okeke family of Ogboji, the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss.

*Videos and Photos Speak:*
*(C) Paschal Candle.*

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2027: Anambra ADC Intact Despite Obi, Kwankwaso Departure – Guber Candidate

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By Okey Maduforo Awka

Gubernatorial candidate Mr John Nwosu and running mate of the African Democratic Congress ADC in Anambra state Chief Ndubuisi Nwobu have stated that despite the deoature of Mr Peter Obi, and Alhaji Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso,the party is still intact and would run it’s full course in the 2027 general election.

The duo however lamented that the deoature of Obi is indeed painful but was quick to add that the party must forge ahead .

He said as leaders, Obi and Kwankwaso and other key chieftains of the ADC who suddenly left to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) would have waited to resolve the problems the ADC is facing when it mattered most rather than taking a swift to another fold.

Chief Nwobu bared his mind and feelings of other stakeholders of the ADC while briefing newsmen shortly after the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting held on Friday in Awka the state capital.

He noted with nostalgia that the candidate of the Labour Party (LP) during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi could have shown restraint and commitment in the ADC even in face of the party’s plethora of litigations pending before different courts than leaving it unceremoniously with others.

He vowed that despite the development, leaders and members of the State chapter of the ADC are resolute to take the full circle of the electoral battle ahead of next year’s general elections and would get to it to successfully.

Accorisng to him, the National leadership of the party was not given the opportunity to settle down even less than 24 hours before the supreme Court judgment on Thursday last week when news about the detection of those who left the party rented the air waves up till Friday and Saturday same week and finally on Sunday when the news was finally blown to the entire world.

Nwobu disclosed that the opposition ADC in the state at the moment parades about nine House of Representatives and six State House of Assembly aspirants who have bought nomination forms to contest the 2027 elections while more have indicated interest to join the epical race.

The ADC stalwart further maintained that all those who indicated interest to contest the various positions are greatly prepared to run the race with high morals.

“We feel pains that these people left the party (ADC); definitely it’s going to affect the gains of the party. There’s no point saying every other thing. That having been said I am telling you that those who remain in the party are resolute and prepared to run the course.

He said the ADC Anambra Leadership Consultative Meeting reaffirm loyalty and support to the National leadership under David Mark as national chairman and Rauf Aregbesola as the National Secretary.

Nwobu who was flanked by Hon. Christian Okeke, Ven. Chris Orajekwe and Arch. Afam Moma, Samuel Ikefuna, and Reginald Akunekwe and Ben Chuks Nwosu said “the state leaders reaffirm loyalty and support of the ADC Anambra state to the National leadership headed by Senator David Mark and His Excellency Rauf Aregbesola.”

“The meeting resolved to commend the founding chairman of the ADC Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu for the exemplary show of representing the ADC platform as an umbrella body for the coalition and his selfless role In navigating the coalition to it’s fruition.”

“And we wish to affirm that the ADC’s best is from Anambra state and Anambra state will not be found wanting in the efforts of the party to achieve success during the 2027 general elections,” he said.

“For our brothers who has moved on tp other platform, we wish them well. I look forward to a day we will all join hands together to salvage this country,” Nwobu stated.

He explained further that no new leadership has been Inaugurated in Anambra,adding that that it’s unnecessary for somebody to say he or she has resigned as the party is still contending on issues of offices, conduct of Congresses at the Federal High court.

Chief Nwobu stated that the Inauguration of officials elected at Congresses across the states would be made on the 11th of this month.

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Enugu, SSDO advance domestic resource mobilisation for climate responsive budgeting

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By Chinedu Sabastine

The Enugu State Government, in partnership with the South Sahara Social Development Organisation (SSDO), has intensified efforts to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation (DRM) as part of broader strategies to boost climate finance and promote responsive budgeting.

The initiative aligns with the administration’s climate policy framework, which emphasises sustainable development, a green economic transition, and improved fiscal planning.

This was disclosed during a two-day stakeholders’ dialogue on domestic resource mobilisation for climate-responsive budgeting held at Sylvia Hotel, Independence Layout, Enugu and funded by ActionAid Nigeria.

 

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director of Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Nnamdi Arum, said the state has integrated climate considerations across its projects and programmes.

 

According to him, while Enugu continues to benefit from international funding support, deliberate steps are being taken to strengthen internally generated resources for climate initiatives.

“Climate change has been prioritised across ministries in Enugu State. Most projects are now designed with green considerations in mind,” Arum said.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah for appointing Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke as Special Adviser on Climate Change, noting that his leadership has helped translate climate policies into actionable programmes.

Arum added that the government is actively engaging diverse groups, including youths and persons with disabilities, to ensure inclusive climate policy development.

On funding gaps, he acknowledged that despite progress, external support remains crucial particularly in the agricultural sector to enhance food security and affordability.

In his remarks, Research Policy Officer with SSDO, Okechukwu Ajah, said the dialogue aimed to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation.

He noted that although Enugu has domesticated its climate policy and action plan, challenges such as weak inter-ministerial coordination and the absence of clear climate budget tagging persist.

“Many agencies still operate in silos, and there is no distinct climate imprint in budgeting across ministries. This affects ownership and effective implementation of climate policies,” Ajah said.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield practical, implementable recommendations, stressing the need to move from theory to action.

Ajah also highlighted the importance of youth inclusion in climate discussions, describing young people as critical stakeholders in shaping sustainable futures.

One of the participants, Chidera Ekoh, described the dialogue as insightful, noting that it provided practical knowledge on addressing climate challenges.

“Climate change is already impacting our economy. This programme has equipped us with the knowledge to prioritise challenges and mobilise resources effectively,” Ekoh said

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Enugu Govt Disowns Group Accused of Defrauding Traditional Medicine Practitioners

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The Enugu State Government has disowned a group allegedly defrauding traditional medicine practitioners under the guise of acting on its behalf.
In a disclaimer issued on April 28, 2026, the government warned against the activities of individuals operating under the name Association of Traditional Medicine Practitioners of Enugu State (AMTIPES), describing the body as illegal and unrecognized.
According to the statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Hon. Onyekwere Nwobodo, the group has been harassing practitioners and collecting unauthorized levies despite having no accreditation from the state.
The government clarified that the registration and certification of traditional medicine practitioners in Enugu State fall strictly under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, in line with existing laws. It stressed that no other body has the authority to act on its behalf in this regard.
Authorities disclosed that reports of AMTIPES’ activities have been forwarded to law enforcement agencies. Some individuals linked to the group have already been apprehended and are currently facing prosecution in court.
The government urged members of the public, particularly traditional medicine practitioners, to remain vigilant and avoid any dealings with the impostors.
It further emphasized that compliance with only officially recognized channels would protect practitioners from exploitation, reiterating the warning that “to be forewarned is to be forearmed.”

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