News
Minimum wage: Workers accuse FG of selective payment
ABUJA — There appears to be selective payment of the N70,000 new minimum wage by the Federal Government, which has triggered fresh tension among federal public workers, as most of those yet to be paid have decried the development.
According to some staff of Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, who haven’t seen any addition to their salaries, this is the height of insensitivity on the part of the government whose policies brought hardship and hunger.
This category includes workers of federal universities.
But sources in the Accountant-General’s and Budget Office painted different pictures of the situation on the ground last night.
While the Accountant-General’s office said the new minimum wage was effected along with September salary, the Budget Office said N40,000 was paid across the board to all federal workers but workers are denying this.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu signed the N70,000 minimum wage into law on July 18, 2024, after about two months of protracted negotiations among the tripartite committee members, comprising representatives of government, Organised Private Sector, OPS and organised labour, made up of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, counterpart.
One of the staff of an MDA who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, said: “We are fed up with the whole system. We do not know what the government wants us to do.
‘’It is bad enough that the government removed fuel subsidy and inflicted unbearable suffering and hardship, including hunger on workers and other Nigerians across the country, it is even worse than the minimum wage that has been signed into law for months, in fact, since July, has not been implemented.
“We even heard that some few workers in the core civil service have seen some amount added to their salaries. What sort of arrangement is that? What sort of selective payment is that? Are we not in the same country and experiencing the same hardship and hunger?
‘’It is pure discrimination and salary slavery designed to keep some of us in perpetual bondage. We have been frustrated, denied and even humiliated by the policies of the government. Many of us have resorted to sleeping in offices, while many others who do not want to sleep in offices trek long distances to work.
“To worsen the suffering, many of us now starve or indulge in self-imposed fasts to cope with the situation. We cannot meet responsibilities to our immediate and extended families. Our children have not resumed school as we have no money to pay their fees and other necessities. We do not know why the government has decided to inflict pain and suffering on us.
“Since the new minimum wage was signed into law, the government has also increased the pump price of petrol and electricity tariff, eroding the value of the new minimum wage that has not even been implemented.
“How does the government want us to survive this assault? Prices of essential communities have continued to rise without any palliative from the government. This is wicked and unfair.”
However, a source in the office of the AGF disclosed that the new minimum wage was effected along with the September salary.
But a source in the Office of Budget and National Planning, who pleaded anonymity, said N40,000 was paid to all Federal Government staff across the board instead of the minimum wage.
He explained that the idea was for those formerly on N30,000 minimum wage to have their wages moved to N70,000 with the additional N40,000.
Some federal workers acknowledged receipt of an extra N40,000 in their September salary.
However, a Federal Government explanatory note on the N40, 000 board payment obtained by Vanguard yesterday, read: “On the 40,000 flat rates narrated as ‘minimum wage’ in the September pay slip, it is just a temporary measure to pay something to civil servants before the official template of the minimum wage becomes available.
“As at the time the September salary voucher was prepared, the template for the new minimum wage was yet to be concluded.
“So, it was concluded that a flat rate be paid to all civil servants, irrespective of level, pending when the template will be available.
“That is why N40,000 was reflected in the September pay slip as ‘minimum wage’. But in October, the official template that was released yesterday night will come into full effect.
Arrears of new minimum wage
“Note the new minimum wage by law came into effect on July 28. This means that there will be arrears for August only. But the issue is a 40k flat rate has already been included in the September salary.
“So, if arrears were to be paid, there will be a deduction of the N40,000 paid to you in August from the normal amount you are to receive as the increasing figure emanating from the new minimum wage template.”
ABAKALIKI — The 2027 governorship race in Ebonyi State is gathering momentum, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Chief Ifeanyi Odii, unveiling a package of reforms aimed at improving the welfare of workers, teachers and retirees.
Odii made the commitments during a meeting with representatives of Ebonyi civil servants and members of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) at his Lagos residence, where he outlined his plans for a comprehensive reform of the state’s public service.
A major component of his agenda is a workers’ housing scheme designed to provide 1,000 housing units within his first year in office and up to 5,000 units over four years if elected governor.
Odii said the housing programme would be structured to minimise dependence on direct government funding, with workers’ contributions and existing pension assets forming part of the financing framework.
He said the initiative would address the housing difficulties faced by workers and retirees, particularly retirees who often struggle to sustain rented accommodation after leaving government service.
The PDP candidate also proposed a paperless digital loan platform that would allow workers to access loans against their contributory pension savings without the bureaucratic delays associated with the existing system.
On retirement benefits, Odii pledged that workers would have access to their entitlements immediately upon retirement, arguing that retirees should not endure prolonged delays in receiving benefits accrued during their years of service.
He further promised to reform the promotion process through computer-based promotion examinations capable of producing results instantly.
According to him, the digital system would reduce delays, curb opportunities for manipulation and promote greater transparency and fairness in the career progression of civil servants.
Odii said the proposed reforms were aimed at creating a public service where workers would have improved access to housing, credit facilities and timely retirement benefits, while ensuring a more transparent promotion system.
He presented the proposals as part of his broader agenda to improve workers’ welfare and reposition the Ebonyi State civil service for greater efficiency if elected governor in 2027.
The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has confirmed the death of one of its operations staff in an electrical accident.
The Head of Communications, MEDL, Mr Emeka Ezeh, who confirmed the incident in Enugu on Monday, said that the incident occured on Aug. 13 at Eke in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Ezeh said that the incident, which occurred at about 1p.m., involved Mr. Samson Okechi, the Team Lead, Abor, attached to the company’s 9th Mile District.
He said, “Okechi was carrying out maintenance work on a 50kVA/11kV pole-mounted distribution substation at Eke when he sustained an electric shock.
“Okechi was immediately evacuated to Our Saviour Hospital, Ngwo, for medical attention but was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty. His remains were subsequently deposited at a mortuary.”
He said that the incident was formally reported at the Ngwo Police Station for documentation and other necessary statutory actions.
Ezeh also debunked claims circulating on some social media platforms that Okechi was murdered or that the incident was the result of sabotage.
“I wonder why some people take pleasure in conjuring unfounded narratives and circulating them, thereby creating unnecessary tension and bad blood. This is so unfair,” he said.
He urged members of the public to disregard the claims, describing them as baseless.
According to him, Okechi had requested a Station Guarantee (SG) for the Okwe 11kV Feeder, which was granted at about 11:06 a.m. at the 9th Mile Injection Substation. The feeder was subsequently opened and tagged.
“This is a very unfortunate development and a big shock to all of us, his colleagues. Our hearts go out to his immediate family as they grieve,” Ezeh said.
The MEDL spokesman disclosed that MainPower management had commenced a comprehensive investigation to establish the immediate, underlying and root causes of the accident.
He said, “We are committed to ensuring that the investigation is thorough and evidence-based.
“The findings will be used to identify any gaps, determine appropriate corrective measures, and strengthen safety procedures and operational controls where necessary.”
Ezeh MEDL assured its customers and stakeholders that safety remained a paramount priority in its operations, adding that appropriate measures would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
Idiaye, a third-term lawmaker, takes over from Blessing Agbebaku, who resigned as Speaker on Monday amid moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
The emergence of Idiaye was said to have been influenced by the gentleman’s zoning arrangement in the Assembly, which provides that when the governor is from the Edo Central Senatorial District, the Speaker should come from Edo North.
Idiaye, being the oldest member from the Edo North Senatorial District, was subsequently elected Speaker.
Without the zoning arrangement, the Deputy Speaker would have automatically succeeded Agbebaku, according to the new Speaker.
Members of the Assembly were at the Government House to inform Governor Monday Okpebholo of the change in leadership.
Agbebaku was said to have resigned early on Monday following alleged moves by lawmakers to impeach him.
Reports gathered that 17 of the 24 lawmakers had signed a notice of impeachment on Sunday night, a development that may have prompted his resignation.
Agbebaku’s resignation was confirmed by Ebojele, who said details of the development would be made public later.
She said, “I can confirm the Speaker’s resignation but details will be made public later.”
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku, has resigned from his position.
Agbebaku stepped down on Monday amid moves by some lawmakers to impeach him.
His resignation was confirmed on Facebook by his media aide, Ivy Adodo-Ebojele, who said further details on the circumstances surrounding his exit would be made public later.
“EDO ASSEMBLY SPEAKER RT HON CHIEF BLESSING AGBEBAKU RESIGNS,” she wrote.
The development has thrown the Edo State House of Assembly into a fresh leadership crisis, with lawmakers expected to determine a new Speaker.
Details shortly…
The Executive Secretary of the Igbo Oriental Think Tank, Dr. Kenneth Anozie, has highlighted the vision of Dr. Chukwuma Anyichuks Odii for Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement titled “Anyichuks Odii 2027: I Have a Dream for Ebonyi State,” Anozie compared Odii’s vision for Ebonyi with the transformational ideals associated with American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
According to the political analyst, Odii believes that Ebonyi State possesses enormous potential capable of benefiting the wider population rather than serving the interests of a few.
Anozie said Odii’s proposed agenda includes a restructuring of government to ensure equitable representation and development across the different zones of Ebonyi State.
He also listed improved infrastructure as a key component of Odii’s vision, particularly roads and other projects that would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, stimulate industrial development and create employment opportunities for youths.
The analyst further said Odii plans to make the civil service more responsive to the needs of residents, establish major healthcare centres across the state’s local government areas to help reduce child mortality, and provide extensive ICT training for young people.
Anozie said the ICT initiative could position Ebonyi as a hub for technology talent, with trained professionals able to compete for opportunities locally and internationally.
“Anyichuks has a dream. Ndi Ebonyi need to cue in to that dream for the benefits of all,” Anozie said.
He urged Ebonyi residents to pay attention to the proposed agenda and participate actively in determining the direction of the state ahead of the 2027 election.
Dr. Kenneth Anozie is the Executive Secretary of the Igbo Oriental Think Tank and a political analyst.
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