News

Strike: Labour seeks Tinubu’s intervention as FG says economy under threat

Published

2 years ago

June 2, 2024

President Bola Tinubu to personally intervene in the ongoing negotiation over minimum wage to avert the indefinite strike action scheduled to start on Monday.

This is as the Federal Government warned that the national minimum wage being demanded by labour could destabilise the economy.

Organised Labour had given a May 31, 2024 ultimatum on the new minimum wage.

On Tuesday, May 28, talks between the Federal Government and Organised Labour broke down after the government and the Organised Private Sector raised their offers to N60,000.

The government added N3,000 to its initial offer of N57,000 proposed last week, making the total figure N60,000. It was dismissed by labour at the meeting.

Several impeccable sources from both the Trade Union Congress and Nigeria Labour Congress, who spoke to Sunday PUNCH, stressed that the Federal Government and the organised private sector should not expect labour to accept anything less than a six-digit offer.

The unions said the government was not serious about the negotiations, adding that the shift from N48,000 to N57,000 was too meagre to be considered as ‘shifting grounds’.

They noted that the promise made by President Bola Tinubu when he became President and on Workers’ Day was that the Federal Government would pay a living wage, adding that N57,000 did not fall into that category.

On Friday, the Nigeria Labour Congress declared an indefinite nationwide strike, starting on Monday, June 3, 2024, due to the Federal Government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage above N60,000.

The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, announced that the strike followed failed negotiations between the government and organised labour.

Despite the government’s final offer of N60,000, which included a recent increase from an initial N57,000, the labour unions found the proposal insufficient.

At the meeting, labour revised its demand, reducing it by N3,000 from the initial N497,000 proposed last week, setting the new proposal at N494,000.

Despite this concession, the negotiations remained deadlocked as the government maintained its offer of N60,000, leading to the declaration of a nationwide indefinite strike.

However, speaking to our correspondent in a telephone interview in Abuja on Saturday, the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyecheoja, said the strike was unnecessary, urging the Organised Labour to return to the negotiation table for more discourse.

She said, “The government is still willing to accommodate them, to listen to words of reason and knowledge, and to know that the president is committed to the Nigerian workers and Nigerian citizens, all of us.”

Speaking on the N494,000 set by Labour, the minister noted that the government won’t be able to breathe.

She said, “By the time you do adjustments or anything, that means there won’t be…in short, the government will not breathe anymore.

“The government’s position is that the strike is unnecessary. If you say people are hungry, we know that people are hungry and that’s why we can increase the minimum wage, even when it’s not convenient.”

Also reacting to the decision of Organised Labour to embark on strike in protest, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the sum of N494,000 national minimum wage demanded by organised labour, which cumulatively amounts to the sum of N9.5 trillion bill yearly was capable of destabilising the economy and jeopardiing the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the minister said the offer of N60,000 minimum wage by the Federal Government, which translates to a 100 per cent increase on the existing minimum wage of 2019, had been accepted by the Organised Private Sector, which is a member of the tripartite committee of the negotiations team.

Idris, according to a statement released by his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, on Saturday night stated further that labour’s demand could destabilise the economy, bring further hardship to over 200 million Nigerians and cause job loss in the private sector.

He said, “The Federal Government’s new minimum wage proposal amounts to a 100 per cent increase on the existing minimum wage. Labour, however, wanted N494,000, which amounted to 1,547 per cent on the existing wage.

“The sum of N494,000 national minimum wage which Labour is seeking would cumulatively amount to the sum N9.5tn bill to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“Nigerians need to understand that whereas the FG is desirous of ample remuneration for Nigerian workers, what is most critical is that President Tinubu will not encourage any action that could lead to massive job loss, especially in the private sector, who may not be able to pay the wage demanded by the Organised Labour.”

The Minister said even though Labour was keen on the take-home pay of about 1.2 million workers, the Federal Government was concerned about the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians based on its guiding principle of affordability, sustainability, and the overall health of the nation’s economy.

Idris appealed to the Organised Labour to return to the negotiating table and embrace reasonable and realistic wages for their members.

He said because of the commitment of the Tinubu administration to the welfare of workers, the wage award of 35,000 for federal workers would continue until a new national minimum wage was introduced.

However, speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the National Treasurer of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Hakeem Ambali, urged Tinubu to personally intervene in the ongoing minimum wage negotiation by calling all parties to a parley to avert the strike, insisting that the offer of N60,000 from the government was unreasonable, considering the current rate of inflation.

Ambali insisted that it was the duty of the Federal Government to avert the strike, adding that the government had a whole month to negotiate a reasonable minimum wage with labour to prevent industrial action.

He said, “For a whole month, we have been going forward and backward between FG and Labour. Labour shows concern and perseverance. You will recall that on May 1, Labour gave an ultimatum that we would embark on strike after the last day of May. Those in government should have done what was needed to avert this. As of today, labour has taken a decision.”

Ambali, however, noted that President Tinubu could avert the strike if he personally intervened in the negotiation with Organised Labour.

He said, “Within 24 hours, the FG and Mr President can avert the strike if he (Tinubu) shows direct interest. He has the final say. The buck stops at his table.”

He also disagreed with the argument that the FG had done enough by doubling the minimum wage from N30,000 to N60,000, noting that the rate of inflation was much higher than the announced increament.

He said, “If the PMS price was increased by 100 per cent, then the 100 per cent increment would have been reasonable. What is the percentage ratio? It was N165 to N700. All the macroeconomic indices pointed to it that the inflation rate had increased dramatically. For Nigerian workers to be able to cope with this inflationary trend, something reasonable should have been done. When you look at 2019 when that N30,000 (minimum wage) was agreed upon; you will agree that it was looking good with the dollar equivalent then. What is the dollar equivalent of this N60,000 now? Is it not $45 or so?

“If you look at that, you will realise that the government still has the obligation to give a reasonable wage to workers. From our calculations, to feed a family of six, a worker needs N90,000. So, what are they saying? The government should show understanding. A well paid worker is an asset to national growth and development.”

Ambali also disagreed that the demand for higher minimum wage by labour would affect the economy negatively, stressing that it would rather have positive impacts.

He said, “Once workers are well paid, the purchasing power will increase. All the local manufacturing companies, the SMEs, and patronage will increase, and that will grow the economy. The government will also generate huge amounts of taxes from the workers.

“If the government shows that they are reasonable, Labour is ready to move. But, the peanut increment is as if we are not serious. Anything lower than six digits may not be reasonable. As an insider in the negotiation, I know that Labour will shift ground, but there must be commitment and seriousness from the government.”

Also reacting to the demands by Organised Labour, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, said the Organised Labour should be reasonable in its demand, except if it was using the declared strike to display its frustration over the loss of the Labour Party in the 2023 presidential election.

“Labour leaders need to be reasonable and not paralyse our economy unless they are using the strike as a continuous ventilation of the frustration they had when their party lost the 2023 presidential election.

“Can you pay your driver or cleaner N500,000 a month? Let’s not befuddle the issue. The government is not saying it is not reviewing minimum wage, it is saying it will pay something affordable and sustainable. N500,000 or N615,000 is out of it,” Onanuga wrote on his verified X handle on Saturday.

No money to stock food– Workers

State and federal civil servants on Saturday had mixed reactions to the indefinite strike declared by Organised Labour in response to the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.

Speaking in separate interviews with Sunday PUNCH yesterday, some civil servants said even though the indefinite strike was long overdue due to the government’s insensitivity to labour’s demands, they did not have money to stock food in their homes ahead of the industrial action.

Speaking with our correspondent, a vice-principal in a public secondary school in Ibadan, Oyo State, identified only as Mr Olowojebutu, noted that even though the indefinite strike was long overdue due to the Federal Government’s mindlessness to workers’ welfare, he did not have money to buy foodstuff when the industrial action takes off on Monday.

He, however, said he was prepared for the strike, praying that the two parties (Organised Labour and the Federal Government) would eventually reach a befitting agreement after the strike.

Also, another civil servant, Joseph Ade, said surviving during the strike might be tough for his family, because he did not have any money to buy foodstuffs, because the notice of the industrial action was short.

“They should do everything to stop this strike. We don’t have money, the cost of fuel is high, food prices are high and now strike. They want to worsen the situation of Nigerians, and God will not allow them,” he said.

A government worker identified as Omobola Atilade in the Federal Capital Territory also supported the strike, but said she might not buy enough foodstuffs for the period due to lack of adequate funds.

“On this strike, I agree with the NLC because the Federal Government failed to reach an agreement with them. How will the Federal Government say they can only pay N60,000 as the minimum wage during this economic crisis?

“On Sunday, I will go to the market to buy some food items because no one can tell how long the strike will take. Although, I don’t have enough money to do that, I will manage the little one I have with me,” she told Sunday PUNCH.

However, a public servant based in Anambra State, Chima Uchenna, dismissed the seriousness of the announced strike, saying he didn’t believe it would affect businesses.

He said, “I don’t take NLC seriously. I am not bothered about the strike and I have no intention of stocking up because of it. The market will still be on as usual. I think it will be a sketchy strike.”

News

Court Orders DSS Probe as Prosecutors Link VeryDarkMan to Alleged Leak of Coup Trial Evidence

Published

6 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The trial of six men accused of plotting to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu took a dramatic turn on Tuesday after the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the alleged leakage of sensitive court evidence to social media.

During proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), informed the court that video recordings already tendered as evidence had surfaced online. He alleged that the materials were published by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and noted that the activist was present in court during the hearing.

Oyedepo urged the court to investigate how the videos were obtained and made public.

In response, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik directed the DSS to immediately probe the alleged leak. The judge ordered security operatives to determine whether any protected court materials were released in breach of existing witness-protection orders and to identify those responsible.

Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the investigation should proceed alongside the ongoing criminal trial, stressing that neither the defendants nor their legal representatives had admitted involvement in the alleged publication.

Counsel to the six defendants denied any connection to the leaked materials. Some members of the defence team argued that the prosecution should file a formal application supported by an affidavit if it wished to pursue the matter before the court.

The hearing also featured testimony from the prosecution’s fourth witness, identified only as “DDD,” who maintained that the defendants voluntarily made their statements and were neither tortured nor coerced during interrogation.

The witness dismissed claims that the accused were chained while giving statements, stating that they walked into the interview room unassisted. He further told the court that none of the defendants requested the presence of lawyers, family members, Legal Aid Council officials, or a Justice of the Peace before making their statements.

Following the testimony, the prosecution closed its case in the trial-within-trial after calling four witnesses.

The court adjourned proceedings to June 25 and June 30 for the first three defendants to open their defence, while the remaining defendants are scheduled to present theirs on July 1 and July 2.

Justice Abdulmalik also fixed July 20 for a ruling on the defendants’ bail applications.

The six men remain on trial over allegations of participating in a plot to topple the Tinubu administration—claims they have denied and which the court has yet to determine.

News

Good Governance: Nwoye Harps on Prudent Management of Public Funds, Engagement of Competent Hands

Published

6 hours ago

June 24, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

A Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Peace, Conflict and Development Studies (IPCDS), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Dr. Ben Nwoye, has emphasized the need for managers of public institutions, especially government-owned establishments, to prioritize prudent management of resources and the engagement of competent personnel.

Nwoye also stressed that placing qualified and capable individuals in positions of responsibility remains one of the surest ways to achieve good governance and sustainable development in any society.

The former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State and current Deputy National Chairman (South) of the party made the remarks on Monday during a good governance facility tour to the remodeled Government Technical College (GTC), Enugu, alongside PhD students of IPCDS.

He commended Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, for the transformation of GTC Enugu under the leadership of Dr. Amaka Ngene, Chairman of the Science, Technical and Vocational Schools Management Board (STVSMB), noting that the institution has been transformed from a dilapidated facility into a modern learning centre.

According to Nwoye, the visit was aimed at assessing the progress made since a similar tour of the school in 2025.

He described education as the bedrock of national development and stressed the need for governments to continue investing heavily in the sector.

“The massive transformation that has taken place at GTC Enugu would not have been possible without prudent management of resources and the appointment of capable leadership,” he said.

“When we first visited, what we saw were merely buildings and classrooms without teachers or students. We were also shown videos and photographs depicting the terrible state of the institution before the intervention of the Enugu State Government.

“Today, barely a year later, we have returned to see whether the state-of-the-art facilities have become functional, and we are impressed by what we have seen. There are teachers, students, and fully operational departments.

“This success is largely due to the quality of leadership driving the school board. The desired transformation has truly taken place, and this goes beyond politics. It is about commitment, competence, and prudent management of public funds.”

Nwoye noted that the beneficiaries of the reforms are young people whose lives are being positively impacted through quality education and vocational training.

“We must commend Governor Peter Mbah for providing the enabling environment and resources needed to achieve this. More importantly, we must acknowledge the efforts of the Board Chairman, Dr. Amaka Ngene, who has driven the entire process.”

He added that practical examples such as GTC Enugu provide valuable learning opportunities for students studying governance and leadership.

“The challenge in our country is not the absence of laws but our failure to implement them. Previous boards allowed this institution to remain in a deplorable condition. What we are seeing today demonstrates what is possible when competent individuals are entrusted with leadership responsibilities.”

Nwoye expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the tour, stating that his students were impressed by the level of transformation witnessed across the institution.

“It is gratifying because when we teach governance principles in the classroom, we can now point to practical examples where those principles are being applied successfully. Sustainable development can only be achieved when education is treated as a priority,” he said.

Speaking during the tour, Dr. Ngene attributed the board’s achievements to a fortified database system, zero tolerance for corruption, truancy, and absenteeism, as well as a commitment to accountability and efficiency.

She also praised Governor Mbah for his commitment to education, describing the ongoing reforms as an education revolution in Enugu State.

According to her, the state’s investment in education has surpassed the UNESCO recommendation of 15 to 20 per cent budgetary allocation to the sector.

“Over the last three years, Enugu State has consistently allocated an average of 23 per cent of its budget to education, reflecting the governor’s commitment to human capital development,” she disclosed.

During the facility tour, the visiting students inspected several functional departments, including the automobile repair workshop, welding and fabrication unit, computer laboratory, garment-making section, and hospitality and catering department.

The facilities provide practical vocational training for senior students, equipping them with employable skills and entrepreneurial opportunities for the future.

Dr. Ngene maintained that Governor Mbah’s administration has demonstrated the impact of good governance through strategic investments in education and human capital development, adding that the results are already evident across the state.

News

Post-Election Cleanup: Enugu Cracks Down on Unauthorized Outdoor Advertising

Published

1 day ago

June 23, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

With the successful conclusion of the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election, the Enugu State Structures for Signage and Advertisement Agency (ENSSAA) has announced plans to commence a statewide enforcement exercise against unauthorized outdoor advertisements across the state.

The Agency said the operation would target illegally displayed posters, billboards, political campaign materials, banners, and other outdoor advertisements erected without the approval and requisite permits of ENSSAA.

In a statement issued on Monday by the General Manager of the Agency, Mr. Francis Aninwike, ENSSAA said the enforcement exercise would be carried out across Enugu metropolis and all the local government areas of the state in accordance with the provisions of the ENSSAA Law 2016, which regulates outdoor advertising and signage in Enugu State.

Aninwike explained that the Agency deliberately suspended the enforcement exercise in recent weeks to allow the Enugu North Senatorial District by-election to be concluded and to avoid giving political coloration to what is essentially a long-overdue regulatory exercise aimed at restoring order, sanity, and environmental aesthetics within the state’s outdoor advertising space.

He stressed that no individual, political party, candidate, organization, or business is permitted to erect, display, or paste advertisements, including political campaign materials, without first obtaining the approval of the Agency.

According to him, political parties, candidates, and other stakeholders are advised to immediately regularize their advertisements and obtain the necessary permits before displaying campaign materials or other outdoor advertisements in any part of the state.

The General Manager noted that the proliferation of unauthorized advertisements constitutes a violation of the law, contributes to visual pollution, defaces public infrastructure, and undermines the beauty of the environment.

He emphasized that the enforcement exercise is neither targeted at any individual nor directed against any political group.

“This enforcement exercise is not targeted at any individual or political group. It is a routine regulatory action aimed at ensuring compliance with the law and maintaining a clean, orderly, and aesthetically pleasing environment across the state,” Aninwike stated.

To ensure a smooth and peaceful operation, ENSSAA said it has secured armed police escorts for its enforcement teams. The exercise will be conducted daily between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The Agency urged members of the public to comply with extant regulations and refrain from obstructing officials carrying out their lawful duties.

Aninwike reiterated ENSSAA’s commitment to sanitizing the outdoor advertising sector, enforcing compliance with relevant laws, and ensuring that outdoor advertisements across Enugu State conform to approved standards.

News

US opens applications to support Nigerians seeking admission abroad

Published

2 days ago

June 22, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

The United States Mission in Nigeria has opened applications for the 2026 cohort of the EducationUSA Nigeria Opportunity Fund Programme, inviting qualified Nigerian students seeking higher education opportunities in the US to apply.

The application is open from June 15 and will close on June 30, 2026, according to a notice published by the U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria.

The programme, coordinated by the Public Diplomacy Section of the U.S. Mission through EducationUSA Nigeria, is designed to assist academically outstanding Nigerian students with leadership potential in pursuing higher education in the United States.

According to the mission, the initiative supports access to U.S. higher education while advancing “American leadership, commercial diplomacy, and the shared economic interests of the United States and Nigeria.”

It added that the 2026 cohort aligns with the Freedom 250 celebration, marking 250 years of American leadership, innovation and democratic values.

The statement read, “Freedom250 marks 250 years of American leadership, innovation, and democratic values, and the OFP 2026 cohort will advance these priorities by preparing globally competitive talents aligned with U.S. economic and strategic interests.”

The mission said the programme also reinforces U.S. priorities on “secure, lawful, and well-managed student participation” in American higher education institutions.

It stated, “The program reinforces U.S. priorities on secure, lawful, and well-managed student participation of U.S. higher education systems, ensuring participants understand and uphold the proper use of student visas and full compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.”

Priority consideration, according to the statement, will be given to high-performing students pursuing fields that align with U.S. strategic interests.

It noted, “Priority consideration will be given to the highest-performing students whose academic profiles and career trajectories align with U.S. strategic interests in STEM, AI, and critical emerging technologies.”

The Opportunity Fund Programme provides financial support for essential upfront application costs, including standardised testing fees, application fees and other related expenses.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, a clear intention to pursue post-secondary education in the United States, notable achievements, research capability, and a commitment to visa compliance and responsible participation in U.S. exchange programmes.

The statement further stressed that participants would be expected to maintain high ethical standards throughout the programme.

It said, “Participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, compliance, and accountability, including adherence to all U.S. visa regulations.

Applicants are required to submit a completed application form, academic records, a personal statement, evidence of achievements, leadership and research capability, as well as other supporting documents before the June 30 deadline.

Apply here: EducationUSA Nigeria Opportunity Fund Program (OFP) 2026 – U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria