News
Workers reject Government’s 35% Minimum Wage increase
The announcement was made on the eve of May Day, or Labour Day, which is celebrated worldwide to recognise and honour the achievements and contributions of the working class.The announcement came ahead of the submission of the report of the 37-Member tripartite committee on national minimum wage, led by Bukar Goni Aji, a former Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCS), which was inaugurated in January this year.
A statement signed by the Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku, said the increases took effect from January 1, 2024.
But the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said the announcement was “a waste of time.”
In an interview with daily trust, the NLC Assistant General Secretary, Chris Onyeka, said the commission does not have powers to fix national minimum wage.
“What they pretend to have done is a waste of time. It does not amount to anything for us and those in the federal civil service,” Onyeka told one of our correspondents.
He did not make further comments on the matter despite prodding by our reporter. Other senior officials of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) could not be reached up to press time last night.
Njoku’s statement said that the augmentation applies to the six remaining consolidated salary structures, namely the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Paramilitary Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).
It added that the federal government had also approved pension increases ranging from 20% to 28% for pensioners enrolled in the Defined Benefits Scheme within the aforementioned consolidated salary structures, with the same effective date.
Before the latest development, salary increases were implemented for tertiary education and health, among them the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS), Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS), Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS), Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).
When contacted to shed more light on the statement he issued hours to the May Day, Njoku told Daily Trust that there was no wrong time for workers to benefit from government policies.
He also confirmed that the government would pay the arrears of the backlogs from January.
Njoku added that the increment was different from the multi-stakeholders committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
However, some senior government functionaries and security officials, who spoke in confidence, told Daily Trust that the announcement by NSIWC was to avert an impending embarrassment.
One of them said that the government was aware of alleged plans by the organised labour to use today’s event to call out political leaders.
One of the sources said that government officials and security agencies could not locate union leaders for dialogue to prevent likely violent protests, as they were either in hiding or deliberately avoided contacts yesterday.
Earlier Tuesday, some workers in some states, called on the Bola Tinubu-led federal government to approve a living wage that will make life better for workers.
The workers, who said this is necessary considering the rising cost of living in the country, added that it is now about living wage and not minimum wage.
They said it has been a tumultuous journey for them in Nigeria, considering the rising cost of living after the removal of fuel subsidy among other measures.
Many civil servants said their take home pay is not in tune with the reality because they struggle to survive and rarely meet up with the demands of their families.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2019 assented to the N30, 000 minimum wage bill, which ushered in a new pay structure for workers. While the policy is being implemented at the national level, many states are yet to key into the policy.
In Lagos, the Chairperson of the NLC, Comrade Funmi Sessi told Daily Trust that it would be a disappointment if there was no announcement from the government.
“We are all anxious about the living wage,” she said, adding: “Our major demand is the living wage. We know it would be a very difficult thing because the tripartite committee has not concluded work on it but it would be a disappointment for workers if by tomorrow (today) there is no announcement of a new minimum wage.
“You can see that there is no free movement of vehicles anywhere because there is no petrol. So, if this continues tomorrow, I don’t know how our members will go and celebrate the Workers’ Day.”
In Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, the leadership of the NLC in the state said failure to implement minimum wage will meet workers’ anger, stressing that Nigerians had been expecting the tripartite committee to have concluded their job before May 1.
Chairman of the NLC in Yobe State, Comrade Muktari Musa Tarbutu, said: “We are expecting to hear something from both federal and state governments, but if he (the president) didn’t talk about the new minimum wage, we would wait for the response of the national body.”
In Oyo State, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Kayode Martins, criticised the government over its “habitual dishonouring of agreements” with workers. “Every time we have agreements, they never honour it”, he said.
In Ondo, the leadership of the NLC and TUC entered into a meeting yesterday to push for better wages for the state’s workforce.
In Delta, a labour activist, Ambassador Edewor Egedegbe said that Nigerian workers are becoming more miserable by the day.
Egedegbe, a member of the Civil Society Leaders on Social Protection and Sustainable Development, said it was pertinent for those in positions of authority to look inwards.
In Bauchi, the Comrade Dauda Shuaibu-led NLC called on Governor Bala Mohammed to sustain the N10,000 wage award.
Comrade Kabiru Inuwa, who is the NLC chairman in Kano, called on the committee set up by the federal government to be steadfast in their work for the benefit of all.
In Kwara State, the Acting Chairman of TUC, Comrade Tunde Joseph, wondered why it was difficult for the federal government to make the new national wage a reality when it was not difficult to announce subsidy withdrawal on fuel.
On his part, the Benue State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade Terungwa Igbe, said they would be demanding the full implementation of the N35,000 wage award and salary arrears from the government.
Many state governors are waiting for the federal government to conclude its move on the new minimum wage so that they would follow suit.
Currently, only the Edo State government has announced N70,000 as minimum wage.
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
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Apply here: EducationUSA Nigeria Opportunity Fund Program (OFP) 2026 – U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria
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.”
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.
Apply here: EducationUSA Nigeria Opportunity Fund Program (OFP) 2026 – U.S. Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria
The Senator representing Anambra North Senatorial District and the Minority Whip of the Senate, Dr. Tony Nwoye on Sunday 21st June, 2026 distributed over 1,500 solar-powered streetlights for distribution across communities and 99 Wards of Anambra North Senatorial zone.
According to Dr. Nwoye, the solar streetlights will be distributed among the 99 wards that make up Anambra North Senatorial District, in fulfillment of his commitment to illuminate every nook and cranny of the zone.
Senator Dr Tony Nwoye said the gesture is aimed at improving the quality of life of the people by providing illumination in public spaces, promoting safety and security in the environments.These initiatives are primarily aimed at boosting local economies, enhancing nighttime security, and preventing crime in rural and urban areas.
The latest Distribution marks the completion of Phase 4 of the Light Up Anambra North initiative. The the Third Phase has each Ward in Anambra North getting 15 Pieces of Solar Lights each.
Speaking while handing over the solar streetlights to ward leaders, Senator Nwoye assured the people that even more projects and interventions would be brought to the district. He reiterated his determination to ensure that Anambra North, shines even brighter through sustained infrastructural development.
Senator Nwoye reiterated his Commitment in providing quality Leadership, Infrastructural development and improving the lives of the good people of Anambra North Senatorial District.
Each Political Ward in Anambra North is expected to get at least 5 Solar in this latest batch of Phase 4.
*Video of the Distribution Speaks:*
*(C) DTN MEDIA CENTRE*
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