News
Minimum Wage: FG Offers N62k, Labour Demands N250k
After extensive discussions, the federal government and organized labor were unable to agree on a new national minimum wage. The federal government increased its offer from N60,000 to N62,000, while labor reduced its demand from N494,000 to N250,000.
The tripartite committee, tasked with determining a suitable minimum wage, acknowledged the necessity for an increase based on various socio-economic and political considerations, as well as international standards. They proposed N62,000 per month, supported by the government and the Organized Private Sector (OPS), while labor continued to push for N250,000 per month.
Following the meeting, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma stated that the committee would forward their recommendations to President Bola Tinubu. Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo emphasized the need for wages that reflect economic realities.
Negotiations began after President Tinubu directed the Minister of Finance to present a new minimum wage proposal. Initial government offers ranged from N48,000 to N60,000, all of which were deemed inadequate by labor unions.
Before the recent strike, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and TUC had demanded N494,000, citing the economic conditions. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) warned that the proposed N60,000 minimum wage could financially cripple many states, hindering their ability to fund essential services.
Despite opposition from governors and the private sector, the federal government indicated a willingness to consider a figure higher than N60,000, potentially up to N65,000, according to government sources.
The NGF argued that paying N60,000 would exhaust many states’ federal allocations, leaving no funds for infrastructure, healthcare, or education. They urged labor leaders to consider a fair and sustainable agreement.
The organized labor is advocating for a comprehensive reassessment of the minimum wage in line with the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which mandates reviews every five years. The last adjustment was made in 2019, raising the minimum wage to N30,000 from N18,000.
President Tinubu appointed a 37-member panel led by Vice President Kashim Shettima to recommend a new minimum wage. The panel includes representatives from federal and state governments, the private sector, and labor unions.
Nigeria has faced economic challenges in recent years, including a recession in 2016, modest growth from 2017 to 2019, and a downturn in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The removal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation further strained the economy, with inflation rising from 22.4% in May 2023 to 28.9% in December 2023.
State governments have expressed concerns about their financial capacity to meet the proposed wage increases, citing the need for fiscal sustainability. Data from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum indicates that 11 states, including Zamfara, Abia, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Katsina, Kogi, Oyo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Yobe, have negative net revenues and would struggle to pay the N60,000 minimum wage.
The Federal Government has announced the closure of the Eko Bridge and Ramps for eight weeks to carry out essential asphalt resurfacing work.
Mrs. Olukorede Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works in Lagos, shared this information in a statement on Saturday. She noted that the resurfacing project is set to begin on Friday, September 20, at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until November 20.
Due to the closure, drivers will need to follow detours and alternative routes. Kesha advised that motorists traveling to the Island from Funsho Williams Avenue should utilize the service lane at Alaka to connect to Costain and access the Eko Bridge.
She explained that some sections of the bridge will be fully closed while others will have partial access.
“This important project aims to enhance road safety and improve the driving experience for motorists,” she stated. The work will involve milling the existing asphalt and laying down new asphalt on both the bridge and ramps to address wear and tear and create a smoother, safer roadway.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Akinwale Sarafadeen Adeyemi as the new Chairman of the Governing Council for Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.
The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed. The statement described Adeyemi as an experienced educationist and noted that he will succeed Peter Babalola, the former chairman, who was dismissed by the state government earlier this month.
Babalola, who was also a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, faced suspension from his local ward in Irewole due to public criticism over alleged financial misconduct before his removal.
The statement highlighted, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved the appointment of Mr. Akinwale Sarafa Adeyemi, a seasoned educationist, as the new Chairman of the Governing Council of Osun State College of Education, Ila-Orangun. Mr. Adeyemi replaces Dr. Peter Babalola, who resigned following a controversial term at the college.”
Adeyemi holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Education from the University of Ibadan and is a retired principal of the Federal Girls College in Ipetumodu. His swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday at the EXCO lounge.
The police have reported that their operatives apprehended political thugs and seized firearms during overnight operations in Edo State, where the governorship election is taking place today, Saturday.
They also vowed to address illegal weapons possession and prevent any disruptions to the electoral process in the state.
Prince Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, shared this information in a statement on Friday night, along with images of the recovered firearms.
He identified the arrested individuals as Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member from Ugbogbo quarters in Igara Akoko, Edo.
“The Nigeria Police Force has made a significant breakthrough in combating electoral violence in Edo State with the arrests of Edwin Obanor, 43, and Audu Tajudeen, a 41-year-old PDP member,” the statement noted.
According to DAILY POST, residents of Edo State will be voting for a new governor today, September 21, 2024, who will succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki after his eight-year term ends.
Nigerian Govt shuts Eko Bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs
Gov Adeleke appoints new Governing Council Chairman for Osun College of Education
Edo Decides: Police arrest armed political thugs ahead of election
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