News
Be careful about proposed minimum wage, Soludo warns
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, insisted that concerns raised around the proposed new minimum wage for Nigerian workers must be well considered.
The warned that the new minimum wage potential sustainability and the economic repercussions must be weighed so that it does not trigger other consequences.
Soludo, who spoke at The Platform Nigeria, a Democracy Day event organized by Covenant Nation in Lagos, stressed the challenges that a high minimum wage could pose for state governments and the private sector.
In particular, the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also vouched his apprehension about the ₦62,000 minimum wage proposed by the Federal Government and the ₦250,000 demanded by the Organised Labour.
He warned on consequences of wage increments that could lead to job losses and further economic difficulties, making the situation untenable for many employers.
According to him, “Not all state governments and the Organised Private Sector can afford to pay the ₦62,000 being proposed by the Federal Government and the ₦250,000 demand of the Organised Labour.”
He disclosed that the private sector employs a significant portion of the workforce and would struggle to pay any high minimum wage increment.
He said, “I spoke with nine entrepreneurs in my state, and none of them could pay the proposed amount by Labour.
“At the best of estimates, the Federal Government revenue won’t exceed ₦17 trillion this year. If you share it with all Nigerians, it comes to ₦6,160 per person, per month, per capita. If you take even the total ₦28.7 trillion budget and share, it will come down to ₦10,000 per capita.”
The Governor reiterated the need for a balanced approach, acknowledging the validity of workers’ demands while also considering the practical limitations faced by employers.
“The worker is right to ask, ‘What am I getting?’ But we also need to consider what a worker actually does. Even if we pay ₦1 million, it might not be enough, but we have to face reality,” he said.
However, Soludo also warned of the long-term implications of an unsustainable wage policy.
“I pity the President because it will all be on his head if the consequences come down. Whatever is negotiated if unsustainable or unpayable, months to come, who will bear the responsibility? Not me,” he said.
He called for a more pragmatic discussion on the minimum wage, highlighting the need for continuous dialogue and adjustment based on economic realities.
“Whatever they agree on, we will muddle through, but maybe after one year, we will need to meet to discuss the consequences,” he stressed.
CREDIT: NEWSTIDE247
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
What we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
LaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
Iran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
World News12 months agoWhat we know about Israel’s war with Hamas
-
Sports11 months agoLaLiga: Everyone want to play with him – Vinicius on player Real Madrid should sign
-
World News11 months agoIran calls on Islamic, Arab countries to confront Israel
-
Tech12 months agoTop 10 AI Skills to Learn in 2023
-
ICT1 year agoApple Bows To EU, Unveils iPhone With USB-C Charger
-
Entertainment12 months agoBET Hip-Hop Awards: Black Sherif wins big as Burna Boy loses seven nominations
-
ICT1 year agoApple iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro pricing around the world
-
Entertainment11 months ago‘Black Panther’ star Lupita Nyong’o breaks up with boyfriend, Selema Masekela