Governors of the 36 states of Nigeria, have rejected the N60,000 minimum wage earlier proposed by the federal government.

The Director Media and Public Affairs of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, June 7.

The governors said the N60, 000 wage is not realistic and unsustainable, arguing that if implemented, it would force some states in the country to be borrowing to pay workers’ salaries.

The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum also sympathises with labour unions in their push for higher wages.

“However, the Forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners.

“The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.

“All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and can not fly. It will simply mean that many states will spend all their FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes.

“In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers.

“We appeal that all parties involved, especially the labour unions, consider all the socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society who have legitimate claim to public resources.”

Recall that members of the organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress had on Tuesday, suspended their strike for five days.

The strike which commenced on Monday was called to protest the failure of the Federal Government to approve a new minimum wage by May 31 as well as its failure to reverse the hike in electricity tariff.

Also recall that after a six-hour meeting with the leadership of organised labour in Abuja on Monday night, the Federal Government expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to raising the N60,000 offered as the minimum wage.

The agreement stated, “The President of Nigeria, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is committed to establishing a National Minimum Wage higher than N60,000; and the Tripartite Committee will convene daily for the next week to finalise an agreeable National Minimum Wage.”

The organised labour also agreed to “immediately hold meetings of its organs to consider this new offer, and no worker would face victimisation as a consequence of participating in the industrial action.”

These resolutions were signed on behalf of the Federal Government by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2024-06-08

The President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has indefinitely suspended the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, AbdulRasheed Bawa, from office.

He said this is to allow for a thorough investigation into his conduct while in office following “weighty allegations ” of abuse of office against him.

This was contained in a statement by the Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, on Wednesday.

Bawa was, however, directed to immediately handover to Mohammed Umar Abba,the Director, Operations in the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation.

The statement read, “President Tinubu has approved the indefinite suspension from office of AbdulRasheed Bawa, CON, as the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to allow for proper investigation into his conduct while in office. This follows weighty allegations of abuse of office levelled against him.

“Mr Bawa has been directed to immediately handover the affairs of his office to the Director, Operations in the Commission, who will oversee the affairs of the Office of the Chairman of the Commission pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

Here are some things to know about the acting EFCC chairman:

1. Mohammed Umar Abba was born on June 22, 1965, in Tudunwada Local Government Area of Kano State.

2. Abba bagged his first degree from Bayero University, Kano. He did his one-year national service at the old Anambra State Police Command and later got enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force. He attended the Nigeria Police Academy, Kaduna State, where he was commissioned in 1992.

3. CP Abba was seconded to the Commission in January 2016 to head the Counterterrorism and General Investigations, CTGI, Section at the Headquarters in Abuja.

4. He was appointed the Director of Operations of the Commission in 2017.

5. In 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police.

6. On July 9, 2020, Abba stepped in as the Acting Chairman of the Commission, being the most senior operational officer when the former chairman, Ibrahim Magu, was suspended.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2023-06-14

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists to use alternative routes as the gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway persists.

In a statement on Sunday, Bisi Kazeem, public education officer of the FRSC, said motorists going into and out of Lagos should explore routes such as Ikorodu through Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode, and Epe for Lagos-bound vehicles.

He urged others, including Ibadan-bound vehicles, to take Abeokuta through the Sagamu interchange.

Kazeem explained that the gridlock was heightened following a road traffic crash (RTC) involving a loaded tanker which occurred in the early hours of Sunday under the Ibafo pedestrian bridge on the outward Lagos section of the expressway. 

While assuring that the FRSC and other relevant agencies were on top of the situation, Kazeem said the content of the fallen tanker had been successfully trans-loaded into another.

He added that the personnel of the Ogun State Fire Service had proceeded to refill their water tank.

“Unfortunately, some inpatient drivers who choose to drive against the flow of traffic from all available exit points have done so, thereby causing traffic jams not only for the outward Lagos section where the RTC occurred alone but also, the inward Lagos section as well,” Kazeem said.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2023-05-08

Members of the organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, on Tuesday, suspended their strike for five days, a leader of the NLC told our correspondent in Abuja.

The centres are expected to issue a statement shortly before the commencement of negotiations with the government.

The strike which commenced on Monday was called to protest the failure of the Federal Government to approve new minimum wage by May 31 as well as its failure to reverse the hike in electricity tariff.

We hear,after a six-hour meeting with the leadership of organised labour in Abuja on Monday night, the Federal Government expressed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to raising the N60,000 offered as the minimum wage.

The agreement stated, “The President of Nigeria, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, is committed to establishing a National Minimum Wage higher than N60,000; and the Tripartite Committee will convene daily for the next week to finalise an agreeable National Minimum Wage.”

The organised labour also agreed to “immediately hold meetings of its organs to consider this new offer, and no worker would face victimisation as a consequence of participating in the industrial action.”

This was disclosed late Monday night at the end of a marathon meeting convened by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, in furtherance to the negotiation by the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage (NMW) and subsequent withdrawal of the Organised Labour from the negotiation table.

These resolutions were signed on behalf of the Federal Government by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2024-06-04

In an epoch-making event that will positively transform Nigeria’s oil and gas sectoral landscape, President Muhammadu Buhari will today commission Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the world’s largest single train refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, alongside his counterparts from Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Niger, and Chad.

Promoted by Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, the petroleum refinery with a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) is sitting on 2,635 hectares of land located in Dangote Industries Free Zone in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, and will provide employment to over 100,000 persons. The coming on stream of the gigantic project is expected to mark Nigeria’s exit from the league of oil rich nations but which are heavy importers of the petroleum products.

Expected at the historic event apart from international dignitaries are Presidents of Togo, Gnassingbé Eyadéma; Ghana’s Nana Akufo-Addo; President of Senegal, Macky Sall; President of Niger Republic, Mohamed Bazoum, President of Chad, Mahamat Déby and a host of ambassadors

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who will not be physically present will however present his goodwill message virtually.

As at the time of filing this report, all the 36 state governors and most of the governors-elect, ministers, senators, and captains of industries in Nigeria and others from outside the country, global oil traders, top international bankers, international multilateral agencies have indicated their readiness to grace the ceremony.

Nigeria’s President-Elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose administration as the governor of Lagos in 2002 floated the Free Trade Zone in Ibeju-Lekki where the Refinery is located, is expected to be at the event.

The commissioning of Dangote Petroleum Refinery is significant given that it is the first time that a refinery of such magnitude built by an individual is being commissioned.

Dangote’s petroleum refinery is expected to meet the needs of Nigerian consumers and those in neighbouring countries, while allowing for exports beyond the African continent. The refinery will drive the promotion of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as over 50 countries in the trade bloc depend on imported refined petroleum products.

According to the Facts Sheet on Dangote Petroleum Refinery, the new Refinery can meet 100% of the Nigerian requirement of all refined products (Gasoline, 53 million litres per day; Diesel, 34 million litres per day; Kerosene, 10 million litres per day, and Aviation Jet, 2 million litres per day) and also have surplus of each of these products for export.

“The refinery is designed for 100% Nigerian Crude with flexibility to process other crudes. It has self-sufficient marine facility with ability for freight optimisation, and the largest single order of 5 SPMs anywhere in the world. Diesel and Gasoline Products from the refinery will conform to Euro V specifications.

“The refinery design complies with World Bank, US EPA, European emission norms and Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) emission/effluent norms. State-of-the-art technology. Designed to process large variety of crudes including many of the African Crudes, some of the Middle Eastern Crudes and the US Light Tight Oil,” the Facts sheet added.

It also stated: “65 Million Cubic Metres of sand dredged costing approximately Euros 300 million, using the world’s largest, the second largest and the tenth largest dredgers to elevate the height by 1.5 metres, to insure against any potential impact of increase in mean sea level due to global warming. Bought over 1,209 units of various equipment to enhance the local capacity for site works.

“332 cranes to build up equipment installation capacity. Built the world’s largest granite quarry to supply coarse aggregate, stone column material, stone base, stone dust & material for break water. (10 million tonnes per year production capacity).

“Developed a port and constructed two quays with a load bearing capacity of 25 tonnes/ sq metres to bring Over Dimensional Cargoes close to the site directly. The company also constructed two more quays in the port with a capacity to handle up to Panamax vessels to export fertiliser and the petrochemicals and two quays to handle liquid cargoes. The port will thus have 6 quays, including a Roll-on/Roll-off quay”, the sheet added.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2023-05-22

World leaders,including President Muhammadu Buhari.are currently gathered in London in preparation for King Charles III coronation reception which would be the biggest ceremonial event to be staged in Britain for 70 years.

Charles, 74, and his wife Camilla will be crowned at London’s Westminster Abbey in a glittering but solemn religious ceremony with traditions dating back some 1,000 years, followed by a procession, resplendent with pomp and pageantry.
President Muhammadu Buhari, and other Commonwealth leaders, on Friday, met with King Charles III in Marlborough House, ahead of his coronation scheduled for Saturday.
Royal fans have been gathering on The Mall, the grand boulevard that leads to Buckingham Palace, and heads of state and global dignitaries have been arriving in the British capital ahead of Saturday’s event.
U.S. first lady Jill Biden said on Twitter before leaving for Britain that “it’s an honour to represent the United States for this historic moment and celebrate the special relationship between our countries.”
She will be among the world leaders attending the reception at Buckingham Palace on Friday evening, which the king and queen will host along with other senior members of the royal family.

The king is also expected to greet prime ministers and royal representatives from the 14 other realms where he is head of state, including Australia and Canada.

Across Britain, preparations are underway for the first coronation since 1953 when his mother Queen Elizabeth was crowned. The king has even voiced announcements for the London underground network, reminding passengers to “mind the gap”.
Charles automatically became king after the queen’s death at 96 in September 2022 but the coronation, although not essential, is regarded as a hugely symbolic moment which legitimises the monarch in a public way.
Set against the backdrop of a cost of living crisis, some public scepticism and in a modern era when questions are being posed about the future of the institution, its role and finances, Saturday’s event will be on a smaller scale than the previous one 70 years ago.
Nonetheless it will be a lavish occasion. The St Edward’s Crown, which weighs about 2.2 kg (4 lb 12 ounces) and dates back to 1661 and the reign of his namesake King Charles II, will be placed on his head during the ceremony.
Monarchs from around the world will make their way to Westminster Abbey to watch the coronation after King Charles broke from a 900-year tradition banning royals from coronation.
Among the monarchs expected are: Prince Albert of Monaco and Princess Charlene; Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and Crown Princess Mary; King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden and Crown Princess Victoria; King Felipe and Queen Letizia, Spain; Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Norway; Grand Duke Henri and Grand Duchess Maria Teresa, Luxembourg;Crown Princess Marie-Chantal and Crown Prince Pavlos, Greece;King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, the Netherlands;King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, Jordan;Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko of Japan;King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Belgium;Hereditary Prince Alois and Hereditary Princess Sophie, Lichtenstein;King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema, Bhutan.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2023-05-06

Mmesoma Ejikeme, the Anambra student who was accused of manually inflating her 2023 UTME result by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Wednesday confirmed that she received an automated text message from JAMB indicating that her score was 249.

.Mmesoma made this known during a monitoreed  interview with Sunrise Daily on Channels Television

JAMB’s spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, had earlier revealed that the candidate sent a series of messages to the board’s automated telecoms system, including the results showing an aggregate of 362.

Responding, Mmesoma said the only SMS she sent to JAMB was through its support system: “That’s the only SMS I sent there.”

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2023-07-05

The Oyo State Environmental Task Force has arrested no fewer than 4,000 Environmental offenders since its creation till date, statistics made available by its Chairman, DCP Ojomo Francis has revealed.

According to DCP Ojomo, who spoke in Ibadan, on Wednesday, said some were committed to community service after trial, while others paid fines.

In the period under review, DCP Ojomo revealed that over N30 million has been paid as fine by various offenders into the coffers of Oyo State Government. 

Ojomo, who is also the Waste Enforcement Officer urged the public to obey environmental laws of the State.

He said this will sustain the healthiness and good neighborliness in the society, adding that Item 11 of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations places a premium on sanitation and sustainable environment. 

Ojomo appealed to Nigerians, especially residents of Oyo State to pay attention to cleaning their environment, as the TASKFORCE is watching everyone. 

The DCP also reiterated the commitment of the Oyo State Government towards ensuring a healthy and safe environment.

According to Ojomo, “This is not the first time we appeal to members of the public to obey our environmental laws, so that we will have sustained peace and health in our society.

"Item 11, of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations places a premium on sanitation and sustainable environment. We do not need to attend any formal school to take care of our environment in our own interest", he added.

Meanwhile, the Oyo State Environmental Protection Tribunal, sitting in Ibadan on Wednesday, convicted five offenders for violating environmental laws in the state.

The Chairman of the Tribunal, Mr. Jubreel Kareem, while speaking with journalists, disclosed that during monitoring in Ibadan, the five offenders were arrested.

He said two of the offenders, Olanrewaju Deola and Funmilayo Ayoola were found disposing wastes illegally at unauthorized places, they also failed to provide a standard refuse drum contrary to Oyo State Environmental Laws, 2013.

The persons admitted to have committed the offences and were convicted to three months of imprisonment or an option of fines of N5000, N2500, N2500, each.

Another offender, Olabisi Olatunde who was caught at Preboyes, along UI-Bodija dumping refuse on the median pleaded guilty. The tribunal thereafter fined her N7, 500.

In the same vein, John Blessing and Ali Sumaiya were caught illegally displaying goods by road side at Mokola.

The Tribunal ruled that this is against Section 2 sub-section 14 of the Oyo State Waste Management Law of 2014 and thereafter fined them 2500 each.

The head of the Tribunal further warned the offenders not to violate environmental laws of the State henceforth, saying this will serve as a lesson to them and others.

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2023-05-18

The Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has commenced the disbursement of hundred thousand naira (N100,000) and Dignity Packs to each of the Nigerian returnees from Sudan.    

The money and the Dignity Packs were given out to the evacuees upon their arrival in Abuja Airport.    All the evacuees, irrespective of the number, will be given the sum of N100,000 and Dignity Packs each, by the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), once they step into the country.

Speaking in Abuja soon after the arrival of the returnees, a representative of the Foundation, Maryam Buhari-Shehu, said the Board of Trustees of the Foundation has resolved to be fully involved in the evacuation and resettling of thousands of Nigerians that were stranded in Sudan.   

She said a total of 362 returnees including children were registered by the ADF for the exercise on the first day. Three hundred and fifty (350) received the support. 

According to her, the intervention was in collaboration with the Federal Government through its agency, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and Air Peace to provide succor to the returnees.    

Mrs. Buhari-Shehu, who was representing the Managing Director of the ADF, Zouera Youssoufou, noted that ADF will continue to support the government in its humanitarian effort.    

One of the returnee students and a beneficiary of the ADF donation, Mr. Yusuf Bulama, said: “First and foremost, I want to thank Allah for bringing us back home safely. Second, I want to thank Alhaji Aliko Dangote for this huge intervention through the Aliko Dangote Foundation. My message to Dangote is to pray that Allah continues to help him and support his numerous businesses.”    

Another beneficiary of the ADF’s donation, Miss Muneerah Abdul expressed appreciation while adding that N100, 000.00 for each student was a huge sum. She prayed to Allah to continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote. 

It would be recalled that Aliko Dangote Foundation supported the Nigerian government with logistics support for the Nigerian volunteer health workers who supported the Ebola containment efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone upon their return to the country in 2015. Also, during the recent Covid pandemic, ADF supported the return of Nigerians from India and Dubai during the outbreak of the pandemic with specially chartered flights and Covid testing and quarantining when they arrived back in Nigeria.  Since 2011, ADF has supported several thousand IDPs in Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Abuja with a total spending of over 25 billion naira in the provision of food, shelter, and health services. 

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Ayobami Adedeji News 2023-05-06