No fewer than 37 children and infants are among 180 Nigerians who have returned from Libya under a voluntary repatriation programme coordinated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in collaboration with the Federal Government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The returnees arrived at the Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, at about 4:20 p.m. on Tuesday, Naija News reports.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) announced their arrival in a statement issued on Tuesday and shared on its official account on Wednesday.

According to the agency, the returnees arrived from Sebha, Libya, aboard an Air Buraq Airlines flight with registration number 5A-BAE.

The group comprised 143 adults, including 75 men and 68 women; 26 children, made up of 12 boys and 14 girls; and 11 infants, consisting of three boys and eight girls.

NEMA’s Lagos Operations Office received the returnees in collaboration with the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons.

The agency disclosed that the Nigeria Immigration Service conducted biometric registration and documentation to verify the identities of the returnees and maintain accurate records to support their reintegration.

Upon arrival, the returnees were provided with food, drinking water and medical screening.

NEMA added that ambulance services were available for those requiring medical attention, while officials also offered luggage handling, logistical assistance and counselling.

The agency further stated that reintegration support was provided to help the returnees resettle in their respective communities.

According to NEMA, the exercise involved collaboration among relevant government agencies and other partners to ensure the Nigerians returned safely and were treated with dignity.

The agency said the intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to provide immediate assistance to Nigerians returning from Libya and support them as they begin rebuilding their lives back home.

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance, insisting that workers need a permanent salary increase rather than temporary financial relief.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that the congress also accused the government of failing to honour an agreement reached with health workers.

The union stated its position in a statement signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, N. A. Toro, less than a day after the government announced the allowance following discussions with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

The TUC argued that no law prevented the Federal Government from increasing workers’ salaries immediately, even as negotiations over a new national minimum wage continued.

It disclosed that it had communicated its position to the government in a letter dated October 8, 2026, following a National Administrative Council meeting in Abuja. The union said it maintained the same position during subsequent engagements with government officials, including the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

“This was hinged on the fact that government does not require minimum wage to be negotiated before increasing workers’ pay as there is no maximum wage law in the country,” the statement read.

The congress proposed increasing the salary of the lowest-paid federal worker from ₦70,000 to ₦300,000, alongside corresponding adjustments for other salary grades. It noted that some states already pay minimum wages above ₦100,000.

“While it is good to negotiate minimum wage which will affect other cadre of workers, FGN must raise wage level immediately as there are no law or historical practices stopping it from doing so,” the union stated.

The TUC also said it had firmly rejected the proposal for another temporary wage award during consultations with the government. It insisted that negotiations over a new minimum wage should not be used to delay an immediate salary increase.

The union cited the ₦40,000 wage award agreed upon in October 2023, which it claimed was never fully paid.

According to the congress, some workers missed one or two months of payments, others received nothing, while disbursements were irregular. It further alleged that more than 80 per cent of states and the informal sector failed to implement any wage award.

The TUC called on governments to reduce the cost of essential goods and services, ensure prompt payment of salaries and pensions, protect jobs, end exploitative labour practices and revive local production.

The congress also accused the Federal Government of failing to implement an agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions seven months ago.

It recalled that the agreement, brokered with labour’s intervention and signed by the Ministers of Labour, Health and Finance, provided for an adjustment to the Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

However, the union said the adjustment remained outstanding despite health workers suspending their strike in good faith.

“While the workers have kept their side of the bargain, the government hasn’t kept its side of the agreement,” the TUC said, describing the situation as “absolutely unacceptable.”

The congress demanded the immediate implementation of the agreement, a clear timeline, adequate budgetary provisions and consultations with the unions involved.

It warned that health workers could not be expected to continue providing services while the government failed to honour its commitments.

“The TUC demands tangible action, not further assurances. It will stand firmly with the affected affiliates and health workers and pursue every lawful and legitimate measure necessary to secure compliance,” the statement added.

The union said it was awaiting the outcome of a planned meeting with the government before deciding on its next course of action.

“Workers’ welfare is not a privilege. Agreements must be honoured. Workers’ rights must be respected. Government must comply,” the TUC stated.

Spanish football giants Real Madrid have apologised to the Chinese people over remarks made by their forward, Kylian Mbappé, which reportedly caused offence.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶