Organised labour has reiterated its demand for a ₦500,000 minimum wage, arguing that the amount reflects the economic challenges Nigerian workers face amid the rising cost of living.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JNPSNC), Gbenga Olowoyo, stated this during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday.

However, Olowoyo said labour remained open to reasonable negotiations with the Federal Government to reach a mutually acceptable figure.

His comments followed a six-hour meeting between organised labour and the Federal Government to discuss workers’ welfare and measures to ease the impact of rising petrol prices.

Olowoyo welcomed the government’s agreement to provide workers with ₦70,000 monthly transport support for six months, beginning in November 2026.

He described the outcome of the meeting as encouraging, noting that the lengthy discussions had produced a positive development for workers.

“I think with the recent development that happened today, the negotiation lasted over six hours, and with the outcome of the meeting, I think it is a good omen,” he said.

The labour leader explained that the transport intervention would benefit workers at all levels, including those at the grassroots, amid concerns about rising transportation costs and the growing pressure on household finances.

He, however, emphasised that the ₦70,000 monthly support was a temporary measure and would not replace labour’s demand for a new minimum wage.

“The template of ₦500,000 is still subsisting. And at the same time, if government is able to dance around ₦500,000, we would be alright to support the President. So I want to believe that, as I told you, we are not going to be rigid, but at the same time, we’ll be reasonable,” Olowoyo stated.

He explained that the proposed minimum wage was intended to help workers meet essential responsibilities, including feeding their families, paying school fees and covering other basic expenses.

Olowoyo also expressed optimism that the agreement would create room for further discussions, particularly the establishment of a tripartite committee to negotiate a new minimum wage, which remains one of labour’s major demands.

According to him, the Federal Government’s decision to sign an agreement with organised labour demonstrated its willingness to address the concerns raised by workers.

He noted that the outcome of the negotiations would extend beyond the unions directly involved, given that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has more than 40 affiliate unions.

The negotiations initially involved the JNPSNC and eight other unions before the NLC joined the discussions, broadening the representation of workers.

Describing the outcome as a collective victory, Olowoyo expressed confidence that the government would fulfil its commitment to the transport allowance.

“We know government is going to implement it because that is commitment already,” he said.

The six-month transport support programme is expected to run from November 2026 to April 2027. Olowoyo said organised labour hoped to conclude negotiations on the new minimum wage before the temporary intervention expires.

He added that the coming months would provide an opportunity for both parties to resolve outstanding issues and agree on a wage structure that reflects the economic realities confronting Nigerian workers.

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has assured that a new Awujale of Ijebuland will emerge before May 29, 2027.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The governor gave the assurance in a statement issued on Wednesday by his Media Adviser, Kayode Akinmade.

Abiodun had earlier made the commitment while addressing stakeholders from Ogun East Senatorial District at a meeting in Ijebu-Ode, which brought together representatives of various interest groups.

He also assured residents that the process of selecting the next traditional ruler would be peaceful, smooth and acceptable to the people.

The governor urged the people of Ijebuland to remain calm and patient as the necessary procedures for selecting a new Awujale are being concluded.

“I acknowledge the importance of the Awujale institution to the cultural heritage, identity and unity of Ijebuland. Our people should remain calm and patient as the necessary processes are being concluded,” Abiodun said.

He added that his administration was giving the matter the attention it deserved to ensure a peaceful conclusion and secure the acceptance and support of the people for the new monarch.

At the stakeholders’ meeting, Abiodun explained that the gathering was organised to strengthen engagement with grassroots leaders, address community concerns and highlight his administration’s achievements over the past seven years.

The governor identified oil exploration around Eba Island and the proposed Gateway Deep-Sea Port in Ogun Waterside Local Government Area as key projects expected to drive economic growth in the state.

He also highlighted the proposed Blue Marine Special Economic Zone, saying it would attract investments, create employment opportunities and position Ogun State as a major centre for maritime trade, manufacturing and logistics.

Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development and investment promotion. He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for supporting critical projects and initiatives in the state.

The governor urged residents to continue cooperating with his administration to sustain peace and promote development across Ogun State.

The Awujale stool has been vacant since July 2025, following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona at the age of 91. The late monarch reigned for 65 years.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders to join its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in a united alliance ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The party’s Director-General of the Presidential Campaign Council, Ibrahim Abdulkarim, made the appeal during an interview on Arise News, arguing that opposition parties must unite to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Abdulkarim said an opposition alliance had already taken shape within the NDC, noting that Kwankwaso had stepped aside from his presidential ambition to support Obi.

“The opposition has to come together for us to win. The opposition have already come together. Nobody said the coalition must happen on ADC. It can happen in NDC, and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has already dropped his ambition,” he said.

He urged Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and other opposition figures to bring their supporters into the proposed alliance.

“What we are asking for is for other people to join us, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, to join all of us, so at least we will have the spread that they think they can add,” Abdulkarim stated.

Addressing concerns that the NDC lacked the campaign structure and grassroots support associated with the Obidient Movement, the campaign chief dismissed comparisons between a political party and a support group.

“How can you compare a party with a support group? We don’t have any problem. They’re all part of the NDC party. We have more than a thousand support groups like that,” he said.

Abdulkarim also sought to reassure Nigerians who had become disillusioned with the electoral process, saying the party had developed a strategy to protect votes and ensure they count.

“I can promise anybody, anybody that feels he wants his vote to count, we have a very, very unique and serious programme that we have put in place,” he said.

He further promised that the NDC would conduct a peaceful nationwide campaign, reaching communities across the country and engaging voters who had lost confidence in the political process.

“We are going to do our campaign peacefully. We are going to go into every corner,” Abdulkarim added.