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Labour, Tripartite Committee Chair Trade Words Over Minimum Wage 

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Labour, Tripartite Committee Chair Trade Words Over Minimum Wage

Writing by Sediq Mutari....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

LAGOS — Bukar Goni Aji, Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, has called on Labour to reconsider its demand for a higher minimum wage, highlighting the current economic challenges facing the country.

He pointed to various government incentives, including a N35,000 wage award for federal workers, a N100 billion fund for gas-fueled buses and gas kit conversions, a N125 billion conditional grant, financial inclusion initiatives for SMEs, and a N25,000 monthly stipend for 15 million households over three months. Aji argued that these measures justify Labour’s acceptance of the government’s N62,000 minimum wage offer, as opposed to their demand for N250,000.

In response, Labour accused the Tripartite Committee chairman of being out of touch with the severe hardships faced by workers and other Nigerians. Labour emphasized that it is a member of the tripartite committee working on the new minimum wage.

Reacting to the situation, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, cited limited resources as the reason for governors rejecting the N62,000 minimum wage proposal.

Meanwhile, the Anglican Communion urged both federal and state governments to ensure workers receive a living wage, emphasizing the importance of fiscal prudence and accountability.

The Tripartite Committee chairman also referenced additional government efforts, such as N185 billion in palliative loans to states, N200 billion for agricultural support, N75 billion for the manufacturing sector, and N1 trillion in student loans for higher education. He mentioned the release of 42,000 metric tonnes of grains and the distribution of 60,000 metric tonnes of rice to millers as further support measures.

Aji urged Labour to consider the recent 25% and 35% salary increases for federal workers and the 90% health cost subsidy for federal civil servants. He highlighted the new light rail system in Abuja as a measure to reduce transportation costs, describing it as a significant achievement in the wake of fuel subsidy removal. Additionally, he mentioned the Federal Government’s approval of ICT services for civil servants as an alternate income source.

Labour representatives, however, stood firm on their demand, citing a nationwide survey that detailed the economic realities for the average Nigerian family. They stressed that their call for a N250,000 minimum wage is based on the current market prices of essential goods and services, and the significant devaluation of the naira.

Labour argued that the government’s offer does not reflect the true cost of living and fails to meet the basic needs of workers. They urged the Tripartite Committee chairman to advocate for a realistic offer from the government that aligns with the economic conditions faced by workers.

In Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Budget and Economic Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu explained that governors’ rejection of the N62,000 minimum wage was due to limited resources. He highlighted the federal government’s efforts to prioritize skill-based economic development and improve living conditions for Nigerians.

The Anglican Communion also called for living wages for workers, fiscal discipline, and accountability in government spending. They urged both federal and state governments to enhance production and agriculture to boost the national economy.

Additionally, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, appealed to the NLC and TUC to accept any federal government offer above N60,000, emphasizing the need for dialogue and national interest in the ongoing minimum wage negotiations.

In summary, the debate over the national minimum wage continues, with Labour and the government at odds over an acceptable figure. Labour insists on a higher wage to match the rising cost of living, while the government cites economic constraints and ongoing support measures as reasons for its offer.

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Police Arrest NSCDC Officer With Pistol, 17 Bullets At Abuja Kubwa Market.

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An officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been arrested for allegedly firing gunshots into the air during a confrontation with traders at Kubwa Market in Abuja.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The officer, identified as Onoja Samuel, reportedly arrived at the market armed with a pistol following allegations that some traders had assaulted his wife.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Mohammed Sanusi, disclosed the incident while addressing journalists at the command on Wednesday, Naija News reports.

Sanusi said the police received a distress call from Kubwa Market, located in the Bwari Area Council, reporting that a man was shooting into the air.

Following the report, officers attached to the Kubwa Police Division were deployed to the scene, where they arrested the suspect.

According to the police commissioner, preliminary investigations revealed that Samuel holds the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC) in the NSCDC.

He explained that the officer allegedly fired several shots during an argument with the traders.

“During the ensuing argument with the traders, Onoja Samuel, who is a DSC with the NSCDC, fired several shots into the air,” Sanusi said.

The police recovered a CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition from the suspect.

Sanusi added that Samuel remained in police custody and would be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The commissioner also urged personnel of other security agencies operating in the FCT to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for their areas before conducting authorised operations.

He stressed that effective coordination among security agencies was essential to preventing confrontations and maintaining peace across the territory.

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‘We Don’t Want Another Mohbad Case’ – Laolu Gbenjo Speaks On Toluwanisings.

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Nigerian gospel singer Laolu Gbenjo has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gbenjo’s warning comes amid growing controversy surrounding the late singer’s death and burial arrangements, with reports of disagreements among members of his family.

The gospel singer spoke on Tuesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Toluwanisings in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned against allowing the situation to degenerate into a controversy similar to the one that followed the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.

Describing the deceased as a devoted Christian and a genuine servant of God, Gbenjo said Toluwanisings was passionate about his faith and had a good relationship with people.

He urged the public to stop fuelling unnecessary controversy over the late singer’s death, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

“You can never see Toluwani in the midst of jobless people. He had a good heart. He was a friend to everybody. He served the Lord with all his heart. Don’t turn Toluwani into Mohbad. That madness on TikTok and Instagram must stop. If you are jobless, go and look for a job,” Gbenjo said.

Meanwhile, comedians Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.

Woli Agba disclosed this in a public notice shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.

In the notice issued by their solicitors, Gemgold, the comedians warned members of the public against publishing or circulating allegations they described as false and defamatory against them.

The legal notice maintained that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputations of the two entertainers.

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El-Rufai’s ₦1bn Legal Battle Takes New Turn As Court Fixes Judgment Date.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 2, 2026, for judgment in the ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other respondents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted their respective court processes.

However, El-Rufai’s lawyer was absent when the case was initially called. The judge subsequently deemed the former governor’s filed processes adopted.

Counsel to the ICPC, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), adopted the commission’s court processes and urged the judge to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

Similarly, the lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their respective processes and asked the court to dismiss the case.

During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.

When Akpan sought the court’s permission to adopt his client’s processes, Justice Abdulmalik informed him that the documents had already been deemed adopted.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.

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