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Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has invited 30 home-based players for training as the Nigeria Football Federation emphasizes its commitment to qualifying the Super Eagles B team for the upcoming African Nations Championship finals.
The 8th edition of the tournament, exclusively for players competing in their domestic leagues under standard contracts, is set to take place in February 2025 across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Among the notable players invited is the experienced midfielder Rabiu Ali from Kano Pillars, who has made a significant impact this season with eight goals. He is joined by Remo Stars’ goalkeeper Kayode Bankole, Rivers United’s defender Steven Mayo, and the promising forward Sunday Megwo from Abia Warriors.
Additional players include Enyimba FC’s goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena, wing-back Ismail Sadiq from Remo Stars, Kazeem Ogunleye from Enugu Rangers, and Anas Yusuf, a forward from Nasarawa United.
The squad also sees the inclusion of Nasarawa United’s Victor Collins and Adamu Abubakar from Plateau United, both of whom were previously called up for last month’s AFCON qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.
All selected players are expected to report to the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State, on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, as they prepare for the crucial first leg of the qualification fixture against Ghana’s Black Stars B, scheduled for December 22 at the Accra Sports Stadium. The second leg will be held at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on December 28.
Historically, Ghana has presented challenges for Nigeria, having prevented the Super Eagles from reaching the African Nations Championship finals in both 2009 and 2023. In past encounters, Nigeria faced setbacks despite strong starts, and they are determined to turn the tide in this upcoming qualification series.
Below Are The 30 Home Based Players Eguavoen Invited For Training
Goalkeepers:
– Henry Ozoemena (Enyimba FC)
– Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars)
– Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United)
Defenders:
– Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars)
– Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City)
– Imo Obot (Enyimba FC)
– Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United)
– Junior Nduka (Remo Stars)
– Victor Collins (Nasarawa United)
– Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International)
– Steven Mayo (Rivers United)
Midfielders:
– Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars)
– Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
– Saviour Isaac (Rangers International)
– Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors)
– Emmanuel Ogbole (Kwara United)
– Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes)
– Kazeem Ogunleye (Rangers International)
Forwards:
– Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United)
– Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United)
– Osy Martins (Lobi Stars)
– Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)
– Temitope Vincent (Plateau United)
– Samuel Ogunleye (3SC)
– Abiam Nelson (Kano Pillars)
– Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance)
– Ngbemena Ikechukwu (Heartland FC)
– Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors)
– Umar Al-Amin Ibrahim (El-Kanemi Warriors)
– Adams Aminu Sani (Kano Pillars)
The Executive Director of Patriots for Advancement of Peace and Social Development, Sani Abdullahi Shinkafi, has declared total support for the tax reforms proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
He submitted that most Governors who are opposed to the tax reforms are lazy and unwilling to work to build the internally generated revenue of their states.
Shinkafi made the submission on Monday while speaking as a guest on Arise News.
He argued that most of those against the bill have not studied it, nor do they understand the content.
He further dismissed claims that the tax reforms are anti-north, clarifying that the new revenue-sharing formula prioritises performance-based allocation.
“Because of how the monies are going to be shared based on your performance, based on your contribution, that is why they are complaining. Most of these states are lazy, most of them are not ready to develop the state to generate the revenue, that is why they are complaining,” he said.
In defending the bills which are before the National Assembly, Shinkafi also defended the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, who presided over the legislative session in which the bill was debated by the lawmakers.
He submitted that opposition to the bill is politically motivated and based on misinformation.
“The attack by the Northern Youth Assembly is uncalled for.
“All the attacks, blackmail, [and] mischief-making are politically motivated against the Deputy Senate President,” Shinkafi stated.
Shinkafi further submitted that Northern Governors who are against the bill do not understand its content.
“If they have gone deeply into it, the governors will not be crying foul… These governors are responsible for the economic failure, insecurity, chronic unemployment, acute poverty, and educational backwardness in the northern region,” he argued.
He listed some of the benefits of the tax reform bills and why all stakeholders should embrace it.
“Small businesses with turnover not exceeding ₦50 million are exempted from paying annual taxes. Pharmaceutical products, food items, educational materials, agricultural equipment, and export goods are also exempted from VAT,” Shinkafi stated.
He added that the reduction of income tax for small businesses from 30% to 25% is a significant advantage.
Shinkafi also dismissed speculations that the tax reforms are skewed in favour of Lagos State, and attributed such narratives to misinformation.
“People are being misinformed on the new tax bill against the presidency… The most important thing is for you to be upright in your decision and very transparent and accountable,” he said.
As a solution to the controversies surrounding the bill, Shinkafi called for public hearings to enlighten the public on the contents and merits of the bill.
“The issue of attribution and derivation is clear. With public hearings, all these would have been avoidable,” he noted.
Teachers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have launched a strike just three days before the completion of terminal exams, protesting the failure of area councils to implement the new minimum wage of ₦70,000.
As a result of the industrial action, students who showed up on Monday to continue their first-term exams were sent home.
The strike has disrupted the education of primary school pupils in the FCT, who have already experienced multiple work stoppages by their teachers this term.
The latest strike follows a similar one on September 18, which lasted for 14 days before being called off on October 7, leaving students at home for almost three weeks.
Comrade Ameh Baba, Chairman of the Nigeria Teachers’ Union (NUT) in the Kubwa chapter of the FCT, explained that the strike was prompted by the continued non-payment of arrears by the area council chairmen.
He stated, “And now the ultimatum of December 1st deadline given by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for any state to comply with the minimum wage of ₦70,000 has come into effect. Hence, we don’t have any option but to comply.”
Baba noted that while the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had approved the minimum wage and arranged for the first payment with the November salary, teachers under the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) had not received this adjustment.
He added that primary school teachers in the FCT are also still waiting for the ₦40,000 peculiar allowance and ₦35,000 wage award that have been owed to them for up to a year, leading them to continue their strike until the issues are addressed.
Nigeria’s inaugural private television station, Desmims Broadcast Nigeria and Alheri Radio (DITV) has declared a halt to its operations due to challenging economic conditions.
Naija News reports that the oldest private radio station in Northern Nigeria announced this development in a statement released over the weekend in Kaduna.
The Acting General Manager and Chairman of the Management Committee, Idris Mustapha, noted in the statement that the surging operational expenses, especially the rising costs of electricity, have rendered it unfeasible for the station to operate effectively.
This announcement represents a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s media sector, particularly for the Hausa-speaking audience, which has consistently supported DITV and Alheri Radio throughout the years.
“The escalating cost of power has made it impossible to operate the station effectively,” the management announced, expressing its regret over the development and assuring the public that standard transmission would resume as soon as the financial situation improves.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience this may cause our millions of viewers and listeners,” the statement added.
Mustapha elaborated that the financial challenges were intensified by the failure of numerous businesses that had previously advertised on the television station to fulfil their financial commitments, which had a considerable impact on revenue generation.
The federal government has commenced N50 electronic levy deductions from transactions of N10,000 and above made by users of financial technology (Fintech) companies, including Opay, Moniepoint, Kuda, and others.
The levy, called Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL), introduced under the Finance Act 2020, places a singular and one-off levy of N50 on the recipient of any electronic receipt or transfer of N10,000 or above, and was earlier announced to take effect from September 9, Tribune Online reported.
The introduction of the EMTL was, however, met with opposition from Nigerians, with various groups including the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) calling on the federal government to reverse its position on the implementation of the levy.
Meanwhile, in a notice sent to customers earlier in September, Opay explained that the levy was imposed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), stating however that it did not benefit from it.
“Please be informed that starting September 9, 2024, a one-time of N50 will be applied to electronic transfers of N10,000 and above paid into your personal or business account in compliance with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) regulations.
“It is important to note that Opay does not benefit from this charge in any way as it is directed entirely by the federal government,” Opay explained in its earlier notice.
In a recent development, the fintech companies have again notified their customers that the implementation of the N50 EMTL deduction has commenced from December 1, 2024.
Opay, in a message sent to its users on Saturday (also shared via its app), explained that the electronic levy deduction begins on December 1.
“Dear Customer, in line with the FIRS, the EMTL applies starting from December 1st, 2024,” the message reads.
Likewise, Moniepoint in a notice sent to its customers on Saturday, explained that it has commenced implementation of the EMTL charges, clarifying however that the levy will be remitted to the FIRS.
“Dear customer, you will be charged stamp duty of N%) on inflows of N10,000 and above. Moniepoint collects and remits this on behalf and to FIRS,” Moniepoint says.
Meanwhile, our correspondent also gathered that the EMTL implementation has officially taken effect with Fintechs already deducting N50 for the federal government on transactions of N10,000 and above.
[Tribune]
In 2012, Oscar Onyema, former chief executive officer of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), now Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), set a $1 trillion market capitalisation target for the exchange by 2016.
Twelve years after, however, the market is far off that target. In naira terms, the market capitalisation is a little below N60 trillion mark and just around $36 billion.
Realistically, the easier target for the NGX to meet is a $100 billion market capitalisation, which would mean a flurry of listings on the exchange, including by giants such as the Tolaram Group, Dangote Refinery, Dangote Fertilizer Limited, and Globacom Limited, as well as technology companies.
With a market capitalisation-to-GDP ratio of around 17.5 percent, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) is shown not to be a significant driver of the Nigerian economy.
However, the capital market has shown impressive resilience. While the Nigerian economy grew by 2.74 percent in 2023, the stock exchange achieved its best returns since 2020, growing by 45.9 percent that year.
The NGX was also the best-performing exchange in the world in 2020, with a 50 percent growth rate, in contrast with a 1.8 percent GDP decline experienced in Nigeria that year.
The market provides Nigerians with avenues to participate in wealth creation through equity investments, dividend earnings, and portfolio growth. This is evidenced by some of the returns afforded to shareholders over the years. For example, Dangote Cement, since listing on the NGX in 2010, has distributed about N2.83 trillion in dividends to its shareholders.
During the commemoration of its 10th anniversary of listing on the Nigerian Exchange in May 2024, it was noted that Seplat Energy had paid about $575 million in dividends to its shareholders since 2014. This figure has surpassed $600 million since then.
Nigerian publicly listed firms distributed over N1.5 trillion in dividends for the 2023 financial year, which suggests how much wealth these companies create for retail and institutional investors.
Apart from wealth creation, the ability to raise equity financing is another perk for companies listed on the exchange. According to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian banks raised about N1.26 trillion through their public offers and rights issues in 2024 as they try to comply with their new capital base guidelines.
Following this analysis, what then are the pathways for this target?
Oil and Gas Listings
On the NGX, Oando, Seplat, and Aradel – three upstream oil and gas companies – have a gross market capitalisation of about N6.3 trillion. However, there are over 30 upstream oil companies which hold oil mining leases, with far higher production capacity and by extension revenue than Seplat, Oando, or Aradel.
For example, South Atlantic Petroleum Limited, owned by TY Danjuma, holds a 15 percent stake in OML 130, which encompasses the Akpo and Egina oil fields—among the country’s largest oil-producing assets.
In October 2024, Aradel Holdings was listed on the NGX with a N3.05 trillion market capitalisation. The group recorded a net profit of N110.6 billion, which came from its production capacity of 13,250 barrels per day and its 11,000 barrels per day modular refinery.
Using the relative valuation model based on their asset size, Sapetro and Aiteo each has a valuation that is worth more than N2.28 trillion. The listing of just these two companies can raise NGX’s market capitalisation by N6 trillion, or $3.4 billion. This would push the NGX’s market capitalisation to N66 trillion.
Dangote Refinery, Dangote Fertiliser Listing
Aliko Dangote, chairman of Dangote Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Limited, has repeatedly stated that he has plans to carry out a dual listing for both the refinery and fertilizer company. In a media round in July 2024, he stated that there were plans to list the refinery on the NGX and the London Stock Exchange by the first quarter of 2025.
Although Dangote says the refinery cost him $20 billion to build, Bloomberg values it at around $18.6 billion. If the refinery is listed on the NGX with that same valuation, it would boost the NGX’s market capitalisation by N32.55 trillion.
Bloomberg values the fertilizer plant at approximately $3 billion (N5.25 trillion). Should both plants be listed on the NGX, they could collectively raise the market capitalisation to an estimated ₦103.8 trillion.
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited
Since inception in 1989, it is reported that NLNG Limited has paid around $18 billion in dividends to the federal government through NNPC Limited. The federal government presently holds a 49 percent stake in NLNG, with TotalEnergies, Shell, and ENI holding the remaining 51 percent stake.
Between 2008 and 2014, the company contributed approximately 4 percent to Nigeria’s GDP, highlighting its significant impact on the nation’s economy. Currently, NLNG has a production capacity of 22 million tonnes per annum, which is projected to hit 30 million tonnes per annum after NLNG Train 7.
Using the relative valuation model based on the valuation of the world’s largest natural gas companies, such as Qatargas and Cheniere Energy, NLNG is projected to trade on the NGX with a $5 billion market capitalisation (N8.75 trillion). This would boost the market’s capitalisation to N112.55 trillion.
Tolaram Group
Tolaram Group is currently one of Nigeria’s largest consumer goods companies. Their subsidiaries include: Dufil Prima Foods, Multipro Consumer Products, Colgate-Palmoilve Tolaram, LekkiPort LFTZ Enterprise, TG Arla, Kellogg Tolaram Nigeria, Addmie Nutrition Limited, Lucky Fibres, and Guinness Nigeria.
In 2021, Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie, reported a revenue of N306.8 billion as well as a profit of N13.1 billion. On NASD, which is the unlisted equities market, Dufil Prima has a market capitalisation of N60.8 billion. Guinness Nigeria, a listed subsidiary of Tolaram, has a market capitalisation of N142 billion.
If Tolaram Group lists some of its holdings on the NGX, it could boost the market capitalisation by as high as N1 trillion, taking the market cap to N113.55 trillion.
Nigerian Bottling Company Limited
In 2011, when Nigerian Bottling Company Plc delisted from the NGX, it had a valuation of N20.3 billion, representing N47 per share.
However, since 2011, Nigerian Bottling Company, now fully owned by Coca Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, has grown in leaps and bounds. Since delisting, the company has reportedly invested $1.5 billion in Nigeria, with plans to invest a further $1 billion.
When Coca-Cola delisted from the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), its market capitalisation stood at approximately $130 million. In 2022, the company reported a per capita consumption rate of 74 servings in Nigeria, translating to around 15 billion units sold based on an estimated population of 202.7 million.
Although the company does not publish its financial statements, its annual revenue is estimated to exceed N2 trillion. Hence the company could add a further N250 billion to the NGX’s market capitalisation, boosting the market cap to N113.8 trillion.
Globacom Limited
In the past, Globacom Limited was Nigeria’s second largest telecommunications company in terms of subscriber base. However, a recent audit carried by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shed off 40 million inactive Glo subscribers, thus bringing their number of subscribers down to 19.7 million.
However, the company still owns the 9,800 km GLO-1 submarine cable, which runs from London to Lagos, and was built with $800 million. Unlike its competitors, Glo does not lease. The company owns and operates its 8,700 towers across Nigeria, thus significantly boosting its asset size.
If Glo lists on the NGX, its market capitalisation would not be less than $1 billion (N1.75 trillion). Listing at this valuation could boost the NGX’s market capitalisation to N115.55 trillion.
Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals Limited
Indorama Eleme is Nigeria’s foremost petrochemical company and was the country’s largest fertilizer producer until Dangote. At the moment, Indorama Eleme owns the world’s largest single train fertilizer plant, with a production capacity of 1.4 million tonnes per annum. The company owns two plants which produce around 2.8 million tonnes of urea per year.
It also owns a port terminal in the Onne Port which it uses to facilitate urea export from Nigeria.
The company was in talks to list on the NGX in 2017, aiming to bring its investments in Nigeria to $4.2 billion by 2020.
In 2024, Indorama received a $1.25 billion financing package from the IFC. Based on its own 2020 estimates, Indorama may list on the NGX at a valuation of $4.2 billion (N7.35 trillion), bringing it cumulatively to N122.9 trillion.
Olam Nigeria
Olam is Nigeria’s largest non-oil exporter, with cashew, cocoa beans, and sesamum seed being its major export commodity. In Nigeria, the group through its subsidiaries, Olam International and Olam Holdings, own nine companies, including Outspan Nigeria, Caraway Africa Nigeria (makers of Fresh Yo), Olam Sanyo, OK Foods, Crown Flour Mills, Olam Flour Mills (formerly Dangote Flour Mills), Olam Hatcheries, and Quintessential Foods Nigeria formerly BUA Flour Mills).
Olam is also the producer of Mama’s Pride rice in Nigeria
Applying the relative valuation model, BUA Foods emerges as Olam’s closest competitor in terms of asset size and revenue, with a current market capitalisation of ₦7.11 trillion. Should Olam consolidate its Nigerian subsidiaries into a single entity and proceed with a listing on the NGX, the newly formed group would likely debut with an estimated market capitalisation of $4.1 billion (₦7.1 trillion).
This would bring the NGX’s market capitalisation to N127.1 trillion.
NNPC Limited
The prospect of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited listing on the NGX appears uncertain from an observer’s standpoint. Nevertheless, both the federal government and the NNPC have repeatedly emphasised their intentions for the state-owned oil company to go public.
This plan mirrors the precedent set by Saudi Aramco, which debuted on Saudi Arabia’s stock exchange in 2019, raising $29.4 billion through the sale of a 1.5 percent equity stake.
NNPC, with its expansive portfolio of 22 oil mining leases and seven oil prospecting leases, holds the largest stake in Nigeria’s oil and gas production. The company also operates three refineries and maintains a minority interest in Dangote’s refinery.
In the 2023 financial year, NNPC reported a net profit of N3.3 trillion, solidifying its position as Africa’s largest national oil company by asset size. Should it proceed with a listing on the NGX, conservative estimates peg its potential market valuation at $30 billion (₦52.5 trillion).
All of these listings have the potential to push NGX’s market capitalisation beyond $100 billion.
“We need to get more companies to list in the NGX,” said Ike Ibeabuchi, a emerging markets analyst.
“It enhances firms’ chances to raise capital, promotes transparency of companies’ operations, and leads to economic growth. But we need to create value for investors.”
[Businessday]
The Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has insisted that the proposed tax reforms by President Bola Tinubu should not be implemented as they are.
Governor Zulum maintained that if the bills are passed, most of the money from the Value Added Tax (VAT) will go to Lagos State.
He, however, warned that if President Bola Tinubu uses his power and influence to get the bills passed by the National Assembly without making the necessary adjustments, there would be consequences for the people.
While insisting that he is not against the administration of President Tinubu, Zulum asked for more time for consultations on the tax reform proposals in the spirit of democracy.
The Borno State Governor added that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the Governrs are not against the President.
“We know the power of the president. I’m a system man; I respect him. If the president wants to use his power to pass the tax bill, he may have his way, but it has its consequences on the people,” Zulum said during the interview with Channels Television on Sunday.
Naija News recalls the President in October, asked the National Assembly to consider and pass the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) BILL, 2024- SB.584; The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024-SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.
Despite opposition from some quarters against the bills, the Senate has passed the bills for second reading.
2027 Merger Permutations: Peter Obi, Atiku’s Position Will Be Made Known When The Time Comes
AFOLABI
Abdulrasheed Shehu, an aide to former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said the idea of a merger or alliance with the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, remains a possibility.
Naija New reported that Atiku and Peter Obi reignited discussions around the possibility of both uniting for a run at the 2027 presidential election after their Saturday meeting in Yola.
Obi was the keynote speaker at the 20th anniversary of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), which Atiku owns.
Although spokespersons for both politicians denied any political undertones to the invitation, social media was abuzz, especially after Atiku posted a video of the breakfast meeting with Peter Obi at his Yola home.
However, there are speculations that the meeting was part of preparations for the 2027 presidential race, as the crises within the Labour Party and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) show no signs of resolution.
An X user, Theo Agada, wrote, “Repeat the 2019 ticket and promise to do one term. Then watch the Nigerian people do their thing.”
Quoting Atiku’s tweet, the LP’s Lagos State governorship candidate in the last election, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, wrote: “We must form a united opposition to end this T-pain remix that we are all featuring in,” referencing the current hardship in the country.”
In a post via his X handle, Doyin Okupe, who served as Peter Obi’s campaign director but recently switched allegiance to President Bola Tinubu, offered a different perspective.
He said, “The politically naive, ignorant, or bigoted have always insulted me whenever I state that politics is a game, not religion. No permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests! Interesting times ahead. We now move from Consumption to Absorption. End of discussion!”
However, speaking with Daily Trust, Abdulrasheed Shehu clarified that there was no discussion about the 2027 election or a merger during Peter Obi and Atiku’s meeting on Saturday.
He noted that the two politicians would make their position on possible mergers known at the appropriate time.
He said, “There was no conversation around 2027. He only welcomed Obi to Yola and had breakfast with him, after which they went to AUN together where Obi gave a powerful lecture. But you know, Oga (Atiku) is the one who started the call for a coalition of opposition leaders after the 2023 general elections to defeat the APC in the next election. When the time comes, their position will be made known.”
The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has warned that corruption in the judiciary and the abuse of power can contribute to the breakdown of the rule of law and diminish public confidence in the judicial system.
Fagbemi stated this in his keynote address at The Gavel International yearly lecture 2024, themed “The Judiciary as the Last Hope of the Common Man: Media and Legal Perspectives,” in Lagos.
According to him, when the judiciary fails in its duties, it erodes public trust and hampers social progress in the country.
He stressed that the integrity and efficacy of the justice system largely shape the future of a nation.
Besides, he warned that if the judiciary fails to create an equitable future, society could face long-term consequences, including a rise in civil unrest and a diminished belief in the legal system as a vehicle for justice.
The minister emphasised that the judiciary’s role is foundational to the maintenance of justice and societal harmony, saying that its principal function is to provide fair and impartial resolutions to disputes, interpret laws, and safeguard individual rights.
Fagbemi, who noted that the Nigerian judiciary is one of the most respected in Africa, warned that protracted trials not only delay justice but also discourage individuals from pursuing their cases, particularly when they feel their grievances will never be resolved.
He explained that such delays can erode trust in the judiciary, as people may begin to feel that justice is inaccessible or ineffective.
In his lecture, former General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dele Adesina (SAN), described the judiciary as an institution he is committed to defending and advancing at all times.
Adesina said the judiciary is not only the last hope of the common man but also the last hope of the uncommon, educated or illiterate, rich or poor, as well as the government and the governed.
He stated that the golden rule of practice is that the media must not make any comments that could prejudice a fair trial.
“The media should be wary of this. Trial by the media in criminal matters prejudices the minds of the populace and leads them to hold the court in contempt and dishonour when it ultimately reaches a conflicting or different verdict.
“More often than not, allegations of compromise and corruption are made against the judge. This is very unhealthy for the development of our legal system and judicial process.
“Our media can serve the judiciary better by promoting quality analysis of court judgments by knowledgeable individuals. This can be done through lectures of this nature, analysis by informed individuals, or the publication of journals,” he said.
[Guardian]
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) will all cease to exist if the four Tax Reform Bills currently being considered by the National Assembly were passed into laws.
This was disclosed by Borno State governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, while speaking on Channels TV’s programme, ‘Sunday Politics’, which was monitored by our Correspondent on Sunday night.
LEADERSHIP reports that the contentious Bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024 -SB.583; The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) BILL, 2024- SB.584; The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024-SB.585; and the Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024 – SB.586.
Zulum, who said neither himself nor any Northern governor was against President Bola Tinubu over the Executive Bills, however, noted that they were only craving for dialogue and adequate consultation about the proposed legislations in order not to be short-changed.
“This is a democratic setting, we need more time. People have told the President that governors are against him, we didn’t say anything like that. We know the powers of the President, I am a system man, I respect him, if the President want to use his powers to pass the Bills, he may have his way but it has consequences for the people,” Zulum stated.
The governor expressed reservations about some of the provisions of the Bills, which include the status and nomenclature of the current Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) upon passage of the Bills into law, to assume the power of being the only tax collection agency in Nigeria, questioning whether the agency has the structures in place to execute such mandate.
“Another provision of the Tax Bill is that by 2029 TETFund will be scrapped because companies will cease to support TETFund according to the law…NASENI will be scrapped in 2029…NITDA will be scrapped…These are some of our concerns,” the Borno State governor explained.
Zulum also explained that if the Bills scaled through and become laws, 34 States of the Federation would be shortchanged as only Lagos and Rivers States would be the main beneficiaries.
“Let them give us facts and figures, let them convince us,” Zulum stated, warning that there would be consequences for Nigerians if President Tinubu go ahead to get the Bills passed into law at all cost.
It will be recalled that President Tinubu had in October forwarded the four executive Bills to the National Assembly for passage into laws. On November 28, the Tax Reform Bills passed the second reading stage in the Senate, while the House of Representatives has fixed Tuesday for debate on the proposed legislations.
[Leadership]
More...
Barring any last-minute changes, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will soon retire about 1,000 of its employees before the end of the year, investigations by Daily Trust have shown.
Reliable sources at the apex bank’s headquarters revealed that the retirement would gulp over N50 billion in payoff to the affected workers.
In what it described as a strategic realignment of its workforce, the CBN’s Board of Governors, led by Olayemi Cardoso, had expressed commitment to reducing the workforce.
In the last 10 months, the CBN had disengaged many of its staffers, including 17 directors, who served under the immediate past governor, Godwin Emefiele.
Those 17 directors are yet to be replaced.
A circular released three weeks ago by the CBN, sighted yesterday by our reporter, said the application for Early Exit Package (EPP) was open to all cadres of staff and will close by Saturday, December 7.
Exempted are those yet to be confirmed or who have served less than one year “as of the date of publication with the effective date of exit set at 31 December, 2024.”
Officials told Daily Trust that the apex bank was targeting retirement of over 1,000 staff members.
The officials, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that at least 860 staff from the various departments have already applied for the EPP.
The management described the EEP as a voluntary programme offering eligible employees an incentive to exit the CBN early, “while providing employees seeking other career options a great opportunity for early exit.”
It cautioned that the staffers could not change their minds after applying, saying that all completed and submitted applications are final.
The EEP stated that financial incentives for senior supervisors to deputy managers shall be for the remaining period in service, up to a maximum of 60 months of current grade’s gross annual emoluments.
It also noted that financial incentives for managers shall be for the remaining period in service, up to a maximum of 36 months of current grade’s gross annual emoluments.
“Financial incentives for all other cadres of staff shall be for the remaining period in service, up to a maximum of 18 months of current grade gross annual emoluments,” it added.
The EEP also provides for non-financial incentives, including “financial planning and entrepreneurial capacity building programme, purchase of laptops in line with the Bank’s current policy and extended medical care for an additional three months for self and dependents after the expiration of the three-month current provision of access to medical windows care by exited employees.”
‘They’re offering me N97m for 4-yr service’
A staff member, who spoke to our reporter, said: “The way they dated the offer, you’ll know that the target is actually from senior supervisors to deputy managers. If you look at it, they’re mostly those that came in within the 9 years of Governor Emefiele.
“For instance, I’ve worked for 4 years in the bank; the package they’re giving me is between N92 million to N97 million.
“Some others have worked up to a manager level and are only entitled to N64.5 million. So, the more time you have to go, the more money they pay you because you know, for them, you don’t have gratuity”, the staff said.
Another staff told Daily Trust yesterday that during a webinar held on Friday, the Human Resource Department of the bank expressed the apex bank’s decision to get the number it was targeting for the EEP.
“There is serious tension, serious apprehension. You can imagine the atmosphere. It is terrible.
“As of Friday, there were 860 people so far that have indicated interest in the EEP,” the staff said.
17 sacked directors yet to be replaced
The 17 directors sacked 10 months ago and those who retired then are yet to be replaced.
Information on the CBN’s website yesterday showed that each of the 13 departments is headed by a coordinator.
A circular for replacement specified that deputy directors who have two years or less to retire are not eligible for consideration, and that each applicant must apply for only one of the positions listed as multiple applications may lead to disqualification.
Daily Trust’s investigations revealed that following the outcry that greeted the perceived bias against serving deputy directors, some of them were allegedly invited to apply for the vacant positions.
A senior staff stated that: “As it is, most of those who should qualify were affected alongside the sacked directors.”
Some of the sacked directors had, four weeks ago, approached an Abuja division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria for an interlocutory injunction to restrain the CBN from replacing them, saying their employments were “unlawfully terminated without a valid reason.”
CBN keeps silent
When contacted by Daily Trust for comments on the decision to send about 1,000 staff on early retirement, the CBN’s Director of Corporate Communication, Hakama Sidi Ali, neither answered calls nor replied to a text message sent to her.
What CBN’s policies and procedures manual says
Section 16.0 of the CBN’s Human Resources Policies and Procedures Manual (HRPPM) titled ‘Cessation of Employment’, specifies that in every case of separation from the employment of the bank, it is the objective of CBN to make separations as amicable as possible for both the employee and the bank.
Section 16.3.5 notes that an employee’s Normal Retirement Date in CBN should coincide with the date the employee is 60 years old or has put in 35 years of service.
“Early retirement can be considered when the employee has served for at least 10 years, and is only granted at the discretion of management,” it said.
According to the manual, the CBN feels that the retirement of an employee should be an occasion for celebration and for recognition of the individual’s contributions to the bank.
However, Section 16.4, which specifies the condition for redundancy, stipulates that redundancy means involuntary and permanent loss of employment as a result of excess human resource.
It said the redundancy processes are designed to provide a framework to manage change, where that change involves termination of employment.
“Adversely affected employees are given the opportunity for early separation from the bank.
“Consultation with the Joint Consultative Council is essential, and a fair process is mandatory. Employees who are adversely affected may appeal decisions made by the head, human resources,” it said.
The manual said the grounds for redundancy require that employment may be terminated for economic, technological, structural or similar reasons.
[DailyTrust]
As the president Bola Tinubu’s Tax Reform Bills continues to attract heated debates across the nation, some socio-cultural organizations in the country have also stated their positions on the matter.
DAILY POST reports that the controversy surrounding the tax bills followed a stiff opposition from stakeholders in the Northern part of the country.
The journey to the now controversial bills began in July 2024 when President Tinubu inaugurated the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee, PFPTRC.
The committee subsequently informed Nigerians of the move to replace the National Tax Policy with a more comprehensive “National Fiscal Policy on Fair Taxation, Responsible Borrowing and Sustainable Spending”.
This birthed the four bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill. They are currently before both chambers of the National Assembly for passage.
DAILY POST reports that the contention over the bills, among other things, is the sharing of the Value Added Tax as proposed by the bills.
The principle of sharing 60 per cent of VAT revenue through the derivation principle has continued to spark debates, with the northern elites leading the opposition.
According to some of the northern stakeholders, the VAT arrangement would favour Lagos and a few other Southern states because they host many company headquarters.
DAILY POST reports that the controversy started on October 29 when the Northern Governors and traditional rulers from the region rejected the Tax Reform Bills.
Following their stance, the National Economic Council, NEC, on November 1, during its 145th meeting in Abuja, advised the president to withdraw the bills.
President Tinubu, however, insisted that the bills should be allowed to go through legislative processes.
Despite the opposition, the Tax Reform Bills on Thursday last week passed second reading at the upper legislative chamber.
Airing their own views, some socio-cultural organizations in the country, including Afenifere, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and Arewa Youths Forum, AYF, stated their positions in separate interviews with DAILY POST on Sunday.
Our correspondent reported that while Afenifere and Ohanaeze apparently backed the bills, the Arewa youths expressed mixed feelings.
FG has been unfair to North in terms of distribution of resources – AYF raises concerns
The President General of the AYF, Yerima Shettima told DAILY POST on Sunday that prior to the introduction of the bills, the Federal Government has not been fair to the North in regards to the distribution of national resources.
He noted that while a monolithic stance on the controversial tax bills is unlikely, “our concerns generally revolve around equity, fairness, and the potential for disproportionate burden on the Northern region.
“Our primary concern stems from the perception of inequitable distribution of resources and infrastructure development across the country.
“We believe that despite contributing significantly to the national GDP through agriculture and other sectors, the North historically receives less in return in terms of public services, infrastructure investment, and developmental projects.
“Consequently, the introduction of new taxes, without addressing this existing imbalance, is viewed with skepticism.
“They believe that increased taxation without corresponding improvements in infrastructure – roads, schools, hospitals – would unfairly burden a population already struggling with poverty, unemployment, and limited access to essential services.
“Another key concern is the potential impact of the tax reform on informal sectors which heavily dominate the Northern economy.
“A large portion of the Arewa youth population is employed in the informal sector – agriculture, small-scale businesses, and artisanal trades – which often operates outside the formal tax net.
“The implementation of the tax reform bill, particularly if it extends tax obligations to the informal sector, could pose a significant challenge. We fear that increased tax burdens could cripple these businesses, leading to job losses and further economic hardship”.
According to Shettima, the lack of adequate education and awareness about tax regulations in the country also exacerbates their concerns on the proposed bills.
According to him, “many young people in the informal sector lack the knowledge and resources to understand and comply with new tax laws, potentially leading to fines and penalties, further marginalizing them economically.
“Furthermore, our position is also influenced by the perceptions of governmental transparency and accountability.
“Mistrust in government institutions and concerns about the proper utilization of tax revenue are prevalent.
“We question whether the increased tax revenue generated will be effectively utilized for the benefit of all Nigerians, or if it will be mismanaged or disproportionately benefit certain regions.
“Concerns about corruption and lack of accountability in government spending further fuel this skepticism and contribute to our reluctance to embrace tax reform without robust guarantees of transparency and equitable distribution of resources.
“The lack of visible development projects and infrastructure in the North, despite past tax contributions, strengthens our belief that increased taxation without guarantees of responsible governance is unproductive.
“The absence of robust engagement and consultation with the Arewa youth by the Northern Senators during the formulation of the tax reform bill is a point of considerable frustration.
“We feel our concerns and perspectives have been largely ignored in the decision-making process.
“This lack of inclusivity fuels our distrust and reinforces our opposition to the bill in its current form.
“We call for a more participatory approach that involves meaningful dialogue and addresses our specific concerns before implementation”.
Industrious Igbos will benefit from tax reform bills – Ohanaeze backs President Tinubu
Factional Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, Okechukwu Isiguzoro told DAILY POST that after thorough consultations and evaluations, the organization realized that the Tax Reform Bills would have more benefits to the people.
According to him, the tax reform bills are not merely legislative proposals, stating that they represent a transformative opportunity for the rejuvenation of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the enhancement of the fortunes of Nigerian workers.
He believes that by “eliminating the scourge of double taxation imposed by unscrupulous state governors, these reforms will pave the way for an equitable business climate that significantly elevates both local and foreign investment potential.
“The Igbo people, renowned for our entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to economic self-determination, stand to gain immensely from these reforms.
“The proposed measures are expected to safeguard the private sector, particularly benefiting the industrious Igbos who play a pivotal role in driving the Nigerian economy through vibrant SME activities.
“In an environment characterized by fairness and transparent regulations, we are confident that the majority of the benefits arising from these tax reforms will bolster our endeavors, facilitating growth and fostering robust business opportunities.
“In light of these compelling advantages, Ohanaeze Ndigbo ardently calls upon all Southern Federal lawmakers, both in the Senate and the House of Representatives, to unify their efforts in support of President Tinubu’s transformative restructuring program within Nigeria’s economic and fiscal sectors.
“It is imperative that our Southern legislators close ranks, transcending partisan divides, to ensure that the Tax Reforms Bills navigate both chambers of the National Assembly successfully.
“We wish to reiterate our unwavering commitment to show solidarity with President Tinubu, as we expect that the Southeast Federal lawmakers will provide essential backing to these initiatives.
“This collective support is particularly noteworthy as it underscores our strategic alignment with the President following our decision to abstain from nationwide protests in August 2024, a decision made in the spirit of dialogue and cooperation.”
Isiguzoro, however, expressed concerns over the “substantial opposition that has emerged from certain factions within Northern Nigeria regarding these critical reforms”.
He alleged that Northern governors “are mobilizing their forces to stifle the progression of the Tax Reforms Bills within the National Assembly, relying on their numerical predominance to assert undue influence.
“This orchestrated opposition appears driven by a desire to perpetuate the current VAT derivation principles that unjustly favour select interests at the expense of equitable national growth.
“The implications of such maneuvers are profound. If the Northern political elites succeed in thwarting President Tinubu’s initiatives, it could set a dangerous precedent, fostering a climate of resistance against meaningful reform.
“This scenario poses a tangible threat not only to the President’s agenda but also to the broader economic aspirations of millions of Nigerians who yearn for a reformed and equitable system,” he said.
Ohanaeze urged all stakeholders, including lawmakers, business actors, and citizens, to “unite in support of these pivotal Tax Reforms Bills”, insisting that the promise of a “prosperous and just Nigeria is within our reach, but it demands our collective resolve to advocate for transparency, equity, and sustainable economic growth”.
Every state has opportunity of deriving maximum benefits – Afenifere counters northern leaders
On his part, Afenifere’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi said the organization was of the opinion that using or including ‘derivation’ as a factor of distribution would not deprive the Northern States or any other state what is due to them.
Speaking on the concerns raised over the derivation method, Ajayi said “since people consume items and patronize services in every state, there is no reason any state will not benefit from the proceeds of VAT collected in their domains”.
Ajayi stated that the position of Northern stakeholders “further underscores the imperativeness of restructuring the country urgently so that each constituent part, zone or region etc, would be in a position to exploit and largely control the resources within its enclave”.
He added that such an arrangement would not only encourage a healthy competition, it would motivate states and individuals.
He further asserted that rather than trying to look at the assumed areas that the VAT Amendment Bill would be a disadvantage, stakeholders should look at the many positive aspects of the proposed Act and suggestions made on areas needing improvement.
“From experience, where the derivation formula has been applied such as the Niger Delta etc., benefiting states have been the gainers for it.
“Since every state has a population that can engage in activities capable of enhancing VAT, it means that every state has the opportunity of deriving maximum benefits from the new arrangement being proposed”, Ajayi added.
[DailyPost]
A former Nigerian Bar Association President, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has asserted that Nigeria’s Constitution needed to be crafted to reflect the realities on the ground in the interest of all geo-political zones.
Naija News reports that the senior advocate spoke with journalists at his Ikere Ekiti hometown on Saturday evening.
Olanipekun stated that the single-term presidency proposal rejected by former President Olusegun Obasanjo would have stabilised Nigeria if it had been accepted.
Speaking on the proposal by the NBA at that time, Olanipekun said Nigeria needed a Constitution that would factor in the interest of all geo-political zones.
Olanipekun added that something must be done regarding the Constitution.
He said, “When I was the President of the NBA, we originated it (single-term presidency). It was one of the proposals we brought to Obasanjo as President, he rejected it then. Beautifully crafted, by that time we presented it to him, we said, ‘Mr President, for us to stabilise this Republic, experiment this’.
“We suggested to him (Obasanjo) a single term of five or six years, not the way they are bandying it now. Our own was well worked out. We worked on it, we researched on it.
“We suggested then that there are six geo-political zones, if the President comes from the South-West, for example, there will be six vice presidents, but each of the six vice presidents must have a portfolio. For instance, a vice president will be in charge of the Ministry of Justice as Attorney General, one will be in charge of Education, one in charge of Defence, one in charge of the Federal Capital Territory and another in charge of Works.
“We suggested that a geo-political zone that has a vice president who holds the portfolio of Education will not have a Minister of Education. We worked it out, we did everything for him, and that if paradventure, a President from a particular geo-political zone is impeached or dies in office, the vice president from that geo-political zone will complete his tenure. Next time around, the Presidency will just move to the next geo-political zone. By now, it would have moved round, but it didn’t work out.
“I am still of the view that we have to do something with that aspect of the Constitution, that we have to look into it.
“The Constitution, to me, does not reflect what we have on the ground as Nigeria. We deserve a Constitution that is home-grown. No Constitution is perfect, but then we cannot be going on with an imperfect Constitution amending and amending.”
- Workers down tools in Kaduna, Ebonyi, Nasarawa, FCT
- No strike in Oyo, Ekiti, Abia, Imo, others
Workers in three states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) resolved at the weekend to boycott work from today over the disagreement with the authorities on implementation of the new minimum wage.
In some other states, there is confusion following the directive by the national secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for workers in those states to embark on strike over the issue.
Some of the state councils of the NLC are threatening strike not based on the refusal of the state governments to pay, but due to lack of mutual agreement on what is being offered.
The NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) councils in Ebonyi, Nasarawa, Kaduna and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have directed their workers to begin strike today.
In all these states, the governments had announced a minimum wage to be paid but there is disagreement on the mode of implementation.
Ebonyi has announced N75,000; Nasarawa, N70,500; Kaduna, N72,000 and FCT, N70,000.
The Minimum Wage Act 2024 stipulates N70,000 for the least paid worker.
The Federal Government commenced payment in September. More than 30 states have sealed agreements with their workers to pay various amounts ranging from N70,000 to N85,000 being paid by Lagos and Rivers states.
In Kaduna, the state government said it had commenced payment, but the workers kicked, saying there was no consequential adjustment.
In Ebonyi, where government has proposed N74,000, workers rejected it, saying it was a unilateral decision taken without consultation.
In FCT, workers in the area councils said there is no agreement to pay although Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike announced N70,000 as minimum wage.
At the weekend, NLC President Joe Ajaero, listed Abia, Oyo and Ekiti states among states councils directed to begin strike over the non-implementation of the Minimum Wage Act. But the state union chapters clarified that they were listed in error.
Workers in Sokoto and Akwa Ibom states, who have engaged their governments in a running battle over the wage matter, are yet to decide on the option of industrial action.
Kaduna: workers begin warning strike
Kaduna workers will today begin a one week warning strike over what they described as the non-implementation of the new wage.
The state NLC chairman, Comrade Ayuba Magaji Suleiman, said: “We are set to embark on warning strike starting from tomorrow (today) as instructed by our national leaders.”
However, government has decried the decision, saying it has not defaulted in implementation.
Governor Uba Sani’s Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa, chided NLC for lumping Kaduna State with other states that have defaulted, describing it ‘’as grossly unfair because the least paid worker received N72,000 as gross salary in the month of November.’’
Musa added: “Governor Uba Sani has complied with the spirit and letter of the National Minimum Wage Law, by paying the lowest paid civil servant N72,000 last month.
“NLC is harping on the issue of consequential adjustment, but the Labour body should realise that there is a difference between salary increment and minimum wage.
“Kaduna State receives an average of N8 billion from Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) every month. It also generates around N4b monthly. That translates to N12 billion revenue monthly.
“However, the monthly wage bill has jumped from N5.4 billion to N6.3 billion with the implementation of the minimum wage last month. And there is also the deduction of N4 billion for loan payment every month.
“So, the wage bill and the deduction have gulped over N10billion of the total N12 billion revenue. That leaves only N2 billion for rural transformation, overhauling the health sector, revamping education and providing dividends of democracy to the people of Kaduna State.”
Musa insisted that it would be unfair for Kaduna State Government to spend almost all its revenue on consequential adjustments, after paying the mandatory minimum wage.
He said: “There are over 10 million people who are also entitled to the accrued revenue of Kaduna State. There are 84,827 civil servants in the state. So, it is unreasonable for government to spend over 90% of its revenue on just about one percent of the population.”
The spokesman, who described Sani as a Labour-friendly governor, pleaded with the NLC to exercise patience over the consequential adjustments, pending when government’s revenue would improve.
He said the government has already bought buses to convey workers to and from work free of charge, as part of the palliatives to cushion the effects of the economic problems.
However, the NLC chairman insisted that the strike will begin today.
He said: “We held a meeting, but we didn’t reach an agreement. The state government is not ready to implement the consequential adjustment and for us, that is unacceptable. So, we are embarking on the one week warning strike.
Also, the TUC accused the state government of unilateral implementation of the N72,000.00 new minimum wage, saying that the consequential adjustment is key.
TUC Chairman, Comrade, Abdullahi Danfulani said in a statement:“We were saddened after a careful study of the unilateral implementation of the N72,000.00 new minimum wage as announced by the Kaduna State Government during the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting of the congress held on the 30th November.
“The Council vehemently viewed it necessary to protest the unilateral manner by which the implementation of the consequential adjustments were made and this negates the principles of collective bargaining.
“However, we urge the state government to take the next step by approving the consequential adjustments to the salary tables as negotiated by the organised labour.
“We believe that this move will not only boost the morale of workers, but also increase productivity and efficiency in the public service.
“While we appreciate the state government for the consistent payment of workers’ salaries and the incorporation of workers of Kaduna State Water Corporation (KADSWAC) into the state payroll, payment of salary arrears and turn-around frame work for the revitalisation of the plant, we look forward to working with the state government to ensure a smooth implementation of the new minimum wage and consequential adjustments.
“By this communiqué the council is issuing a one week warning strike ultimatum from the day this communiqué was released.
Ebonyi workers join strike
Ebonyi NLC Chairman, Ogugua Egwu, who spoke in Abakaliki, the state capital, said the union rejected the decision of the state government to unilaterally approve a N75,000 wage for Grade Levels 1 and 2 workers and N40,000 upward review for Grade Levels 3-16.
He said the review did not meet the requirements of the new minimum wage.
Egwu said: “This wage award which was christened “minimum wage” is averse to the traditional procedures of implementing minimum wage, no matter the magnitude of the beautiful intent with which the pronouncement was made.”
Egwu noted that when a minimum wage is pronounced, it must go through the rigours of consequential adjustments that will translate into an agreement signed by both the government and Labour.
He added: “The pronouncement made was not a product of any collective bargaining agreement as we were never part of any consultation that led to the said pronouncement.
“To make matters worse for Ebonyi workers, the salary chart forced on workers and currently used did not undergo any consequential adjustment and has consistently malnourished the take home pay of workers as it lacks minimal progression.”
But the Commissioner for Information, Jude Okpor, disagreed with Labour that it was not consulted before the wage increase by the state government.
He said a committee was set up based on the panel’’s report.
Okpor added: “A committee was set up headed by the Head of Service. It was based on their report that the increased was implemented.”
Our grouse about N70,500, by Nasarawa workers
The grouse of workers on the payroll of the Nasarawa State government was the lack of written agreement on the N70, 500 the state agreed to pay.
Chairman of the committee and Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe announced that members met to finalise talks on the wage in his office in Lafia at weekend.
He also assured workers that the state would commence payment of the N70, 500 by December, noting that negotiations on salary adjustments were at advance stage.
But the organised Labour said it was mobilising its members for an indefinite strike after the state government delay in implementing the new minimum wage.
Chairman of the state NLC, Comrade Ismaila Okoh, said despite numerous meetings, including those chaired by Akabe, no formal agreement had been reached.
He said the state government verbally committed to N70, 500 minimum wage, but failed to provide a written agreement specifying payment terms.
The union leader further explained that all affiliate unions have been alerted and instructed to prepare for strike if the government did not implement the new minimum wage by yesterday and up to this moment; no action had been taken by the government.
“The workers are resolute, we are ready to take all necessary steps to ensure the full implementation of the minimum wage signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
No fund to implement minimum wage in FCT
FCT Area Council employees resolved at the weekend to join the strike, following the directive by the NLC and TUC.
The chairman of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), FCT chapter, Abdullahi Kabbi, said despite the approval of N70,000 by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, the Area Councils have not started its implementation.
Kabbi said both Local Education Authorities (LEA), and all the six area councils will comply with the strike.
He said while FCTA staff are being paid N70, 000 Minimum Wage but chairmen claimed that they don’t have money.
He said: “We are going to comply because we have been given a directive from our national bodies. When I say national bodies I mean, the NLC and my secretary of local government employees.
“We have been served the letter that we should go on indefinite strike if we have not been paid our minimum Wage arrears and implementation.
“In FCT we have minimum Wage implementation yet to be achieved and other backlog of arrears. That is where we are now. That yes, it is a national circular and an Act that they must pay but they should give them one month or two to implement the Minimum Wage. We don’t want to agree with that because many times, if we give the Area council chairmen privilege like that, they will abuse it.
“We urge every one of our members to stay at home until our leaders hold their meeting on the next line of action. We will fight for our right.”
No strike in Sokoto
The Sokoto chapter of NLC distanced itself from the strike, saying that it is satisfied with the N70,000 minimum wage implementation by the state government from January next year.
NLC chairman Abdullahi Aliyu Jungle said: “The state branch of the NLC supports the implementation of N70,000 announced by the state government effective January 2025.
“We will also assist the state government in implementing the minimum wage, even if it means conducting screening and verification to ensure that only genuinely employed workers benefit from the new minimum wage of N70, 000.
The chairman urged workers to exercise patience while expressing confidence in the state government’s commitment to unveiling more welfare packages for the workforce.
We are not going on strike, says Imo NLC
The Imo State NLC dismissed rumours of an impending strike, emphasising its commitment to maintaining industrial harmony.
Imo NLC Chairman, Comrade Uche Chigemezu, said: “We are not going on strike. We have signed an agreement with the state government.”
Chigemezu explained that the national body’s letter, which listed Imo State as one of the states embarking on strike was issued before the state government and the NLC finalised their agreement.
Enugu pays
Workers in Enugu State have been paid N80,000 offered by the state government, some workers confirmed yesterday.
A worker said: “The thing is that some of us were credited with additional N50,000 while others got N51,000. I think they called it wage adjustment. I’m happy that the money has started coming.”
Oyo NLC lauds Makinde
The Oyo State NLC lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for sustaining the negotiation on the consequential adjustments.
NLC Secretary Comrade Adebayo Aribatise said the decision to put on hold the strike was due to the robust discussion on a favourable consequential adjustment in accordance with the N80,000 wage.
Aribatise said the Union arrived at the decision during the enlarged meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) and State Advisory Council (SAC) where the minimum wage implementation was extensively discussed.
Aribatise said: “The attention of the Council had been drawn to the news circulating about Oyo State NLC declaring strike commencing from Monday 2nd December.
“The SEC and SAC of the NLC Oyo State Council met on Thursday 28th November, and discussed extensively on the New Minimum Wage Implementation in Oyo State and later concluded that all forms of industrial actions be put on hold since the committee set up by the government is already having a robust discussion on a favourable consequential adjustment in accordance with the pronounced N80,000 and acceptable salary table for the entire workforce in the state.
“In view of this, the Oyo State Council of NLC will not be going on strike so as to give room for the committee on consequential adjustment to get the table completed with needed endorsement for implementation within the next couple of days.
“To this end, we wish to call on the entire workers of Oyo State to remain calm while the arrangement for a robust minimum wage table for Oyo State is concluded by the joint committee of the State Government and the Labour movement.”
The Special Adviser on Labour Matters to the Governor, Adebayo Titilola-Sodo, said the Labour leaders have shown commendable understanding by not embarking on strike as directive by the national leadership.
He said as a member of the negotiation committee deliberating the implementation of the consequential adjustments, both parties (Labour and government) have made a lot of progress on the deliberation by presenting different tables which are still undergoing negotiations.
NLC listed Ekiti in error, says commissioner
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Information, Taiwo Olatunbosun, debunked the claims by the NLC that Ekiti was among the 14 states that had not concluded negotiations on the implementation of the minimum wage.
Olatunbosun said the inclusion of Ekiti on the list was made in error, recalling that Governor Biodun Oyebanji had approved N70,000 minimum wage and its consequential adjustment effective from December 1.
He said: “Ekiti have since signed the agreement, following the approval of Mr Governor more than a week ago and you are all living witness to it. If the national body has listed Ekiti as part of the states to embark on strike, that must have been done in error.
“With all due respect to the leaders of Labour union in Ekiti, I’m very sure they have communicated appropriately with the national leadership specifically on the N70,000 new minimum wage that is approved by law at the national level.
“In Ekiti, we didn’t limit at that. We have given other cadre of workers from level 2 to level 6 133% consequential increment while we give workers from level 7 to 10 110% increment.
“We also gave workers from level 12 to 14 90% consequential adjustment to their salary. And civil servants from level 15 to 16 got 77% while level 17 got 70% adjustment. We didn’t stop at that; we also considered the pensioners. We increased their monthly benefits with N20,000 across all cadres.”
The NLC chairman, Kolapo Olatunde, said the Oyebanji-led government has set machinery in motion for the implementation of N70,000 minimum wage and its consequential adjustments.
He said all documents have been forwarded to the national headquarters on the agreement reached with the state government for the implementation of the new minimum wage.
Uncertainty in Yobe
There is anxiety among workers in Yobe, following the delay in the implementation of the new wage.
The Commissioner for Finance, Mohammed Abatcha, however, reassured stakeholders that steps were being taken in that direction.
He said: “Paying workers is a top priority for this administration. We are working closely with the Assembly, and they are ready to approve the virement before the end of this month.”
Despite the assurance, civil servants are unconvinced.
Isa Abubakar, a civil servant, expressed skepticism about government’s ability to fulfil its promise.
He said: “We hear all these announcements, but when it comes to action, things often don’t happen as planned. I’ll believe it when I see the new wage in my account. For now, I doubt the state will pay by December.”
Uncertainty over strike in Akwa Ibom
Akwa Ibom NLC chairman Sunny James has not issued any directive to workers on the strike.
He did not respond to phone calls and text messages by our correspondent on the position of labour on the matter.
Governor Umo Eno, who had announced N70,000 as minimum wage for workers in the state, also set up an implementation committee.
The committee headed by the Head of Service, Effiong Essien, is yet to submit its report.
Cross River Govt, union reach agreement
In Cross River, a last-minute pact between the government and representatives of Labour pulled the brake on the planned workers’ strike.
The parties reached an agreement on the payment of N70, 000 as minimum wage. They also agreed on consequential adjustments across all levels, effective from December 1.
As at 9pm last night, government and Labour officials were still locked in a meeting over the issue. Details of the parley were sketchy, but the office of the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Mr. Gill Nsa, confirmed that an agreement had been reached.
One of the government’s representatives in the minimum wage Committee, Clarkson Otu, expressed hope that there would be no strike in the state.
Otu, who is Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour and Productivity, said: “We’re done this evening. We’re in the governor’s office to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
“You would get a fuller brief when we’re done signing the MoU. It is after we’ve signed that the Labour will make their statement on the strike. It is not within my purview to say whether they’ll go on strike or not.
Union leaders could not be reached as at 10pm last night.
Katsina begins implementation
The Katsina State Government has approved the implementation of N70,000 minimum wage for its civil servants from December 2024.
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, made this known to reporters in Katsina, the state capital at the weekend
He said that the new minimum wage would be given to workers under the payroll of the state government, Local Governments and the Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
The SSG explained that the agreement was sequel to an exhaustive and fruitful negotiations between representatives of the state government and the Labour unions.
Garba-Faskari reiterated the state government’s commitment to improving the welfare of its workers.
He described the decision as a testament to Governor Dikko Radda administration’s dedication to prioritising the needs of civil servants and fostering harmonious Labour relations.
Katsina NLC Chairman Hamisu Hussaini, assured workers that their rights and interests would continue to remain the union’s priority.
He urged the workers to continue to give their best for the progress of the state.
[TheNation]