Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey are expected to arrive at Super Eagles camp on Monday (today) ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Also expected in camp are Bright Osayi-Samuel, Frank Onyeka, Semi Ajayi, Maduka Okoye and Paul Onuachu.

15 players are already at the team’s camp in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Super Eagles started preparations for the qualifiers on Sunday.

The team had two training sessions (Monday and evening) at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Finidi George’s side will entertain South Africa on Friday before traveling to Abidjan for a clash with Benin three days later.

Toni Kroos has insisted that he is happy with his decision to leave Real Madrid.

Kroos spoke as Real Madrid players celebrated during the Champions League trophy parade at the Cibeles square in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday.

The German midfielder played his match for Real Madrid in the Champions League final victory against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.

Kroos had recently announced his decision to retire from professional football after this summer’s Euro 2024.

“I am going to miss you [Real Madrid fans] a lot,” Kroos was quoted by Madrid Zone as saying.

“I am happy with my decision. I enjoyed every single minute of these 10 years.

“I will miss a lot of things, no doubt. I am happy with my decision. The Bernabeu is my home. Real Madrid fans are the best in the world.”

The price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, is significantly decreasing, providing much-needed relief to consumers in several states, including Ogun, Lagos, and Oyo.

Recent interactions with consumers revealed to Punch that the current average cost of 1 kilogram of cooking gas is around N1,000 or below, depending on the location and seller.

This decrease is a stark contrast to the prices observed between February and March when the cost of LPG had soared to around ₦1,300 per kilogram in some areas.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the price of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas had increased by 46.88% over one year, reaching ₦15,060.38 in February 2024 compared to ₦10,253.39 in February 2023.

The NBS further noted that the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of LPG rose by 28.33% within just one month — from ₦11,735.72 in January 2024 to ₦15,060.38 in February 2024.

Among the states, Ogun recorded the highest average retail price at ₦16,375, closely followed by Delta at ₦16,333, and Edo at ₦16,321.

However, recent checks indicate that prices are gradually decreasing nationwide, which some attribute to the rebound of the naira in April from about ₦1,900 per dollar to about ₦1,500 currently.

While the Federal Government has committed to taking further measures to reduce the domestic price of LPG, industry operators express concerns that prices may rise again.

Speaking to Punch, Adedokun Ojo, a resident of Abule Egba in Lagos, reported purchasing 1kg of LPG at ₦940 at a local Mobil station.

“LPG is now ₦940 per kg. I still bought it yesterday evening at Mobil in Abule Egba,” Ojo said.

Also, a resident of Enugu, Uzor Nneka, disclosed that she got a kilogramme of the gas for ₦1,000 at the Romchi plant in Enugu.

“1kg of cooking gas used to be ₦1,300 before, but now it is ₦1,050. The price is coming down,” Jonathan Igbowu, a resident of the Idiroko border community of Ogun State, revealed

It was observed that the prices are different in Idiroko based on the seller. Nojim Ajani stated that 1kg of LPG was ₦750 in the Aferiku area of the town lately.

One Mr Ibrahim Ogunleye mentioned that the product sold for ₦1,200 in Offa, Kwara State, saying it used to be ₦1,400 some weeks ago.

Similarly, Mr Quadri Yusuf, who lives at Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, said the price of cooking gas is now ₦800/kg, down ₦1,200 in April.

However, Muraina Akintunde in Ayetoro regretted that LPG sellers now charge ₦1,200/kg in the area, stating that it used to be ₦1,400 until the last week of May.

In Ilaro, Folake Ogunwemimo said a kilogramme of LPG costs ₦1,100, while Kazim Ajose bought it for N970 at Sango-Ota, Ogun State.

Speaking on the development, the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the reduction in the price of LPG was a result of the efforts being made by the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) with the full support of relevant regulatory agencies in the sector and even operators to increase the volume of domestically produced cooking gas coming into the local market.

Ekpo, who spoke through his media aide, Louis Ibah, said the domestication of LPG export has reduced the dependence on imported LPG, and of course, its attendant added costs due to foreign exchange fluctuations.

He said, “You will recall that the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, some months back had ordered the domestication of all LPG produced within the country with the target of stabilising the price of cooking gas in the domestic market for consumers.

“So, the reduction in the price of LPG being witnessed is as a result of the efforts being made by the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas) with the full support of relevant regulatory agencies in the sector and even Operators to increase the volume of domestically produced LPG/cooking gas coming into the local market.

“This has reduced the dependence on imported LPG, and of course, its attendant added costs due to FOREX fluctuations.

“And you also must recall and note the positive impact that the federal government’s decision to waive VAT and Customs duties on gas and gas equipment must have had on the price of LPG.”

He stressed that the minister has “assured that prices will go down further in the months ahead as more volumes of LPG domestically produced is released into the domestic market,” saying he is working round the clock with his team to achieve this.

However, the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers expressed concerns that the price of LPG may surge again in the coming weeks.

The Executive Secretary of NALPGAM, Bassey Essien, revealed that the reduction occasioned by the naira rebound was being eroded because gas is priced in dollars.

According to Essien, even if the Federal Government boosts local LPG production, the price will not be stable because gas producers sell in foreign currency.

“I won’t say it has come down, because it is going up again. And it is an interplay of the foreign exchange. Everything is priced in foreign exchange, very soon even the air we breathe will be priced in foreign exchange.

“Even the LNG that a domestic gas, how do they price it? It is still being priced at the international price, and the international price is dependent on the dollar. Whether you have it in abundance or not, it is still being sold at the international price. The bottom line is everything is priced in forex,” Essien said, asking the government to look into local pricing of gas.”

British heavyweight boxer, Daniel Dubois, has called out Anthony Joshua for a fight after beating Croatian boxer Filip Hrgovic in Saudi Arabia.

Daniel Dubois and Filip Hrgovic participated in the 5 v 5 tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday night, June 1, with the IBF interim world title on the line.

After a very shaken start from the British heavyweight boxer, the 26-year-old star bounced back to give Hrgovic a fight to remember. Dubois grew so strong into the bout that he landed some punches that left Hrgovic bleeding.

The British boxer continued to inflict pain on the Croatian boxer, especially in the seventh round to the extent that referee John Latham had to halt the bout for Hrgovic to receive medical attention.

Following the medical examination, the bout officials concluded that the Croatian boxer couldn’t continue with the game and Daniel Dubois was declared the holder of the IBF interim world heavyweight title.

After the bout, Dubois stressed that he is looking forward to fighting Anthony Joshua who is looking forward to fighting the newly crowned undisputed heavyweight champion, Oleksandr Usyk or Tyson Fury.

But Joshua might have to face Dubois in September at the Wembley Stadium this year before he can face Usyk or Fury.

Dubois said, “I hope the next opponent will be AJ so bring it on. This is my era and this is my time.”

He added, “I have full respect for the guy, to come through that was a learning experience. I’m glad I got the belt and on to the next. I was a bit cold to start with, I had the corner advice, Frank Warren and my dad.

“I ate some shots but it was only to wake me up. The first few shots stung but they woke me up. I’m so proud of myself. It is all a learning experience. We are back on top. It has felt like a rollercoaster.”

Electricity workers have shut down the National Grid as the strike action called by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress began at midnight. 

Checks on grid data posted by the Independent System Operator showed that generation at midnight was 2,805.59 megawatts but dropped gradually to 28 MW at 6 a.m. on Monday with only Ibom Power on the grid. 

Reacting to the situation, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, disclosed that workers unions chased away its workers.

A statement by TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah read: “TCN hereby informs the general public that the Labour Union has shut down the national grid, resulting in blackout nationwide. The national grid shutdown occurred at about 2.19 a.m. this morning, June 3, 2024.

“At about 1:15am this morning, the Benin Transmission Operator under the Independent System Operations unit of TCN reported that all operators were driven away from the control room and that staff that resisted were beaten while some were wounded in the course of forcing them out of the control room, and without any form of control or supervision, the Benin Area Control Centre was brought to zero.

“Other transmission substations that were shut down by the Labour Union include the Ganmo, Benin, Ayede, Olorunsogo, Akangba, and Osogbo Transmission Substations. Some transmission lines were equally opened due to the ongoing activities of the labour union.

“On the power generating side, power generating units from different generating stations were forced to shut down some units of their generating plants; the Jebba Generating Station was forced to shut down one of its generating units, while three others in the same substation subsequently shut down at very high frequency. The sudden forced load cuts led to high frequency and system instability, which eventually shut down the national grid at 2:19 a.m.

“At about 3.23am, however, TCN commenced grid recovery, using the Shiroro Substation to attempt to feed the transmission lines supplying bulk electricity to the Katampe Transmission Substation. The situation is such that the labour union is still obstructing grid recovery nationwide. 

“We will continue to make efforts to recover and stabilize the grid to enable the restoration of normal bulk transmission of electricity to distribution load centres nationwide,” she added.

After several years of being involved in one of the most twisted transfer saga in football history, former Super Eagles captain Mikel Obi said he had been forgiven by legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, PUNCH reports.

Back in 2005, Mikel was a highly-rated youngster at Norwegian side Lyn Oslo with United tracking him.

The Nigerian starlet was seemingly snapped up by the Devils from the Norwegian club with a deal subsequently announced.

Mikel was pictured in a United shirt and they even went as far as to hold a press conference. But the move sensationally broke down after Chelsea waded in and Mikel said he felt pressured into the move.

“I signed a contract with Manchester United and I didn’t do that of my own free will,” Mikel told Sky Sports News in 2006.

“I was put under a lot of pressure to do that. I was denied advice from my agent and people I trust and I didn’t get much time to think about that.

“I did something I did not want to do. Because of the pressure from Mr Morgan (Andersen, Lyn’s sporting director) and a representative of United it became too much.

“I was pushed and I had nobody on my side so I had to do it.

“I was denied a chance to have a week to think about it and get some independent advice from people so the pressure was too much.

According to several reports, Ferguson was due to fly to Norway for crisis talks but had to cancel his trip after he was told that the Nigerian had gone missing from training in Norway, and was thought to be heading to London for talks with Chelsea.

Eventually, he became a Blues’ player and would spend 11 trophy-laden years at Stamford Bridge.

Years later, on his podcast, Mikel revealed that when Chelsea played Manchester United, he was afraid of meeting Ferguson on the touchline. And when they eventually met each other, the retired Scottish manager had a dreadful look on his face.

Nineteen years later, the retired footballer met with Ferguson on the night of the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley where both parties had a nice time.

On his Instagram post, Mikel shared a picture of himself with Ferguson with the caption, “He has forgiven me.”

Coming off the 2005 Under-17 FIFA World Cup with Nigeria, Mikel was one of the best young football prospects in the World.

During his time with Chelsea Mikel won two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League trophy, one Europa League title, four FA Cup, two League Cup and one Community Shield title.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has declared that Nigeria’s economy is experiencing an appreciable growth that may see the high inflation in the country come down in few months.

Edun spoke on Sunday when he featured as a guest on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

The National Bureau of Statistics had reported in its April’s consumer price index that Nigeria’s inflation rate rose to 33.20 per cent in March 2024 — up from 31.70 per cent in February

According to the bureau, food inflation also surged to 40.01 per cent in the month under review.

Meet Samuel Odugbesan who lost his arms working with an electricity company0:00 / 1:01

But the minister said on Sunday that the situation was under control, saying the reforms and economic policies of President Bola Tinubu were gradually paying off.

He said, “Mr President has achieved relative growth and stability in his first year in office. The necessary fallout of the measures that had to be taken were higher interest rates to fight inflation and attract foreign currencies, which was successful. In terms of inflation, it is coming down. It is expected and projected to come down over the next few months.

“On the other indices, the important thing is that the economy is actually growing. It is very rare to have a situation where authorities, particularly the monetary authority set their target fighting to bring down inflation and prices generally and at the same time striving to keep the economy growing. We do have that.

“Quarter by quarter when compared to the first quarter of last year, the growth is up by virtually three per cent per annum above population growth compared to about the two per cent achieved by this time last year. So, we do have the economy going the right direction. We just need to stay that course. In staying the course, help and amelioration must be given across the board.

“I have talked about help that should be given to farmers and consumers. There is also help for small and medium scale businesses. By Monday, the economy stabilisation plan that deals with the factors affecting big businesses and industry will be on Mr President’s table so that they too can stabilise, begin investment again, create jobs and grow the economy.”

The Government of Germany has launched what it terms as ‘Opportunity Card‘ for skilled individuals outside the European Union (EU) to search for work opportunities in Germany. 

The portal where applicants were asked to apply showed Nigeria as one of the countries of residence of intending applicants. 

This was announced on Germany’s Federal Foreign Office Consular Services Portal on June 1, 2024. 

The Opportunity Card is a residence permit that allows workers from third countries to enter Germany to seek employment. 

Third countries are nations that are not part of the European Union. 

About Opportunity Card 

The Opportunity Card is issued for a period of up to one year but if one finds qualified employment during one’s stay, such a person can obtain a subsequent residence permit for the purpose of further searching (follow-up Opportunity Card) or taking up gainful employment from the local foreigners’ authority in Germany. 

The Government stated that when applying, one will need proof that his or her professional qualification is recognised by the state either in Germany or in the country in which it was obtained.  

“Proof that you will be able to support yourself for the duration of your stay in Germany can be provided in the form of a blocked account or a declaration of commitment, for example. At least 1,027 euros per month (as of 2024) are generally required. 

“During your stay for the purpose of finding a job, you have the opportunity to work up to 20 hours a week in a part-time job. In addition, you can take up trial jobs for up to two weeks at a time to familiarise yourself with potential jobs,” it added. 

Eligibility 

The following basic requirements must be fulfilled for the Opportunity Card on a points basis among others,  

“Completion of a degree or at least two years of training that is recognised by the state in which it was obtained, 

“German language skills at least at level A1 or English language skills at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), 

 “Sufficient financial means to cover your living expenses for the duration of your stay in Germany.” 

A Guide for Nigerians 

For Nigerian applicants, the German government advised they follow up on Germany’s diplomatic mission in Nigeria for a visa. 

“You can only apply for your visa at the German mission responsible for you. The responsibility depends on the district in which you reside. If the online application is not available at your competent German mission, please apply for your visa on-site. You will find further information on the website of your German mission,” it stated. 

The call by Germany is the latest among foreign countries’ search for expertise around the world. 

Reports indicate a substantial increase in the number of Nigerian healthcare workers migrating to countries like the UK, Canada, and the US. 

42.6% higher than the preceding year

Poverty and staggering debt remain the albatross on the shoulders of the federal government, 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the 774 Local Government Areas, despite sharing a whopping N17.9 trillion as the cumulative Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) revenue under President Bola Tinubu.

The figure, which is the highest by the Nigerian government in history, represents a 42.6 per cent surge when compared to N12.56 trillion it was a year earlier.

The increase sprang from the removal of petrol subsidy which freed more funds for monthly FAAC payouts.

The revelation came from a recent FAAC report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Widening poverty 

Regardless of the higher monthly subvention, a report from the World Bank indicates that Nigeria’s poverty rate rose from 40 percent in 2018 to 46 percent in December 2023. It means that the number of poor people increased from 79 million to 104 million.

According to the report, more people have fallen below the poverty line due to sluggish economic growth and rising inflation.

“Sluggish growth and rising inflation have increased the poverty rate from 40 percent in 2018 to 46 percent in 2023, pushing an additional 24 million people below the national poverty line,” the World Bank said.

The report added that the number of poor people in urban areas (more exposed to inflation) increased from 13 million to 20 million, while the number of poor people in rural areas rose to 84 million from 67 million within the same period.

The worst five states in poverty headcount rate for 2019, according to Statista are; Sokoto, 87.73%, Taraba, 87.72%, Jigawa, 97.02, Ebonyi, 79.76% and Adamawa, 75.41%

The lowest five states are; Lagos, 4.5%, Delta, 6%, Osun 8.5%, Ogun 9.3% and Oyo, 9.8%

Analysts say the figures have not improved because the factors responsible for the worsening poverty, like terrorism, climate change crisis, lack of farm input, inflation and others, are yet to abate.

The World Bank, however, predicted a silver lining, explaining that the increase in poverty rate will be undone by the recent reforms of President Bola Tinubu from 2024 onward, reversing the rise to 44 percent in 2026.

High sovereign debt 

Figures from the Debt Management Office (DMO) show that Nigeria’s total public debt stock as of December 31, 2023, was N97. 34 trillion or $108.229 billion.

Sub-national domestic debt stood at N5.863 trillion, while external debt stock was $4.61 billion.

Topping the debtor list is Lagos State, Nigeria’s commercial hub, had an external debt of $1.24 billion in 2023. However, this figure is slightly less than the $1.25 billion in 2022. The slight decline is likely due to a dependance on more domestic debt, which is about N1.05 trillion. Following closely is Kaduna State, which has an external debt of $587.07 million in 2023, climbing from $573.74 million in the previous year. Also exposed to offshore lenders is Edo State with external debt jumping to $314.45 million in 2023 from $261.15 million in 2022.

Highest and lowest FAAC receivers 

An analysis by the whistler shows that Delta, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Lagos and Kano states got the highest FAAC allocation under Tinubu.

On the flip side, Gombe, Ekiti, Ogun and Cross-River States for the lowest.

Despite the fatter monthly FAAC income, there are genuine concerns as 15 Nigerian states have yet to implement the N30,000 minimum wage for their workers since it was signed into law in 2019.

Considering the humongous funds available to states, the organized labour is insisting on a monthly minimum wage of about N600,000 as millions of Nigerians battle multi-dimensional poverty.

According to BudgiT, even though 15 states are yet to implement the minimum wage of N30,000, the 36 states of the federation grew their cumulative personnel cost by 13.44 per cent to N1.75 trillion in 2022 from N1.54 trillion in 2021.

Also, these states grew their overhead bills by 23.42 per cent to N1.24 trillion in 2022.

Under the current administration Delta, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Bayelsa, Lagos and Kano states got the highest FAAC revenue during the period.

However, at the end of the 10 months of February 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, Delta, Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Lagos and Kano states received the highest revenue.

Further breakdown showed that Delta state despite being the state with the most allocation in both periods, saw a decline of 3.77 per cent to N326.64 billion as against N339.44 billion it got under Buhari.

Rivers, which is the second state with the highest allocation under Tinubu, dropped by 0.88 per cent to N261.48 billion against the N263.79 billion which it got under Buhari.

Experts preach frugality 

Experts have pushed for more frugal management of resources across the three tiers of government so that the gains of good governance can cascade down to all nooks and crannies of the society.

The Director General, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) Muda Yusuf, said it was disheartening that development at the sub-national level has remained appalling, calling on governors to look beyond the state capital to develop the rural areas where the bulk of the citizens reside.

He said: “It’s not nice that poverty has continued to ravage the citizens despite higher FAAC disbursements.

“The additional revenue should be spent on projects that positively impact the lives of the people.

“It’s not about governors building flyovers at state capitals and neglecting many parts of their states.

“Look at what your citizens are predominantly engaged in. Are they farmers, fishermen, traders and so on? You invest in what they do so you make the state more inclusive, not just building airports, flyovers etc.

“Corruption is a major issue actually. The more money available, the more the corruption component of it.

“People should be made accountable. A system carrying too many parasites cannot grow.

The citizens should demand accountability and not just lament and go to bed after voting”, he said.

Fuel distribution, health, bank and other essential services nationwide will be shut from today as organised labour begins an indefinite strike over minimum wage and the recent hike in electricity tariff. 

But the Federal Government in a swift reaction yesterday, warned the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, to shelve the proposed indefinite strike, saying it was premature and illegal.

This is even as the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Secretary to Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, among others, last night failed in their effort to stop the proposed strike, after a marathon meeting with NLC president, Joe Ajaero, and his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo.

However, as part of the mobilization for the strike, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has directed the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions, ASSBIFI, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, and other senior staff associations to ensure total compliance.

Earlier, Nigeria Labour Congress’ affiliates, including the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, and other critical sector unions had written to their members to ensure total compliance.

Recall that the two labour centres had Friday, announced an indefinite nationwide strike from today over the government’s failure to conclude a new national minimum wage and reverse the recent hike in electricity tariff.
NLC and TUC leaders had on Workers Day’s celebrations, given the Federal Government’s May 31 deadline to conclude the negotiations on a new national minimum wage or risk nationwide industrial unrest.

The tripartite committee on a new national minimum wage set up by the government failed to agree on a new national minimum wage after about four meetings.

Labour leaders had walked out of the meetings thrice after rejecting government and the organised private sector’s, OPS, offers.

The last walkout was Friday, which incidentally was the deadline labour gave the government to conclude a new minimum wage as the old minimum wage of N30,000 signed into law by former President Muhammad Buhari on April 18, 2019, expired on April 18, 2024.

Earlier on Friday, May 31, organised labour negotiators had walkout of the meeting for the third time over refusal by the government to make a new offer beyond N60,000.

It was gathered that the negotiations hit a brick wall when the government and the organized private sector, OPS, remained adamant on the N60,000 offers, they made earlier on Tuesday.

Organised labour’s negotiating team had Tuesday, May 28, for the second time in two weeks, walked out of the committee meeting after the Federal Government increased its offer marginally to N60,000 from the N57,000 it offered on Wednesday, May 22.

The labour negotiating team had on May 15, walked out of the tripartite committee meeting after the government offered N48,000 and the organised private sector, OPS, offered N54,000, against labour’s offer of N615,000.

TUC directives

Ahead of today’s commencement of the strike, TUC directed PENGASSAN, ASSBIFI, ASCSN and other senior staff associations to fully participate in the nationwide strike.

Acting Secretary of TUC, Hassan Anka Secretary- General, said: “We convey compliments from the TUC, particularly the President, Festus Osifo, and write to direct all state councils to commence mobilization for an indefinite strike effective Monday, June 3, 2024. Today’s (Friday May 31) meeting was unfruitful as the government further demonstrated unseriousness towards the demands of Nigerian workers and people.

“The six governors that are members of the tripartite committee were absent, except the ministers of state for labour and employment who acts as a conciliator. Sadly, she had no mandate to make any commitment.

‘’Therefore, you are hereby directed to jointly work together with your sister labour center to carry out this important action.”

In the build-up to the strike, PENGASSAN has informed all its officers across the country, including Lagos, that the strike was compulsory.

A notice by the Public Relations Officer, PRO, Lagos Zone of PENGASSAN, Juliana Adenike, said: “Concerning the planned withdrawal of service from all of our offices on Monday, June 3, 2024, there must be strict compliance. It is your responsibility to ensure no entry and exit in your offices by any of our members.”
According to the notice, all executives at every level of leadership of PENGASSAN “are to wear red or any PENGASSAN attire,” adding.

‘’Mount your entrances and ensure 100 per cent compliance with the above directive. There will be a joint task force TUC/NLC going around to ascertain full compliance. Any company in default will be penalized.

More critical unions to join

Meanwhile, more critical unions affiliated with the NLC have joined the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, NUBIFIE, among others have pledged total compliance.

Teachers

In a circular to all its officers across the country, Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Secretary General, Dr. Mike Ene, said: “This is to inform all national standing committee members, state chairmen and state secretaries that consequent upon the inability of the federal government to yield to the demand for a living wage by organized labour for Nigerian workers, an indefinite nationwide strike has been jointly declared by the NLC/TUC with effect from the midnight of Sunday, June 2, 2024.

“Given this, you are requested to sensitize and mobilize our members to fully join the strike and ensure that on no condition should any school be allowed to open from Monday, June 3, 2024 till further notice.

“The national leadership will not entertain any excuse for failure from any state, so, strict compliance is required because NUT particularly has a stake in the struggle.

NAPPS opts out, urges dialogue, peaceful resolution

But the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS, opted out of the strike and called for dialogue and peaceful resolution of the face-off between organised labour and government.

The body in a statement signed last night by Chief Yomi Otubela, National President, Comrade Augustine Ajibade, National Secretary, and Pastor Gabriel Igbinejesu, National Publicity Secretary, said: “The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS, Nigeria, is aware of the directive regarding the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, scheduled to commence on June 3, 2024.

“While NAPPS Nigeria identifies with the struggles of the NLC/TUC to improve the living conditions of workers in affiliated organisations, it is important that we prioritize the well-being of our nation and work towards a peaceful resolution that benefits the workers, the economy, and the overall social fabric of Nigeria.

“In light of this, NAPPS Nigeria issues the following directives and information: Advice to embrace constructive dialogue and negotiation, rather than resorting to industrial action. We encourage both the federal government and the Nigeria Labour Congress to further engage in constructive dialogue, negotiation, and mediation to find a mutually acceptable solution. NAPPS is willing to offer its support and expertise in facilitating the negotiation process to ensure a fair and sustainable resolution for all parties involved.

“Non-participation in the strike: Our esteemed members are enjoined not to participate in the indefinite strike by NLC/TUC commencing on Monday, June 3, 2024. A strike would disrupt the education sector, affecting both students and teachers. Continued stability in the education system is crucial for the growth and development of our nation.’’

Medical, health workers

Also, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, M&HWUN, in a circular, said: “Sequel to the declaration of a nationwide indefinite strike by the organized labour over federal government’s apparent unseriousness and failure to reverse the satanic increment of electricity tariff and conclude negotiation for a living wage for Nigeria workers, I wish to request you to immediately commence intense mobilization of our members’ for a total shut down of all the health facilities in the country, commencing from 00.01 hours, June 3, 2024, in compliance with the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“Consequently, the state councils’ leadership are equally requested to collaborate with organized labour in their state to ensure water-tight compliance and monitoring of the strike, as any form of sabotage shall not be acceptable.

“Also, pictorials of your level of compliance should be posted on the national secretariat platform for further necessary action please.’’

ASUU’ll participate, CONUA undecided

Similarly, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, said they would participate in the nationwide strike.

However, a rival academic staff union in the university system, the Congress of University Academics, CONUA, has yet to take any position on the matter.

Presidents of the unions, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke of ASUU, and Dr Niyi Sunmonu of CONUA, made their positions known yesterday while speaking with Vanguard.

Osodeke said: “ASUU is an affiliate of NLC, hence ASUU will participate in any action of NLC.”

Sunmonu, on his part stated: “We are following the development and I have called an emergency meeting of the congress for later this evening. There, we will appraise the situation and decide on what to do next. “

Also speaking in a chat, the Chairman of ASUU in the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Prof. Kayode Adebayo, explained that the NLC and the government had till midnight on Sunday to resolve the issue.

“One cannot say the matter is totally closed now. The NLC and the government have up till midnight to negotiate, one cannot say anything positive can come out of such.

‘’If by that time, they agreed, there may be no need for any strike, but if the logjam remains, all affiliates of NLC would join, “he said.

SSANU

On its part, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, in a circular by Kingsley Okayi, Senior Assistant General Secretary, said: “We bring you warm and fraternal greetings from the national secretariat of our great union.

“In line with the letter from the NLC which we are an affiliate, I am directed by the President to request that you comply with the information by directing all SSANU members to liaise with their NLC state chapters to ensure a comprehensive closure of workplace with effect from Monday, June 3, 2024, until further notice.

“You are also to liaise with your national pice president and report the progress of the industrial action to the national secretariat regularly.”

Civil service union

Similarly, the Nigeria Civil Service Union, NCSU, in a notice by its leadership, said: “Fraternal and solidarity greetings from the national leadership of our great union.

“The national leadership is, hereby, directing all state chapters to comply with the directive of organized labour declared nationwide indefinite strike which is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024,
“This is in furtherance to the directives of organized labour, comprising both NLC and TUC, due to a deadlock at the meeting of the negotiation committee on the new national minimum wage. Please, adhere to this directive and make the nationwide strike total and successful.”

AUPCTRE

Also, the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, AUPCTRE, among others, said: “Your council, committee and organ is hereby directed to mobilize our members to join the nationwide strike that will commence on Monday the 3rd of June, 2024 to press home our demands on the reversal of the hike in Electricity Tariff and the inconclusive National Minimum wage negotiation.”

Judiciary workers

In the same vein, the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, in a statement by its Acting General Secretary, Moses Akwashiki, said: “Following a declaration of industrial action by NLC and TUC, beginning from Monday 3rd June 2024 due to the inability of government to conclude the negotiation of the new National Minimum Wage and refusal to reverse the increase in electricity tariff, I am directed to inform you to commence mobilisation ahead of the action.

“The action will start at midnight on Sunday nationwide, so all branches /chapter chairmen and secretaries of JUSUN are expected to ensure strict compliance with this directive

“All vice presidents of our great unions are to monitor their respective zones to ensure compliance with the total shut down of all Courts and Judicial Institutes across Nigeria

“Note that the nationwide action is to ensure governments agree to a new national minimum wage and subsequently pass it into law before the end of May as they were notified, reverse the hike in electricity tariff without consulting the stakeholders as required by the Law to N225/kwh back to N66/kWh and stop the apartheid categorization of Nigerian electricity consumers into Bands.”

Railway workers

Similarly, the Nigeria Union of Railway Workers, NUR, in a circular, by its Secretary General, Igbokwe Francis, said: “As directed by the NLC, we write to inform you of the commencement of a Nationwide strike beginning from 12 midnight, Monday 3rd of June 2024.

“This is sequel to the insensitivity of the Federal Government of Nigeria to agree on a new national minimum wage to be passed into law as directed by the organized Labour before the last day of May 2024 as notified, plus their refusal to reverse electricity to the old tariff of N66/kwh instead of the criminally new N225/kwh inter alia the categorization of Nigerian electricity into bands.

“Consequently, we advise Management to ensure that all critical equipment and properties of the corporation are well protected.”

NUJ

In a circular to its national officers, state chairmen and secretaries, the National Secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Achike Chude, said: “This circular serves to inform all the national officers, zonal vice presidents, and council executives in all the states of our country and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, that in solidarity with the NLC/TUC, following labour’s indefinite strike declaration from midnight of Sunday, June 2, 2024, NUJ is expected to fully participate in the strike.

This action has become inevitable, following the inability of the government to yield to the demand for a living wage for Nigerian workers.

‘’All officers, state, and national, are thus expected to help mobilize and sensitize members and participate where necessary towards the success of this action.”

Meanwhile, organized labour yesterday urged workers nationwide to be wary of the antics of the government and fully participate in the strike because it is about their wellbeing and survival.

One of the labour leaders who spoke on a purported government’s claims that there was a subsisting court order preventing NLC and TUC from embarking on strike, said: “It is an old antic of the federal government. There is no court order anywhere.

‘’What the government is parading or circulating is an injunction got since last year that has lost relevance, even since last year. We can’t be intimidated by those antics. We are talking about statutory minimum wage.

‘’Sometimes, some of these government officers need to think over issues before making the jaundiced views public. It is unfortunate that in Nigeria, once one is appointed to a public office, he or she finds it easy to say what he or she would not have said outside the government.

‘’Well, we are going ahead with the strike until we sign an agreement. The Minimum Wage Act expired on April 18, 2024. We are fighting for a new Act. We are not lawbreakers.’’

Your proposed strike premature, illegal, FG warns NLC, TUC

Reacting to the proposed indefinite strike yesterday, the federal government warned NLC and TUC to shelve their plan to commence the strike billed to start today.

The government in a statement issued by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, described the proposed industrial action as “premature, ineffectual and illegal.”

It stressed that the agitation for the increase of the minimum wage of workers in the country was currently being addressed, insisting that the labour unions failed to fulfil the condition precedents that would enable them to embark on strike.

The AGF in a letter addressed to the two labour unions, noted that the Federal Government and other stakeholders involved in the tripartite committee on determination of a new national minimum wage had not declared an end to the negotiation.

He argued that because the federal and state governments were not the only employers to be bound by a new national minimum wage, it was therefore “vital to balance the interest and capacity of all employers of labour in the country (inclusive of Organized Private Sector) in order to determine a minimum wage for the generality of the working population.”

Besides, the AGF noted that an order of the National Industrial Court, NIC, which barred the two labour unions from embarking on any form of strike was still extant as it had not been set aside.

He, therefore, urged the unions to reconsider their proposed strike and return to the negotiation table.

Suspend nationwide strike, Senate, Reps beg NLC, TUC

Also yesterday, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sani Musa, APC, Niger East, wrote the President, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, and his Trade Union Congress, TUC, counterpart, Festus Osifo, appealing to them to suspend the declared strike.

According to him, suspending the proposed strike will allow room for what he described as continued negotiations as well as demonstrate a collective commitment to the well-being of the Nigerian workforce and the prosperity of the country.

In the letter dated June 2, Senator Musa urged them to explore every possible avenue for dialogue and negotiation to reach a mutually beneficial agreement, adding that the progress of the nation hinged on the ability to work together, especially during critical times.

The letter read: “I write to you in my capacity as chairman of the Senate committee on finance to address the imminent threat and declaration of strike action scheduled to commence on Monday due to the ongoing wages negotiations stalemate.

“First and foremost, I want to express our profound respect and understanding of the critical role that the NLC and TUC play in advocating for the welfare and rights of Nigerian workers.

‘’Your dedication to this cause is truly commendable and pivotal in shaping the progress and prosperity of our nation.

“We are acutely aware of the challenges faced by the workforce, and it is within this context that I appeal to you to consider the broader implications of the planned strike action. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, with his Renewed Hope agenda, is steadfast in his commitment to repositioning the status of the workforce for the better.

‘’His vision is to strengthen, revamp, and revitalise Nigeria’s economy, infrastructure, and development across all sectors.

“The ongoing negotiations are a testament to the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and find sustainable solutions that will benefit all stakeholders.

‘’We recognise that the process has been arduous and, at times, fraught with frustrations. However, I urge you to consider the potential disruptions and setbacks that a strike could inflict on our collective efforts to move the nation forward.

“In light of this, I humbly appeal to the leadership of the NLC and TUC to suspend the declared strike action. Let us explore every possible avenue for dialogue and negotiation to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. The progress of our nation hinges on our ability to work together, especially during these critical times.

“By postponing the strike, we allow room for continued negotiations, demonstrating our collective commitment to the wellbeing of the Nigerian workforce and the prosperity of our nation.

‘’We remain hopeful that through constructive dialogue, we can address and resolve the issues at hand in a manner that honours the interests of all parties involved.

“Thank you for your understanding, and I am confident that together, we can forge a path that ensures both the welfare of our workers and the advancement of Nigeria.”

Similarly, in a statement signed by Yemi Adaramodu and Akin Rotimi, spokespersons of Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, the National Assembly said the federal government and organised labour had “tenable” positions on the issue of minimum wage.

“Given this, the National Assembly leadership and chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Labour, Employment, and Productivity, respectively, Senator Diket Plang and Adegboyega Adefarati, are looking to engage both parties in constructive dialogue and explore a variety of solutions in addressing the issues at hand.
“The 10th National Assembly is committed to ensuring that the interests of all parties are fairly represented.
“We further urge all stakeholders to remain patient and cooperative as we work diligently to find a mutually acceptable resolution in the best interest of the country.”

However, at press time last night, the Senate president, Godswill Akpabio, and speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, were still locked in a marathon meeting to convince organised labour to suspend the strike.

National Minimum Wage Act 2019 has expired — Falana, SAN

Reacting to the development last night, human rights activist, Femi Falana, SAN, said: ‘’Pursuant to the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 the the national minimum wage was fixed at N30,000. By virtue of section 3(4) of the Act 2019 the national minimum wage :expires after five years, and it shall be reviewed in line with the provisions of this Act.

“Since the commencement date of the Act was the 18th day of April 2019, the national minimum wage of N30,000 has since expired. Hence, the Minister of State, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced during the last May Day rally in Abuja that the new national minimum wage would take effect on May 1, 2024.
‘’Following the removal of fuel subsidy last year, the Federal Government announced an additional N35,000 wage award (wage subsidy) for six months, starting from September 1, 2023.

‘’During the 6 months, the total monthly wage payable to a worker was N65,000. In the same vein, the various state governments awarded various sums as wage subsidies to their workers. Both Lagos State and Edo State Governments have since announced a minimum wage of N70,000.

‘’Curiously, the federal government turned around to offer a minimum wage of N48,000. Hence, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have embarked on an indefinite strike due to the failure of the federal government and other employers of employment to pay a realistic new minimum wage to Nigerian workers.
‘’However, it has been reported that the leaders of the National Assembly have intervened in the planned strike. ’The National Assembly should, therefore, pass speedily a new National Minimum Wage Act like the new National Anthem Act that was enacted within 48 hours, last week,’’ he said.