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FG to pay N35,000 subsidy palliative arrears, targets N200,000 minimum wage – NLC

Published

3 years ago

January 7, 2024

President of NLC, Joe Ajaero

FG to pay N35,000 subsidy palliative arrears, targets N200,000 minimum wage – NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it would mount pressure on Federal Government to ensure payment of N35,000 wage award arrears to civil servants.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who made this known in an interview with Vanguard, said the labour union would also push for N200,000 minimum wage in its negotiation with the government.

He said the move was also in line with President Bola Tinubu in his New Year address that his administration will implement a “national living wage” this year.

Ajaero, who highlighted the indices that will be looked at before arriving at an acceptable figure for minimum wage, said that a committee on the review would be set up soon.

“The committee has not been set up but we have submitted all the names of the labour team. We thought that the government would have, on the first week of December 2023 or the last week of November, constituted the committee but, as of today (last Thursday), the committee has not been constituted. That is the situation but we have submitted the names, of those who are supposed to represent labour in the committee.”

Speaking on previous agreements with the Federal Government and the wage award to civil servants, Ajaero said :”I am sure you have read our New Year message. The government virtually reneged in all the agreements including the N35,000 (petrol subsidy palliative) wage award on which they paid only one month. They are going to start the year with the payment of the arrears. That is where we will start from; we have to start from where we stopped moving forward.

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“The issue of wage awards is not problematic. It was not imposed on the government. It was willingly covenanted to but immediately they attacked me, from the Labour circle we don’t know whether it was deliberate, they reneged in almost all the agreements. But now that I am back from the hospital, I am going to take them up. It is an agreement and we have to respect the sanctity of the agreement. So the arrears must be paid. Whatever that might be the circumstances that they didn’t pay, they have to pay and from there, we move on.”

On the new minimum wage, the NLC President said N200, 000 was not too much tp be paid when compared to the present value of naira.

“I didn’t just say N200,000. I tried to figure out the value of $200 then. So, if you are looking at the constant variables from the point of view of two hundred dollars, you will discover that a dollar is around a thousand two hundred naira now. You have to adjust based on the prevailing circumstances.”

“A lot. We have said it before. Cost of living, devaluation of the currency and the labour market vis a vis the countries that share the same value with us: The oil-exporting countries and some other countries that share the same economic indices with us. All those issues must come into play.”

*The projection is what I have told you. I have mentioned it to you. I have mentioned the value of the currency as of today. I mentioned about $200 and the value, we discussed it.”

FG to pay N35,000 subsidy palliative arrears, targets N200,000 minimum wage – NLC

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Canada Deports 205 Nigerians, 10,607 Illegal Immigrants in June Crackdown

Published

19 minutes ago

August 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Canada Deports 205 Nigerians, 10,607 Illegal Immigrants in June Crackdown

No fewer than 205 Nigerian nationals were among the 10,607 illegal immigrants deported from Canada in June 2026, according to official data released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) , as the Canadian government intensified enforcement of its immigration laws. The latest Immigration Removal Statistics show that Nigeria accounted for nearly two per cent of all deportations during the month, ranking 9th among the countries with the highest number of immigration removals for the first half of 2026. India recorded the highest number of deportations, with 3,323 nationals removed, followed by Mexico with 1,573, Haiti with 431, and the United States with 372. Other countries with significant numbers of nationals deported included Colombia (354), Romania (293), Bangladesh (227), Pakistan (207), and Chile (190), according to the CBSA data.

The latest figures bring the total number of Nigerians deported from Canada to 643 between January 2025 and June 2026, making Nigeria the only African country to appear among the top 10 nationalities removed from Canada during the period. Data shows that 438 Nigerians were deported in 2025, placing Nigeria 10th among countries with the highest number of immigration removals that year. Between January and June 2026, another 205 Nigerians were deported, moving the country to 9th position on the list.

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The deportation figures for Nigeria have fluctuated over the past six years: 302 Nigerians were deported in 2020, 242 in 2021, and 200 in 2022. Nigeria dropped out of the top 10 list in 2023 and 2024 before returning in 2025. For the first six months of 2026, the top nationalities removed were India (3,323), Mexico (1,573), Haiti (431), United States (372), Colombia (354), Romania (293), Bangladesh (227), Pakistan (207), Nigeria (205), and Chile (190).

According to the CBSA, the vast majority of deportations resulted from non-compliance with Canada’s immigration laws , particularly involving refugee claimants. In 2025, 19,225 removals involved refugee claimants found inadmissible due to non-compliance, while 2,549 non-claimants were removed on similar grounds. Other deportations were linked to criminality , organized crime , misrepresentation , and other violations under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Canada has significantly increased immigration enforcement in recent years. Total deportations rose from 12,858 in 2020 to a record 23,160 in 2025. In the first half of 2026 alone, the country recorded 10,607 enforced removals, suggesting another high-deportation year is likely if the current trend continues. The CBSA is currently removing approximately 400 inadmissible individuals every week. Through Canada’s Border Plan, the agency received $30.4 million to strengthen its capacity to complete 20,000 removals annually. As of June 30, 2026, the CBSA reported 40,827 removal cases in progress , while its overall immigration enforcement inventory exceeded 572,000 active files. The agency has also stepped up enforcement against individuals linked to extortion-related activities. As of June 18, 2026, the CBSA had opened 484 immigration investigations, issued 139 removal orders, and removed 81 individuals in connection with extortion cases. In the Pacific Region, 46 individuals have been removed; in the Greater Toronto Area, 17; and in the Prairie Region, 18. Commenting on the enforced removals, the CBSA said: “Removing individuals who do not have the right to enter or stay in Canada is essential to maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration program and to ensuring fairness for those who come to this country lawfully.”

Canada Deports 205 Nigerians, 10,607 Illegal Immigrants in June Crackdown

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2027: Sultan of Sokoto Dismisses Claims of Backing Tinubu’s Re-election

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46 minutes ago

August 5, 2026

Trends Admin

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III

2027: Sultan of Sokoto Dismisses Claims of Backing Tinubu’s Re-election

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has firmly dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that he endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that he has no favourite candidate and remains above partisan politics. In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Team and signed by Prince Bashir Adefaka, the revered traditional ruler described the reports as false and misleading, urging Nigerians to disregard what it called a “malicious and unpatriotic attempt to drag the revered personality of the Sultan into partisan politics for selfish interests.” “Our simple response to the report is that it is not possible for the Sultan, as the father of all, to make such a statement, either publicly or in any other forum,” the statement read in part.

The Media Team emphasised that the Sultan occupies a unique position as both a traditional and religious leader whose responsibility is to serve all Nigerians without political bias. The statement stressed that his role requires him to remain impartial while offering guidance and blessings to all Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations. “Let it be made clear once again that the institutions of monarchy and religion led by the Sultan are institutions of a father figure. As such, His Eminence cannot but remain within the purview of that role by offering fatherly, royal and spiritual blessings, as well as guidance, to Nigerian politicians who seek his counsel and blessings,” the statement said. The monarch noted that his doors remain open to all Nigerians, irrespective of political persuasion, and that his willingness to receive politicians should not be interpreted as support for any individual or party. “The Sultan’s doors cannot be shut against anyone who comes to him, regardless of political affiliation or persuasion. His Eminence has consistently demonstrated that he is the father of all and will continue to relate with all Nigerians without discrimination,” the media team added.

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The clarification follows the circulation of posts on social media alleging that the Sultan had openly endorsed Tinubu for another term in office. Some claims suggested that the Sultan declared Tinubu as “our only choice” and demanded the creation of a Fulani commission during a television appearance. However, fact-checking organisation Dubawa traced the viral claim to a video recorded during the opening ceremony of the 2026 National Conference of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) held in Abuja on July 30, 2026. A review of the full speech showed that the Sultan was not discussing the 2027 presidential election or endorsing President Tinubu for a second term. Translated from Hausa, the Sultan was actually commending President Tinubu for establishing the Federal Ministry of Livestock Development and expressing support for the government’s livestock reforms, not endorsing his re-election bid. The Sultan’s remarks were taken out of context and misrepresented to create a false impression.

The Media Team reiterated that the Sultan remains committed to promoting peace, unity, stability, and harmonious coexistence across the country, regardless of ethnic, religious, or political differences. It called on members of the public to reject any attempt to misrepresent the Sultan’s position or associate him with the political campaign or candidacy of any individual ahead of the 2027 general elections. The statement further appealed to media practitioners and social media users to exercise responsibility and restraint by verifying information before circulating reports capable of misleading the public or unnecessarily dragging revered traditional and religious institutions into partisan political controversies.

As the President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, the Sultan has consistently projected himself as a non-partisan national figure, receiving politicians across party lines while advocating peace, dialogue, and national unity rather than political endorsements. The clarification comes amid increasing political activities and speculations ahead of the 2027 general election, with prominent national figures and traditional rulers often becoming subjects of political claims and endorsements on social media. By firmly rejecting the reports, the Sultan reaffirmed his commitment to remaining above partisan politics while continuing to promote national cohesion and equal treatment for all Nigerians, regardless of their political preferences.

2027: Sultan of Sokoto Dismisses Claims of Backing Tinubu’s Re-election

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Tinubu Meets Jim Ovia, NELFUND CEO at Aso Rock as Student Loans Hit ₦303bn

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1 hour ago

August 5, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Jim Ovia and Akintunde Sawyerr

Tinubu Meets Jim Ovia, NELFUND CEO at Aso Rock as Student Loans Hit ₦303bn

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with the founder of Zenith Bank, Jim Ovia, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) , Akintunde Sawyerr, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The purpose of the meeting was not officially disclosed as of the time of filing this report. Ovia and Sawyerr arrived at the State House at about 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday. Ovia was dressed in a black suit with a red tie as both officials proceeded into the Presidential Villa for the meeting. Their arrival came amid the continued expansion of the Federal Government’s student loan programme, which has become one of the administration’s flagship social intervention initiatives. Tinubu had appointed Ovia as Chairman of the NELFUND Board on April 26, 2024, shortly after signing the Access to Higher Education Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Act into law, which established Nigeria’s interest-free student loan scheme. Sawyerr was appointed the pioneer Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the fund on April 5, 2024, and has overseen the implementation of the initiative since its launch.

The meeting comes as NELFUND continues to record significant growth in its disbursements. According to the fund, total loan disbursements have exceeded ₦303.9 billion to 1,635,676 beneficiaries from 1,800,489 applications as of July 4, 2026. The fund has disbursed to over 315 institutions nationwide, covering both institutional fees and upkeep allowances for students. Between May 5 and July 3, 2026, an additional N21.71 billion was disbursed to beneficiaries, lifting total payments under the programme to N303.91 billion. Institutional fee payments rose by N6.15 billion during the period, from N183.91 billion to N190.06 billion, while disbursements for students’ upkeep allowances increased by N15.56 billion, climbing from N98.29 billion to N113.85 billion. The fund also announced on July 9 that it released an additional ₦1.5 billion to 6,129 students across three tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026 academic session. The fund has cleared outstanding June and July 2026 upkeep allowances, with each eligible student receiving ₦40,000 to cover the two-month backlog. The delay in monthly upkeep payments had generated concerns among beneficiaries, prompting the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to intervene.

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Tuesday’s meeting followed Ovia’s recent endorsement of the student loan initiative, in which he described it as a transformative intervention that has enabled thousands of Nigerians to access higher education. Speaking during a recent interview on Channels Television, the NELFUND Board chairman praised Tinubu for establishing the scheme and dismissed claims that it was being abused. “Yes, NELFUND definitely is addressing access to education, and we are glad that Bola Tinubu has introduced that by setting up NELFUND — Nigeria Education Loan Fund — and it’s a very encouraging initiative,” Ovia said. He added, “No, it’s not being abused at all because without the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, many students wouldn’t have gone to university at all. And also, they are being encouraged to have some stipend to pay their school fees. So, it’s not being abused; it’s being encouraged.” Ovia urged beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity provided by the Federal Government. “Without NELFUND, they wouldn’t have gone to the university at all. So, they should be encouraged to take the opportunity to go to university and graduate, and they will get jobs,” he said.

Ovia, who retired as Founder and Group Chairman of Zenith Bank in May, remains active in education through the Jim Ovia Foundation and as founder and chancellor of James Hope University in Lagos. He became the bank’s chairman on July 16, 2014, after previously serving as its founder and Group Managing Director/CEO from 1990 to 2010. After his retirement, the bank described Ovia’s tenure as marked by strong leadership, strategic direction, and effective board oversight. The NELFUND Board chairman is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and holds a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Louisiana. President Tinubu, upon appointing Ovia, expressed confidence that he would bring his immense wealth of experience and professional stature to advance the vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student suffers a capricious end to their pursuit of higher education over a lack of funds.

Akintunde Sawyerr, who has served as NELFUND’s pioneer Managing Director since April 2024, has described the initiative as a game-changer for Nigerian education. Speaking previously, he revealed that the fund receives an average of 6,000 to 7,000 applications daily, underscoring the growing demand for the scheme among Nigerian students. Sawyerr has emphasised that the scheme is designed to be transparent and accessible to all eligible students. “For the first time in Nigeria—or certainly the first time in a very long time—people are starting to believe that you can actually benefit from government policies without knowing anybody. The system is totally agnostic to who you know. All you have to do is provide the right credentials, apply online, and you don’t need the help of anybody to be able to access this,” he said. He explained that President Tinubu established NELFUND to ensure that no Nigerian is denied access to quality tertiary education due to poverty or lack of funds. “Education is one of the topmost priorities of President Bola Tinubu. The President believes that education is the greatest weapon against poverty and so he doesn’t want any Nigerian to be deprived of having a qualitative tertiary education due to financial difficulties, hence the establishment of NELFUND,” Sawyerr said. The National Assembly and NELFUND have announced plans to expand the student loan scheme from 1.6 million beneficiaries to seven million students nationwide. The initiative includes incorporating Skills Acquisition, Technical, and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into the scheme, which could ultimately uplift an estimated 50 million citizens indirectly. The meeting at the State House is expected to focus on the progress of the scheme and efforts to further expand access to higher education for Nigerian students.