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FG responds to labour strike threat, says agreements being implemented
FG responds to labour strike threat, says agreements being implemented
The Federal Government on Friday responded to the threat issued by the organised labour to declare a nationwide strike in the next two weeks.
It said it had so far demonstrated good faith in implementing the agreement it had with the workers over cushioning the hardship from fuel subsidy removal.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was tirelessly working to ensure that everything was done to address the needs and concerns of the nation.
She said, “We have shown good faith, government is committed to expedite full implementation of the MOU.
“This government acknowledges the challenges faced by Nigerians and has demonstrated sincerity in its ongoing negotiations with the trade unions”.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the government over the non-implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with the federal government on October 2, 2023.
In a statement jointly signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and his counterpart in the TUC, Festus Osifoh, the two labour centres threatened that if government failed to honour its part of the understanding within 14 days, the workers would down tool from 23rd of February, 2024.
They said government’s failure to uphold its end of the bargain was deeply regrettable and unacceptable to the Working people and the citizenry.
Reacting to allegations by the labour movement, the minister said government had progressively implemented the Memorandum of Understanding reached with the unions and had kept its doors open for further engagement to ensure that everything was done to address the needs and concerns of the nation.
Onyejeocha said all the agreements with labour were not implementable at once, urging labour leaders to give the government more time.
“These agreements, all of them are not going to be done the same day. Some can’t be done in two, three or four months. Like the CNG, it is a process that’s ongoing, and I’ve just told Nigerians what the CNG group has been doing in the last four months.
“We’ve commenced deliveries on those agreements. We’ve been reaching out to the organised labour because the President is committed to these agreements. He has good faith, that’s why we don’t want anybody to shut down the economy at any time because it will affect everybody.
“It’s like you want to pull down the whole roof of a house, meanwhile, you’re still inside the roof. We’re not shying away from implementing the agreements we’ve entered with the organised labour,” Onyejeocha said.
She listed the progress being made: “For example, the N35,000 wage award agreed upon between the government and organised labour is currently being implemented.
“However, we have received complaints regarding non-implementation in some public sector organisations as well as the private sector. The ministry is actively addressing these issues to ensure compliance across all sectors.
“Two days ago, I mediated between the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCEFWW), Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association (CCESSA), the Federation of Construction Industries (FOCI) (Employers).
“Consequently, the parties have signed an agreement to resolve the issue.”
The minister also said, “Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has intervened in the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) matter with the Lagos State Government.
“As a result, up to 80 per cent of the agreement with the RTEAN management has been fulfilled, and ongoing efforts are in place to complete the remaining process.”
She said government had inaugurated a 37-member tripartite committee on national minimum wage which was mandated to recommend a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers, all in a bid to mitigate the hardship the Nigerian citizens are facing.
According to her, the organised labour has 12 members representing the working people in the committee.
In addition, Onyejeocha said government was actively implementing its plan to go green with the implementation of the Presidential CNG Initiative designed to alleviate the challenges arising from subsidy removal and transition Nigeria permanently to cheaper, safer and more reliable gas produced domestically for transport.
“In line with government’s ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians, provisions have also been made for an initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits as part of the commencement of the auto gas conversion programme.
“Development of the state-of-the-art CNG conversion centres nationwide is also ongoing with the aim to deliver one million converted bi-fuel CNG/PMS vehicles to enable transporters and mass transit operators convert their vehicles that run on PMS to gas (which is forty to fifty per cent cheaper than PMS).
“Additionally, the government through the Ministry of Finance is procuring up to 11,500 CNG vehicles including buses and tricycles that will be rolled out in fulfilment of the President’s promise by financing them at concessionary rate, even as production and assembly is ongoing locally and will be delivered in the next few months.
“We shall also liaise with the NNPCL to ensure that the visitation to the refineries for on-the-spot assessment of our refineries is done without further delay,” she said.
The minister pleaded for understanding by the leadership of the labour movement, adding that negotiations are often a gradual process, with resolutions unfolding in stages.
She said the government was assuring Nigerians of its continued commitment to addressing labour concerns and fulfilling all agreements as we move forward together.
“The government would also like to assure the organised labour of its commitment to maintaining open and constructive communication with them to foster positive labour relations and guarantee a supportive working environment for all workers,
“The government will continue to leverage on the principles of social dialogue, valuing the input of our social partners, with the goal of creating a better Nigeria for all.
“We strongly urge the organised labour to continue demonstrating prudence in their decisions and actions as the government works exceedingly hard to address the challenges currently faced by the nation,” she said.
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IGP Orders Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video to Abuja
IGP Orders Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video to Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered the transfer of officers captured in a viral stop-and-search video to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary proceedings.
The directive follows widespread public outrage over footage showing police officers allegedly harassing civilians during a roadside operation in Lagos.
The viral clip, which surfaced on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), showed officers stopping a vehicle and directing the occupants to step out before moving them away from where the car was parked to conduct a search. The action has triggered criticism, with many Nigerians questioning the legality and professionalism of such stop-and-search operations in Nigeria.
In the video, a voice behind the camera challenged the officers’ conduct, noting that searches are typically carried out at the point where a vehicle is stopped, not at a different location.
The Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) later confirmed that the officers involved had been identified, and that the Inspector-General had ordered immediate action.
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According to the CRU, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the Satellite Town Division has been directed to present the officers at the Force Headquarters on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
The move is part of ongoing efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to enforce accountability and address allegations of misconduct, especially amid growing public concern over police harassment in Lagos and other parts of the country.
Security experts say the swift directive signals a renewed commitment by police authorities to restore public trust and uphold professionalism within the Force.
The incident has once again spotlighted the need for stricter adherence to policing guidelines, particularly regarding citizens’ rights during routine checks. It also reinforces ongoing advocacy for transparency, including the right of citizens to record police activities in public spaces.
As investigations continue, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether the disciplinary process will lead to concrete sanctions and reforms within the system.
IGP Orders Officers in Viral Stop-and-Search Video to Abuja
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Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill 7, Abduct Worshippers
Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill 7, Abduct Worshippers
Suspected terrorists have launched a deadly assault on Ariko community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, attacking two Christian worship centres during Easter celebrations and killing at least seven people, while abducting several others.
The coordinated attack, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, has heightened fresh concerns over security in Southern Kaduna, especially during major religious events.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the community in large numbers, reportedly arriving on motorcycles, before opening fire on worshippers gathered for Easter services. The gunmen targeted First ECWA Church and St. Augustine Catholic Church, shooting indiscriminately and causing chaos among congregants.
Mark Bawa, councillor representing Awon Ward, confirmed the incident, stating that the exact number of casualties is still being verified.
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“I am currently on my way to the community to ascertain the exact number of casualties. Some sources said seven persons were killed, while others claimed eight. I will provide an update once details are confirmed,” he said.
Residents said the assailants surrounded the churches and operated for an extended period without resistance, a situation blamed partly on poor telecommunications coverage, which delayed distress calls and emergency response.
“The attackers came in large numbers. They surrounded the area and began shooting sporadically at worshippers. Several people were killed, and many others were taken away into the bush,” Bawa added.
Survivors revealed that several victims, including women and children, were abducted and forced into nearby forest areas, raising fears about their safety as rescue efforts continue.
Security operatives have reportedly been deployed to the area, with search-and-rescue operations underway. However, local sources fear the attackers may have retreated into forest corridors around Kachia and adjoining communities, known to harbour armed groups.
The latest violence comes barely two months after a similar attack in Kurmin Wali community, also in Kachia LGA, where dozens of worshippers were abducted during a church gathering. That incident triggered widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security presence in Kaduna communities.
Efforts to get an official response from the Kaduna State Police Command are ongoing, as authorities continue to assess the situation.
Analysts say the repeated targeting of rural communities during religious celebrations underscores the persistent insecurity in Kaduna State and the urgent need for improved intelligence, rapid response systems, and enhanced protection for vulnerable populations.
Gunmen Attack Kaduna Churches During Easter, Kill 7, Abduct Worshippers
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Military Arrests Two Suspects, Recovers Weapons After Jos Crisis
Military Arrests Two Suspects, Recovers Weapons After Jos Crisis
The Nigerian Military has arrested two suspects and recovered weapons following a deadly crisis that hit several communities in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State. The arrests were made to prevent further escalation and restore peace and security in the troubled region.
Captain Chinonso Oteh, Media Officer for the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, explained that troops launched a comprehensive stop-and-search operation across the Jos metropolis on Friday. The operation focused on key flashpoints and major transit routes to identify and detain suspects linked to the violence.
During the operation, troops recovered a fabricated AK‑47 rifle, four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a pump-action firearm with a cutlass. The arrests and recoveries were conducted in areas including Dadinkowa, Old Airport Junction, Tudun Wada, and the State Low-Cost Housing Estate.
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In a simultaneous development, troops responded to a distress call involving sporadic shooting at the Yelwa Cattle Market in Shendam. Soldiers applied superior tactical pressure, forcing suspected gunmen to retreat into nearby forested areas, preventing further civilian casualties. Two residents who sustained gunshot injuries during the incident were evacuated for immediate medical attention.
The military emphasized that the arrests and weapons recovery are part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activity and restore lasting peace in Plateau State. Operation Enduring Peace continues to maintain a dominant security presence, particularly in flashpoint areas, and will persist until the threat of violence is fully neutralized.
Plateau State has faced recurrent insecurity in recent years, with conflicts often stemming from disputes between farmers, herders, and armed groups. Security analysts note that operations like these, combined with intelligence-led patrols, are critical in disrupting the activities of armed gangs and safeguarding local communities.
Captain Oteh reiterated the military’s commitment to ensuring stability and protection for residents. He affirmed that troops would continue to engage communities, enforce law and order, and carry out proactive measures to prevent further outbreaks of violence.
The arrests and recovery of illegal weapons have been welcomed by local leaders and residents, who continue to urge authorities to sustain these operations and promote reconciliation among affected communities.
Military Arrests Two Suspects, Recovers Weapons After Jos Crisis
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