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Minimum wage: Labour reject govs individual negotiations, says workers salary not charity
Minimum wage: Labour reject govs individual negotiations, says workers salary not charity
The organised labour on Friday lambasted some state governors canvassing payments of minimum wage based on capacity of their respective states, saying the concept of a national minimum wage is not arbitrary.
Governors from the southern part of Nigeria, under the aegis of the Southern Governors’ Forum, had called for the consideration of the cost of living and the ability of each state to pay in reaching an agreement on the new minimum wage.
The governors, who disclosed their position at a meeting held at Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, also advocated that each state negotiate the new wage with the labour unions.
But reacting to the development, members of the organised labour comprising both the NLC and the TUC, explained that the governors’ notion was not only dictatorial but also undermined the essence and model adopted for creating a national minimum wage in Nigeria.
The organised labour, who spoke through the Head of Information at the NLC Headquarters, Benson Upah, said the governors’ argument appeared inconsistent when juxtaposed with the remuneration of political office holders.
According to him, there is no hue and cry when political office holders across the nation receive uniform salaries as determined by Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
“This double standards which pits a few privileged against the majority poor is an issue that should be of concern to those who love this country.
“We are deeply concerned by this blatant display of ignorance regarding the global best practices for national minimum wage by some of these governors.
“It is evident that, despite their frequent travels abroad, they have deliberately chosen not to educate themselves on fundamental global issues crucial to successful governance.
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“This level of self-imposed ignorance on basic industrial relations matters clearly illustrates why our nation is poorly governed, resulting in unacceptable suffering of Nigerians.
“For this set of governors, we recommend a return to school for proper education as they constitute a threat to our democracy,” Upah stated.
He said the pursuit by many governors to pay workers whatever they like deepened poverty and caused varying dimensions of insecurity.
The NLC spokesman maintained that the governors were carried away by their present structure of security detail but “the sword of Damocles awaits them on exit from office.”
Upah added, “It is unfortunate that workers’ salaries are often seen as charity rather than the hard-earned income of hardworking Nigerians.
“It is equally painful that some of these governors fail to realise that workers’ salaries substantially drive the economy. Not surprisingly, they prioritise their greed over the need of ordinary citizens.
“The fate of Nigerian workers cannot be left solely in the hands of employers, whether public or private. No sane society does that.
“What the governors are asking for is akin to allowing numerous companies and organizations in Nigeria to pay workers whatever they like.
“While these companies may not pay the same salaries, they must adhere to the national wage floor, and the same should apply to state governors.
“We urge President (Bola) Tinubu who had promised a living wage (which is superior to a minimum wage) not to allow himself be blackmailed or boxed into a corner by unpatriotic governors.
“We urge the federal government to stop dithering on the issue of the national minimum wage because of the gang-up by some selfish governors.”
The NLC spokesman called on the governors to abandon any inclination towards dictatorial practices, saying the process remained a tripartite one.
“Accordingly, we call for policies and actions driven by equity and fairness. Ensuring a fair minimum wage is not only a matter of economic justice but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining social stability and national cohesion.
“Nigerian workers should not be reduced to beggars! Enough is enough! Finally, NLC stands firm in its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers.
“We will continue to advocate for a fair and equitable wage system that reflects the true spirit of our nation’s values. We call on the governors to join us in this commitment for the benefit of all Nigerians. Let democracy flourish,” he said.
Minimum wage: Labour reject govs individual negotiations, says workers salary not charity
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Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN
Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN
The Senate has advanced a bill to grant all residents, including foreigners, the right to obtain and use the National Identification Number (NIN) sponsored by Deputy Senate President Barau I.
Jibrin (Kano North), the bill also aims to replace criminal penalties with administrative measures to ensure compliance without severe legal consequences.
Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North) presented the bill’s principles, emphasizing the need to repeal the current Act and establish a new regulatory framework for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enhance its oversight and regulation of Nigeria’s ID system.
“The bill’s objectives include expanding the eligible registrants under the Nigeria ID System to achieve inclusivity and universal coverage,” Senator Fasuyi explained.
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“It allows all residents in Nigeria to obtain a National Identification Number (NIN) for official identification purposes.”
Furthermore, the bill proposes streamlined sharing of personal data with robust data protection measures to safeguard privacy and foster public trust in data handling.
It also enhances administrative enforcement powers to ensure timely compliance with ID registration requirements.
Importantly, the bill advocates for replacing criminal penalties with administrative measures for non-use of NIN, aiming to encourage compliance without burdening individuals with severe legal consequences.
After debates, the Senate proceeded to pass the bill, marking a significant step toward potential reforms in Nigeria’s identity management system.
Senate okays bill for foreigners in Nigeria to obtain NIN
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I never lobbied to extend my tenure — IGP Egbetokun
I never lobbied to extend my tenure — IGP Egbetokun
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has debunked reports alleging that he has been lobbying the National Assembly to tamper with the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to elongate his tenure and year of service of personnel in the force.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the IGP’s denial in a statement, saying it is vital to clarify unequivocally that the bill was originally introduced during the 8th Assembly but did not progress beyond the initial stages before the Assembly’s dissolution. It is standard legislative practice to review and update laws to align with current national realities.
The proposed amendment seeks to extend the years of service for police officers from 35 to 40 years, and the age limit from 60 to 65 years.
Adejobi said: “The Nigeria Police Force is deeply perturbed by the dissemination of false information across various media platforms, notably the distorted publication by an online media, regarding the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
“The misleading publications alleged that IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun personally initiated this bill to prolong his tenure as the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police, and has allegedly invested significantly in lobbying lawmakers to facilitate its passage.’
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Egbetokun decried a situation where certain media outlets and their sponsors had chosen to propagate baseless accusations, ignorantly disregarding the fact that any modification to existing legislation was designed to enhance its effectiveness and relevance.
The statement read: “To understand the true motivations behind this initiative, one needs only look at the Inspector General of Police steadfast commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force.
“His advocacy for this bill stems from a genuine belief in its potential to improve the conditions of service for police officers and thereby bolster security nationwide, rather than seeking personal gain. It comes from the place of duty rather than benefit.“
“Furthermore, it is important to note that the tenure of an Inspector General of Police is already prescribed as four years, with the President being the sole authority empowered to remove an IGP before the completion of his tenure.
”Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force called on the public to exercise caution and discernment when consuming information, particularly from sources known for sensationalism and unverified claims.
“Such misinformation not only misleads but also detracts from constructive dialogue and efforts towards meaningful police reform.”
I never lobbied to extend my tenure — IGP Egbetokun
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Despite generating $1tn in 40 years, Nigeria’s debt rose to $91.46bn — Agbakoba
Despite generating $1tn in 40 years, Nigeria’s debt rose to $91.46bn — Agbakoba
Human rights activist and senior lawyer, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, yesterday, said Nigeria’s public debt rose to $91.46 billion (N121.67 trillion), despite its ability to generate $1 trillion in 40 years.
Agbakoba identified the alleged exclusion of Nigerians from key value chains, weak enforcement of local content laws, incorporation of foreign agreements, tax avoidance and corruption as possible reasons for the development.
He also called for the implementation of new measures, including the increase of Nigerians’ participation in legal services, shipping, banking, insurance, drilling, oil field services and engineering within the oil and gas industry.
In his presentation, titled ”The Paradox of Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry: A Policy Paper”, at an engagement with the media in Lagos, Agbakoba, said: “Over the past 40 years, the cumulative revenue from oil and gas has exceeded $1 trillion, an amount that should have been sufficient to transform the nation’s economy and infrastructure.
“Yet, Nigeria consistently resorts to borrowing, with the total public debt standing at N121.67 trillion ($91.46 billion) as of March 31, 2024, according to the Debt Management Office, DMO.
“There are 36 value chains related to crude oil exploration, with at least seven crucial ones largely excluding Nigerian participation: Legal, shipping, banking, insurance, drilling, oil field services, engineering and construction.
“Over $1 billion worth of legal work is lost to foreign firms annually due to a perception of superior expertise and international experience.
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“Nigerian shipping companies are not engaged to ship crude oil products due to the absence of a legal framework for developing a national fleet of vessels, leading to significant loss of potential revenue and employment opportunities.
“Funds from crude oil production are often domiciled in foreign banks, sometimes held for months before remittance to the Central Bank of Nigeria, depriving Nigerian banks of substantial business and the economy of potential multiplier effects.
“The Nigerian insurance industry plays a very insignificant and limited role in the oil and gas Industry.
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