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Category: Governance

  • NLC Strike: FG insists on N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

    NLC Strike: FG insists on N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

    That the organized labour has given Monday, June 3rd as commencement date for an indefinite strike to protest the failure of government to approve a new national minimum wage agreeable to them is no longer news. What is trending is that the FG has adduced 14 reasons why it can not approve the figure proposed by labour.

    Here are 14 reasons the FG gave for a N60,000 minimum wage:

    N35,000 wage award for all treasury-paid federal workers.
    N100 billion for the procurement of CNG-fuelled buses and CNG conversion kits.
    N125 billion conditional grant and financial inclusion to MSMEs.

    N25,000 each to be shared to 15 million households for 3 months.
    N185 billion palliatives (loans to States) to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

    N200 billion to support the cultivation of hectares of land to boost food production.
    N75 billion to strengthen the manufacturing sector.

    N1 trillion for student loans for higher education.
    Release of 42,000 metric tons of grains from strategic reserves.
    Purchase and onward distribution of 60,000 metric tons of Rice from the rice millers association.
    Recent salary increase of 25-35 per cent on all consolidated salary structures for federal workers.
    90% subsidy on health costs for Federal Civil Servants registered on NHIS.

    Light rail commissioned in Abuja to relieve transportation cost until the end of the year. Lagos State had already commenced the same initiative with their blue and red lines.

    In addition to the freedom of civil servants to engage in agriculture, the federal government has approved the inclusion of ICT services as an alternate source of income.

    The government added N3, 000 to its initial offer of N57, 000 proposed last week, taking the total figure to N60, 000 while labour lowered its demand by removing N3, 000 from the N497, 000 it proposed last week.

    The tripartite committee has been locked in talks over a new minimum wage since the committee was inaugurated in January this year.

    To fast track the negotiation process, the NLC and TUC on May Day gave the committee until the end of the month to wrap up talks on a new national minimum wage.

    That ultimatum expired on Friday night without an agreement.

    During the meeting, the government defended their offer of N60,000.00 per month.

  • NCC: Set to Digitally Enable the Renewed Hope Agenda

    NCC: Set to Digitally Enable the Renewed Hope Agenda

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has asserted its role as being instrumental in advancing the development of the Nigerian telecom sector as well as assisting the realisation of the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. 

    In an official communication pushed out from its headquarters, Abuja, the NCC insists that it current agenda emphasizes supporting youth and women by leveraging the digital economy.

    It asserts that as the nation marks one year of the current administration, the NCC highlights its commitment to the Ministerial Blueprint, “Accelerating our Collective Prosperity through Technical Efficiency,” spearheaded by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. 

    This blueprint aims to support Nigeria’s economic growth through enhanced productivity and digital innovation.

    Key targets of the Strategic Agenda 2023-2027 include improving Quality of Service (QoS) by 50% by 2024, increasing broadband penetration to 70% by 2025, and achieving significant improvements in data download speeds and coverage. 

    The agenda also aims to reduce the unconnected population in rural areas from 61% to less than 20% by 2027.

    Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, the statement indicates, has identified three Strategic Focus Areas: Consumers, Industry and Licensees, and Government. 

    His approach prioritizes balancing the needs of these stakeholders while enhancing the Quality of Experience for consumers, addressing industry debt issues, advocating for telecom infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, and reviewing regulatory instruments to align with current realities.

    Through these efforts, the NCC is poised to deliver on the promise of Renewed Hope, driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and fostering economic growth.

  • FG Reacts As Labour Begins Indefinite Nationwide Strike 

    FG Reacts As Labour Begins Indefinite Nationwide Strike 

    The Federal Government has appealed to Organised Labour to reconsider its decision to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, June 3, 2024.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress president, Joe Ajaero yesterday announced that the industrial action which would begin by Monday midnight is in protest against the government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.

    Reacting to the development, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed in an interview with Punch stated that the interest of the masses should be the top priority of Organised Labour, saying strike was not the solution to the ongoing negotiation for a new minimum wage for workers.

    His words:

    “The government is pleading with Labour to reconsider its position. The FG has already made an offer of N60,000, and whatever the government does is in the interest of Nigerians.

    “We won’t like to do something that will throw the country into another problem.

    “Even as we do that, we are pleading with Labour. They are partners in this project called ‘Nigeria’ and we expect them to join hands with the FG as it strives to look for solutions that will take Nigeria to the desired prosperity.

    “Our message is that of an appeal and the need for Labour to see reason with the government. That was even the basis for setting up the tripartite committee that was made up of Organised Labour, the sub-nationals and the FG. This was because the government just didn’t want to make unilateral decisions. In any case, the position on the wage regime is not a one-sided thing.

    “We expect that they will see reason with the government. That is why we are calling on them to show understanding by not embarking on the strike because we don’t want that at this point. A strike is not the solution to our problem. We are continuing our negotiation with them. The minister and other stakeholders are still talking to them and we believe that we will find a common ground,” he stated.

  • National Assembly to Consider Bill Proposing Nigeria’s Return To Regional Government

    National Assembly to Consider Bill Proposing Nigeria’s Return To Regional Government

    In a landmark move, the National Assembly is speculated to be planning for a debate and, most likely, pass into into law before October 1, 2024, a bill proposing a return to regional government.

    Part of the draft bill circulating on social media, seen by SaharaReporters is titled: “A Bill for an Act to Substitute the Annexure to Decree 24 of 1999 with a New Governance Model for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” 

    Although the identities of the sponsors of the bill were yet to be ascertained, the Bill, when passed, would be cited as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria New Governance Model for Nigeria Act 2024.

    The sponsors of the Bill explained that the current Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) is not “autochthonous” as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian people.

    According to the advocates, the constitution amendment would be subject to a “yes or no” vote in a referendum by the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

    The sponsors of the Bill explained that the current Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) is not “autochthonous” as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian people.

    According to the advocates, the constitutional amendment would be subject to a “yes or no” vote in a referendum by the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Part of the draft Bill seen by SaharaReporters on Friday partly read: 

    “PART I – Preliminaries: WHEREAS Nigeria, its Peoples and Government have been governed under Decree 24 of 1999 that was handed down by the then Military Government without the express consent of the people despite the preamble of “We the people.” 

    “WHEREAS the said Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended) is not autochthonous as it does not evolve from the deliberations and consensus of the Nigerian People.

    “WHEREAS the Peoples of Nigeria now desire and effectively demand for a change to a Constitution based on Federal/Regional System of Government. 

    “WHEREAS the Federal and Regional governments are to operate within the provisions of this Constitution, it is within the discretion of the ethnic blocs within the States that constitutes a given region to aggregate or disaggregate as Provinces, Divisions and Districts, while being in control of their affairs without let or hindrance at whatever level of governance.

    “Whereas the 1999 Constitution as amended is a schedule of a military decree now deemed to be an Act of the National Assembly for which the National Assembly have the powers to amend and/or abrogate as expedient.

    Whereas the National Assembly where so necessary and expedient can invoke the doctrine of necessity to resolve any point of law for the good governance of the country Nigeria.”

    On PART 11 – Substitution Clause, the drafters proposed that the National Assembly shall invoke its inherent powers to expunge the schedule attached to decree 24 of 1999 often referred to as 1999 Constitution as amended from the decree, which “is now deemed to be an Act of the National Assembly to which the National Assembly have the powers to so do and replace same with a new governance model for Nigeria effective not later than October 1, 2024.”

    “This amendment is subject to a yes or no vote in a Referendum by the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” it proposed.

    On governance structure under PART III – Stipulations for Federal Administration, the sponsors proposed that: “(1) Nigeria shall be a Federation comprising of Regional Territories and a Federal Capital Territory and shall be a Republic to be known by the name of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

    “(2) The territorial jurisdiction of Nigeria shall comprise the territory of the Regional members of the Federation and its bound.

  • Nationwide Strike Imminent as Labour Unions Decry Government Inaction

    Nationwide Strike Imminent as Labour Unions Decry Government Inaction

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened to embark on nationwide strike by Monday in response to the Federal Government’s failure to finalize a new National Minimum Wage Act and reverse the recent surge in electricity tariff to N65/kwh.

    During a press conference held on Friday, May 31st, 2024, the unions expressed deep concern over what they perceive as the government’s disregard for the welfare of Nigerian workers.

    The unions were particularly irked by the absence of governors and key ministers, except for the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, during the negotiations as a mark of the government’s lack of commitment to addressing the concerns of workers.

    Recalling the ultimatums issued during the May Day celebrations on May 1st, 2024, demanding the conclusion of the minimum wage negotiations by the end of the month, the unions emphasized the lack of substantial progress or commitment from the government.

    In addition to demanding the reversal of the recent electricity tariff hike, which saw rates skyrocket to N225/kwh, the unions reiterated their call for a return to the previous rate of N65/kwh and an end to the categorization of consumers into Bands.

    Despite widespread protests and public outcry, the unions criticized the government’s response as characterized by “persistent inaction” and the dissemination of propaganda rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue.

    Consequently, the NLC and TUC announced the initiation of an indefinite nationwide strike, set to commence on Monday, June 3rd, 2024. The unions called upon their affiliates, civil society organizations, market traders, and the general public to lend their support to the industrial action.

    While acknowledging the potential inconveniences that may arise from the strike, the unions affirmed their unwavering resolve to pursue their objectives until the demands regarding the minimum wage and electricity tariff hike are satisfactorily addressed by the government.

  • LG autonomy: S/Court gives Govs 7 days to respond Suit

    LG autonomy: S/Court gives Govs 7 days to respond Suit

    The Supreme Court, Thursday, gave the 36 State Governors seven days to file their defence in reponse to the Federal Government suit seeking autonomy for 774 local governments in the country.

    The Apex court also ordered the AGF to, upon receipt of the governors defence, file his reply within two days.

    The seven-man panel led by
    Justice Garba Lawal issued the order while ruling on an application for an abridgment of time argued by the Attorney General of Federation ( AGF) Lateef Fagebemi SAN.

    The apex court said that the decision of the court was predicated on the national urgency of the suit and the non objection from the attorneys general of the states of the federation.

    It insisted that filing of all processes and exchanging of same must be completed within the time.

    Justice Lawal ordered that the 8 states that were not in attendance at Thursdays proceedings must be served with fresh hearing notice.

    The 8 states are Borno, Kano, Kogi, Niger, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Sokoto, whose attorneys general were absent in court despite being served with hearing notice.

    In the meantime, the matter is adjourned to June 13 for hearing of the suit.

    The FG, through the AGF, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, dragged the 36 state governors to the supreme court over alleged misconduct in the local government administration.

    Specifically, the AGF is seeking full autonomy for LG as third tiers of government in the country.

    The Governors were sued through their respective State Attorneys General.

    In the suit marked SC/CV/343/2024, the AGF is praying the Apex Court for an order prohibiting State Governors from unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders for local governments..

    In the originating summons, AGF is also praying the Apex Court for an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors.

    The summon, personally signed by AGF, seeks an order of the Apex Court stopping governors from constituting Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of local governments as against the Constitutionally recognized and guaranteed democratically system.

    It also applied for an order of injunction restraining the governors, their agents and privies from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefits of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states.

  • Conflicting orders: NBA seeks actions against judges, lawyers involved in Kano Emirate tussle

    Conflicting orders: NBA seeks actions against judges, lawyers involved in Kano Emirate tussle

    The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has called for punitive actions against lawyers and Judges involved in the conflicting orders in the Kano Emirate legal tussle.

    The NBA through it’s President, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, maintained that actions of lawyers and judges have brought utter disgrace and shame to the profession and have exposed the entire legal profession in Nigeria to public ridicule and opprobrium.

    The association, had in a statement, Wednesday in Abuja, vowed to drag any lawyer found culpable in the matter before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee LPDC for deserved appropriate sanctions.

    It therefore, called on the Chief Judges of the Federal High Court and his counterpart in the High Court of Kano State to identify the judicial officers involved and drag them before the National Judicial Council NJC for disciplinary action.

    The statement read in part “I have keenly followed the developments on the recent events concerning the stool of the Emir of Kano.

    “I must say, without any equivocation, that the conducts of counsel and the Courts in the handling of the proceedings which culminated in the orders issued by the Federal High Court, the Kano State High Court and again the Federal High Court, in circus, have brought utter disgrace and shame to the profession – have exposed the entire legal profession in Nigeria to public ridicule and opprobrium.

    “The damage is one that would take the legal profession a long time to recover from.
    It is unfortunate and was totally uncalled for.

    “For a country whose legal resources and expertise have for several decades been exported and positively impacted not only the African continent but the world at large, it is completely unacceptable that the processes of our courts would be deployed in the manner we have witnessed in the last couple of days, on a subject matter that is as clear as chieftaincy dispute.

    “This is a subject that has been sufficiently dealt with by legislations and case law, leaving no one confused about the jurisprudence on the subject – both procedural and substantive.

    “Without prejudice to the subsisting actions before both the Federal High Court and the Kano State High Court, it is my considered view that there is urgent need to scrutinize the professional conducts of both Counsel and the Judges involved in these matters.

    “This is to enable the relevant bodies or institutions determine their culpability or otherwise, from an ethical and professional standpoint.

    “I therefore call on the respective heads of the Courts of the Judges concerned, to take immediate steps to look into their conducts with the view to finding any possible abuse of their judicial offices and file a report with the National Judicial Council for necessary action.

    “The NBA on the other hand will investigate the conducts of the counsel involved in these cases and shall not hesitate to commence disciplinary action against them before the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary
    Committee, should there be any finding of alleged professional misconduct against them.

    “The Chairman of the NBA Ethics and Disciplinary Committee has accordingly been directed to invite these counsel for preliminary investigations.

    “While the NBA shall continue to stand for and protect the integrity, welfare, and independence of the Bar and the Judiciary, we shall not hesitate to call out any Judge or counsel, who engages in any professional misconduct.

    “We have consistently maintained that the institution of the Judiciary must be guarded jealously by all (both within and outside the legal profession) including the other arms of Government (Executive and Legislature), because the existence, peace, growth, development of any nation is intricately
    connected with the primary responsibility of the judiciary which is the dispensation of Justice.

    “Sheikh Othman DanFodiyo was reported to have said – “a people can exist without religion but they cannot exist without justice”.

    “Let us quit being religious as a people and begin to search for God and Justice for the people, in order to attain the peace we must all desire for the benefit of our nation.

    “The legal profession as a whole (Bench and Bar) must at all times, resist any attempt to
    compromise its independence, as when this is allowed, we will fail in our noble call and
    assignment of providing direction to the people and advancing the cause of our nation within the confines of the rule of law.

    “The respect in which the legal profession in any country is held, is the best indicator of the freedom enjoyed by that country. We must therefore bring erring members of the profession to book to regain the respect we must have to lead Nigeria to its pride of place in the comity of nations”, the statement said.

  • National Anthem Reversal: President Tinubu Enacts Bill, Returns “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”

    National Anthem Reversal: President Tinubu Enacts Bill, Returns “Nigeria, We Hail Thee”

    President Bola Tinubu has signed into law the National Anthem Bill 2024, effectively restoring “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as the country’s official anthem. The decision, announced amidst a backdrop of anticipation and skepticism, marks a significant departure from the anthem “Arise, O Compatriots,” which has held sway since 1978.

    The National Anthem Bill 2024, a contentious piece of legislation that has garnered attention nationwide, underwent rigorous scrutiny in the National Assembly before receiving the presidential assent.

    Advocates for the change argue that the reinstated anthem carries deeper historical resonance and a stronger sense of unity, reflective of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage.

    President Tinubu, at the joint national Assembly address following the signing ceremony, emphasized the importance of honoring Nigeria’s past while embracing its future. “Our anthem is more than mere words; it is a symbol of our collective identity and aspirations,” he remarked. “Returning to ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ is a reaffirmation of our commitment to unity in diversity.”

    However, the decision has not been met without criticism. Opponents of the anthem reversal express concerns about erasing decades of symbolism embedded in “Arise, O Compatriots,” which has served as a rallying cry for generations of Nigerians. Some view the move as a regressive step, undermining efforts towards national cohesion and progress.

    As the country prepares for the transition, plans are underway to disseminate the reinstated anthem across various platforms, including educational institutions, government functions, and public events.

    The impact of this reversion on Nigeria’s cultural landscape and national sentiment remains to be seen, as citizens grapple with the implications of this historic decision.

  • Kano emirate tussle: CJN summons FHC CJ, Kano CJ

    Kano emirate tussle: CJN summons FHC CJ, Kano CJ

    The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, has issued a summon to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, and the Chief Judge of Kano State High Court to appear before him over conflicting interim injunctions regarding the Kano Emirate tussle.

    The Federal High Court in Kano, presided over by Justice S. A. Amobeda, issued an order for the eviction of Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II from the Kofar Kudu Palace, reinforcing the authority of the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.

    Also, the Kano State High Court, presided over by Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, issued an injunction to protect Muhammadu Sunusi and other key figures from potential harassment by state authorities.

    This order prevents any interference with the Emir’s autonomy and the seizure of key symbols of his authority, such as the twin spear, the Royal Hat of Dabo, and the Ostrich-feathered shoes.

    These conflicting orders have led to significant confusion regarding the rightful authority and protection of the emirs in Kano. The State High Court’s case is set for further hearing on June 13, while the Federal High Court has adjourned its case to June 4.

  • FG Reacts As Labour Rejects N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

    FG Reacts As Labour Rejects N60K Minimum Wage Offer 

    The Federal Government has appealed to the organised labour to be considerate and accept the proposed N60K minimum wage offer.

    Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha made the appeal in a statement signed by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The organized labour on Tuesday rejected the N60,000 proposed by the Tripartite Committee.

    They also reduced their demand from N500,000 to N494,000.

    Giving reasons for not accepting the N60K proposal, the Labour said:

    “How can we agree on N60,000- an amount that cannot buy a bag of rice to serve as national minimum wage. Let’s assume that you are buying a loaf of bread for your family at N2,000 every day and that is what you and your family want to be eating for one meal.

    “We have to be realistic in this country. When government increased the price of petrol, they asked labour to wait and demand for a living minimum wage and the government is going to provide a living a living wage for workers. But now, we are asking for a living wage and government is playing around it.”

    Reacting to the development, Onyejeocha said that the federal government had been consistent in taking steps to secure a fair and realistic wage for Nigeria workers.

    “We are committed to putting the people first and ensuring that our economic policies benefit all Nigerians, not just a select few.

    “The government remain dedicated to prioritizing the well-being of our citizens and its want to urge all relevant parties to demonstrate patriotism and understanding.

    “This is particularly during this critical period when the President, Bola Tinubu, is working diligently to revitalize the economy,”she said.

    “As a government, we recognise the importance of ensuring that our citizens receive a decent standard of living, and we are committed to making this a reality.

    “After hours of intense negotiations, labour leaders took a recess to consult with other key stakeholders and have pledged to return to the negotiating table for further discussion.

    “We welcome this development and are optimistic that our continued engagement will yield a positive outcome.

    “In light of the current economic conditions, we have made a concessionary move from N57,000 to N60,000.

    “This is the path that this government has chosen to pursue, and we will not deviate or stray from the course.

    “President Tinubu has been tireless in his efforts to revitalise the economy and improve the standard of living for all Nigerians.

    “His commitment to creating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and reducing poverty is genuine, and we appeal to all to support him in this endeavour.

    “As we move forward, we will continue to engage with organised labour and other stakeholders to ensure that our economic policies are inclusive and beneficial to all,” she added.

    Meanwhile, yesterday’s meeting ended in a deadlock as both parties failed to reach an agreement.

    The meeting was subsequently postponed indefinitely.

    The Labour had vowed that if the Federal Government failed to come up with a reasonable amount by May 31, then a nationwide strike will begin.