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Tag: Federal Government

  • FG Offers Organised Labour N35,000 Pay Increase In Bid To Halt Planned Strike

    FG Offers Organised Labour N35,000 Pay Increase In Bid To Halt Planned Strike

    The Federal Government is optimistic that the planned indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) can be averted, as it presents several compelling offers to address the ongoing dispute resulting from the removal of the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

    During a lengthy meeting held in Abuja on Sunday, the government outlined several proposals aimed at resolving the impasse and mitigating the impact of the subsidy removal on Nigerian workers and citizens.

    The key highlight of these offers includes a substantial N35,000 pay increase for all “treasury-paid” federal employees.

    Other key agreements include Provisional Wage Increment: The Federal Government announced a provisional wage increment of N25,000 for all treasury-paid federal government workers for a period of six months.

    Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses: To alleviate the transportation challenges associated with the subsidy removal, the government is committed to fast-tracking the provision of CNG buses for public transportation.

    Support for Micro and Small-Scale Enterprises: The Federal Government pledged to provide funding support for micro and small-scale enterprises, recognizing their importance in driving economic growth and employment.

    Waiver on VAT for Diesel: VAT on diesel will be waived for the next six months to help mitigate the effects of subsidy removal on businesses and individuals.

    Cash Transfer to Households: The government will initiate a cash transfer program, disbursing N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month over a three-month period from October to December 2023.

    Resolutions Reached: During the meeting, several resolutions were reached to address the ongoing dispute and ensure the welfare of Nigerian workers:

    Work While Negotiating: The parties emphasized that the issues in dispute can only be effectively resolved when workers are at work and not during strike actions.

    Higher Wage Award: Labour Unions advocated for a higher wage award, and the Federal Government pledged to present the request to President Bola Tinubu for further consideration.

    Sub-committee for Implementation: A sub-committee will be constituted to work out the details of implementing all items related to government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

    Resolution of Transport Workers’ Dispute: The matter concerning the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State will be urgently addressed. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, committed to resolving the matter.

    Suspension of Planned Strike: The NLC and TUC will carefully consider the offers made by the Federal Government with the intention of suspending the planned strike. This will allow for further consultations on the implementation of the agreed resolutions.

    Earlier, in his Independence Day speech, President Bola Tinubu had announced a N25,000 pay increment, indicating that it would apply exclusively to “low-grade” workers as a means of cushioning the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

    The meeting, chaired by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, saw the virtual participation of Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State, who also serves as Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.

    The labour delegation, led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and Deputy President of TUC, Dr. Tommy Etim Okon, comprised key representatives from both unions, including NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja and TUC General Secretary Nuhu Toro, among others.

    Numerous government officials attended the meeting, including the Information Minister, Wale Edun; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; the Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

    Also in attendance were the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu; the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite; the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan; and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

    A statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, indicated that “NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions above.

  • FG Moves To Avert Planned Strike, Meets Organised Labour In Aso Rock

    FG Moves To Avert Planned Strike, Meets Organised Labour In Aso Rock

    In an effort to avert a nationwide strike scheduled for October 3, the Federal Government has initiated discussions with organised labour at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    This meeting, orchestrated by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has drawn the participation of several ministers.

    Last Tuesday, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) jointly declared their intent to commence an indefinite strike on October 3.

    Following a resolution of their internal differences, which led to a two-day warning strike by the NLC without the participation of TUC, the unions also called upon their state chapters to mobilize for protests across the nation.

    Two days later, during a meeting of the National Executive Council chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, a plea was made to the organised labour to reconsider their planned strike action.

    Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, who addressed reporters at the Presidential Villa last Thursday, appealed to the leadership of organised labour to exercise patience and allow more time for dialogue.

    Mutfwang revealed that the welfare of Nigerian workers would be a focal point in President Bola Tinubu’s inaugural Independence Day address to the nation on Sunday.

    In response to the plea made by the National Executive Council, the President’s Chief of Staff convened this meeting to resolve the ongoing industrial dispute with organised labour.

  • FG Denies N50bn Plea Bargain With Emefiele

    The Federal Government on Sunday, distanced itself from a purported N50 billion planned non-prosecution plea bargain with the embattled former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

    The detained ex CBN Boss was reported to have entered into a plea bargain with government on condition of surrendering N50b to facilitate his early release from the custody of the Department of the State Service DSS and cancelling his trial on charges comprising money laundering, breach of Public Procurement Act and abuse of office.

    However, on Sunday, the Attorney General of the Federation AGF and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi said neither his office or the Presidency have had anything of such nature with Emefiele.

    The position of the Federal Government was made public in a statement by the Director of Information in the Federal Ministry of Justice Mrs Modupe Ogundoro.

    The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has 

    been drawn to a report by Sahara Reporters alleging that the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Federal Government of Nigeria, have agreed to a non-prosecution plea bargain arrangement.

    “The report further alleges that Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, have signed a non-prosecution plea bargain agreement and that the agreement is awaiting the signature of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 

    “The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice hereby states clearly that these reports are completely false. 

    “It would be noted that the legal team representing Mr. Godwin Emefiele had expressed their intention in court at the last hearing to initiate a plea bargain 

    arrangement. 

    “However, no such arrangement has been reached with Mr. Godwin Emefiele or his 

    representatives.

    “We wish to advise the media and members of the public to kindly disregard the said false report. 

    “The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice will continue to take all actions in the interest of the Nigerian public,” Fagbemi assured.

  • Blue Economy: Prof Pauli Tasks FG On Private Sector Partnership, Job Creation

    Blue Economy: Prof Pauli Tasks FG On Private Sector Partnership, Job Creation

    The creator of Blue Economy, Prof Gunter Pauli, has said that, for the policy to succeed, the Federal Government must aggressively collaborate with the private sector to attract investment into the sector. 

    While hailing President Bola Tinubu for creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Pauli said in six months the ministry can facilitate the creation of a hundred thousand jobs by exploiting opportunities provided by the blue economy.

    Prof Pauli, who listed shipping, paper conversion from wastes and maggot farming for poultry and fishing as low hanging fruits, urged the ministry to embrace job and wealth creation. 

    In his remarks, the Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola expressed happiness on the interest shown by Prof Pauli in assisting the country tap its idle capacity from the oceans and the blue economy, while also promising to work with private investors in opening up the sector.

    “I want to say that it’s not by accident that this ministry was created. It was part of the economic diversification policy of our country. We believed so much in oil but we now realize that 70% or so of the resources available actually come from the ocean and we have it in abundance here but neglected it for long.

    “I must commend the president for creating the ministry. I want to assure you that we are up to the task and I believe so much in the PPP arrangement because government has no business in business. Government should just provide the enabling environment for business to thrive,” the minister said.

    He disclosed that efforts have been stepped up to improve transportation infrastructure, including automation of port operations for efficiency and increase in revenue.

    “We now have sufficient control over insecurity and I want to tell you that for the past two years there has been no record of piracy on our shores. That is re-assuring to investors. I also assure you that we are ready to collaborate with investors, we are willing and ready and we will support all the initiatives that will bring all this to reality,” the minister promised,” he said. 

  • FG, IFAD Distribute Agricultural Inputs To Rice, Cassava Farmers

    The Federal Government and International Fund for Agricultural Development – Value Chain Development Programme (FG/IFAD- VCDP), on Tuesday, began distribution of agricultural inputs to rice and cassava farmers in Nasarawa.

    Dr Eunice Adgidzi, state coordination of VCDP in Nasarawa, at the flag off on Tuesday in Lafia, said the distribution of the

    agricultural inputs was in furtherance of the VCDP commitment to strengthening rice and cassava value chains in the state.

    Adgidzi added that the exercise would also help to improve the livelihood of smallholder rice and cassava farmers on a sustainable basis in Nasarawa.

    She listed the items to be distributed to include 92 irrigation pumps, 40 solar-powered knapsack sprayers, four power tillers and eight tricycles.

    Others are eight cassava processing equipment, including grinding machines, communal fryers, hydraulic pressers, cassava chipping machine as well as stainless steel rice steam per boilers.

    The coordinator noted that the programme had sustained its intervention through the distribution of inputs in the state since July 2020.

    She commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his support to agriculture, adding that the commitment was gradually making Nasarawa a hub for agricultural excellence.

    Adgidzi urged the farmers to make judicious use of the items to boost agricultural production.

    “While VCDP has done its part, farmers must also do their part to enable us to achieve the desired success.

    “We are all counting on you to effectively utilise these equipment in order to boost production and processing of rice and cassava in the state,” she said.

    In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Umar Dan-Akano, lauded the VCDP’s intervention in the state.

    Dan-Akano, represented by the Director, Agriculture Engineering Services, Solomon Umbundaga, said the programme had greatly improved the livelihood of smallholder farmers in the state.

    He encouraged the benefiting farmers to continue to leverage the opportunity to boost food production in the state.

    Also speaking at the event, Mr Emmanuel Alanana, Programme Manager, Nasarawa Agricultural Development Programme (NADP),

    said that Nasarawa government had always prioritised the agricultural sector.

    He urged farmers to always take advantage of the various programmes to enhance production.

    Alanana maintained that Nasarawa State used to be a leading producer in cassava and rice, and called for its sustenance.

    He charged the beneficiaries of the item to make good use of them.

    “We have the land and the population and there is no need for us to go hungry in Nasarawa State.

    ” We shouldn’t rely only on rain-fed farming given our potentials for dry season crop production.

    “So, I appeal to all farmers in the state to take advantage of available opportunities, especially with the passion of the present administration in agriculture,” he said.

    Some of the beneficiaries, Haladu Abubakar and Margaret Ogah, thanked the VCDP for the intervention, saying it would go a long way to boasting their farm produce.

  • Eidel-Maulud: FG Declares Wednesday Public Holiday

    Eidel-Maulud: FG Declares Wednesday Public Holiday

    The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, September 27, public holiday in commemoration of Eidel-Maulud celebration, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

    The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in Abuja.

    Tunji-Ojo congratulated the Muslim Ummah both home and in diaspora for witnessing the occasion.

    He admonished Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, patience, tolerance and perseverance which were deep spiritual virtues that the Holy Prophet exemplified.

    The minister also urged Nigerians, especially the youth to embrace the virtues of hard work and peaceful disposition to fellow humans, irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity.

    He also enjoined them to join hands with President Bola Tinubu’s led administration in its effort to build a progressive and enviable nation that Nigerians would be proud of.

    Tunji-Ojo wished the Muslim Ummah a joyful celebration.

  • Zamfara Students’ Abduction: FG Not Negotiating With Terrorists –Minister

    The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has described as misleading, allegation that the Federal Government was negotiating with the Zamfara terrorists to secure the release of the abducted students of Federal University, Gusau.

    This is contained in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, by Mr Hope Attari, Acting Director of Press and Public Relations, MoD.

    Attari said that the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Badaru, was reacting to a statement credited to a governor that the Federal Government was negotiating with the terrorists to secure the release of the students.

    Badaru, while condemning the act and reassuring Zamfara residents, said that the Federal Government was doing everything possible to secure their release.

    He explained that President Bola Tinubu had given marching order to the military and other security agencies to ensure the release of those abducted.

    According to him, the Federal Government is not negotiating with the Zamfara terrorists to secure the release of the abducted. The government is working assiduously round the clock to ensure that the girls and others return home.

    “The allegation is false and misleading as the ministry has not mandated any body or group to negotiate on behalf of the Federal Government.”

    He reassured Zamfara residents and Nigerians at large of the progress being made for the quick return of the female students and others of Federal University Gusau.

    He expressed confidence that the joint security task forces was working discreetly round the clock to get the students rescued.

    He extended his heartfelt sympathy to the parents, the academic community, and the entire residents of the state for the tragic abduction.

    He, however, noted that the order of the president had started yielding result as 13 of the abducted students and 3 others regained their freedom on Monday.

    “This feat was achieved through the professional efforts of the military.

    “I condole with the families of the girls and others that were abducted; I share in your pain and strongly condemn this reprehensible act carried out by suspected bandits,” he said.

  • Rising Oil Prices Good For FG, Bad For Nigerians, Says Rewane

    Goldman Sachs has predicted oil price will likely rise to $100 again, citing lower production output from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), amongst others.

    Chief Executive Officer of Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, Bismarck Rewane, says it will only increase revenue to governments but will not benefit Nigerians.

    “Globally, oil prices trade at $95/b and are projected to hit $100/b by year-end due to supply shortages. While government revenue, Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) could increase in naira terms, Nigeria’s reliance on imported energy products (LPG, diesel, petrol and kerosene) amid a falling naira means higher food and transport costs, exacerbating inflationary pressures”, said Rewane in a statement Sunday.

    He said, these will be major considerations for the MPC at its next meeting, whenever that will be. Nonetheless, we expect the MPC to remain hawkish.

    Rewane in its FDC Prism Sunday however said, some form of looking inward could solve Nigeria’s economic woes.

    “Viable options would be improving the value addition of top agricultural traded products like cashew and cocoa, as well as mineral resources like steel. More importantly, Nigeria needs to show its political will, improve access, and encourage local businesses, particularly SMEs, to participate in the AfCFTA by removing non-tariff barriers, he said.

    Also meanwhile, oil and gas companies keep reporting meaty profits and investors are rediscovering their love of hydrocarbons.

    At the recent World Petroleum Congress (WPC) in Calgary, oil executives and government officials both warned against the continued push to discourage investment in new hydrocarbon production.

    “There seems to be wishful thinking that we’re going to flip a switch from where we’re at today to where it will be tomorrow,” Exxon’s chief executive said during the event.

    “No matter where demand gets to, if we don’t maintain some level of investment industry, you end up running shorter supply which leads to higher prices,” Darren Woods also said.

    This is exactly what we are currently witnessing in Europe and the United States. Because of the transition push, oil producers are being extra cautious with production growth. Also, they are prioritizing shareholder returns to keep shareholders on, so it pays for them to be cautious.

    In Europe, the supermajors are being squeezed by windfall profit taxes, activist pressure, and increasingly restrictive legislation, so they are turning elsewhere.

    Shell is tapping billions of potential barrels in Namibia, and Total is considering a $9billion commitment to oil exploration in Suriname.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria’s oil output could increase to 2.1 million barrels per day by December 2024 after the country secured $13.5 billion in investment pledges over the next twelve months from oil majors.

    The companies agreed to invest a total of $55.2 billion by 2030 – including the $13.5 billion over the next twelve months – to lift crude production, according to a statement from the president’s office.
    Nigeria’s oil output stood at 1.18 million bpd in August 2023, according to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), meaning production would nearly double by the end of next year.

    Nigeria is the top oil producer in Africa but large-scale oil theft has over the years cost the country billions of dollars, while dwindling investment in the sector has also curtailed output.
    The losses from theft and a lack of new projects have reduced oil exports sharply, eroding foreign currency earnings in Africa’s biggest economy.

  • Kano Guber: Don’t Allow Tribunal Truncate Justice In Kano, CCLCA Cautions FG

    *As Kano women beg FG for intervention

    A coalition of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) accredited foreign and domestic observers for the 2023 Kano Governorship election, has warned the political gladiators to desist from truncating the will of the Kano people.

    The group, made up of seven civil society organization, maintained that INEC’s declaration of the NNPP candidate, Abba Kabir Yusuf as the winner of that election, represents the voice of the people and in consistent with their observation in the field.

    Meanwhile, Kano woman have cried out to the federal government, to allow justice prevail in Kano, adding that they will have no home and their children will have no school to attend if problems escalated.

    Addressing the press on Monday, the Director General, Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), Dr Gabriel Nwambu, decried the miscarriage of justice perpetrated by the Kano state tribunal.

    To drive home his point, Dr Nwambu noted that Justice Flora Azinge, one of the justices of the State Assembly tribunal raised alarm over an attempt to offer N10 million to one of his staff, with the intension to subvert justice in the course of the proceedings of the tribunal.

    According to him, this implies that there has been an unprecedented attempt to subvert justice and subvert the popular wish of the electorate in Kano state.

    The group also expressed shocked over the Tribunals ruling bothering on the disqualification of the Governor of Kano state as member of the NNPP, adding that the matter is a pre-election matter which the tribunal had no jurisdiction.

    They were also dismayed on the nullification of over one hundred thousands valid votes which was an integral part of the power exercised by the electorates as enshrined in the 1999 constitution as amended has never been seen before in the history of Nigeria.

    They therefore, call for caution, noting how the spate of coup d’etat in Africa is spreading very fast and advise the political elites to look beyond their personal gains and focus on the unity and coexistence of the Nigerian nation. 

    “By this medium, we wish to advice the political elites in Kano state to shield their swords and allow the people’s votes to count. Kano state is a cosmopolitan City in Nigeria, therefore igniting issues capable of causing breakdown of law and order would not be in the interest of the Nigerian nation.

    “The present situation in Kano could deteriorate even further if not treated with utmost caution and urgency. The Judiciary is said to be the hope of the common man. We, hereby advice that care should be taken in Kano state to resolve the present judicial process with utmost caution. Let us allow the NNPP which is the party that truly won the 18th March, 2023 Governorship election serve the people of Kano,” he concluded.

    The coalition group includes Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, Pan African Women Projects, African Union and Organization orf Justice and Equity.

    Also among the coalition are Intercontinental Leadership Initiative, Global Centre for Conscious Living Against Corruption and Initiative for Voter Awareness and Electoral Reform.