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Tag: minimum wage

  • VIDEO: Labour leaders applaud Tinubu for approving new minimum wage [WATCH]

    VIDEO: Labour leaders applaud Tinubu for approving new minimum wage [WATCH]

    Labour union leaders in the country on Thursday enthusiastically applauded President Bola Tinubu with three “GBOSAs” at the State House after the President approved a new minimum wage of N70,000 for workers in the country.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the federal government and organised labour reached an agreement for a new minimum wage of N70,000, following a meeting between the labour leaders and President Tinubu.

    The labour leaders, as seen in a video that has now gone viral on social media, applauded Tinubu for the new minimum wage with the President promising to find ways to assist the private sector and the sub-nationals to pay the new minimum wage.

    Meanwhile, according to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Tinubu also promised that he will use his discretionary powers to meet the demands of university unions demanding unpaid 4 months salaries.

    Tinubu to give 36 CNG buses to Labour unions

    Also, as a way of ameliorating the high cost of living by workers, President Bola Tinubu has promised to give 36 CNG powered buses with a sitting capacity of 100 each to the TUC and NLC.

    This was one of the highlights of the meeting between the federal government and the two central trade unions in Abuja today.

  • BREAKING: President Tinubu approves new minimum wage

    BREAKING: President Tinubu approves new minimum wage

    President Bola Tinubu has approved N70,000 as new minimum wage for Nigerian workers with a promise to review the national minimum wage law every three years.

    President Tinubu also promised to find ways to assist the private sector and the sub-nationals to pay the new minimum wage.

    The President announced this during a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the presidential villa on Thursday.

    The Labour leaders, according to Bayo Onanuga, applauded Tinubu for the fatherly gesture as the President also promised to use his discretionary powers meet the demands of university unions demanding unpaid 4 months salaries.

    Confirming the development, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris disclosed that organised labour agreed to the N70,000 new minimum wage.

    TNG reports Idris spoke at the end of the meeting between President Tinubu and labour at the State House on Thursday.

  • Minimum Wage: Consider State, LG’s ability to pay, PDP Govs. tell Labour, FG

    Minimum Wage: Consider State, LG’s ability to pay, PDP Govs. tell Labour, FG

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum, has urged the organised Labour and the Federal Government to consider State and Local Government’s ability to pay minimum wage in their negotiation.

    The Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State made the call in a communique issued  at the end of the forum’s meeting at the Government House, Enugu on Wednesday.

    NAN reports that all the PDP Governors attended the meeting, its National Working committees and other organs with the exception of Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun State.

    Reading the communique, Mohammed noted that the minimum wage negotiation was becoming unduly protracted in the face of attending unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of the majority of the people.

    While reiterating the forum’s full support to labour demand, the Chairman said agreement must be taken to consider the ability to pay by the sub national, Federal Government and the third tier  of government.

    “The labour demand which is  substantially salary raise is eminently justified and therefore called  for proper support of the forum.

    “While negotiation are ongoing, we appeal for restraining of utterance and actions that could lead to complete breakdown of law and order and ultimately lead to the collapse of the economy,” he said.

    On the economy, Mohammed  expressed dismay and great concern on the mismanagement of the economy by the APC led government, urging them to take proactive measures to save Nigeria from collapsing.

    Mohammed added that the forum would  continue to support the autonomy of the local government as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and as ruled by the Supreme Court.

    According to him, PDP Governors believe in the efficacy of the local government system which ensures that governance is brought closer to the people as provided in the constitution.

    On the off-season election in Edo and Ondo States,  the governor admonished all the parties to ensure that their campaigns were issue based, violence free and compliance to the procedures of the Electoral Act.

    Mohammed called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to provide enabling environment that guaranteed level play ground, fairness and peaceful elections, maintaining that any act of  bias would  be totally resisted by the party.

    “We therefore, urge Mr President to show leadership as a true democratic and refrain from making any statement suggesting political interference in the entire election process,” he advised.

  • Ondo guber: LP candidate promises N120,000 minimum wage

    Ondo guber: LP candidate promises N120,000 minimum wage

    Dr Ayodele Olorunfemi, the Labour Party (LP) governorship candidate in the Nov. 16 election  in Ondo State, says he will implement N120,000 minimum wage for workers, if voted for.

    Olorunfemi, in an interview with NAN on Tuesday in Lagos, said that well-paid workers tended to be more productive than poorly paid ones

    “As at 2023 when we were campaigning, we assured our people that LP would be paying a minimum of N80,000 minimum wage in Ondo, that was before the economy got to where it is today.

    “With the situation in the market now , looking at the cost of living, if this state is put under our control, we shall not pay anything less than N120,000 as minimum wage.

    “That is the minimum we can pay and we believe we will be able to  afford it,” he said.

    The candidate said that the party would engage more workers in the state and motivate them to be productive and improve the state’s Internally Generated Revenue.

    “The fact that I know is that what we have now can pay the minimum wage.

    “We want our workers to be productive so that more wealth can come to the state,” he said.

    Olorunfemi said that if elected, his administration would rigorously pursue construction of a dry port to stop inflow of traffic into Lagos from the state and its environs.

    “When we take over as LP, the first agenda is to make sure there is a port in Ondo State, to boost business and the economy.

    “We are working with Alaba International Market Association in Lagos. We are going to work on how to have our own dry port to decongest Alaba International Market in Lagos.

    “We are getting a dry port at Ore and a very big international market that will reduce traffic inflow to Lagos,” he said.

  • Minimum Wage: President Tinubu to announce new figure on Thursday

    Minimum Wage: President Tinubu to announce new figure on Thursday

    Mohammed Idris the Minister of Information and National Orientation has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu will probably  take a final decision on the new minimum wage this week’s  Thursday.

    According to Idris, the President will be meeting with the organised Labour on Thursday before deciding on an amount that would be forwarded to the National Assembly.

    He added that the Federal Executive Council deliberated on the national minimum wage and would invite the organised Labour for a meeting this week.

    He said the President was not averse to increasing the national minimum wage but was being careful so as not to plunge the country into an unimaginable inflationary trend.

  • Labour can enforce minimum wage compliance – SGF

    Labour can enforce minimum wage compliance – SGF

    The Federal Government says the organised labour has the duty to enforce compliance to the minimum wage payments by state governments following the inability of some states to pay.

    Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation(SGF) communicated this on Thursday in Abuja at the end of a two-day Pre-retirement Summit, organised by XEM Consulting Ltd.

    Akume, who was represented by Dr Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, OSGF, urged the organised labour not to leave the enforcement of the law to the government.

    “So, as we are discussing paying pension, I will also throw it back to labour; you have the duty to enforce the compliance of these laws; it is not just the question of complaining.

    “You should be able to come in; ensure the compliance of these laws by the relevant stakeholders.

    “Federal Government can come up with a policy and issue circulars, but then the onus lies on those who are monitoring the implementation, to ensure that lack of compliance should be sanctioned.

    “Whether it is minimum wage or pension, the best law that can be made is the law you can enforce; if you make an omnibus law that you cannot enforce, that law is good as nothing,’’ he said.

    According to Akume, the Federal Government has initiated a lot of reform programmes that will lift people out of poverty in the nearest future but that Nigerians should be patient, while it materialise.

    Earlier in his remarks, Mr Joe Ajaero, President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), regretted that the current pension scheme fell short of taking care of Nigeria’s aging population.

    “Nigerian workers before and after retirement are faced with challenging life situations; the lump sum payment should be increased by at least 50 per cent.

    “Together, we can create a system that assures workers a retirement period of joy and not trepidation; the theme of this summit resonates with the present day workforce.

    “Retirement under the current pension scheme may become a death sentence for many; many questions fill the minds of workers post retirement as regards the pension scheme.

    “Inadequate pension benefits, inflation, rising cost and the financial contributions made pre-retirement difficult to match the current monetary values at post retirement,’’ he said.

    Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, Head of Civil Service of the Federation, said that her office was working on remodelling the existing health insurance programme to accommodate retirees.

    Yemi-Esan, who was represented by Dr Comfort Adeosun, a Director in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, said retirees could not be abandoned in their old age.

    “Presently, on your retirement day, the next thing that happens to your National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) enrolment is that it stops.

    “But we are working on insurance; when she came in, she told us to start the drive; I come from a part of the  system where we treat them when they are retired.

    “NLC President mentioned the military having retirement camps; the military also had health care schemes for retirees; you just appear in the hospital, and all we need to see is that they are treating you.

    “We need to collaborate as civil servants and public servants so that the new policies that we are trying to formulate will work; we must be ready to believe in it.’’

    The head of service also said that efforts had been intensified to ensure workers own their houses before they retired.

    “We have already gotten more land and we have told ourselves that we must do more.

    “If you get a house and you have health insurance at retirement, what else do you want? Like I said, the head of service wants to achieve a lot before she leaves,” she said.

    According to Yemi-Esan, her office has developed a retirement plan that will help civil servants maximise their skills especially in the agricultural value chain.

    Convener of the Pre-retirement Summit, Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, assured that the welfare of Nigerian workers, especially the retirees would always be on the front burner.

    Ndukwe said that the theme of the summit “Challenges, Prospects, Strategies and Opportunities at Retirement in Nigeria”, was carefully chosen to prepare prospective retirees for retirement.

    “This theme resonates deeply with our vision to create a hub where employees approaching retirement, stakeholders and industry vendors can converge, share resources, and co-create innovative solutions for a fulfilling post-work life.

    “We mark a significant milestone in our collective journey towards redefining retirement in Nigeria.

    “The summit aims to address the pressing need for a supportive ecosystem that enables retiring Nigerians to transition smoothly, pursue their passions and maintain financial sustainability.

    “We envision a future where aging is celebrated and prosperity is within reach for all.

    “We will explore strategies for sustainable income, healthcare, and personal growth, as well as opportunities for entrepreneurship, mentorship and community engagement,’’ she said.

    Exceptional individuals and institutions that have made significant impact on the lives of workers and retirees in Nigeria were given awards.

    Among the award categories is the Best Media Personality in Print, Broadcast and Radio in Supporting Retiree Welfare.

  • I’m committed to just, realistic minimum wage – Tinubu

    I’m committed to just, realistic minimum wage – Tinubu

    President Bola Tinubu says Nigerian workers, as the driving force of the nation, deserve improved welfare, better wages, as well as safe and enhanced working conditions.

    The President stated this on Thursday in Abuja, while speaking with the leadership of the organised labour led by the Presidents of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress  (TUC) Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, respectively.

    Tinubu said he was concerned about the welfare of Nigerian workers and his administration was prioritising their concerns.

    “I pay attention to everything around me. A happy worker is a productive worker, and  society depends on the productivity of the happy worker,” the President said.

    He, however, called for realistic expectations as regards the minimum wage question.

    “You have to cut your coat according to available cloth. Before we can finalise on the minimum wage process, we have to look at the structure.

    “Why must we adjust wages every five years? Why not two or three years? What is a problem today, can be eased up tomorrow.

    “There is much dynamism to this process if we are not myopic in our approaches. We can take a surgical approach that is based on pragmatism and a deep understanding of all factors,” he said

    Ajaero emphasised the need for an upward adjustment to the minimum wage, noting: “Between living wage and minimum wage, we need to find a balance. Things are difficult for the Nigerian worker.”

    He congratulated the President on the judgment of the Supreme Court affirming the constitutional rights of local governments as regards financial autonomy and other salient principles.

    “I have to congratulate you on the issue of local government autonomy. We have been on the streets protesting for local government autonomy. Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel, it will amount to ungratefulness if we fail to commend you.”

    On his part, Osifo said inflation had adversely affected the value of the Naira and that the measures initiated by the government to address the rising cost of food and transportation needed to kick in, to give citizens relief.

    He said the rollout of Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses would help in checking the high cost of transportation, while the recent directive on the suspension of duty on certain food imports would bring down the prices of food items, if properly implemented.

    “We commend you on the landmark judgment of the Supreme Court. History will not forget what has happened today.

    “With this judgement, we believe Nigeria will make progress,” the TUC President said.

  • Resolve impasse on new minimum wage now – SSANU tells FG

    Resolve impasse on new minimum wage now – SSANU tells FG

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has advised the Federal Government to quickly resolve the impasse surrounding the implementation of a new minimum wage for workers in the country.

    The Chairman of the association,  Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), Kazeem Suarau, gave the advice while receiving an award/commendation letter from the Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation (CESVO).

    Suarau said the current economic situation in the country had exacerbated the sufferings of the masses, hence the need for immediate resolution of the deadlock to allow for an acceptable new minimum wage.

    “The current delay in the implementation of the minimum wage has negatively impacted on the livelihood of millions of hardworking Nigerians, who struggle daily to make ends meet.

    “As prices of essential goods and services continue to rise, the purchasing power of ordinary citizens has dwindled, further deepening poverty and inequality in the country.

    “It is crucial to recognise that an adequate minimum wage is not just a matter of economic policy but a fundamental human rights issue.

    “It directly impacts the wellbeing and dignity of workers and their families, ensuring they can afford basic necessities and live decent lives.

    “Therefore, I urge the government to prioritise and expedite the process of implementing a revised minimum wage that reflects current economic realities.

    “This action will not only alleviate the sufferings of the masses but also stimulate economic growth by boosting consumer spending and overall productivity,” Suarau said.

    He said that SSANU FUL members would join their non-academic colleagues nationwide to stage a protest on July 9 over the nonpayment of their withheld four months salary.

    According to him, we are compelled to announce that protests will be held on all university campuses next Tuesday, July 9.

    He said that despite the approval by  President Bola Tinubu for the release of the withheld salaries and assurances to promptly pay, SSANU/NASU members had yet to be paid to date.

    “Our National Executive has engaged in multiple discussions with the Ministers of Education and Labour as well as the Senate and House of Representatives Education Committees, to address this pressing issue.

    “Regrettably, despite these engagements and assurances, there has been no tangible progress in fulfilling the government’s commitment to remunerate non-teaching members,” he said.

    Saurau thanked CESVO for finding him and other executive members of SSANU, FUL branch, worthy of the award and commendation letters.

    Earlier, while presenting the award on Suarau, the CESVO Executive Director, Salihu Yakubu, said the center was determined and resolute in its fight against corruption and promotion of transparency and accountability in the country.

    Yakubu said that the award and commendation letters were in recognition of the leadership quality of SSANU FUL  and commended the dexterity at which the union’s affairs werr being piloted for the betterment of the members.

  • Minimum Wage: SSANU condemns slow pace in concluding negotiation

    Minimum Wage: SSANU condemns slow pace in concluding negotiation

    The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has condemned the slow pace by government in concluding negotiation process on new national minimum wage for workers in the country.

    Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU said this in a communique issued on Tuesday in Abja at the 48th Regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in University of Benin, Edo State.

    In a copy of the communiqué made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, Ibrahim said the “NEC is seriously peeved and irritated by the dodgy and slow pace of government” in concluding the negotiation process.

    “The cost of living has skyrocketed due to hyper-inflation making it near impossible for workers to cope with the current economic situation.

    “NEC, therefore, requests government to comply with the demands of labour and hasten the process of negotiation.

    “They should also approve and implement a New National Minimum wage that will be domesticated by both states, local governments and the organised private sector.

    “If this is not urgently done, SSANU will join forces with other labour unions to shut down the system, ”he said.

    He said NEC also deliberated on the irregular payment of N35,000 wage award to federal civil servants primarily meant to cushion the agonising effects of fuel subsidy removal pending the approval and implementation of a new National minimum wage.

    He, therefore, called on the federal government to immediately resume the payment of the wage award alongside the accrued three months arrears without further delay.

    The national president also called on the federal government to pay the association members’ withheld four months salary arrears.

    “NEC in session deliberated on the matter and unanimously approved a long drawn comprehensive industrial action after concurrence with the Joint Action Committee meeting of SSANU and NASU.

    “The meeting is scheduled for Thursday 4th July, 2024, if Government fails to pay the four months salary arrears,” he said.

    Ibrahim also said NEC called on government to, as a matter of urgency, reconstitute a new Committee for the renegotiation of the SSANU/FGN 2009 Agreement as the issue was long overdue.

    He frowned at the non-appointment of educationist and experienced technocrats who could have contributed better to the development of the citadels of learning.

    Ibrahim also called for the funding of the university system in the country.

    “Many of these universities, especially at the state level, face challenges of course accreditation, while in some cases, staffers languish in abject poverty due to non-payment of salaries for several months.

    “Abia State University workers are been owed 13 months salary arrears while those in Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma are being selectively paid,”he said.

    He urged government to immediately commence aggressive rehabilitation of roads nationwide.

    Ibrahim also said NEC condemned recently the plan by government to borrow from the contributory Pension Funds to fund national infrastructure.

  • CARTOON OF THE DAY: The minimum wage problem is over

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: The minimum wage problem is over

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: The minimum wage problem is over