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Tag: Salaries

  • Buhari to federal workers: No IPPIS, no salaries

    Buhari to federal workers: No IPPIS, no salaries

    President Muhammadu Buhari says only federal workers that have been captured by the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) platform will continue to receive salaries.

    Buhari said this when he presented the 2021 budget of N13.08trillion to the joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), currently on industrial action, has vowed never to key into the IPPIS platform, as demanded by the government.

    NAN reports that ASUU had since claimed to have developed an alternative salary platform for University workers.

    ASUU National President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, said that the union’s ongoing strike would continue in spite of government’s decision to reopen schools shutdown due to COVID-19 pandemic.

    “We started our industrial action before the outbreak of coronavirus disease in the country.

    “All the issues we raised are yet to be addressed. The government is free to open its schools, just like our members are also entitled to their dues.

    “As we speak, our members are being owed between three to six months of salaries. The government’s so-called fund saving platform, the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System is a colossal failure.

    “Apart from that, the government is yet to take any step to revitalise the education sector among others,” he said.

    However, Buhari, who insisted that all federal workers must enrol into the IPPIS platform, said the directive was meant to check fraud including payment of salaries to non-existent personnel as well unauthorised allowances.

    Buhari also directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure that they obtain necessary approvals before embarking on fresh recruitment.

    He warned that any breach of the directive would be severely sanctioned.

    Buhari said that the Ministry of Education’s capital allocation had been increased by 65 per cent to improve the education of Nigerian children.

    The president revealed that funds had been provided for the provision of scholarship to Nigerian students at home and abroad.

    “We have provided funds for the upgrade of security and other infrastructure facilities in our Unity Colleges nationwide.

    “To improve access to education, we have made provision for the establishment of five new Federal Science and Technical Colleges.

    “We have also provided for the payment of allowances to 5,000 teachers under the Federal Teachers Scheme,’’ he added.

  • NLC blows hot over call to slash workers’ salaries

    NLC blows hot over call to slash workers’ salaries

    The Chairman, Kano State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kabiru Ado-Minjibir has cautioned against any attempt to slash salaries of workers in the country.

    Minjibir, who gave the warning in an interview with newsmen on Wednesday in Kano, said any attempt to reduce the workers’ salaries would be met with stiff resistance from workers in the country.

    The NLC Chairman was reacting on the advice given to Federal and state governments by a lawmaker representing Borno South in the Senate, Mohammed Ali-Ndume to slash the salaries of workers.

    He described the advice by the lawmaker as `ill-timed’ considering the situation in the country.

    “It is not the right time for the lawmaker to give such advice because it’s not the right time to reduce workers’ salaries as they are not being given any palliative.

    “Since workers are not being given palliatives, their salaries should not be tampered with,” Ado-Minjibir said.

    Reacting to the ultimatum the NLC gave to the Kano state government to refund salaries it deducted from its members or face strike action, Ado-Minjibir said the deadline would expire on Monday, June 15.

    He said committee set by the state government under the leadership of Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Usman Alhaji had met twice with labour representatives with a view to resolving the issue amicably.

    “Discussion is still ongoing on the issue and we will come up with our resolution on Monday, June 15 when the deadline given to the state government would have expired,” he said.

    Recall that the Coalition of Labour unions in Kano state had on May 28, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government to refund what they described as “illegal deduction” from their May 2020 salaries or face industrial action.

  • IPPIS: ASUU rejects submission of BVN as condition for payment of withheld salaries

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) says it has rejected the submission of Bank Verification Number (BVN) as a condition for payment of February and March withheld salaries of lectures in the Federal Universities.

    Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, ASUU President, said this in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The Federal Government on Tuesday in a statement has approved the payment of February and March withheld salaries of lecturers in universities, who were yet to enroll on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).

    NAN recalls that ASUU had embarked on an indefinite strike on March 23, over failure of the government to address outstanding issues raised in the FGN-ASUU 2019 Memorandum of Action and the objections of ASUU to IPPIS.

    ASUU had rejected the application of force on its members to join the IPPIS in spite of its offer of a more credible alternative to IPPIS.

    According to Ogunyemi, we have been told that the Federal Government has approved the payment of withheld salaries of our members for the month of February and March.

    “We appreciate Mr President for doing that, however, withholding February and and March salaries was unnecessary in the first place.

    “In the second place, the issue is the condition attached to it, which does not go down well with our members, which is the supply of their BVN.

    “Our members are being paid in the past without asking for their BVN.

    “So, we have reasons to suspect that this is an indirect way to get us back to IPPIS, which our members rejected.

    “So, these are things we are going to clarify with the government whenever we are called for a meeting,” he said.

  • IPPIS: Buhari makes U-turn, orders immediate payment of lecturers’ withheld salaries

    IPPIS: Buhari makes U-turn, orders immediate payment of lecturers’ withheld salaries

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate payment of the February and March, withheld salaries of lecturers in federal universities who have not registered in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, made this disclosure in a statement signed by his new media aide, Emmanuel Nzomiwu.

    Ngige said the president also directed the Minister of Finance, Budget and Planning, and the Accountant General of the Federation to effect the payment urgently to cushion the deleterious effects of COVID 19 pandemic lockdown on lecturers and members of their family.

    The Labour Minister added that all the Vice Chancellors were asked to revalidate the affected lecturers Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and forward to the Accountant General of the Federation for the payments.

    The Federal Government had directed all federal tertiary institutions in the country to enroll in the IPPIS from February 2020.

  • COVID-19: Reps donate two months salaries, seek grant for 774 councils

    COVID-19: Reps donate two months salaries, seek grant for 774 councils

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, on Tuesday said the lawmakers have decided to donate their March and April salaries towards the fight against the dreaded COVID-19.

    The House also asked the Central Bank of Nigeria to consider cash grants to the 774 Local Government Area administrations in the country to provide food and other essentials to individuals and communities.

    The Speaker said he has directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to ensure that the money is transferred to the National Relief Fund immediately.

    He added that the House will police the all donations to ensure judicious use of the funds.

    In his message to the nation following the spread of the virus, the Speaker acknowledged the fact that Nigerians have never experienced a time like, adding that at this moment when the determination to succeed is surpassed only by the recognition of the dire consequences of falling short, “we are hopeful that our best efforts will be enough”.

    According to him, the current crisis has exposed in the worst possible way the evident weaknesses of in the nation’s health system, adding that after this is over, the nation must do everything in possible to ensure that “we will never again come upon a moment such as this, as ill-equipped as we are now.

    The Speaker said in view of the current challenges “we have in the House of Representatives jointly committed to contributing one hundred percent (100%) of our salaries for the next two months to the fight against Covid-19 in Nigeria.

    “Our contribution will support provisions for the welfare of frontline medical professionals and health workers, and other interventions to provide for the wellbeing of all Nigerians through these trying times.”

  • COVID-19: Nigerian senators agree to donate 50% of salaries till pandemic is over

    COVID-19: Nigerian senators agree to donate 50% of salaries till pandemic is over

    Nigerian senators on Monday agreed to contribute 50 percent of their salaries to support the efforts being made to contain the spread and treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19) victims in Nigeria.

    Senator Godiya Akwashiki, the acting spokesman of the Senate, confirmed in a statement released in Abuja.

    Akwashiki said the monthly donation would be “sustained” until the COVID-19 pandemic is wiped out of the country.

    Akwashiki said: “After due consultations following a keen review of the national efforts to contain the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, the Senate wishes to announce that from March 2020, Distinguished Senators will be donating 50 percent of their salaries to these efforts to stop the spread of the disease, otherwise known as COVID-19, in our country.

    “This monthly contribution from the Upper Legislative Chamber will be sustained until Nigeria is declared safe from the ravages of this deadly disease.

    The Senate on Monday said that Senators have agreed to contribute 50 percent of their salaries to support the efforts being made to contain the spread and treatment of Coronavirus (COVID-19) victims in Nigeria.

    “The Senate commends the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari and the administration towards the goal of securing our nation against this plague.

    “The Senate is willing and ready to do whatever is required of the Legislature for the effectiveness of all the measures in place now or that may be required in the future to win the fight against this menace.

    “The Senate commends all agencies of the Federal and state levels for working in collaboration to protect public health across the country.

    “It also acknowledges the patriotic response of public-spirited individuals and organisations who have contributed in one way or the other in support of this fight.

    “The Senate further appeals to the citizens to comply with the directives on social distancing and observance of basic rules of hygiene as explained by public health officials as the most effective way to protect ourselves, families and country against COVID-19.

    “This is a global adversity that is testing the wit and resilience of mankind all over the world.

    “By staying resolute and each of us responsibly playing their role, COVID-19 like all epidemics before it will soon be pushed into history.”

  • Coronavirus: Gombe suspends payment of new minimum wage, slashes salaries

    Coronavirus: Gombe suspends payment of new minimum wage, slashes salaries

    Gombe State suspended payment of the N30,000 minimum wage on Saturday following dwindling finances due to the effect of coronavirus pandemic on the economy.

    Mr Manassah Jatau, the state Deputy Governor, said at a press briefing on Saturday in Gombe, that the decision was taken after consultation with the standing committee on minimum wage and relevant stakeholders.

    According to him, the suspension of the new minimum wage will take effect from March.

    “The minimum wage increment and its consequential adjustments adopted by the state have been suspended until when the economy of the state improves.

    “The Ministry of Finance is to review the 2020 budget to reflect the reduction in the price of oil in the international market and subsequent adoption of 30 dollars per barrel benchmark by the Federal Government.

    “In view of the above, all salaries of political office holders and Permanent Secretaries will be reviewed accordingly as a sacrifice to the state”, the deputy governor said.

    He said that the state revenue service would be strengthened to perform better with a view to reducing the state’s over reliance on Federal allocations.

    Jatau added that the government would announce new austerity measures to further reduce financial leakage and enhance savings for execution of necessary capital projects.

    Mr Mohammed Musa, the state Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) called on civil servants to remain calm and appreciate the current situation the state government had found itself.

    “At the last federation allocation, Gombe State lost N800 million from its allocation due to the dwindling oil price at the international market,’’ he said.

    The NLC chairman assured workers that the suspension is temporary, as full implementation of the minimum wage and payment of all arrears will commence when the state’s financial situation improves.

  • IPPIS: No more salaries for defiant ASUU members – FG

    IPPIS: No more salaries for defiant ASUU members – FG

    Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) who have not registered in the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) should no longer expect their salaries, Finance, Budget and National Planning Minister, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed said on Thursday.

    She said that 55 per cent of the varsity teachers’ has so far been enrolled.

    The minister spoke at the opening of the 2020 Management Retreat for Treasury Directors of Finance and Directors of Internal Audit in Kano on Thursday.

    “Unfortunately, most reforms that you undertake, you come across resistance. We have had resistance from ASUU on the implementation of the IPPIS and I am happy to report that at least, up to 55 per cent of ASUU members are registered and the ones that are not are not getting their February salary,” the minister declared.

    Speaking on the need for the IPPIS system, the minister said the system has helped in identifying over 70, 000 ghost workers in the federal civil service.

    She said plans are underway to make the system free of ghost workers in future.

    The minister said: “It is in eliminating ghost workers because you register on the IPPIS using biometrics and we are currently working with the office of the head of service to link up the IPPIS HR management module with the payroll itself. It will help us better maximise the efficiency of the system.

    “I know that we have up to 70,000 ghost workers that have been identified in this process and we hope that we will come to a time when we will say that we have no ghost workers.”

    She lauded the Muhammadu Buhari regime for its commitment to public financial management, which has maximised transparency and efficiency.

    Mrs. Ahmed said: “I must say that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has shown the highest level commitment to public financial management. The gipmi system is now fully implemented, we are maximising the implementation of the IPPIS. The president has launched the treasury portal this December 2019. So we haven’t had as much support in the treasury from the presidency as much as we have had under President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “This is because of his commitment to transparency and accountability and due process on the part of the treasury.

    “It is in eliminating ghost workers because you register on the IPPIS using biometrics and we are currently working with the office of the head of service to link up the IPPIS HR management module with the payroll itself. It will help us better maximise the efficiency of the system.

    “I know that we have up to 70,000 ghost workers that have been identified in this process and we hope that we will come to a time when we will say that we have no ghost workers.”

  • IPPIS: Buhari makes U-turn, orders payment of salaries to lecturers

    IPPIS: Buhari makes U-turn, orders payment of salaries to lecturers

    Federal Government has made a U-turn on its determination not to pay January salary of the staff of the federal universities, polytechnic and colleges of education, thereby aborting the nationwide strike billed to commence on Monday February 3.

    It is gathered that the Federal Government has decided to halt its enforcement mechanism for a month with a view that the issues surrounding the scheme would have been sorted out.

    The rift between the academic staff of the federal institutions in Nigeria is as a result of the refusal of the academic staff to enroll under the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS, scheme, claiming that it does not accommodate the peculiarities of the academic staff.

    In a letter from the office of the Accountant General of the federation, signed by the Director of IPPIS, Olufehinti, O. J, dated January 21, 2020, and directed to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Minister was ordered not to release funds for payment of January salaries of the tertiary institutions.

    Sequel to this, the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, directed its members nationwide to go on strike as soon as the Federal Government stops lecturers’ salaries.

    However, a twist was introduced to the saga as staff of the universities today received their salaries for the month of January.

    It is gathered that the staff of Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, and University of Ibadan, UI, have been paid January salaries.

    Prior to the payment of salary, there was tension in the Premier University over the determination of ASUU not to allow the second semester’s examinations hold if the Federal Government kept its threat of not paying salaries until all the academic staff enrolled under the IPPIS.

    Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the Premier University, Professor Abel Idowu Olayinka, has announced commencement of the Second Semester’s Examination next Monday.

  • IPPIS: Strike looms in varsities as FG stops salaries of ASUU members

    Following the refusal of the staff of the federal tertiary institutions in Nigeria to be enrolled on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS, the Federal Government has ordered that the salaries of the concerned staff be stopped immediately

    The affected federal government staff, who will not be paid salaries from January, are members of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, ASUP and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU.

    According to a letter from the office of the Accountant General of the federation, signed by the Director of IPPIS, Olufehinti, O. J, dated January 21, 2020, and directed to the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the minister was ordered not to release funds for the payment of January salaries of the tertiary institutions.

    The letter captioned, “Request for stoppage of release of funds for January Salaries to federal universities, Polytechnics and colleges of education”, was silent on whether the non-payment of salaries will affect the non-teaching staff, who have enrolled under the scheme.

    The letter reads, “I am directed to inform you that the preparation of January 2020 salary payroll and warrant of the federal tertiary institutions are on-gong and will be ready for submission on or before 29th of January, 2020.

    “This is to give effect to the directive of the federal government that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies drawing personnel cost from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, CRF, should be enrolled on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System, IPPIS.

    “In order to actualise this directive, you are please requested not to release the funds for payment of salaries to the tertiary institutions as their salaries will henceforth be paid on the IPPIS platform with effect from January 2020.”