News

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have disagreed over when negotiations for a new national minimum wage should begin, as organised labour insists that preparations must start immediately.

The dispute followed an exchange of letters between the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, and NLC President Joe Ajaero over the review of the N70,000 minimum wage signed into law in July 2024.

In a letter dated October 13, 2026, Ajaero challenged the government’s position that beginning a fresh review at this stage would be premature. He argued that the timetable provided under the original National Minimum Wage Act, 2019, remained relevant despite the subsequent amendment.

The NLC president urged the government to initiate the process by inviting nominations and inaugurating the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee, which comprises representatives of the government, organised labour and employers.

“The time is now. The appropriate time is now,” Ajaero wrote, warning that further delays could worsen the economic hardship confronting Nigerian workers.

His response came a day after Dingyadi, in a letter dated October 12, acknowledged a communique issued after a joint meeting of the NLC’s Central Working Committee and National Executive Council.

The minister maintained that the current minimum wage would become due for review on June 1, 2027. He argued that opening another review barely two years after the implementation of the N70,000 wage could be premature and disruptive to industrial relations.

The disagreement comes amid growing labour concerns over rising living costs and the declining purchasing power of workers’ salaries.

In a statement issued on October 1 to mark Nigeria’s Independence Day, the NLC demanded an immediate reduction in petrol prices, a nationwide wage award and the commencement of negotiations for a new minimum wage.

The statement, signed by Ajaero and titled “Our Hope Depends on the Choices We Make and the Actions We Take”, highlighted the impact of rising transportation, food, rent and education costs on workers’ earnings.

The union also called for the implementation of tax relief measures agreed upon with the government in October 2023, arguing that workers needed additional support amid mounting financial pressures.

Among its demands, the NLC urged the government to reduce petrol prices to the levels that prevailed when the current minimum wage was signed into law in 2024, begin wage negotiations before the end of October and implement outstanding agreements with health and public sector workers.

It warned that failure to meet its demands within the stipulated period could lead to further action as directed by its relevant organs.

In his October 13 letter, Ajaero argued that the 2019 law, signed on April 18 of that year, had envisaged a review by April 2024. He maintained that the 2024 amendment did not erase the original timetable and argued that a new wage should take effect by April 17, 2027.

According to the NLC, negotiations should begin at least six months before the relevant deadline to allow sufficient time for preparations and prevent the accumulation of arrears. Based on its interpretation, the process should have commenced by October 17, 2026.

The union clarified that it was not demanding the immediate implementation of a new minimum wage but wanted the administrative and negotiation processes to begin.

Dingyadi, however, maintained that the National Minimum Wage Act, 2019, as amended by the National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Act, 2024, provides for a review every three years.

The differing interpretations have left the timing of the next minimum wage negotiations at the centre of the dispute between the Federal Government and organised labour.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, has urged residents of the North-Central region to support President Bola Tinubu and the governor in the 2027 general elections.

Kula made the appeal during an appearance on TVC News on Wednesday, arguing that Tinubu’s re-election would allow his administration to continue implementing its Renewed Hope Agenda.

He defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, describing them as necessary for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity. He also argued that states across the North-Central region could benefit from the policies.

The governor’s spokesperson linked Benue’s development efforts to cooperation between the state and federal governments, saying Tinubu’s economic policies had supported investments in agriculture, education and healthcare under Alia’s administration.

According to Kula, the policies had also contributed to economic growth and increased federal allocations to state governments.

He cited efforts to revive industrial activities in Benue, including the reactivation of previously dormant facilities such as Benue Brewery, Bensono Orange Juice Company and Taraku Mills.

Kula also highlighted the activities of the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC), which he said had expanded into the production of bread, nails and steel to promote local manufacturing.

On infrastructure, he pointed to urban renewal projects and road construction across the state as part of the administration’s achievements.

He disclosed that the state government had begun plans to construct three township roads in each of Benue’s 23 local government areas.

Kula further said the welfare of civil servants and pensioners remained a priority for the Alia administration.

He called on voters in Benue and other North-Central states to support both Tinubu and Alia at the polls, arguing that their continued leadership would sustain development efforts in the state and the wider region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Bauchi State Police Command has arrested three men accused of sexually abusing girls aged nine, 10 and 11 in separate incidents across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Nafiu Habib, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, October 15, 2026, as he raised concerns about children’s vulnerability to abuse and called for greater community vigilance.

According to the statement, the first case was reported on October 12 at the Tilden Fulani Division in Toro Local Government Area.

The victim’s mother alleged that a 47-year-old man, Auwal Ibrahim, of Unguwar Sarkin Hausawa, lured her 11-year-old daughter into a narrow passage with N500 before sexually abusing her.

The girl was taken to General Hospital, Toro, for medical attention. Police said the suspect initially denied the allegation, while detectives visited the scene and commenced investigations.

The second incident was reported on October 13 at the E Division in Bauchi by a woman from Gwallameji, whose nine-year-old daughter was allegedly abused by a 35-year-old man, Sabitu Muhammed.

The woman alleged that Muhammed lured the child into his room and sexually abused her on several occasions.

Police arrested the suspect and took the girl to the police clinic in Bauchi for medical examination and support. The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

In the third case, a 40-year-old woman from Wuntin Dada reported to the B Division in GRA, Bauchi, on October 13 that her 10-year-old daughter had been sexually abused.

According to the police statement, the girl had been sent to buy sugar on the evening of the incident when a 22-year-old resident of the neighbourhood, Anas Adam, allegedly intercepted her and took her to his house.

Detectives visited the scene, while the victim was taken to the police clinic for medical examination. Adam was arrested in connection with the allegation.

The Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, condemned the alleged offences, describing them as inhumane and barbaric. He assured the victims and their families that the command would conduct thorough investigations and pursue prosecution where the evidence supports it.

Aliyu urged parents, guardians and community leaders to pay close attention to children’s safety and report suspicious behaviour or suspected abuse to the nearest police station.

He stressed that protecting children required collective responsibility and called on residents to remain vigilant to help prevent further abuse.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Musa Illiyasu Kwankwaso, has claimed that President Bola Tinubu is attracting support from politicians across party lines ahead of the 2027 general election.

Kwankwaso said the participation of politicians from different political parties in Tinubu’s re-election campaign demonstrated the president’s expanding political support base.

He made the remarks on Thursday while commenting on the inauguration of the campaign council for Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“To me, the inauguration of the Campaign Council is like a congregation celebrating the re-election of President Tinubu back to office,” he said.

The APC chieftain cited the presence of politicians from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Labour Party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party as evidence that Tinubu was receiving support beyond his party.

He argued that the development was unusual in Nigeria’s political history, particularly given the disagreements that had previously divided some of the politicians now supporting the president.

“It has never happened in Nigeria’s political history that one man could attract nearly all opposition parties, not only opposition politicians, but people who have never agreed to sit together yet, because of Tinubu, they have accepted to come on board and pursue a common goal,” he said.

Kwankwaso also defended Tinubu’s economic policies, arguing that comments by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and other political leaders reflected an understanding of the challenges facing Nigeria and the global economy.

He maintained that the 2027 election should be viewed beyond Tinubu’s political future, arguing that the president should be allowed to serve another term to consolidate his economic reforms.

His position comes amid continuing political debate over the administration’s economic policies and their effects on Nigerians ahead of the next general election.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Senate has ordered an investigation into the death of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Comrade Etimbuk Daniel, at the orientation camp in Enugu State.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised on Thursday by Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District under the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Bassey expressed shock over Daniel’s death and identified him as a former Students’ Union Government president of Akwa Ibom State University who had proceeded for the mandatory national service.

The senator said reports indicated that Daniel died from complications linked to a minor headache after allegedly experiencing delays in receiving adequate medical attention at the camp clinic.

He said the incident had raised concerns about the quality of healthcare available at NYSC orientation camps, particularly the availability of qualified medical personnel, functional facilities and effective emergency referral systems.

Bassey added that the government had a constitutional responsibility to protect citizens’ welfare and ensure that graduates undertaking national service received appropriate medical care.

He said Daniel’s death had plunged his family, the university community and Akwa Ibom State into mourning.

Seconding the motion, Senator Tahir Monguno, representing Borno North, called for a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure accountability where necessary.

The Senate subsequently directed its committees on Police, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Youth Development, and Health to investigate the incident in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The investigation is expected to determine whether negligence or other failures contributed to Daniel’s death.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, commended Bassey for bringing the matter before the chamber and urged the committees to conduct a thorough investigation.

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

Dr Tijjani Ahmad, an accountant and lecturer at Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, has criticised the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) assessment of the Nigerian economy, questioning the benefits of economic growth amid widespread poverty and food insecurity.

In a Facebook post, Ahmad argued that the IMF’s reported economic growth of 4.2 per cent and its claim that reforms had strengthened the economy’s resilience contrasted sharply with the hardship facing millions of Nigerians.

He cited figures in the report indicating that poverty affected about 63 per cent of the population, or roughly 140 million people, while 27 million Nigerians faced food insecurity.

“If growth leaves people poorer and hungrier, what exactly is growing?” Ahmad asked, describing the situation as one in which the government had become richer while citizens became poorer.

He, however, identified what he considered a deeper contradiction in the IMF’s position on Nigeria’s fuel subsidy policy, arguing that the debate should go beyond simply removing or restoring the subsidy.

According to him, Nigerians had experienced the consequences of both prolonged subsidy arrangements, which he described as corrupt, and the hardship associated with subsidy removal.

Ahmad maintained that the central issue was not necessarily whether the subsidy should be removed or restored, but how the government managed whichever policy it chose.

He proposed that if the government decided to maintain subsidy removal, it should ring-fence the reported N15.8 trillion in savings for investment in transport and healthcare, expand targeted assistance beyond the N25,000 support scheme, and ensure that domestic refineries operated effectively to help reduce fuel prices.

He also called for a reassessment of the country’s economic policy, urging the government to develop solutions suited to Nigeria’s circumstances rather than simply follow external prescriptions.

“We need to go back to the drawing board and redesign a Nigerian solution, not just take orders,” Ahmad said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has described Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman as a key player for the Spanish side after he scored in their 2-0 victory over Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League.

Lookman came off the bench to find the net in the 79th minute of Tuesday’s encounter at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, ending a six-match goal drought.

The Super Eagles forward reacted quickly to a rebound after United goalkeeper Senne Lammens parried Jonathan David’s effort, allowing the Nigerian to slot the ball into the net.

The goal marked Lookman’s second in all competitions this season and his 100th senior club goal, according to Transfermarkt.

Speaking after the match, Simeone praised the 28-year-old’s attacking qualities, particularly his scoring ability and skill in one-on-one situations.

“He is a very important player; he has very good stats, he scores goals, he is good in one-on-one situations,” the Argentine said.

However, the Atletico manager noted that Lookman was yet to consistently demonstrate his full potential, despite his return to scoring form.

“He is not at that point where that comes through, but he has rediscovered his scoring touch. He had the instinct to follow up the play and the rebound worked in his favour. We got the win we needed,” he said.

Atletico made an early breakthrough through Pablo Barrios, who scored within the opening minute of the match.

Manchester United’s hopes of recovering from the deficit suffered another setback in the 74th minute when defender Leny Yoro received a red card for fouling David as the last defender.

The victory extended Atletico Madrid’s winning streak to five matches, while Manchester United’s winless run reached five games.

Lookman’s goal is expected to provide a confidence boost as he seeks to establish himself further in Simeone’s squad and maintain his scoring form in the ongoing campaign.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A community hunters’ leader and member of the Forest Guard Corps, Shuayibu Danladi Ciroma, has died after sustaining a gunshot wound during a clash with suspected bandits in Andamin community, Karim-Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Ciroma was reportedly part of a joint security team that mobilised on Monday evening after receiving intelligence about a planned attack on the community.

In a statement dated October 13, 2026, the community leader, Tanko Bobbo Andamin, said the team comprised military personnel and local hunters who set out to prevent the suspected attack but encountered armed men along the way.

“A joint team of military personnel and hunters mobilised towards the area to prevent the suspected attack but encountered the armed men along the way, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire,” the statement said.

Ciroma reportedly sustained a gunshot wound to his leg during the exchange and lost a significant amount of blood.

The statement said the team returned to its base after the confrontation but later discovered that Ciroma was missing. A search party returned to the scene early the following morning and found his body.

Andamin mourned the deceased, describing him as a man who died defending his people, land and humanity. He also extended condolences to Ciroma’s family, the Andamin community and fellow hunters.

The community leader called on the Taraba State Government, security agencies and intelligence authorities to strengthen security operations in the area.

He expressed concern that persistent insecurity had disrupted residents’ livelihoods, with many reportedly unable to travel safely to their farms, visit markets in neighbouring communities or conduct routine business without fear of attacks.

According to the statement, the situation had worsened poverty, hunger and starvation as residents’ economic activities continued to suffer.

The community also alleged that armed groups initially entered Taraba from neighbouring states but had since moved closer to local settlements.

It called for urgent, coordinated security measures to protect lives and property, restore peace and rebuild public confidence.

When contacted, the Taraba State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Victor Mshelizah, said poor network connectivity had prevented him from reaching the Divisional Police Officer for details of the incident.

He promised to provide further information after establishing contact with the officer.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has urged federal and state governments to adopt and fund the Girls Act model to reduce HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women, citing poverty, school dropout and limited access to information as factors that increase their vulnerability.

The advocacy group made the call on Tuesday during activities to mark the International Day of the Girl Child in Abuja.

AHF said although progress had been made in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, adolescent girls and young women continued to face a disproportionate risk of infection, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

Steve Aborisade, AHF’s Advocacy Lead, cited data from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), which indicate that women account for more than half of people living with HIV globally and about 60 per cent in sub-Saharan Africa.

The data also show that adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 are up to two to three times more likely to acquire HIV than males in the same age group.

“Adolescent girls and young women aged 15 to 24 years are up to two to three times more likely to acquire HIV than young males of the same age.

“Biologically, women face a roughly two-fold higher acquisition risk per unprotected heterosexual act due to a larger mucosal surface area and longer exposure to seminal fluids.”

The report further highlighted challenges that prevent adolescents from accessing HIV testing, including physiological, psychological, legal and social barriers.

“Adolescents aged 10 to 19 years face distinct physiological, psychological, legal and social factors that make them disproportionately vulnerable to low uptake of HIV testing,” the data indicated.

AHF said gender inequality, poverty and inadequate information often restrict girls’ ability to make decisions about their health and personal lives.

“A girl who cannot afford menstrual products, who has dropped out of school, or who depends on others for money, has fewer options, including options about sex. HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) thrive in exactly those conditions,” AHF said.

Girls Act Targets Health, Education And Leadership

The organisation said its Girls Act programme seeks to prevent HIV and sexually transmitted infections, support girls living with HIV to remain on treatment, reduce unplanned pregnancies and help girls stay in school.

According to AHF, the initiative had more than 4,500 girls actively participating as of 2026.

The programme operates across four areas: health, education and livelihoods, leadership, and results.

Under its health component, girls living with HIV receive support to remain on treatment, while HIV-negative participants learn how to prevent infection and make informed decisions.

The programme also provides free menstrual health products to girls and surrounding communities. It teaches participants to make and maintain reusable sanitary pads to improve access beyond direct supplies.

On education and livelihoods, AHF said the programme supports girls who wish to return to school and provides life-skills training and business support to those who have dropped out.

Its leadership component creates opportunities for mentorship, advocacy and access to resources to enable girls to take active roles in their communities.

“Girls are turning up empowered, able to negotiate safe sex and exercise bodily autonomy.

“Negotiating safe sex is the difference between exposure and protection, and bodily autonomy is not a slogan but a public health asset.”

AHF Seeks Government Funding

AHF called on federal and state governments to incorporate the Girls Act model into HIV, education and youth development plans, with dedicated funding for its activities.

The group said the funding should cover menstrual health products, skills training and start-up support for out-of-school girls, assistance for girls returning to school, leadership opportunities and stronger links to HIV testing, treatment and care.

“This means dedicated budget lines for menstrual health, so no girl misses school for want of a sanitary pad; skills training and start-up support that reach out-of-school girls where they live; support for girls to return to, and stay in, school; leadership platforms for girls in schools and communities; and clear pathways linking young people to HIV testing, treatment and care,” the advocacy group said.

The organisation also urged stakeholders in the national HIV response to give greater attention to the needs of girls and young women.

“Some will say the country has more pressing priorities. They should weigh the cost of inaction: new infections among young people, lifelong treatment, interrupted schooling and lost productivity.

“Prevention that also builds livelihoods and leadership is among the smartest investments a government can make.

“Our girls have shown what is possible when someone invests in them. They have earned the right to be treated as a key population in the national response, not as an afterthought.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Indian police have arrested a Nigerian national, Ezeaputa Chijioke, over allegations that he supplied cocaine to club-goers and partygoers through intermediaries in Chandigarh and surrounding areas.

According to a report published by The Times of India on Tuesday, Chijioke was arrested on October 6 with approximately 70.5 grammes of cocaine.

The arrest followed a crackdown on an alleged drug distribution network that led to the arrest of three suspected dealers, from whom police reportedly recovered a combined 113 grammes of cocaine and an ATM card.

The operation began on October 4, when officers arrested Rakesh Kumar, also known as Karan, near Sector 23-C market. Police reportedly recovered 22.1 grammes of cocaine from him.

“During interrogation, he named Jaskaran Gill as his supplier. Jaskaran was arrested in Dehradun the same day,” the police reportedly said.

Gill allegedly identified Chijioke as his source of supply, leading to the Nigerian’s arrest two days later.

The report said Chijioke was unable to produce his passport and was suspected of staying in India illegally. The allegation has not been established in court.

Police alleged that Kumar, a private cab driver, delivered cocaine to customers on Gill’s instructions and received Rs 500 for each delivery.

Gill reportedly obtained the drugs from Chijioke and coordinated deliveries through Kumar, while payments were allegedly collected through QR codes and online platforms.

Investigators also reportedly recovered 21.30 grammes of cocaine, a Mercedes-Benz, a Mitsubishi Pajero, a Tata Safari and an SBI ATM card allegedly linked to financial transactions from Gill.

The vehicles were suspected by police to have been purchased with proceeds from drug trafficking. The report said Chijioke had been living in Kharar before his arrest.

Police investigations into the alleged network are ongoing.

The arrest comes less than three months after four Nigerian nationals were reportedly arrested in India over alleged links to a drug trafficking network, with narcotics valued at approximately Rs 15 crore, equivalent to about N2.1bn, recovered during several operations.

The Hindu reported that those arrests followed coordinated operations by the Narcotics Control Bureau, state police and other security agencies targeting foreign nationals suspected of drug trafficking and overstaying their visas.