Federal Government

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has explained that delays in receiving notifications for its N50,000 household relief grant are due to the phased disbursement of payments, assuring Nigerians that the absence of an immediate message does not automatically mean they have been excluded.

The government disclosed this in the frequently asked questions published on the programme’s website, explaining that approved payment providers were contacting beneficiaries in batches.

It said some selected recipients might receive their notifications later as the payment process continued.

However, the government clarified that not everyone would benefit from the current phase of the intervention, as the programme was designed to support a limited number of households at a time.

Nigerians seeking to confirm their eligibility were advised to dial the USSD code of their respective payment providers and follow the instructions to check their status.

Those who have not been selected would receive a notification stating: “You are currently not selected to receive this relief support.”

Five payment providers approved

The N50,000 intervention is being implemented by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction to help vulnerable households cope with rising living costs.

Under the programme, selected beneficiaries receive ₦50,000 each through mobile wallets operated by five approved payment providers: ALAT, MoMo PSB, NairaGram, OPay and Moniepoint.

According to the government, beneficiaries are selected from the National Social Register and verified national identity records. Individuals cannot independently apply or pay to secure a place on the beneficiary list.

It added that selection was based on need, with beneficiaries drawn from the six geopolitical zones, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation.

Those selected are notified through text messages from their respective payment providers, with instructions on how to accept the grant.

Recipients must accept the offer through the USSD code provided in the notification before the money is credited to their mobile wallets.

FG warns against grant fraud

The government warned Nigerians against fraudsters demanding money to facilitate inclusion in the programme or accelerate payment.

It stressed that nobody could add an individual to the beneficiary list or speed up the disbursement process in exchange for payment.

The government also clarified that the N50,000 support is a grant, not a loan, and recipients are not required to repay the money.

It said accepting the offer, receiving the funds and responding to official programme messages are entirely free.

Beneficiaries were further cautioned against disclosing their personal identification numbers, one-time passwords or Bank Verification Numbers to anyone claiming to assist with their payments.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has attributed recent electricity supply disruptions in Lagos, Abuja, Ogun, Kwara and Oyo states to gas shortages, maintenance challenges and reduced output from hydropower plants.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, acknowledged the worsening electricity situation, assuring consumers that the government was working with relevant agencies and electricity distribution companies to restore normal supply.

In a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Adeola Adelabu, Tegbe said preliminary assessments indicated that the disruptions were not caused by a major or systemic failure of the national grid.

He explained that maintenance and operational challenges across parts of the electricity value chain, inadequate gas supply to thermal power stations and reduced water inflows into hydropower reservoirs had affected electricity generation.

The minister said the government had engaged the Transmission Company of Nigeria, Nigerian Independent System Operator and electricity distribution companies to address the challenges and accelerate ongoing maintenance.

He acknowledged the difficulties faced by households, businesses and public institutions as a result of the reduced supply.

The latest electricity allocation figures showed that the 11 distribution companies received a combined 2,926 megawatts as of 4:41pm on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company received the highest allocation of 633MW, representing approximately 21.6 per cent of the total.

Ibadan Disco received 391MW, followed by Port Harcourt Disco with 320MW. Benin Disco got 264MW, Eko Disco 256MW, Enugu Disco 253MW and Ikeja Disco 249MW.

Kano Disco received 173MW, Kaduna Disco 167MW, Jos Disco 146MW, while Yola Disco received the lowest allocation of 74MW.

The figures represent electricity allocated to the distribution companies at the stated time and do not necessarily reflect the actual power delivered to consumers.

FG clears 44 containers of abandoned power equipment

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has facilitated the release of 44 containers of electricity equipment that had been stranded at Apapa ports in Lagos, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s power infrastructure.

Tegbe disclosed that more than 300 containers had remained stranded at the ports, with some reportedly abandoned since 2014.

He said the clearance followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive after the last Federal Executive Council meeting, mandating the Ministry of Power to work with the Nigeria Customs Service and the Nigerian Ports Authority to resolve outstanding issues.

According to the minister, the first 44 containers have been released, and technical experts will inspect their contents before they are deployed.

He explained that equipment found to be serviceable would be used for ongoing electricity projects, while unusable materials would be disposed of appropriately.

The development follows the recovery of 110 abandoned containers and 216 packages by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company under its Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije.

That recovery reportedly saved more than ₦30 billion and helped unlock approximately 470 megawatts of electricity generation capacity through recovered turbines.

Although the latest clearance is expected to provide additional equipment for power infrastructure projects, the ministry has not disclosed the specific contents or condition of the 44 containers, or when the materials will be deployed.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Gunmen have killed an 18-year-old vigilante member, Divine Dung Davou, during a midnight attack on Rachas Village in Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The attack occurred at about 12:30am on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, triggering grief and renewed fears over insecurity in the community.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the killing in a statement, saying the deceased was a member of the community’s local vigilante group.

He described the incident as devastating to the victim’s family and residents of Rachas.

A community leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Divine had volunteered to help protect the village because of the absence of adequate security personnel during the night.

The leader lamented that the young man was killed while carrying out his community protection duties and appealed to the government not to abandon the residents.

Another resident, Mrs Mary Chollom, said the gunshots during the attack left many people terrified and unable to sleep.

She called on the government to deploy security personnel to the area, expressing concern over the safety of residents, most of whom depend on farming for their livelihood.

Similarly, a youth in the community, Mr Dalyop Gyang, demanded the arrest of those responsible for the killing and called for stronger security patrols.

Reacting to the incident, the Berom Youth Moulders Association urged the Plateau State Police Command and other security agencies to investigate the killing, apprehend the attackers and strengthen patrols and intelligence gathering in vulnerable communities.

The association also called on the Plateau and Federal Governments to move beyond assurances and implement sustained security measures to protect lives and property, particularly in communities repeatedly targeted by gunmen.

Tengwong expressed condolences to the bereaved family and the people of Rachas, while urging authorities to take urgent steps to prevent further attacks.

The Daily Reality

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government and organised labour are scheduled to resume negotiations on Tuesday amid growing tensions over petrol prices, workers’ welfare and demands for an early review of the national minimum wage.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are expected to decide their next course of action after the meeting, with the unions warning that nationwide industrial action remains an option if the government fails to make meaningful commitments.

The talks follow an inconclusive meeting on October 22, which ended without an agreement on several outstanding issues affecting workers.

NLC Assistant Secretary-General Chris Onyeka confirmed the planned meeting, saying labour expected the government to respond to demands already submitted rather than restart discussions without concrete proposals.

“We expect them to come with answers to our demands, so that the meeting will not be prolonged,” Onyeka said.

A source within organised labour also told The PUNCH that the government had requested additional time to prepare for the discussions, adding that the unions would determine their next steps after the meeting.

The Federal Ministry of Labour also confirmed that the meeting was scheduled to hold, subject to any changes.

Labour’s demands

The unions are seeking a reduction in petrol prices to levels prevailing when the current minimum wage was signed into law in 2024. They are also demanding tax relief for workers, immediate wage awards and the commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage.

Other outstanding issues include the implementation of agreements affecting health-sector employees and the resolution of allowances and other welfare concerns in the public service.

In a joint statement signed by NLC Acting General Secretary Benson Upah and TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the unions criticised the government delegation at the previous meeting for arriving without the authority to negotiate substantively.

The government subsequently requested an adjournment to allow relevant ministers and heads of departments and agencies to participate in the next session.

The NLC had issued a two-week ultimatum on October 8, which expired on October 22, before extending the deadline to October 27. It warned that its affiliates and state councils should prepare for possible nationwide action if the negotiations failed to produce meaningful results.

Disagreement over minimum wage review

A major point of contention is when negotiations should begin to replace the current ₦70,000 monthly minimum wage introduced in 2024.

The Federal Government maintains that the wage is due for review on June 1, 2027, citing the three-year review cycle provided for under the National Minimum Wage Act, 2019, as amended in 2024.

In a letter dated October 12, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Dingyadi, reportedly described an early review as premature and potentially disruptive to industrial relations.

The NLC, however, insists that preparations should begin immediately. In a letter dated October 13, its president, Joe Ajaero, argued that the timetable under the original legislation remained relevant despite the 2024 amendment.

The union has called for the nomination of representatives and the inauguration of a tripartite committee comprising the government, organised labour and employers to begin the process.

The current minimum wage was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on July 29, 2024, raising the statutory minimum from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 following prolonged negotiations.

While the government has highlighted the increase, labour argues that rising living costs and the depreciation of the naira have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power.

Petrol prices and other unresolved issues

Petrol prices remain central to the dispute, with labour arguing that higher fuel costs have increased transportation expenses and contributed to rising prices of food and other essential goods.

The unions are also demanding the implementation of tax relief measures agreed with the government in 2023 and immediate wage awards to cushion workers against economic hardship.

Other concerns include outstanding agreements involving the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professionals, as well as demands raised by the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council over peculiar allowances, wage awards and hazard allowances.

The outcome of Tuesday’s negotiations is expected to influence whether organised labour proceeds with industrial action or continues discussions with the government.

Pensioners demand outstanding benefits

Meanwhile, the Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to pay eligible retirees three months of outstanding fuel-subsidy-removal palliatives, amounting to ₦75,000 per beneficiary.

The association made the demand in a communiqué issued after its National Executive Council meeting in Abuja on October 22. The document was signed by its President-General, Benjamin Maisamari Amako, and General Secretary, Franklin Erinle.

The association also urged the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to clarify the implementation of pension harmonisation, which took effect in January 2026, and make the relevant government circular available to retirees.

It called for a stakeholders’ meeting to address complaints, improve communication and resolve outstanding pension cases.

The association further urged PTAD to ensure that the planned relaunch of its ‘I Am Alive’ verification platform would not disrupt payments to elderly, sick or physically incapacitated pensioners.

It called for clear guidelines, adequate assistance and safeguards to ensure eligible retirees were not excluded because of difficulties with verification.

On healthcare, the association appealed to PTAD and the National Health Insurance Authority to simplify enrolment in the Pensioner Health Insurance Scheme by providing assisted registration, accessible enrolment centres and support for retirees unable to travel because of age, illness or disability.

“No eligible pensioner should be denied access to the scheme because of difficulties with registration, verification or other administrative procedures,” the association said.

It also urged the government to maintain regular pension payments and ensure that retirees received their entitlements without interruption.

The association said transparent pension administration and accessible healthcare were essential to protecting retirees’ dignity and financial security amid rising living costs.

The Daily Reality

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

The Federal Government has deployed 500,000 doses of diphtheria vaccines to Katsina and Kano states as part of efforts to contain an outbreak of the disease among children.

The government has also established an emergency task force to coordinate the response and address gaps in immunisation, disease surveillance and access to treatment in the affected areas.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by the Assistant Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ado Bako.

The intervention followed a directive from the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate.

According to the ministry, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency supplied the 500,000 vaccine doses “to support intensified immunisation activities in affected and at-risk communities.”

The emergency task force was formed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in partnership with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NPHCDA, the affected state governments and international health partners.

The government said the team had been mandated to focus on “three fronts” — outbreak containment and immunisation, expanded access to treatment and emergency support for referral care.

As part of the containment measures, the task force will “conduct outbreak investigations, strengthen disease surveillance and intensify community sensitisation to close population immunity gaps through the immunisation of unvaccinated children.”

The Katsina State Government has also been directed to establish treatment annexes in hospitals across the state’s three senatorial districts: Katsina, Daura and Funtua.

The ministry said the centres would “facilitate early intervention” for children affected by diphtheria and improve access to treatment within affected communities.

The Federal Government has also ordered urgent support for the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, which serves as “the principal referral centre for the state and parts of neighbouring states.”

The support will include Diphtheria Antitoxin, intravenous antibiotics, additional clinical personnel and personal protective equipment.

The ministry said the task force would coordinate the provision of timely treatment to affected communities and strengthen surveillance to monitor the spread of the disease.

The team will be co-chaired by the Director-General of the NCDC and the Director of Public Health. Its members will include representatives of the NPHCDA, health commissioners from Katsina, Kano, Zamfara and Sokoto states, the World Health Organisation, UNICEF and the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme in Katsina State.

The ministry’s Chief Epidemiologist will serve as the secretary of the task force.

The government said the committee would provide weekly reports to the Coordinating Minister on “progress, emerging challenges and additional requirements.” It added that identified challenges would be escalated for immediate action.

The Federal Government said the intervention reflects its commitment to protecting children from diseases that can be prevented through vaccination.

“The Federal Government reaffirms its resolve to protect Nigerian children from vaccine-preventable diseases and remains committed to a swift, coordinated and evidence-based response to bring the outbreak under control,” it said.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has assured its workforce that payment of the outstanding wage award will commence before the middle of August. It also said efforts are underway to clear promotion arrears owed to eligible public servants.

The assurance came during a meeting between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Trade Side, led by its National President, Kabiru Minjibir.

A statement issued by the Head of Information and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Efe Ovuakporie, said the minister informed the union that the government had already started addressing several of the issues raised before receiving the council’s formal communication.

Oyedele reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to resolving labour matters through dialogue and practical action.

“When government makes commitments, it delivers. We are not in the habit of making promises that cannot be fulfilled. Where there are outstanding issues, we will give realistic timelines and ensure they are implemented,” the minister said.

He explained that the necessary approvals for payment of the outstanding wage award were at the final stage. He expressed confidence that qualified public servants would begin to receive the payments before the middle of August.

The minister also said work was progressing on the payment of outstanding promotion arrears. He noted that pending batches were receiving attention in line with established procedures.

Oyedele directed relevant officials to examine documents submitted by the council, work with the appropriate Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and speed up action on unresolved issues that require government intervention.

He acknowledged concerns over delays in implementing some agreements but assured labour leaders that the government would continue to promote transparency, regular consultations and prompt responses.

“Our objective is to build a system where issues are resolved proactively. We want workers to have confidence that once government gives its word, it will honour that commitment,” he added.

Earlier, JPSNC President Kabiru Minjibir praised the minister for engaging with the union leadership. He urged the Federal Government to fast-track the resolution of outstanding labour issues, including the wage award, promotion arrears, salary relativity concerns affecting health workers and other matters involving public servants.

He said prompt implementation of the government’s commitments would strengthen industrial harmony and improve workers’ confidence in the administration.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi, said the ministry would continue to work closely with organised labour to ensure approved workers’ benefits are processed and released without unnecessary delays.

Permanent Secretary for Special Duties, Mohammed Danjuma, disclosed that Batch 7 promotion arrears, which were omitted during an earlier payment exercise, are now being processed alongside Batch 9.

He added that the government is also engaging relevant MDAs to address issues relating to the Peculiar Allowance and other outstanding labour matters.

Providing an update on the payment process, Director of the Cash Management Department, Christiana Osho, said reconciliation of the outstanding wage award had been completed and that the release of funds was at the final stage.

She explained that eligible public servants would begin receiving the wage award once the funds are released, while payment of promotion arrears would continue according to the approved schedule.

The Federal Government and the JPSNC reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation to ensure outstanding labour issues are resolved promptly and industrial harmony is sustained across the federal public service.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has shifted its decision on the bail applications filed by former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and his co-defendant, Jimi Lawal, to July 1, 2026.

Justice Hauwa’u Buhari announced the new date after lawyers representing both the prosecution and the defence presented their arguments in the matter filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.

The anti-graft agency is prosecuting El-Rufai, Lawal and five companies over an amended 11-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial misconduct and money laundering.

During the proceedings, the defence counsel informed the court that applications seeking bail for the defendants had already been submitted and urged the court to consider them. After listening to arguments from both sides, the judge reserved ruling until July 1.

El-Rufai arrived at the court premises under tight security as the hearing continued.

Earlier on Wednesday, the former governor also appeared before a Kaduna State High Court in another ICPC case linked to allegations of abuse of office and money laundering during his administration between 2015 and 2023.

The state high court later adjourned the matter until June 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

According to the ICPC, investigations uncovered alleged irregularities involving the management of public funds as well as the award of government contracts.

However, El-Rufai and the other defendants denied all allegations brought against them and pleaded not guilty before the court.

By Uzair Adam.

The Federal Government has approved a N1 trillion Metropolitan Rail Service for Kano State, a move expected to modernise urban transportation, ease traffic congestion and stimulate economic activities across the metropolis.

The approval was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf announced the development while addressing members of the Kano State contingent that participated in the 2025 National Qur’anic Recitation Competition held in Borno State.

Governor Yusuf said the decision of his administration to realign with the Federal Government under the All Progressives Congress (APC) was informed by the need to attract critical development projects capable of accelerating growth in the state.

He explained that the Kano Metropolitan Rail Service would provide a modern, efficient and affordable mass transit system linking key districts within the metropolitan area, thereby improving mobility for residents and encouraging trade and investment.

Describing the project as a landmark intervention, the governor said it would significantly enhance the quality of life of the people and reposition Kano as a major transportation hub in Northern Nigeria.

He assured that the state government would collaborate closely with relevant federal agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the project, transparency in execution and maximum benefits for residents.

The governor also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for approving the project and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to complement federal efforts through supportive policies and infrastructure development.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Federal Government has made drug tests compulsory for anyone applying for a job in the public service.

The move aims to tackle the growing problem of drug abuse and its effects on security and work performance.

The directive came in an official circular issued today by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

It orders all Permanent Secretaries and heads of Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs), and parastatals to include drug screening in their hiring process.

According to the circular, all MDAs must work with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to carry out the tests and ensure they meet required standards.

The government said the policy is a response to the “alarming rate” of substance abuse, especially among young Nigerians.

It warned that the trend poses a serious threat to public health, the economy, workplace safety, and national security.

The statement was signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information at the OSGF.

He stated that the administration is determined to safeguard the workforce from drug-related harms.

This new rule for federal jobs follows similar recent policies that introduced mandatory drug testing in universities and other sectors.