FG

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In a bid to address rising food inflation and alleviate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, the Federal Government has announced a 150-day duty-free import window for food commodities. 

The initiative, which is part of the Presidential Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan, aims to reduce demand for forex by food importers and make food more affordable for Nigerians. 

According to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, the duty-free import window will be valid for commodities such as maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. 

The government will also import 250,000 metric tonnes of wheat and 250,000 metric tonnes of maize, which will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country. 

The minister noted that the government’s decision to allow duty-free imports was necessitated by the high cost of food items in the country, which has made it difficult for many Nigerians to afford basic foodstuffs. 

He attributed the high food prices to various factors, including infrastructural challenges, multiple taxes and levies, and profiteering by marketers and traders. 

The government’s move has been commended by stakeholders in the agricultural sector, who noted that it would help stabilize food prices and provide relief to millions of Nigerians. 

However, some experts have expressed concern that the initiative may undermine domestic agricultural production and turn Nigeria into a dumping ground for imported commodities. 

The government has assured that it will collaborate with state governments to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation, and will also ramp up production for the 2024/2025 farming cycle through sustained support to smallholder farmers. 

Additionally, the government plans to develop a strategic engagement for youth and women in greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops and fast-track engagements with the Nigerian Military to rapidly cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini 

The governing councils of federal universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions are scheduled to be officially inaugurated on July 4, 2024. 

On Monday, Prof. Aisha Maikudi, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, shared this information during her acceptance speech as she assumed leadership of the institution. 

A combined total of 560 people have been appointed by President Tinubu to serve on the governing councils and boards of tertiary institutions owned by the Federal Government.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment in a suit filed by the Federal Government against the 36 state governors over the alleged misconduct in the administration of Local Government Areas.

The Federal Government is seeking full autonomy for local government areas and wants an order to stop governors from dissolving democratically elected local government leaders.

The government also wants funds meant for local governments to be channelled directly to them from the federation account, instead of the joint accounts created by governors.

The suit argues that the constitution recognizes federal, state, and local governments as three tiers of government, and that the failure of governors to put in place democratically elected local government systems is a deliberate subversion of the constitution.

The Federal Government claims that it is not obligated to pay funds to states that do not have democratically elected local government systems in place.

The Supreme Court’s judgment will determine the fate of local government administration in Nigeria and the extent of autonomy they will enjoy.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal Government has stated that it cannot meet the labour unions’ demand to increase the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N494,000.

According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the demand would result in a total wages bill of N9.5 trillion yearly for federal workers alone, potentially destabilizing the economy and jeopardizing the welfare of over 200 million Nigerians.

The government offered a 100% increase to N60,000, which has been accepted by the private sector.

However, labour is seeking a 1,547% increase to N494,000.

The minister appealed to labour to return to negotiations and embrace realistic wages.

The government prioritizes affordability, sustainability, and the overall health of the nation’s economy, considering the welfare of all Nigerians, not just workers.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage is set to reconvene on May 23 to continue negotiations on a new minimum wage for workers.

This comes after the organized labor walked out of the negotiation on May 15, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s proposal of N48,000.

According to an invitation letter sent to labor leaders by the committee’s chairman, Bukar Goni, the government has agreed to shift its position on the proposed minimum wage.

The letter urged labor leaders to attend the reconvened meeting next Tuesday and to speak to their members about the new development.

The organized labor, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has proposed a minimum wage of N615,000, significantly higher than the government’s initial proposal.

The private sector, on the other hand, has proposed an initial offer of N54,000.

The labor leaders had expressed their anger and disappointment over the government’s offer, blaming both the government and the private sector for the breakdown in negotiations.

They have given the government a deadline of May 31 to meet their demands.

The minimum wage negotiations have been ongoing since January 30, when Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the 37-member tripartite committee to recommend a new national minimum wage.

The committee is chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Aji.With the cost of living rising following the removal of fuel subsidy, calls for a new minimum wage have intensified.

Labor leaders argue that the proposed minimum wage of N615,000 is necessary to meet the needs of an average Nigerian family of six, given the current economic situation.

The resumption of negotiations next week offers a glimmer of hope for workers who have been waiting for a new minimum wage.

The government’s willingness to reconsider its proposal is seen as a positive development, and labor leaders are expected to approach the negotiations with renewed optimism.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal Government has directed all Point-of-Sales (PoS) operators to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) by July 7, 2024, to reduce kidnapping and fraudulent activities.

According to the Registrar-General of CAC, Hussaini Magaji, the registration will help security agencies track and arrest recipients of ransom payments from kidnap victims. 

Magaji stated that the registration process aligns with legal requirements and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directives, and defaulters will face punishment after the deadline.

He stated that the registration is not intended to target specific groups or individuals but aims to safeguard businesses and strengthen the economy. 

The CAC boss explained that the registration will provide data to security agencies to track fraudulent activities and enable them to provide details of persons behind companies involved in fraud.

He added that registration goes beyond taxation to encompass access to loans, legality, and compliance with regulatory requirements. 

PoS agents have reacted to the directive, with some agreeing with the CBN while others believe it will place a burden on operators, especially those in rural communities.

The National President of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria, Sarafa Fasasi, questioned the directive, stating that it may reverse the 74% financial inclusion rate. 

However, the immediate past president of the association, Victor Olojo, backed the move, stating that it is necessary for standardisation and enhanced security. 

The government has launched a 24-hour service centre to facilitate registration and has warned that the deadline will not be extended.

With the rise of fraudulent activities involving PoS terminals, the government is taking measures to ensure the safety and security of businesses and individuals.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Speaking at the 2nd Chronicle Roundtable, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s historical endurance of economic sabotage.

However, he expressed optimism, foreseeing significant economic growth once the country navigates through the ongoing reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Shettima assured that positive changes would soon manifest across various economic indicators, including inflation, per capita income, GDP, poverty reduction, and food security.

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the administration tackles prevailing economic challenges.

Highlighting key policy decisions and the economic agenda of the Tinubu administration, the Vice President discussed the removal of petroleum subsidy, describing it as a necessary step to save the nation from impending economic collapse.

He affirmed the need for collective sacrifice and patience to address the nation’s economic ailments.

Shettima acknowledged the continuity of governance, noting that the decisions made were essential for the nation’s survival.

He noted the importance of policy consistency and long-term vision in transforming critical sectors of the economy.

The event saw the presence of notable figures including Minister of Information Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, and Chairman of 21st Century Chronicle Amb. Gbara Awanen, among others.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The Federal Government has approved a significant salary increase for civil servants, with a raise of between 25% and 35% for those on the remaining six Consolidated Salary Structures. 

This was announced in a statement signed by the Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku. 

The affected salary structures include the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). 

This development comes after earlier increases for those in the Tertiary Education and Health Sectors, which included the Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS) for universities, as well as the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS) for polytechnics and colleges of education. 

The Health Sector also benefited from increases through the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS). 

According to the statement, the increases will take effect on January 1, 2024. Additionally, the Federal Government has approved increases in pension of between 20% and 28% for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme in respect of the six consolidated salary structures, also effective from January 1, 2024. 

This move is expected to bring relief to civil servants and pensioners, who have been seeking improved remuneration for their services to the nation.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The federal government has stepped in to offer support by donating two cutting-edge digital firefighting trucks to the Kano State government.

The unveiling ceremony, graced by Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, was marked by expressions of gratitude towards the Federal Government for its crucial assistance. 

Governor Yusuf, acknowledging the donation, expressed profound appreciation for the gesture, highlighting the substantial impact these firefighting trucks would have on bolstering safety and security within the state.

He assured the public that the resources would be utilised judiciously for the benefit of all citizens.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government (FG) has initiated the payment of salaries previously withheld from members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). 

Confirmation of this breakthrough came directly from the Chairperson of ASUU at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, who officially verified the situation.

Prof. Bolarin affirmed, “Yes, it is true. Payment has started rolling in.” 

This announcement marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing negotiations between ASUU and the FG regarding salary payments and other outstanding issues.

The resumption of salary disbursements brings relief to thousands of university lecturers who have faced financial strain due to the prolonged withholding of their earnings. 

The decision to release the withheld salaries follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive in October 2023, authorizing the payment of four months’ worth of salaries owed to ASUU members.

This action represents a proactive step by the government to address the grievances of academic staff and ensure the smooth functioning of the country’s higher education sector.

The resumption of salary payments underscores the importance of dialogue and cooperation between stakeholders in resolving disputes and fostering a conducive environment for teaching, research, and learning in Nigerian universities.