FG

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) took decisive action on Friday by sealing Sahad Store, a prominent supermarket located in the Garki area of Abuja.

The commission cited the store’s lack of transparency in price fixing as the reason for the closure. 

This development comes just a day after President Bola Tinubu announced plans to address factors contributing to the ongoing food crisis in Nigeria.

Following a meeting with state governors, security agency heads, and ministers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed that a committee would be established to combat product hoarding. 

According to Idris, some traders have been accused of hoarding food products, exacerbating the challenges faced by Nigerians.

He emphasised the need to ensure that essential commodities are readily available to people at fair prices. 

The enforcement team from FCCPC, led by Acting Executive Vice Chairman Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi, found Sahad Store guilty of misleading pricing and lack of transparency during a preliminary investigation.

Abdullahi stated that the store would remain sealed until further investigations are completed. 

The commission invoked Section 115(3) of the law, which prohibits charging consumers prices higher than those displayed.

Additionally, Section 155 outlines severe penalties for corporate entities found in violation, including fines and potential imprisonment for directors. 

Despite being summoned to defend their actions, Sahad Store’s management failed to appear, only sending a lawyer who was not familiar with the case. Abdullahi emphasised that compliance with the law is necessary for the store’s reopening. 

The closure of Sahad Store underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring fair pricing practices and protecting consumers from exploitation amidst the current economic challenges facing Nigeria.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

In a bid to streamline customs operations and bolster trade efficiency, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has reaffirmed its commitment to adopting evidence-based approaches.

This commitment was reiterated during the launch of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) assisted Time Release Study (TRS) Scoping Mission for Nigeria.

At the ceremony held in Lagos on Thursday, February 8, 2024, Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR emphasized the significance of the TRS method.

This systematic approach aims to measure the total duration from the arrival of goods at the Customs border until their release. 

CGC Adeniyi highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, stating, “It represents a critical step in our ongoing efforts to optimize the trading experience and customs operations in Nigeria.”

He underscored the NCS’s commitment to trade efficiency and national development, citing initiatives such as the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and the establishment of a Customs Laboratory. 

The launch of the TRS received commendation from government officials and stakeholders present at the event. Minister of Finance, represented by Lydia Jafiya, stated its alignment with the Federal Government’s agenda for economic revitalization.

Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, stressed the role of trade facilitation in enhancing revenue generation and national competitiveness. 

With collaborative efforts between the NCS, WCO, and other stakeholders, Nigeria aims to leverage scientific studies and innovative strategies to enhance customs operations, promote economic growth, and facilitate international trade.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enforce compliance with Executive Order 003 of 2017, which promotes the patronage of locally produced products, including textiles. 

This resolution came after the adoption of a motion by Rep. Esosa Iyawe (LP-Edo) during plenary in Abuja, where he highlighted the significance of the textile sector in Nigeria’s economy. 

Iyawe affirmed the importance of revitalising the Nigerian textile industry, which was once a major employer of labour and a vital component of the manufacturing sector. 

He expressed concerns about the negative impact of non-compliance with the executive order and the preference for imported fabrics over locally made textiles. 

The House urged the Federal Government to ensure the effective implementation of Executive Order 003 and to conduct awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the benefits of supporting indigenous textile manufacturers. 

Additionally, the House called on various government agencies, including the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise the patronage of locally made textiles. 

Furthermore, the House mandated the Committees on Industry and Legislative Compliance to oversee and ensure adherence to the executive order. 

Executive Order 003, signed by former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in 2017, aims to boost the nation’s economy and create jobs by encouraging government agencies to prioritize the use of locally made goods.