Politics

It Cannot Be Paid – Presidency Reacts to Labour’s Stance on N250,000 Minimum Wage

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2024

The Presidency has dismissed the demand by labour unions across the country for a N250,000 minimum wage, describing it as “unrealistic” and “unaffordable“.

Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga stated that neither the Federal Government nor the private sector can meet this demand.

Onanuga noted that even the initial offer of N60,000 was rejected by governors, making labour’s demand unattainable.

Speaking on a live radio programme Crossfire on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM Lagos, Onanuga said: “The amount they’re still (demanding) is unrealistic.

“It cannot be paid by the Federal Government.

“It cannot be paid by the private sector. All of them will shut down. “And the governors have said they cannot pay the N60,000 that the private sector and the Federal Government were offering before.

“That’s where we are today. I think that labour should reconsider its position.”

He added: “If you look at the budget this year – N28 trillion. And you are paying N5 trillion on wages alone; what are you going to spend on the other things that the government does?”

The labour demand comes after weeks of failed talks on a new minimum wage.

Organized labour had declared an indefinite industrial action on June 3, paralyzing businesses across the country and shutting down essential services. The labour unions argue that the current minimum wage of N30,000 can no longer cater to workers’ well-being, citing the effects of petrol subsidy removal and forex unification.

They argued that the Minimum Wage Act of 2019, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, should be reviewed every five years to meet contemporary economic demands.

This led to the inauguration of a tripartite committee by President Bola Tinubu in January 2024 to negotiate a new minimum wage.

Labour initially demanded N615,000, later reducing it to N494,000 and then N250,000. On the other hand, the government and private sector offered N48,000, N54,000, N57,000, and N60,000, all rejected by labour.

After a strike which was suspended for a week, the labour unions resumed talks with the government, with the President directing the Minister of Finance to present a template for a new minimum wage.

However, both sides again failed to reach an agreement, with labour demanding N250,000 and the government offering N62,000.

Presently, the President is being awaited to make a decision and send an executive bill to the National Assembly to pass a new minimum wage bill.

Politics

2027: I’ll defeat Matawalle by 10am – Gov Lawal

Published

2 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Ahead of 2027 general election, Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has claimed that he will defeat the former Governor of the state, Bello Matawalle, if he makes a come back to run.

Lawal stated this on Wednesday while fielding questions on Channels TV’s Politics Today programme.

The statement comes amid speculation that he might switch camp to newly unveiled African Democratic Congress, ADC, following the intractable crisis in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

However, the governor said he remains a member of the PDP, while also dismissing speculations that he was about to decamp to the All Progressives Congress.

Speaking about what would happen if the current Minister of Defense (State) Matawalle decides to seek a ticket for the governorship position under the APC, governor Lawal said he thinks there is no reason for him to fear anybody.

He said: “The truth of the matter is, when I contested in 2023 all these forces were there. They were all in APC when I contested in 2023 and I still won.

“What do you think will change now, in 2027 is it not the same Matawalle that I took over from? I’m praying to God that he should be the one under APC, and let’s see what will happen in 2027 I’m sure history will repeat itself.

“He’s (Matawalle) the one that will be an easier race, in fact, by 10am, it should be a walk over inshallah.”

Politics

Tinubu building on Buhari’s reforms – Former SGF, Boss Mustapha

Published

5 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, says the administration of President Bola Tinubu is building on the foundation of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Mustapha said this at the public presentation of a book, “According to the President”, written by former presidential aide, Garba Shehu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mustapha highlighted Buhari’s legacy of institutional reforms and praised Tinubu for sustaining and building upon them.

The Ex-SGF stressed that both administrations exemplify a commitment to systemic governance rather than personality-driven politics.

“President Buhari governed with duty rather than drama. He was driven by principles, not applause,” Mustapha stated.

Mustapha also highlighted key policy interventions during Buhari’s tenure, including the Petroleum Industry Act, large-scale infrastructure projects, military retooling, and the National Social Investment Programme, NSIP.

He hailed the former president for advancing reforms in agriculture, power, education, and the digital economy, describing these efforts as part of a broader architecture of inclusive development.

Politics

Otti thanks Tinubu for approving Federal Poly, promises security for Isuikwuato, Umunneochi

Published

22 minutes ago

July 10, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment of Federal Polytechnic, Ngodo Isuochi, Umunneochi LGA of the State, promising that his administration would not discriminate between Federal and State institutions in Abia.

Otti, who received the Governing Council of the new Federal Polytechnic on Wednesday, said that the institution will be of immense benefit to Abia people.

He praised the Governing Council for securing accreditation for some courses and for the construction works at the permanent site of the Federal Polytechnic.

“For us, as a government, we don’t care whether an institution is Federal or State. We don’t pay so much attention to whether it is a Federal, State or local government.

“They are going to be used by our people anyhow you slice and dice it. The majority of the students in the Federal Polytechnic are Abia people”, he said.

Otti disclosed that a lot of attention was being paid to Uturu – Isuikwuato axis to further tighten security in the area, and said his administration was collaborating with security agencies to prevent every form of insecurity in his State.

Governor Otti informed his visitors about the battle he fought to dislodge criminals from Isuikwuato/Umunneochi axis of Abia, adding that he just held a security meeting with Abia State Director of DSS on on how to deal with security issues in Uturu where Abia State University is located.

Earlier, the Chairman Governing Council Federal Polytechnic Ngodo, Isuochi, Suleiman Oduwale said that the visit was to thank Governor Otti for granting Certificate of Occupancy for the permanent site of the Polytechnic and for providing other facilities and for upgrading security of the area.

Oduwale said that the improved security has sent a positive signal to parents to send their children to study in the school.