Politics
It Cannot Be Paid – Presidency Reacts to Labour’s Stance on N250,000 Minimum Wage
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.
The embattled National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, David Mark, on Friday held a closed-door meeting with leaders of the Peoples Redemption Party in Abuja. The private consultation is seen as a fresh round of political moves as the ADC continues to battle a lingering leadership crisis and growing internal divisions.
Top figures from both parties were said to be present at the meeting, including PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed and senior ADC officials. The development is already drawing attention as opposition parties continue realignments ahead of the 2027 political season, with many watching closely for possible alliances and next steps in the party crisis.
Politics
“ADC is a Holy Party, Cannot be used to Scam Nigerians Again” – Hon Success Opara tells David Mark
ADC Party in Turmoil: Hon Success Opara Slams Leadership, Warns Against Scamming Nigerians
Abuja, Nigeria – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is facing internal strife as Hon Success Opara, a prominent party official, has warned against attempts to use the party to deceive Nigerians. Opara specifically criticized the leadership of David Mark, stating that the party cannot be used to scam citizens again.
“ADC holy Party cannot be used to scam Nigerians again,” Opara said, emphasizing that those forming coalitions are hindering the party’s growth and denying youths opportunities to thrive.
“Those who are forming coalition don’t want to give the youths the chance to strive in the party,” she added.
Opara’s statement highlights the deepening divisions within the ADC, with concerns over leadership and the party’s direction.
The factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nafiu Bala Gombe, has announced that the party under his leadership will bar individuals above the age of 55 from contesting for political positions.
Gombe made the disclosure during an interview with BBC Hausa, where he outlined a vision centred on generational change and greater youth participation in politics.
“The African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a party that belongs to all Nigerians. What we are doing now is to ensure the party moves forward properly.
“We have decided that we will give the youths a real chance. The time has come for young people to take the lead in politics.
“If you are over 55 years old, you are not going to contest for positions in the ADC under our leadership.
“We want to bring in fresh blood, new ideas, and energy from the youth. Nigeria’s future depends on the young generation.
“The old ways have not worked well for the country. We need to open the door wide for youths to participate fully as candidates, leaders, and decision-makers,” he said.
David Mark Holds Secret Meeting With PRP Leaders as ADC Crisis Deepens
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