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Nigeria News (Standard)

NLC Rejects Governors’ ₦100,000 Minimum Wage Proposal Amid Rising Inflation

Labour unions say new offer falls short as data shows healthy diet now costs over ₦230,000 monthly for families

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Labour unions say new offer falls short as data shows healthy diet now costs over ₦230,000 monthly for families

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has dismissed a proposal by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to set the new national minimum wage at ₦100,000, insisting that the figure does not reflect current economic realities. The debate intensified on Monday after NGF Chairman and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, put forward the ₦100,000 figure during ongoing negotiations with labour in Abuja.

Organised labour, represented by NLC spokesman Benson Upah, argued that inflation and currency devaluation have eroded the value of workers’ salaries, rendering the governors’ offer inadequate. Upah described the proposal as “grossly insufficient” and stated that a realistic minimum wage should be closer to ₦1 million monthly given prevailing market prices. The Federal Workers Forum also criticised the offer, calling it a “Greek gift” that does not address the hardship experienced by public sector employees across states.

The clamour for wage review comes less than two years after government raised the minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 in July 2024. However, data from Dataphyte indicates that by mid-2024, the real value of ₦30,000 had dropped to just ₦11,708 due to persistent inflation. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reported that workers lost ₦2.79 trillion in purchasing power within 2024 alone. Many states are yet to implement even the previous minimum wage for local government workers and primary school teachers.

Cost-of-living figures underline labour’s position: analysis cited by The Whistler shows that a healthy adult diet now averages ₦1,541 daily—₦46,230 per month—excluding meal preparation. For an average family of just over five persons in Nigeria, this translates to more than ₦233,923 monthly or more than three times the current minimum wage. Even with the proposed increase to ₦100,000 monthly, most workers would still struggle to meet basic nutritional requirements recommended by global health standards.

While some observers consider labour’s demand for a ₦1 million minimum wage excessive in view of government revenue constraints, stakeholders agree that repeated wage increases have consistently been overtaken by inflation. As discussions continue between government and unions on a new national minimum wage framework, many Nigerians remain concerned about whether any agreement will deliver real improvements in living conditions.

Source: https://punchng.com/nigerian-workers-deserve-a-living-wage/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West

One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

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One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.

According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.

Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.

SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.

The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP

Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

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Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”

Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.

The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.

Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/us-strikes-in-nigeria-prevented-mass-killing-of-christians-trump/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State

Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

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Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.

Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.

Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.

Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.

As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/891151-former-super-eagles-coach-adegboye-onigbinde-buried-in-modakeke.html

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