Nigeria News (Standard)
Gbajabiamila Signals Fresh Review of ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Amid Soaring Cost of Living
Presidency says current wage no longer adequate as NLC insists workers face severe hardship under inflation
Presidency says current wage no longer adequate as NLC insists workers face severe hardship under inflation
The Federal Government has announced plans to review Nigeria’s national minimum wage, acknowledging that the current ₦70,000 benchmark is no longer sufficient in light of rising inflation and cost of living pressures. The disclosure came on Thursday at the Good Governance Summit 2026 in Abuja, where Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed labour leaders and policy stakeholders.
Gbajabiamila explained that the Tinubu administration introduced the ₦70,000 minimum wage in 2024 after raising it from ₦30,000 and shortening the review cycle from five years to three. However, he admitted that economic realities have since shifted dramatically. “The ₦70,000 wage, which was a milestone in 2024, must be honestly reassessed against today’s realities,” Gbajabiamila said at the summit.
This development follows sustained agitation by organised labour unions, particularly the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which argue that surging food prices and utility costs have eroded workers’ purchasing power. Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Benson Upah, said: “The truth is that ₦70,000 is not sustainable under the present economic situation. Workers are under immense pressure.” The NLC has indicated it will formally engage government on new wage negotiations ahead of the statutory 2026 review deadline.
While government has not announced any new minimum wage figure or salary increment yet, Gbajabiamila assured that organised labour would be treated as a partner rather than an adversary when formal negotiations commence. He also urged union leaders to pursue dialogue instead of confrontation in pushing their demands. Any new minimum wage must be negotiated among government, employers and labour before being transmitted to the National Assembly for approval and presidential assent.
Some state governments have already moved beyond the national benchmark: Lagos and Rivers States currently pay ₦85,000 monthly (with Lagos previously announcing plans for ₦100,000), while Imo recently adopted ₦104,000. Other states like Bayelsa, Enugu and Akwa Ibom now offer ₦80,000 minimum wage to their workers. Nonetheless, many states still struggle to pay even the existing federal minimum.
With inflation rates above 33 percent according to recent National Bureau of Statistics data and continued naira depreciation against major currencies, many Nigerian families report spending over 90 percent of monthly income on basic food needs alone. The outcome of this next minimum wage negotiation is expected to shape living standards for millions of workers across all sectors nationwide.
Nigeria News (Standard)
MTN Chairperson Condemns Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa, Calls for National Unity
Telecoms leader urges restoration of ‘national consciousness’ as recent violence against foreigners sparks regional concern
Telecoms leader urges restoration of ‘national consciousness’ as recent violence against foreigners sparks regional concern
The chairperson of MTN Group has publicly condemned the ongoing xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, urging citizens and leaders to return to what he described as a spirit of ‘national consciousness.’ The remarks were made on Friday during a company event, as fresh incidents of violence against non-South Africans have reignited diplomatic tensions across the region.
The MTN chairperson addressed stakeholders in Johannesburg, denouncing the recent wave of attacks that have affected foreign-owned businesses and communities. The chairperson stressed that such actions undermine social cohesion and threaten the economic stability of not just South Africa but also neighbouring countries, including Nigeria, where MTN maintains significant operations.
Xenophobic violence has remained a recurring issue in South Africa, with previous episodes resulting in loss of lives and extensive property damage. For many Nigerians living in South Africa or with business ties to the country, these developments raise fresh concerns about safety and bilateral relations between Abuja and Pretoria.
While speaking to participants at the event, the MTN chairperson called on South Africans to reflect on their shared history and embrace inclusivity. He stated that rebuilding ‘national consciousness’ was vital for long-term peace and prosperity. No immediate comment was available from South African government officials regarding measures to address the situation.
As at Friday evening, Nigerian authorities had yet to issue an updated travel advisory for citizens residing or travelling to South Africa. The incident is likely to prompt further dialogue between both countries, with stakeholders from the telecoms sector and diplomatic corps expected to push for stronger protections for foreign nationals.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Port Harcourt Gas Secretariat Confirms Domestic Utilisation Surpasses 2bcfd as Exports Reach Five-Year High
Federal government says rising gas output driven by power, industry and transport; energy stakeholders hail economic boost
Federal government says rising gas output driven by power, industry and transport; energy stakeholders hail economic boost
Nigeria’s domestic natural gas utilisation has crossed the two billion standard cubic feet per day (2bcfd) mark, with exports hitting their highest level in five years, according to new disclosures by the Decade of Gas Secretariat. The announcement was made during a media capacity-building programme held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Wednesday.
Mr. Taofeek Balogun, representing the Decade of Gas Secretariat at the event, stated that Nigeria’s gas sector is now recording year-to-date production of 7.85 billion standard cubic feet per day (bcfd). He attributed this progress to the Federal Government’s ongoing gas development agenda, which targets increased domestic supply for power generation, industry, transportation and household use.
The surge in both domestic consumption and exports comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to reduce reliance on imported fuels and strengthen its energy security. The government’s push for wider adoption of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicles has also created new demand for domestic gas. Experts say this milestone demonstrates the growing role of natural gas in Nigeria’s industrialisation drive and economic diversification efforts.
“This achievement reflects our commitment to harnessing Nigeria’s vast gas resources for national development,” Balogun said at the programme, which was organised in collaboration with the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas and Electric Vehicles (Pi-CNG & EV). He added that continued investment in infrastructure and policy reforms are essential to sustain growth in the sector.
Stakeholders present at the event commended government’s efforts but urged further action to address challenges such as pipeline vandalism and regulatory bottlenecks. As Nigeria consolidates its position as a leading gas producer in Africa, industry players expect ongoing reforms to attract more investments and support job creation across key sectors.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Mike Bamiloye Reveals Cameraman’s Disappearance Halted Original ‘Agbara Nla’ Production in Osun
Veteran filmmaker recounts how the iconic Christian film was abandoned in 1987 as new sequel readies for cinema release
Veteran filmmaker recounts how the iconic Christian film was abandoned in 1987 as new sequel readies for cinema release
Renowned Christian filmmaker Mike Bamiloye has disclosed that the original production of his influential movie, Agbara Nla, collapsed in Osun State in 1987 after the cameraman vanished with all the recorded tapes shortly after filming concluded. Bamiloye made this revelation on Friday via a post on his verified X account, just as anticipation grows for the upcoming cinema debut of Agbara Nla: The Return.
According to Bamiloye, after completing the initial shooting nearly four decades ago, the entire cast and crew were left stranded when the hired cameraman absconded with the only copies of their work. The incident forced him and his Mount Zion Faith Ministries team to abandon their efforts, despite high hopes for what would become one of Nigeria’s most impactful faith-based films.
Agbara Nla later became a household name across Nigeria, credited with inspiring a wave of indigenous Christian filmmaking and outreach. The lost tapes incident, however, delayed its emergence and shaped Bamiloye’s approach to subsequent productions. The filmmaker’s latest account comes as excitement builds for Agbara Nla: The Return, expected to draw significant attention from both older fans and a new generation of viewers.
Bamiloye did not provide further details on how or if the missing tapes were recovered, but he described the experience as a test of perseverance that ultimately strengthened his commitment to gospel drama. Stakeholders in Nigeria’s Christian creative sector have hailed his resilience, with many pointing to Agbara Nla as a turning point for local content.
With Agbara Nla: The Return set for cinema screens nationwide, Bamiloye’s story serves as a reminder of the challenges facing early Nigerian filmmakers. Industry observers expect renewed interest in faith-based productions and greater recognition for those who laid the groundwork despite setbacks.
_Agbara Nla: The Return._
Source: https://guardian.ng/life/how-original-agbara-nla-production-collapsed-mike-bamiloye/
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