The Nation Newspaper

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  • FULL LIST: Top 10 African countries with highest minimum wage in 2026

    FULL LIST: Top 10 African countries with highest minimum wage in 2026

    Minimum wage represents the lowest legal remuneration that workers can receive, intended to ensure they can meet basic living needs.

    Across many parts of the world, including Africa, employees often earn far below what is necessary for a decent standard of living.

    Nevertheless, several African countries have developed robust policies that prioritise worker welfare, guaranteeing fair compensation and providing a framework for improved livelihoods.

    Below are the top 10 African countries with highest minimum wage in 2026

     1. Morocco – Minimum Wage: $374

    Morocco tops the list with a minimum wage of about $374 per month, supported by a diversified economy spanning agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Strong trade links with Europe and the Middle East help sustain economic activity and worker incomes. GDP grew 4.4% in 2025.

    2. Mauritius – Minimum Wage: $371

    Mauritius offers one of Africa’s highest minimum wages at approximately $371.75 per month. The economy is underpinned by tourism, finance, and technology sectors, which support stable employment and higher wages. GDP grew 3.2% in 2025.

    3. Tunisia – Minimum Wage: $185

    Tunisia’s minimum wage stands at around $185.54 per month, with a mixed economy of agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Economic reforms and moderate growth help maintain this wage level. GDP growth was 2.5% in 2025.

    4. Algeria – Minimum Wage: $185

    Algeria’s minimum wage is about $185.25 per month, largely supported by oil and gas exports. Public sector wages and social programs also reinforce the minimum wage framework. The country recorded 3.4% GDP growth in 2025.

    5. Egypt – Minimum Wage: $149

    Egypt has a minimum wage of roughly $149.79 per month. The economy is supported by agriculture, industry, and services, with reforms aimed at boosting investment and employment. GDP grew 4.3% in 2025.

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    6. Botswana – Minimum Wage: $142

    Botswana’s minimum wage averages $142.62 per month, backed by diamond-driven revenues. However, the economy experienced a contraction due to weak global demand. GDP contracted by −0.9% in 2025.

    7. Cape Verde – Minimum Wage: $139

    Cape Verde offers a minimum wage of about $139.41 per month, with tourism, services, and remittances driving the economy. GDP grew 5.2% in 2025, among the highest in the top ten list.

    8. Lesotho – Minimum Wage: $139

    Lesotho’s minimum wage is around $139.40 per month. The economy relies on manufacturing, agriculture, and remittances from migrant workers. GDP growth was 1.4% in 2025.

    9. Kenya – Minimum Wage: $118

    Kenya’s minimum wage stands at approximately $118.20 per month. A diversified economy driven by agriculture, manufacturing, and services supports employment and wage floors. GDP grew 4.8% in 2025.

    10. Mozambique – Minimum Wage: $104

    Mozambique has a minimum wage of about $104.92 per month, reflecting its lower-income status. Investments in agriculture and energy are helping the economy gradually expand. GDP growth stood at 2.5% in 2025

  • Electoral Act: Real-time result transmission may endanger rural voting — CSO

    Electoral Act: Real-time result transmission may endanger rural voting — CSO

    A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Nigeria Integrity Watch (NIW), has warned that making real-time electronic transmission of election results mandatory could disenfranchise millions of voters in rural and insecure parts of the country.

    The warning followed last week’s passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill 2026 by the Senate after its third reading.

    In passing the bill, the Senate declined to approve a proposed amendment to Clause 60(3), which sought to mandate the real-time electronic transmission of election results by presiding officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The rejected amendment would have required results from each polling unit to be electronically transmitted to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) in real time after the prescribed result forms were signed, stamped, and countersigned by party agents.

    Instead, the Senate retained the existing provision of the 2022 Electoral Act, which states that “the presiding officer shall transfer the results, including the total number of accredited voters and the results of the ballot, in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”

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    Clarifying the Senate’s position, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the lawmakers did not reject electronic transmission of results but only removed the phrase “real time” from the provision.

    Speaking at a book launch on the burden of legislators in Nigeria, Akpabio explained that electronic transmission remains permissible under the law, but that insisting on real-time transmission could create legal and logistical challenges.

    “All we said during discussion was that we should remove the word ‘real-time’ because if you say real-time, then there is a network or grid failure and the network is not working. When you go to court, somebody will say it ought to have been real-time. That was all we said,” he stated.

    Reacting to the development in a statement on Tuesday, NIW described the push for mandatory real-time transmission as a looming “democratic emergency,” citing Nigeria’s weak digital and power infrastructure.

    The organisation’s spokesperson, Dr. John Samuel Nang, said large portions of rural Nigeria—particularly areas affected by insecurity—lack reliable telecommunications coverage, warning that a rigid digital-only system could invalidate votes in communities without stable 4G or 5G networks.

    “Even making ordinary phone calls has become difficult due to frequent network failures,” Nang said, questioning the feasibility of transmitting sensitive election data seamlessly in real time under such conditions.

    NIW also raised concerns over Nigeria’s unstable power supply, noting that frequent national grid collapses could disrupt elections mid-process if electronic transmission becomes compulsory.

    On sovereignty issues, the group argued that Nigeria does not have full control over its satellite infrastructure, warning that overreliance on external digital systems could expose the electoral process to manipulation.

    The organisation recalled that the Supreme Court has recognised electronic transmission of results as supplementary rather than a replacement for manual collation, which it described as a critical safeguard of the electoral process.

    NIW urged civil society groups and policymakers to focus on infrastructure readiness, calling on the Nigerian Communications Commission and telecommunications operators to ensure nationwide internet coverage before pushing for mandatory real-time transmission of election results.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu receives AFRICOM Commander, U.S envoy at State House

    JUST IN: Tinubu receives AFRICOM Commander, U.S envoy at State House

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday hosted a high-level delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), led by its Commander, General Dagvin Anderson, at the State House, Abuja.

    The meeting, which was attended by Nigeria’s top security leadership, was disclosed in a post on X by the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.

    According to Olusegun, President Tinubu, alongside the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the service chiefs, received General Anderson, members of his team, and the Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Keith Heffern.

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    Those present on the U.S. side included the Charge d’Affaires, Mr. Keith Heffern; the Commander of AFRICOM, General Dagvin Anderson; the Command Sergeant Major, Garric M. Banfield, who is the Command Senior Enlisted Leader of AFRICOM; and the Senior Foreign Policy Adviser, AFRICOM, Ambassador Peter Vrooman.

    On the Nigerian side, President Tinubu was joined by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant-General Emmanuel Uandiandeye; the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mohammed Mohammed; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Ajayi.

  • Nigeria calls for global economic reset

    Nigeria calls for global economic reset

    Nigeria has called for a reset of the global economic system as emerging market economies seek fairer treatment in international trade, finance and monetary policies.

    The call was made on Sunday in Saudi Arabia by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, during a panel session involving Finance Ministers from major emerging market countries.

    Edun spoke at the Al Ula Conference for Emerging Market Economies, where global finance leaders met to discuss changes in international trade, monetary systems and macroeconomic policies at a time of major shifts in the global economy.

    According to a statement shared by the Ministry of Finance on its official X handle, the minister told the gathering that emerging market economies must play a stronger role in shaping the new global economic order.

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    He said the current global economic structure no longer reflects the realities of today’s world and must be adjusted to give developing and emerging economies a fairer voice.

    Edun also drew attention to the increasing importance of Gulf countries in global trade and finance, noting that the region is becoming a key driver of investment and capital flows across emerging markets.

    He said Nigeria sees strong potential in working more closely with Gulf nations to unlock new opportunities in trade, infrastructure development and long-term investment.

    The minister stressed that Nigeria remains committed to building partnerships that promote fairness and balance in the global financial system.

    “Nigeria is committed to strengthening partnerships that will support a more equitable global financial architecture,” Edun said.

    He added that a restructured global economic system would help emerging markets grow faster, create jobs and improve living standards for their people.

    The conference brought together policymakers and financial experts from across the world to exchange ideas on how emerging economies can better navigate global economic changes and contribute more meaningfully to global growth.

    Nigeria’s participation, the ministry said, reflects the country’s determination to engage actively in global economic discussions and ensure that the interests of developing economies are fully represented.

  • Osun 2026: Basiru, ex-lawmakers begin consultations to boost APC chances

    Osun 2026: Basiru, ex-lawmakers begin consultations to boost APC chances

    …forum to finalise reconciliation of guber aspirants 

    As political activities ahead of the Osun State 2026 governorship election gather momentum, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, former Speakers and other ex-legislators have begun strategic consultations to secure victory for the party’s candidate.

    The meeting, held at Alubarika House, Alekuwodo, Osogbo on Sunday, attracted over 30 former lawmakers, including two ex-Speakers, Timothy Owoeye and Mojeed Alabi.

    Addressing reporters after the meeting, Basiru said the gathering was convened to establish a structure and steering committee that would drive the party’s campaign.

    “This meeting is to formally create a structure and the steering committee for that body to be able to ensure that we strategise and work for the victory of our party in the August 8, 2026 election for our candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and also to work for the success of our party in the 2027 election to President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

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    He added that the forum comprised politicians who had contested and won elections in their constituencies, expressing confidence in their grassroots influence.

    “This is a gathering of people who have contested elections in the various constituencies and have won. We believe they are the people who have control of the grassroots and will be able to work for the success of our party. By August 8, we will know who is popular,” he said.

    Leader of the forum and former Speaker, Mojeed Alabi, said the meeting was aimed at strengthening the party’s political position in the state.

    “We met today to constitute ourselves into a formidable force for the purpose of uplifting the political situation of our state,” he said.

    Alabi said members resolved to remain united behind the party’s candidate and engage leaders across different groups.

    “We will meet governorship aspirants from the last primary election to ensure that all issues relating to the selection of the candidate are amicably resolved in a manner that will ensure victory for our party when the election is held on August 8, 2026,” he added.

  • Police arrest three suspected kidnappers over abduction of Edo doctor 

    Police arrest three suspected kidnappers over abduction of Edo doctor 

    Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of three suspected kidnappers involved in the abduction of Dr. Ibrahim Tahir and his brother, Abu.

    Both brothers were kidnapped on January 2nd this year at their residence, near Igbira Camp, Auchi, Estako West local government area.

    Abu was killed by the kidnappers while Ibrahim was released after payment of N50m ransom.

    The three kidnappers were arrested separately.

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    Edo Police spokesman, Eno Ikoedem, in a statement, said the arrests were due to sustained intelligence-led operations in Auchi and its environs.

    Ikoedem said a first breakthrough came when operatives of the Auchi Division, while conducting a routine bush-combing operation in collaboration with local hunters and vigilante groups, at Warake forest intercepted one Saminu Kawujie.

    It was during an identification parade that he was identified as one of the abductors.

    Two other suspects were arrested at the Auchi Specialist Hospital where they had gone to treat a relative.

    It was Dr. Ibrahim that raised the alarm when he sighted them and police operatives led the Divisional Police Officer swooped in.

    The two suspects were identified as Idris Abubakar ‘M’ and Sani Abubakar ‘M’. 

    Ikoedem said both suspects have been identified as part of the gang that abducted the brothers.

    “Idris Abubakar was identified as the particular person who received ransom money for the release of Dr. Abu.

    “Effort have been intensified towards conducting a comprehensive and discreet investigation aimed at dismantling the entire notorious organized criminal network responsible for the kidnappings in Auchi and its environs.”

  • LASEPA launches waste to wealth initiative in Lagos

    LASEPA launches waste to wealth initiative in Lagos

    The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has launched a household used cooking oil collection programme in collaboration with Ororo Waste Management and with the support of Shell, creating a new waste to wealth opportunity for thousands of micro entrepreneurs across the state.

    The initiative, unveiled at the LASEPA Conference Room, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, introduced dedicated collection kiosks where residents can deposit used cooking oil in exchange for incentives. 

    The scheme is designed to promote environmental protection, support the transition to cleaner energy, and uplift incomes in the informal sector.

    LASEPA General Manager Dr Babatunde Ajayi stated that the project is in line with the agency’s priorities on climate action, public health, and waste to value solutions. 

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    He noted that Lagos had the potential to unlock a minimum of $20 million from the global biofuel supply chain due to its population size and cooking patterns.

    Dr Ajayi warned that improper disposal of used cooking oil contributes to blocked drains, flooding, road damage, groundwater pollution, and disease outbreaks. 

    He added that frequent reheating of cooking oil also poses serious health risks, making structured collection a vital public health intervention.

    He explained that the programme would operate through collection points in all LASEPA zonal offices, including its headquarters, where residents will receive incentives for turning in used cooking oil. 

    According to him, linking environmental compliance to economic benefits would encourage voluntary participation and sustain the initiative long term.

    Managing Director and Project Lead of Ororo Waste Management, Mr Ayo Banjo, said the launch marked the next phase of a plan to build a circular economy around used cooking oil in Lagos. 

    He noted that households generate between 50 and 60 percent of used cooking oil, making them central to the success of the initiative.

  • Jigawa, Argentina strengthen livestock ties as Nigeria advances Alfalfa‑led export strategy

    Jigawa, Argentina strengthen livestock ties as Nigeria advances Alfalfa‑led export strategy

    Governor Umar Namadi-led Jigawa State Government is translating federal livestock reforms into subnational action through strategic partnerships aligned with the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Policy.

    A major milestone in this effort was the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Jigawa State Government and El‑Meena Farms Ltd, which launched the Jigawa Alfalfa Value Chain Development Initiative.

    The project targets a 100,000-hectare mega-estate from a 1,000-hectare pilot, an annual output of 2.0 million metric tonnes of alfalfa, and over 100,000 jobs, positioning Jigawa as the hub of livestock feed production and agro-exports in Nigeria and West Africa.

    To ensure evidence-based execution and learn from proven global models, Governor Namadi recently led a high-level delegation of public and private stakeholders on a technical and investment engagement to Córdoba Province, Argentina.

    Argentina, well advanced in research-driven agriculture, smart irrigation, mechanisation, and agro-industrial development, is currently the world’s second-largest producer of alfalfa, with Córdoba serving as its largest production hub.

    The Nigerian mission included officials of the Jigawa Government, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), El-Meena Farms Ltd, Jigawa El-Meena Farms (the SPV), Nigeria Export‑Import Bank (NEXIM), Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), Jaiz Bank, Saudi Arabia’s Alkhorayef Group, and Cape Mano Agriculture.

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    The delegation toured major forage processing and animal nutrition facilities, including Megafardos del Norte, Nafosa, Pellfood, and Biofarma S.A., gaining first-hand exposure to large-scale alfalfa production, feed processing, livestock nutrition systems, and export logistics.

    The mission also visited the Governor of Córdoba Province, culminating in the signing of an additional MoU between Jigawa State and Córdoba Province. It formalises cooperation in livestock development, sustainable alfalfa production, irrigation innovation, applied research, and agro-industrial value chains.

    Facilitated by NITDA, under its Regional Digital Innovation and Investment Programme (RegDIIP), the Argentina engagement demonstrates how technology, applied research, and international partnerships can unlock regional competitive advantage.

    Insights from NITDA and the MIT Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (MIT-REAP) further validate alfalfa as an impactful feed input capable of improving livestock productivity, reducing feed shortages, easing farmer–herder tensions, and supporting export-driven systems.

    The Jigawa-El‑Meena MoU signed in December 2025 aims to cultivate 100,000 hectares of premium alfalfa, with projected annual export revenues estimated between $440 million and $540 million. Alkhorayef Group is the technical partner for irrigation infrastructure.

    At the signing ceremony in Dutse, Governor Namadi, who described the project as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic agenda, noted that it represents an economic bridge between Nigeria and the Middle East.

    “By combining Jigawa’s vast land resources with El-Meena’s operational expertise and Saudi Arabia’s superior irrigation technology, we are building a secure, high-value export corridor that aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the governor said.

    The scheme is structured around the NEXIM Bank–Saudi EXIM Bank export-financing window, with an initial $5 million capital outlay earmarked for advanced centre-pivot irrigation systems for the 1,000-hectare pilot phase.

  • Infrastructure key to real estate, economic growth — Sanwo-Olu

    Infrastructure key to real estate, economic growth — Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has stressed the importance of infrastructure development as a major driver of real estate expansion and long-term economic growth.

    Sanwo-Olu made the assertion during the 2026 Nigeria Construction and Real Estate Outlook Conference organised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Nigeria Group, held at the Metropolitan Club, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Housing, Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, described infrastructure as the backbone of sustainable development, noting that strategic investments in roads, rail and other public utilities have continued to boost investors’ confidence and unlock new opportunities in the real estate sector.

    He said Lagos, being Africa’s largest city, continues to witness rapid population growth, which presents both challenges and opportunities, adding that the state government has adopted infrastructure as a long-term investment strategy to stimulate private sector participation.

    According to him, “Infrastructure is not an accessory to growth; it is its architecture. It determines where value emerges, how cities expand and whether growth is inclusive or fragile.”

    Sanwo-Olu noted that professionalism, transparency and integrity in the built environment remain critical in attracting investment in a competitive global economy, commending the RICS for promoting global professional standards in the construction and real estate sector.

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    The governor cited key projects such as the Lagos Rail Mass Transit network, major road and bridge construction and integrated transport planning as initiatives reshaping land use patterns, reducing congestion and opening new real estate corridors across the state.

    He also emphasised the importance of strong institutions in making infrastructure projects viable, noting that reforms in land administration, planning approvals and public-private partnership frameworks have improved efficiency and accelerated project delivery.

    Sanwo-Olu said the progress recorded in infrastructure development reflects continuity in governance and a clear understanding that infrastructure remains a major indicator of government credibility and long-term planning.

    The governor expressed optimism about the outlook of Nigeria’s construction and real estate sector in 2026, identifying key opportunities in transit-oriented development, urban renewal, affordable housing, logistics and industrial parks, as well as climate-resilient infrastructure.

    He outlined Lagos State’s priorities to include sustained infrastructure expansion, strengthening institutional frameworks, promoting climate-friendly investments, improving data-driven planning and encouraging innovative construction methods through collaboration with the private sector and professional bodies.

    Sanwo-Olu also acknowledged the role of chartered surveyors and other built-environment professionals in safeguarding investments and ensuring accountability in project delivery.

    “In a global investment environment where trust is currency, your role directly influences where capital flows and where cities thrive,” he said.

    He reaffirmed Lagos State Government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and commended the RICS Nigeria Group for its contribution to shaping the nation’s built environment.

  • Top military officers patronising Apapa drug dealers, Council boss alleges

    Top military officers patronising Apapa drug dealers, Council boss alleges

    Chairman of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA in Lagos State, Jimoh Olawale Saliu, has accused some senior military officers of shielding illicit drug peddlers in parts of Apapa.

    He also alleged that some wealthy individuals in the community were financing the illegal trade.

    Saliu, in a statement on Sunday, identified a location known as Gidan Drama in Marine Beach, Apapa, located near Tego Army Barracks, as a hub for drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

    Describing the area as a hideout for notorious criminals, the council chairman said various offences, including the sale of illicit drugs and stolen goods, are perpetrated there. He alleged that some military officers shield the suspects from arrest and sometimes threaten or detain council officials on legitimate duties.

    Saliu spoke during the 70th anniversary of the Corona Schools Trust Council held at St. Theresa Nursery and Primary School, Marine Beach. 

    He urged the Lagos State Government and well-meaning organisations to acquire the Gidan Drama site for the construction of a secondary school, lamenting rising insecurity in the LCDA. 

    According to him, criminals often fled into the area after committing offences, making arrests difficult.

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    He alleged that council officials attempting to carry out enforcement operations in the area are often intimidated or detained. He cited an instance where three LCDA staff members were allegedly arrested and taken to a military base before they were released following intervention.

    Saliu also expressed concern over the involvement of elderly residents in drug trafficking, noting that two suspects were recently arrested during a police raid, with one allegedly concealing drugs in her wrapper.

    He lamented the impact of the criminal activities on the future of young people in the area, stating that the absence of adequate educational infrastructure worsens the situation. 

    The LCDA boss appealed to stakeholders to support the establishment of a secondary school at the site, describing it as a way to curb criminal activities and improve educational opportunities.

    Saliu commended the Corona Schools Trust Council for its efforts in promoting access to education and urged the organisation to extend similar interventions to Apapa-Iganmu LCDA, noting the absence of a senior secondary school in the area.

    Speaking at the event, Chief Executive Officer of Corona Schools Trust Council, Mrs. Adedoyin Adesina, said the organisation has been addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.

    She disclosed that 75 children have been enrolled in schools in the Ago-Egun community in Bariga LCDA within three years. She added that the initiative would be replicated in the Gangare area of Apapa-Iganmu LCDA.

    Adesina said 25 children were being enrolled in the first phase of the programme, with another 25 to be enrolled next year and an additional 25 in the third year. She noted that the council also supports the families of enrolled children and their schools to ensure sustainability of the programme.