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  • Customs to equip 100 officers for strategic leadership positions 

    Customs to equip 100 officers for strategic leadership positions 

    The Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College (NCCSC), Gwagwalada, has inaugurated a combined cohort of 100 officers, comprising 50 participants for Senior Course 14 and 50 for Junior Course 24, has part of efforts to equipping its officers with the skills required to enhance operational efficiency and leadership capacity.

    The ceremony, held at Ahmad Makarfi Hall of the College, marked the commencement of the courses, which will run for six months for Senior Course participants and three months for Junior Course participants.

    Addressing the newly inaugurated students and members of the Directing Staff, the Commander of the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC),  the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi

    who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs Sulaiman Chiroma, described the inauguration as more than the commencement of an academic programme. He said it marks a critical milestone in the Service’s transition from operational efficiency to strategic leadership development.

    “The management of the Nigeria Customs Service, under the leadership of the Comptroller-General, has continued to commit significant resources to strengthening the Command and Staff College and its programmes. The impact of these courses will soon reflect in officers’ career progression and institutional performance.”

    Adeniyi explained that participation in Command courses would increasingly be a prerequisite for career advancement within the Service, urging participants to regard their nomination as both a privilege and a responsibility earned through a deliberate, selective process.

    Read Also: Customs, NDLEA foil N4.7b drug shipment

    He charged the officers to diligently absorb the knowledge to be imparted, apply it in their careers, and uphold integrity, accountability, and professionalism. “Modern Customs administration demands officers who are not only operationally competent but also strategically grounded,” he stressed.

    He added, “The College remains a vital platform for equipping middle-level managers with the skills required to function in an increasingly complex security and economic environment, particularly as the Nigeria Customs Service prepares to operate within a new national revenue framework.”

    The CGC encouraged participants to embrace leadership defined by character, discipline, sound judgment and adherence to the core values of the Service, advising them to conduct themselves as officers and gentlemen both within and outside the College community. He congratulated the officers, expressing confidence that they would emerge as capable leaders and administrators, ready to drive institutional reforms and support national economic objectives.

    In his remarks, the Commandant of NCCSC, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Dow Gaura, said the College has remained a centre for capacity building, leadership development, and professional training for middle-level management officers.

    Gaura highlighted the College’s role in producing officers who advance the Service’s operational and strategic objectives. He explained that the current Command and Leadership Courses are designed to prepare officers for higher responsibilities by strengthening competencies in leadership, policy analysis, communication, and inter-agency cooperation, skills essential for addressing emerging national and global challenges.

    The Commandant urged participants to demonstrate commitment, discipline, punctuality, adaptability, and a strong appetite for knowledge, emphasising that “academic excellence, integrity and professionalism remain non-negotiable standards within the College.”

    He assured officers of the availability of instructors and directing staff to guide and mentor them throughout the programme, while encouraging participation in sports and recreational activities to support physical fitness and mental well-being.

    Gaura also warned against academic misconduct, including plagiarism and examination malpractice, stating that the College maintains a zero-tolerance policy for such infractions. “I urge you to comply strictly with the rules and regulations of the institution, responsibly utilise resources provided by the Service, and protect the College environment,” he said.

    The Commandant formally declared the courses open, congratulated the participants and expressed confidence that the training would be both impactful and enriching, wishing them a successful and rewarding academic experience.

  • 2027: Renewed Hope Ambassadors to inaugurate coordinators in Oyo

    2027: Renewed Hope Ambassadors to inaugurate coordinators in Oyo

    Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), Oyo State Chapter, is set to inaugurate its Senatorial and Local Government Area (LGA) coordinators.

    The inauguration is scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, at the party secretariat in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, and is aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation, improving coordination and deepening engagement across the state.

    In a statement, the Oyo State Ambassador of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Senator Teslim Folarin, said the exercise marks a strategic milestone in consolidating the RHA structure in Oyo State, in line with the organisational objectives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Folarin, a former Senate Leader, said the newly appointed coordinators are expected to spearhead effective grassroots outreach, promote policy communication and work closely with party structures at all levels.

    He said, “Members of the party, stakeholders, and invited guests are encouraged to attend as the inauguration signifies the formal commencement of duties for the coordinators and a renewed commitment to unity, discipline, and purposeful mobilisation across Oyo State.”

  • Appeal Court upholds N2.5b judgment against ABU over unlawful sack of 110 staff

    Appeal Court upholds N2.5b judgment against ABU over unlawful sack of 110 staff

    • …threatens sanction should CBN fail to promptly release funds 

    The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the N2.5 billion judgment given on November 30, 2015 by the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) against the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria over its unlawful disengagement of 110 staff in 1996.

    The appellate court also ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to promptly release the judgment sum to the staff, whose unlawful disengagement was voided in the November 30, 2015 judgment of the NICN, failing which its (the bank’s) principal officers shall be subjected to the court’s disciplinary powers.

    A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal made the pronouncements in two unanimous judgments delivered on Friday by Justice Okon Abang, who wrote the lead judgments in both appeals.

    The first judgment was on the appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/476/2023 filed against the November 30, 2015 judgment by the ABU, the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF).

    The second judgment was on the appeal, marked: CA/ABJ/CV/1064/2022 filed by the CBN against the garnishee order absolute made by the NICN on January 27, 2022 ordering the apex bank to pay the N2.5b judgment sum to the disengaged staff, led by Joseph Ekundayo, from ABU’s funds in the bank’s custody.

    In his lead judgment in the appeal by the ABU, the FME and the AGF, Justice Abang agreed with the arguments by the lawyer to the disengaged staff, Adegbiyega Kolade and resolved the three issues, identified for determination, against the appellants.

    Justice Abang held that the appeal filed by the appellants in 2023 against a judgment delivered in 2015 was an afterthought and that as against their contention, the trial court did not deny them the right to fair hearing.

    He said: “Having resolved the three issues formulated by the appellants against them, this appeal is devoid of merit. It is accordingly dismissed.” 

    Justice Abang proceeded to award N5million cost against the appellants and in favour of the 110 disengaged staff.

    Read Also: Borno swears in six new High Court Judges, deepens judicial reforms

    The NICN had, in the November 30, 2015 judgment, voided the disengagement of the 110 staff by the ABU, ordered it to reinstate them and pay them all their salary and other entitlements calculated to be over N2.5b.

    In its second judgment on Friday, the Court of Appeal frowned at role the CBN played in the bid by the original judgment debtors – the ABU, the FME and the AGF – to frustrate efforts by the disengaged staff to execute the judgment.

    Justice Abang resolved the two issues, identified for the determination of the appeal, against the CBN.

    He faulted the CBN’s argument that the NICN lacked the jurisdiction to entertain the garnishee proceeding and make the garnishee order absolute.

    Justice Abang held that the NICN has the requisite jurisdiction to entertain the garnishee proceeding because it was a consequencial or incidental proceeding to give effect to the November 30, 2015 judgment, given in the substantive suit that was over an employment dispute.

    He noted that the judgment creditors (the disengaged staff) had no single claim against the CBN in the garnishee proceeding to have warrant its argument that the Federal High Court was the proper venue for the hearing of the garnishee proceeding.

    Justice Abang wondered why the CBN chose to waste public funds in engaging a lawyer to file the appeal when it has the funds to pay the judgment sum after the trial court made the garnishee order nisi absolute.

    He said: “The CBN ought to have released that money to the judgment creditors when the judgment was not set aside or stayed. Why is CBN holding the brief for the judgment debtors?

    “The conduct of the CBN in this case is reckless and condemnable to the extreme. There is no reason for the CBN to have filed this appeal. Its conduct is oppressive.

    “It is not the duty of the garnishee to play the role of an advocate for the judgment debtors by shielding them from the effect of the judgment,” he said.

    Justice Abang also criticised CBN’s lawyer, Senator Ita Enang for accepting the brief when he ought to have advised his client to comply with the order for it to release the judgment sum to the judgment creditors.

    He added: “Counsel ought to have advised the appellant on the futility of filing this appeal or withdraw his services if his client insisted on proceeding with the appeal.

    “Since 2018 when the order nisi was made, the CBN has held on to the money and has been trading with it at the expense of the judgment creditors. This is man’s inhumanity to man.

    Justice Abang said it was wrong for the CBN to support efforts by the original judgment debtors – ABU, the FME and the AGF – to prevent the judgment creditors from reaping the fruit of their labour and subject them to inhuman treatment.

    He also faulted CBN’s argument that being a public officer, the judgment creditors ought to have first sought and obtained the consent of the AGF before commencing the garnishee proceeding against it.

    Relying on the Supreme Court’s decision in the case of the CBN versus Interstella Communications Limited, Justice Abang held that if the AGF is a party to the original suit, the prior consent of the AGF is not required before a garnishee proceeding could be commenced to enforce the judgment in that suit.

    He dismissed the appeal and ordered the CBN to release the judgment sum to the judgment creditors without delay.

    Justice Abang added that the failure by the CBN to release the money without delay shall attract disciplinary action against principal officers of the apex bank.

    He proceeded to award a cost of N5m against the CBN and in favour of the disengaged staff of the ABU.

    Other members of the court’s panel – Justices Adebukola Banjoko and Eberechi Wike – agreed with the lead judgments in both appeals.

  • Economic indicators showing improvement, says Information Minister

    Economic indicators showing improvement, says Information Minister

    The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said recent economic indicators point to a gradual improvement in Nigeria’s economy.

    He cited rising foreign reserves, easing inflation and growing confidence among investors and international partners as evidence of the positive trend.

    According to the minister, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms are helping to stabilise the economy, restore confidence and place the country on a sustainable growth trajectory after years of uncertainty.

    Idris, in a statement issued by his media aide, Mr Rabiu Ibrahim, made the remarks during a virtual interview on ICAN On Air, a live programme of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), streamed on Thursday.

    He acknowledged that the reforms had triggered short-term shocks but said they were necessary to address long-standing structural distortions and ensure that national resources benefit the wider population rather than a privileged few.

    He said: “You cannot build an economy where the foundation itself is extremely faulty. As of May 2023, about 26 out of 36 states could not pay salaries, and about 97 per cent of our income was going into debt servicing. Nigeria couldn’t survive on that path.

    “These were not politically convenient decisions, but the President believed we were living on borrowed time. If those steps were not taken, Nigeria was heading in the wrong direction.

    “Today, our foreign reserves are about 46 billion dollars, the highest in about eight years. Headline inflation has dropped significantly, and Nigeria is receiving acceptance both domestically and internationally,” he said.

    Idris also highlighted Nigeria’s removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list as a significant credibility boost, explaining that it has improved access to global capital and strengthened Nigeria’s standing in the international financial system.

    On tax reforms, the Minister clarified that the objective is not to increase the burden on citizens but to simplify the system, eliminate duplication, and bring more people into the tax net fairly and transparently. 

    “The tax reform is not meant to make people pay more tax. It is to simplify the process, remove duplication, and bring those outside the tax net into it, so the government can plan better for development,” he said.

    The Minister also stressed that trust is central to effective governance and public communication, describing it as his core assignment since assuming office. “Without trust, there is no way you can build confidence, and without confidence, there can be no meaningful development. Our job is to communicate government policies truthfully, transparently, and listen to feedback from Nigerians,” Idris said.

    He explained that President Tinubu regularly seeks feedback on policies and is willing to adjust implementation where necessary, while remaining firm on reforms considered essential for long-term national progress.

    Addressing the challenge of misinformation, the Minister said the government is strengthening inter-agency collaboration and media literacy to curb the spread of fake news without undermining freedom of expression. 

    “Fake news is dangerous. If you don’t find a way to reduce its impact, you wake up one day, and you don’t have a country. Media freedom is critical, but it must come with responsibility,” he said.

    Idris added that Nigeria won the bid to host UNESCO’s first Category-2 Media and Information Literacy Institute, aimed at equipping citizens, especially young people, with the skills to distinguish facts from falsehoods.

    He urged Nigerians to remain patient and engaged as reforms continue, noting that their full benefits will become increasingly visible in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sub-national development. “These reforms are deliberate, disciplined efforts to reach a destination. We are on the right journey, and the signs are already clear,” the Minister said.

  • Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    Kwara attack: NEMA deploys response team, relief items to Kaiama

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has deployed a response team to assess and coordinate intervention activities following the recent bandit attack on Woro and Nuku communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

    The Agency has also arranged relief items, comprising food and non-food materials, which are already on the ground to support victims in the affected communities.

    According to community leaders, 75 people were buried, with many bodies still scattered in bushes and on farms due to the Tuesday’s night attack.

    The Director-General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, directed the team from the Agency’s Minna Operations Office, which covers Kwara State, to temporarily relocate to the affected areas to conduct a detailed on-the-ground assessment of the situation and the needs of the impacted communities.

    NEMA noted that the assessment is being carried out in collaboration with the Kwara State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and relevant security agencies to ensure effective, coordinated, and well-informed response.

    Umar expressed her sympathies to the affected communities and the Kwara State Government over the unfortunate incident and assured them of the Agency’s full support.

  • Tributes as retired Air Vice Marshal Okorodudu is laid to rest

    Tributes as retired Air Vice Marshal Okorodudu is laid to rest

    • …widow Joan:  he remains irreplaceable

    Family members, friends, military colleagues, political associates, and well-wishers gathered on January 11  for the Service of Songs  in honour of Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Terry Omatsola Okorodudu, a highly respected retired officer of the Nigerian Air Force whose passing marked a significant era of a life defined by service, discipline, and unwavering patriotism.

    The solemn but memorable gathering reflected the wide reach of his influence, drawing attendees from across military, political, and civic circles.

    Born on 27 August 1955, AVM Okorodudu was commissioned into the Nigerian Air Force in 1976 and rose through the ranks through decades of distinguished service, retiring in 2010 as an Air Vice Marshal.

    Beyond his military career, he remained deeply involved in national and political affairs, particularly in Delta State where he aspired for for a legislative position under the ruling APC, and across Nigeria where he was known as a respected party stalwart, mentor, and community leader with distinguished integrity.

    Survived by his long  wife, Joan, children and many grandchildren, his passing in September 2025, after a brief illness, sent shockwaves through the nation and prompted tributes from across Nigeria including the president, 

    Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who acknowledged AVM Okorodudu’s contributions to national building and to national security as a disciplined Air Force officer.

    The Service of Songs was marked by hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and heartfelt tributes in honor of a man whose life transcended uniform and rank.

    Speaker after speaker reflected on his integrity, leadership, and personal warmth.

     A close family friend, while delivering a tribute, described him as “a beacon of integrity and service, a man who flew with honour and lived with purpose.” The words resonated deeply with the congregation, many of whom nodded in agreement as memories of his life were recalled.

    A senior colleague from the Nigerian Air Force, who served alongside him for many years, spoke of Okorodudu’s impact within the military, saying, “His legacy is etched in the hearts of all who served with him and all who knew him as a friend and mentor.” 

    According to him, AVM Okorodudu was known for leading by example, insisting on professionalism while also taking time to guide younger officers with patience and empathy.

    Another Collegue who was a Squadron officer later a politician stated that “AVM Terry was a man of intergrity and a man of his word” He further stated that “Terry is a man of discipline, he thought us how to navigate our way through the military and politics.

    He was a man of intellect and intergrity, “His yes was his yes, and his no was his no”, he wouldn’t leave you guessing on anything.

    Read Also: Chief Obafemi Awolowo grandson laid to rest

    He was a very intelligent man and it was really hard to catch up with him, he thought me all that I needed to know, I really miss him and I hope he is at a better place, may His soul rest in peace”.

    Political associates present at the service also highlighted his post-retirement contributions.

    One party leader described his continued dedication to national development, noting, “He devoted his life to duty and love for his country, long after he left active service. His example is one we must carry forward. 

    The remark underscored the seamless way Okorodudu transitioned from military leadership into civic engagement.

    Beyond national service, Okorodudu’s connection to his roots featured prominently in the tributes.

    A community leader from Delta State referred to him as “a proud son and prince of his land, whose achievements brought honour not just to his family, but to his people.” 

    The tribute emphasized how, despite his national and international exposure, he remained grounded and deeply committed to his community.

    Clergy officiating the Service of Songs spoke of a man of faith who believed strongly in service to God and humanity. Hymns focused on peace and eternal rest were interwoven with reflections on his generosity, quiet strength, and steadfast principles.

    Several speakers noted that AVM Okorodudu was never driven by personal gain, but by a strong sense of duty and moral responsibility.

    As the service progressed, it became clear that the evening was not solely about mourning a loss, but about celebrating a life well lived.

    Attendees recalled his calm leadership during challenging times, his accessibility despite his rank, and his consistent encouragement of excellence in others. Many described him as a bridge-builder, someone who united people across generations, professions, and backgrounds.

    In closing, a family representative thanked all who attended and those who sent messages of condolence, noting that the overwhelming support was a testament to the kind of life AVM Okorodudu lived.

    One final tribute captured the collective sentiment of the evening: “Though he has taken his final flight, his values, lessons, and example will continue to guide us.”

    The Service of Songs for Air Vice Marshal (Rtd) Terry Omatsola Okorodudu thus stood as a powerful reminder of a life marked by honour, sacrifice, and enduring impact — a legacy that will remain firmly etched in the story of Nigeria’s military and civic history.

  • Tinubu declares 2026 year of families, social development 

    Tinubu declares 2026 year of families, social development 

    President Bola Tinubu has designated 2026 as the year of families and social development.

    The President explained that placing the family unit at the heart of Nigeria’s national development strategy was a major policy shift aimed at tackling poverty, insecurity and social instability.

    The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, highlighted this in a statement on Friday, noting that the declaration was made at the State House in Abuja.

    Tinubu said the move aligns Nigeria with countries like Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, which have adopted family-focused governance models to drive long-term development outcomes.

    He said: “Strong families are a national security and development asset. Societies that invest in family stability reduce vulnerability and long-term instability. I hereby direct that the year 2026 be designated as the Year of Social Development and Families in Nigeria, with coordinated action across all arms and levels of government.”

    The announcement follows Tinubu’s January state visit to Türkiye, where Nigeria signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation on family cohesion and social welfare systems. 

    Read Also: 2027: Southern coalition set to mobilize massive support for Tinubu’s reelection

    The agreement is expected to guide reforms in social services, child protection and community support structures.

    Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said the administration has moved beyond rhetoric to implementing practical measures to back the President’s commitment.

    She stated: “For social development, it is no longer business as usual, the government intends to institutionalise coordinated family policies nationwide.

    “Central to the new agenda is the proposed Nigeria Families First Programme (NFFP), which will serve as the government’s primary platform for implementing family-focused interventions. The initiative is designed to address economic pressures on households and improve child welfare and social stability”.

    The Minister further noted the programme will target economic empowerment of families by supporting sustainable livelihoods, enhancing parenting skills through education and training, introducing broader child-focused social protection measures, and improving access to healthcare, housing and professional care services.

    She added that the initiative forms part of Tinubu’s administration’s wider “Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions,” a nine-pillar framework aimed at improving outcomes for women and children. 

    The framework is aligned with the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, an international blueprint for advancing gender equality and child welfare.

    The statement noted that the approach is also aimed at ensuring that interventions in health, education, housing and employment begin at the household level rather than through fragmented social programmes.

    According to the Minister: “The success of the initiative will depend on effective coordination among federal, state and local governments, as well as sustained funding and monitoring.

    “If fully implemented, the Tinubu administration believes the family-centred strategy could help reduce poverty, strengthen social safety nets and address some of the underlying drivers of insecurity across the country.”

    Following the declaration, she said the government will roll out detailed action plans and partnerships in the coming months to translate the policy into measurable results for Nigerian families.

  • NIMASA eyes Deep Blue expansion as project draws global interest

    NIMASA eyes Deep Blue expansion as project draws global interest

    The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is weighing an expansion of its flagship Deep Blue Project, a move that could further strengthen maritime trade confidence and long-term investment across Nigeria’s shipping corridors and the wider Gulf of Guinea.

    The proposed scale-up, driven by the project’s proven impact on maritime security and its growing international profile, was made known by NIMASA’s Director-General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, during a strategic visit to the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abass, at Naval Headquarters in Abuja.

    Mobereola said the visit marked the beginning of high-level consultations on how to sustain, expand and commercialise the gains of the Deep Blue Project, which has significantly reduced piracy and sea robbery incidents and repositioned Nigeria as a maritime security reference point in Africa.

    “It is important that we continue our partnership and strengthen our relationship. Our purpose here is to congratulate you, and to discuss the benefits of the Deep Blue Project; how to sustain it, expand it, and increase its impact in the Gulf of Guinea,” Mobereola said.

    Read Also: Court awards N30m to ex-NIMASA chief over link to soldiers’ killings

    He noted that improved security at sea has direct implications for shipping costs, insurance premiums and port competitiveness, making the Deep Blue Project a critical economic asset rather than just a security intervention.

    “We have the backing of the President, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigerian Navy, and we are working towards presenting our proposal on the necessary improvements to be undertaken,” the NIMASA boss added.

    Mobereola disclosed that the Deep Blue Project has attracted international attention, with several countries seeking to replicate Nigeria’s civilian-led maritime security model.

    “The Deep Blue Project is vital and countries around Africa and some other parts of the world are coming to copy our model. The IMO is asking how a civilian organisation was able to achieve this feat. It is therefore important that we continue to collaborate and do even better for greater sustainability,” he said.

    Mobereola also congratulated Vice Admiral Abass on his appointment as Chief of the Naval Staff, noting his prior role as Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at NIMASA, and welcomed the Chief of Operations of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Musa Katagum, who is joining the NIMASA Governing Board as the Navy’s representative.

    Responding, Vice Admiral Abass praised the agency for its consistent support and reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration.

    “Part of my command objective is to work in synergy with other agencies to achieve our goal as a country. We complement each other so we have no option than to collaborate and synergise,” Abass said.

    The CNS called for a review of the 2007 Memorandum of Understanding between NIMASA and the Nigerian Navy to reflect current operational realities, noting that the latter has capacity to support the agency in vessel repairs, hydrographic surveys and charting, areas critical to safe navigation and port efficiency.

    Abass also sought NIMASA’s support in wreck removal, especially as the Navy prepares to host foreign vessels during its 70th anniversary celebrations, stressing the importance of clear waterways for international naval engagements.

    He further commended the agency on the recent launch of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) Application Portal, describing it as a milestone in the agency’s long-awaited disbursement process.

    The visit, according to NIMASA, underscores Mobereola’s emphasis on collaboration as a cornerstone for delivering the agency’s mandate in maritime safety, security, environmental protection and capacity development—pillars increasingly tied to the country’s ambition to grow its blue economy and attract global maritime business.

  • Top 10 European countries with highest minimum wages

    Top 10 European countries with highest minimum wages

    The start of 2026 has brought attention to the financial impact of minimum wage adjustments on millions of employees across the European Union.

    According to Euronews estimates based on Eurostat data, nearly 13 million workers in 22 EU countries earn the minimum wage or less.

    Euronews has released its 2026 list of European countries with the highest minimum wages, featuring some unexpected entrants, particularly among EU candidate states.

    Here are the top 10 European countries with the highest minimum wages for 2026, considering both nominal and purchasing power parity (PPP) adjustments:

    1. Luxembourg

    Minimum wage: €2,704

    Adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP): €2,035 (drops to second place)

    Luxembourg maintains the highest statutory minimum wage in Europe, although its ranking changes when the cost of living is taken into account.

    2. Ireland

    Minimum wage: €2,391

    Adjusted for PPP: €1,732 (falls to fifth place)

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Top 10 African countries with highest minimum wages 2025

    Ireland ranks second by nominal minimum wage but drops significantly when adjusted for living costs.

    3. Germany

    Minimum wage: €2,343

    Adjusted for PPP: €2,157 (moves to first place)

    Germany climbs to the top spot when the real value of the wage is considered.

    4. Netherlands

    Minimum wage: €2,295

    Adjusted for PPP: €1,979 (rises to third place)

    The Netherlands remains among the highest earners in both nominal and PPP-adjusted terms.

    5. Belgium

    Minimum wage: €2,112

    Adjusted for PPP: €1,812 (moves up one spot)

    Belgium also improves its position when purchasing power is considered.

    6. France

    Minimum wage: €1,823

    Adjusted for PPP: €1,639 (remains sixth)

    France maintains its ranking after adjustment for cost of living.

    7. Spain

    Minimum wage: €1,381

    Adjusted for PPP: €1,519 (rises in ranking)

    Spain is the first country on the list to see a higher value after PPP adjustment.

    8. Slovenia

    Minimum wage: €1,278

    Adjusted for PPP: €1,417

    Slovenia’s adjusted wage reflects a stronger purchasing power than the nominal figure suggests.

    9. Lithuania

    Minimum wage: €1,153

    Adjusted for PPP: €1,413

    Lithuania shows one of the largest increases when cost of living is taken into account.

    10. Poland

    Minimum wage: €1,139

    Adjusted for PPP: €1,545 (largest jump)

  • Loaded truck crushes LAWMA worker on Eko Bridge corridor

    Loaded truck crushes LAWMA worker on Eko Bridge corridor

    A Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) operative identified as Baba Ibeji has been severely injured after a loaded container truck lost control and crushed him along the Offin Canal corridor inward Eko Bridge.

    The incident occurred in the early hours at Oja Junction when the truck, which witnesses said was speeding, reportedly suffered a brake failure while descending the CMS Bridge that leads to Eko Bridge.

    The truck knocked down the LAWMA worker who was clearing refuse at the median before ramming into a Toyota Camry with registration number FST 417 FS.

    Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority deployed in the area quickly intervened and rescued the victim from under the wreckage. LASTMA said the response prevented what could have resulted in a fatality.

    He was first taken by colleagues to Fuja Hospital but was rejected due to the severity of his injuries. He was later transferred to the General Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

    Read Also: Security issues in Okunland: Memo to two lawmakers

    The truck driver fled immediately after the crash but LASTMA officers arrested the motor boy and handed him to police officers led by the Divisional Traffic Officer of Ebute Ero Police Division for further investigation.

    Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation Sola Giwa condemned the reckless driving that led to the crash and ordered a full investigation to guide possible prosecution.

    He commended LASTMA officers for their swift action and expressed sympathy to the family of the injured worker, wishing him a quick recovery.

    Giwa restated the Lagos State Government’s zero tolerance for reckless driving, especially by drivers of articulated vehicles.

    LASTMA urged motorists, particularly truck and trailer operators, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, obey speed limits and drive with caution to avoid preventable incidents.