The Nation Newspaper

Tag: minimum wage

  • Minimum wage remains a promise on paper

    Minimum wage remains a promise on paper

    Sir: In recent months, the Nigerian workforce has once again found itself at the centre of a pressing national conversation—the implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage. For many citizens, especially those in low-income brackets, this policy represented not just a wage adjustment but a lifeline in an increasingly suffocating economy. Yet, despite public declarations and union agitations, implementation across several states and within the private sector remains largely symbolic, with little evidence of real, widespread adoption.

    The cost of living in Nigeria has soared to unprecedented levels. A visit to the market paints a painful picture: a bag of rice that once cost N8,000 now sells for over N70,000, transportation costs have tripled, and essential services such as health care and education are slipping beyond the reach of the average citizen. Inflation has eroded purchasing power, and many full-time employees still live pay check to pay check, unable to meet basic needs. It is within this grim context that the N70,000 minimum wage was proposed—a sensible move to cushion workers from the blows of economic hardship.

    However, this wage increase remains largely unimplemented. At the time of writing, at least 20 state governments, including Cross River, Enugu, Ebonyi, Yobe, Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Nasarawa, and even the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have not commenced payment of the new wage. The reasons vary—from claims of insufficient revenue to bureaucratic bottlenecks and political reluctance. Yet the consequences are the same: a demoralised, overburdened workforce that feels forgotten and undervalued.

    Even in states that have begun implementation, inconsistencies abound.

    The private sector tells a similar story. While some forward-thinking organisations have reviewed their pay structures in alignment with the new minimum wage, many others continue to offer wages that fall far below the N70,000 threshold. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cite narrow profit margins and economic uncertainty as barriers to implementation. For multinational companies, the excuse often lies in uniform global wage structures that are slow to adjust to local developments. Still, in both cases, the result is an uneven and unfair compensation landscape that leaves the average worker short-changed.

    Read Also: From Nigeria to Graz: Harmattan breaks boundaries

    One cannot ignore the long-term risks of this non-implementation. A demotivated workforce is an unproductive one. Poor remuneration leads to high turnover, absenteeism, and reduced efficiency. Moreover, the psychological toll of working without earning enough to survive is immense. It breeds resentment, mental fatigue, and in some cases, fuels the rise of informal and illicit economies. In public institutions, it can translate to poor service delivery, corruption, and unrest. In private businesses, it weakens competitiveness, as skilled labour gradually seeks greener pastures elsewhere.

    What makes this situation more troubling is that the N70,000 minimum wage is not an arbitrary figure. It was calculated against economic indicators and intended to reflect a living wage—one that allows workers to cover essential needs, support dependents, and live with dignity. If the government and private employers alike cannot deliver this, the question then becomes: how sustainable is our labour system?

    Of course, one must acknowledge the financial constraints many states face. Internally generated revenue (IGR) remains low in several regions. But even within this, implementation is not impossible—it is a matter of priority. Many states continue to spend lavishly on political appointments, overseas trips, and nonessential projects while postponing critical welfare reforms. Redirecting funds, plugging leakages, and adopting innovative budgeting approaches could create room for better wage compliance.

    At the federal level, stronger oversight mechanisms are needed. The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), alongside labour unions and civil society organisations, must work collaboratively to ensure full compliance. Transparency should be non-negotiable, and a detailed national wage compliance report should be published quarterly to hold state governments accountable.

    For private businesses, a shift in mind-set is essential. Workers are not just cost centres—they are the engines of value creation. Investing in fair wages is not just morally sound; it is strategically wise. Wage fairness is not an act of charity—it is a smart business decision.

    The Nigerian economy cannot grow on the backs of underpaid workers. Neither can national stability be assured in an environment where millions toil daily without hope of upward mobility. The minimum wage, if fully implemented, could be a significant step toward a more just, resilient, and productive society. But until that happens, it remains what it currently is: a promise on paper, not yet a reality.

    •Samuel Jekeli,Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

  • Workers’ Day: We implemented N72,000 minimum wage despite inherited debt – Gov Sani

    Workers’ Day: We implemented N72,000 minimum wage despite inherited debt – Gov Sani

    Joining Kaduna workers at Murtala Mohammed Square for the 2025 International Workers’ Day, Governor Uba Sani reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

    He emphasised this dedication through the implementation of a N72,000 minimum wage despite inherited debts and economic challenges. 

    Dressed in vibrant labour attire alongside his deputy, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, and other top officials, Governor Sani stated, “Our administration has blazed the trail by implementing the N72,000 minimum wage for all state workers. We made this sacrifice because we believe every worker deserves to live in dignity.” 

    He also highlighted initiatives such as the Subsidised Transportation Scheme in collaboration with organised labour, the deployment of 100 CNG buses, and the Kaduna Bus Rapid Transit (KBRT) System launched in March 2025.

    Additionally, the groundbreaking for the Southern Terminal and the distribution of 4,000 motorcycles in February 2025 were cited as further efforts to support workers.

    “The long-standing denial of workers’ promotion that affected over 80% of our workforce has been addressed. All deserving staff will now be recognised and promoted accordingly.

    “Earlier this year, we sponsored labour leaders and officials for advanced training in Italy on industrial harmony and collective bargaining. Furthermore, we have approved comprehensive training for union leaders in collaboration with the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies.

    “Funds previously withheld from the contributory Teachers’ Welfare Fund have been fully restored. We have repositioned this scheme to deliver meaningful economic empowerment to our teachers.

    “While workers build the economy, we are obliged to ensure their safety. I am happy to report a significant decline in banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism across Kaduna State. This is attributable to the effective implementation of the Kaduna Peace Model – a non-kinetic approach jointly facilitated by the Kaduna State Government, the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) and Security Agencies,” Governor Sani said.

    The Governor also noted that, his administration had approved the immediate recruitment of 1,800 health workers to strengthen the state’s primary healthcare system as well as employment of 3,000 teachers to restore capacity in the public schools decimated by mass dismissals by the previous administration.

    “In a bid to retain intellectual capital, we approved five additional years of service from 35 to 40 years, bringing the retirement age to 65 years for the academic staff of state-owned tertiary institutions. The institutions include the Kaduna State University (KASU), Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Zaria, College of Education, Gidan Waya, and the Schools of Nursing and Midwifery.”

    In the area of pension and gratuity, Governor Sani said, “upliftment of the living conditions of pensioners is one of the top priorities of our administration. In April 2025, we released the sum of N3.8 billion to settle outstanding gratuity, death benefits, and accrued rights in the Contributory Pension Scheme.

    “Since the inception of our administration, we have paid cumulatively the sum of N10.2 billion in gratuity, death benefits, and accrued rights in the Contributory Pension Scheme. This feat is unprecedented in the history of Kaduna State. We remain committed to ensuring that those who have served Kaduna State retire and live with respect.

    In his speech, the Kaduna State Council Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Abdullahi Alhassan Danfulani commended Governor Uba Sani for approving the release of N500million into the workers Micro-credit Scheme, appealing to the Governor to approve release of additional sum of N500million into the scheme.

    According to him. “On behalf of the teaming civil servants in the state, I wish to extend our gratitude to our dear Governor for approving the resuscitation of the Micro-credit Scheme in the State Civil Service and also the release of the sum of N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira Only) to over five hundred (500) civil servants.

    “But like Oliver Twist, who always asks for more, we are appealing to His Excellency to approve the release of additional N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira Only) into the Scheme in order to accommodate more workers in view of the high demand and also expand the revolving capital of the Scheme.

    Read Also: Kaduna will lift millions of Kaduna citizens out of poverty through financial inclusion, says Gov Sani

    “We stand here today recognising the strides made within our state, and it is only fitting that we acknowledge the efforts of the Kaduna State Government in addressing critical concerns that directly impact our lives and livelihoods. We have witnessed and commend the commitment of the government in strengthening the security landscape of our dear state.

    “The peace and safety of our communities are paramount, and we acknowledge the positive steps taken to ensure a more secure environment for all workers and citizens.

    “Furthermore, we extend our sincere appreciation for the consistent payment of salaries as due. This fundamental commitment provides stability and dignity to the workforce, allowing us to focus on our duties and contribute meaningfully to the progress of Kaduna State.

    “We recognise that this reliability is crucial for the well-being of our families and the overall economic health of our state.

    “In a particularly significant development for our colleagues, we wholeheartedly applaud His Excellency for the inclusion of the Kaduna State Water Corporation workers on the state government’s staff payroll.

    “This decision is a testament to the recognition of their essential services and ensures their rightful place within the state’s workforce. It brings a sense of security and belonging, empowering them to continue their crucial work of providing this vital resource to our communities,” the TUC chairman said.

  • Wages; Solar; Happi; 145; CSR

    Wages; Solar; Happi; 145; CSR

    Why is the West not increasing its minimum wage and cancelling its subminimum wage as a way of lifting their lower classes instead of blaming others for their poor and homeless people?

    Lagos State is setting up or approved a lithium battery plant costing $150m. Around 22 years ago, President Olusegun Obasanjo approved the tobacco factory in Ibadan built 21 years ago. Educare Trust objected and requested that he approve a cell phone factory instead. We lost the opportunity and today more people have and are addicted to totally imported cell phones than to locally produced cigarettes and smoking. Who lost?

    Federal government is banning solar panels. How soon? What is the solar panel production capacity today versus demand? This could just make life 100% harder for Nigerians in search of independence from the irresponsibly low 5-7Mw power supply when we need 100Mw for our population.   

    Congratulations to Professor Christian Happi, named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Personalities worldwide. Google him to review his massive CV and contribution to African health through international laboratory upgrades and genome research. The falling funding for such health scientific work from the West is due to internationally politicised negative funding changes in science appreciation, application and responsibility. In addition, there is the West’s urgent requirement for diverting such allocated funds to increase budgets for weaponisation to meet the falling weapon support and falling funds from the sole Western umbrella traditional arms supplier in order to meet the increasing belligerent threat of a European war from the East.

    Africans and African banks declaring trillions in annual profit must be interrogated, graded, awarded on the ability to meet the Gold Standard of CSR 1% contribution. There is need to interrogate their over-glossy but usually poor-content Annual CSR Reports and grade them for their contributions to the arts, sciences and research versus self-advertorial jamborees – masquerading as Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR.

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    Nigerians raised N17-20b for Babangida’s Library. As an un-voted military president; is he entitled to a ‘Presidential Library’? This N17-20billion, added to the  trillions in profit by banks, added to the several EFCC revealed mega-government corruption scandals, each over N100b, cumulatively tell us that, properly motivated and monitored, there are hundreds of billions that can, with a strong political and anticorruption will, by committed to underfunded budgets for Nigerian and African Scientific, Medical, Arts, Research and Training -SMART, to take on the responsibility to fill the void in funding Nigerian and African research.

    Now, 145 and counting are the Fellow Nigerians murdered by so-called ‘land grabbers’ supposedly paid by ‘unknown financiers’ who want what is under their land. The land was owned since time began by the families of the killed and was lovingly tilled and handed down intact by the ancestral owners of those so callously slaughtered by machete, gun and dagger. These killing are not just random killing to satisfy vampire terrorists, spawned political criminality or escalated interethnic squabbles or even the bloody trail of herder-inflicted mayhem of communities nationwide that we know have killed over 150,000 and displaced over five million IDPs.

    This latest assault on the innocent hardworking, unappreciated and unrecognised ‘common man, woman and child has wiped from the earth a generational memory. All know which ‘big’ person dies, but nobody knows even the names of poor people when they die. If they are many, they, Fellow Nigerians, are consigned to a mass grave filled to the brim with ‘unknown’ or at most ‘unnamed’ citizens, killed for being citizens in a country which deliberately disarms them before the ‘kill’. So, we can add ‘unarmed’ to ‘unknown’ and ‘unnamed’ or dare we call them ‘unwanted’ Fellow Nigerians. We must reverse our apparent deliberate policy of underestimating, underpreparing for and under-weaponisation of our troops, before we are all eliminated.

    We should have the humanitarian responsibility to actually identify by name every victim, and humanise each person in an OBITUARY LIST, published widely in every media outlet and method. They deserve that we are forced to know their names and something of their lives. Surely that is documentary journalism? We ignore the very obvious security threats until the day after citizens are killed and then we miraculously discover enough security to swamp the place with a post-mortem security party for the cameras. But there is no obvious ‘First 24 hours hot pursuit’ of the murderous marauders while the trail is still hot. Perhaps politicians do these post-killing visits to each other, as high government officials, as mere photo-ops. Yes, they try to comfort and support the surviving citizens with compassion and or cash. But what can replace an entire family lost in a night? War has been declared on us for many years but our responsibility has been meek and weak. Security recruitment is a politicised challenge. A too high percentage of the undermanned police service provides exclusive security for the same VIPs, Nigerian and foreign, sadly including handbag and briefcase carrying, who may visit the deceased and the survivors, leaving very few police to keep us alive when the next attacks occur. We must get our ‘first 24 hours strategies’ up to scratch. Instead of chasing away, we should surround and capture the murderers once and for all. 

    When will this blood flow, civilian and military, started so long ago cease? How many more innocent Fellow Nigerians must, merely for owning their property and sometimes defending it, join our fallen gallant security forces who have paid the supreme price for being Nigerians?

  • ‘Outgone Corps members will get minimum wage arrears’

    ‘Outgone Corps members will get minimum wage arrears’

    Corps members who recently completed the national service would be paid the arrears of the N77, 000 allowance, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) said yesterday.

    Director – General of the NYSC, Brig Gen Olakunle Nafiu gave the assurance during the Batch A 2025 pre-mobilisation workshop for heads of Corps producing institutions and other stakeholders in Abuja yesterday.

    The government began the  payment of the N77,000 allowance to Corps members last month eight months after President Bola Tinubu signed the minimum wage bill into law.

    Speaking with reporters during the event, the DG said: “The government is quite conscious of its promise and within the budgetary provision, the government is going to handle that. Once funds are released to us to offset the arrears we will pay them. Even our Corps members that passed out recently will benefit. Once we receive cash backing for the arrears we are going to credit them; we have their bank details.

    “Nigerians should not fret about that because the government is both responsible and responsive their their needs.”

    Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande said the scheme needs to be reformed in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration.

    Read Also: NYSC: Outgone corps members to receive minimum wage arrears

    He said: “I remember when the scheme was created in 1973. It was for a purpose. Everything since then has changed. We must therefore reform the scheme to meet our changing society.

    As Nigeria improves, we must continue to improve the scheme to meet demands. We must address the gaps of how the scheme will prepare our graduates for the job market. Let us reshape the process to meet the demands of the labour market.

    “Reforming the NYSC mobilisation is not the job of the government alone. It is a collaborative effort. We can build an NYSC that is adaptive, inclusive and will serve our future generations.”

    Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike assured the NYSC of adequate support during the service year.

    The minister, who was represented by the Mandate Secretary Youth and Sport, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Abdullahi Suleiman said the FCT administration would continue to partner with the scheme to meet its objectives.

  • SSANIP demands payment of salary arrears, minimum wage

    SSANIP demands payment of salary arrears, minimum wage

    Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has urged the Federal Government to fast-track the payment of arrears of 25%/35% salary review for Federal Polytechnics which was already overdue for January to December 2023.

    The union urged the government to quicken the process of defraying the arrears without further delay for industrial harmony.

    It also urged the Federal and State Governments to pay without further delay, the arrears of wage award from the month of March to July 2024 in tandem with the promise made by the government that such will be paid till the implementation of the New Minimum Wage.

    The union made the appeal at its 75th quarterly General Executive Council meeting at the Chief James Ibori Auditorium, Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State, last month.

    In a communique signed by its National President, Comrade Philip Ogunsipe and National Secretary, Comrade Nura Gaya, the union commended states that have implemented the 25%/35% salary review in their institutions and urged those who are yet to implement it to do so without further delay.

    “Council frowns at the unnecessary delay in payment of arrears of 25%/35% salary review for Federal Polytechnics which was already overdue for January to December 2023. Council therefore calls on the Federal Government to fast-track the process of defraying the arrears without further delay for industrial harmony.

    “Council expresses gratitude to the States which have implemented the 25%/35% salary review in their various Institutions and urged those who are yet to implement it to do so without further delay for industrial harmony,” SSANIP stated.

    The polytechnic workers also lamented the prolonged delay in the full implementation of the New Minimum Wage since it was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

    It said: “The unnecessary delay is causing a lot of financial constraint and economic hardship on Nigerian workers. It therefore appeals on the Federal Government to fast track the process so that workers will not be reduced to beggars as their current take cannot take them home.”

    The union also frowned at the conversion of some polytechnics in the country to universities.

    “Council is miffed by the unnecessary actions of some lawmakers, State Governments and the Federal Governments in converting existing Polytechnics in their constituencies and states to Universities. This may sound good to non-stakeholders but not to us. This is because no country fully matures into being developed without prioritising technological education. Inasmuch as the Union is not averse to siting and creation of new Universities, the Council is not pleased with conversion of existing ones thereby creating a vacuum in technological development of the country.

    “Council therefore calls on the relevant stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of technological advancement of the country by providing more funds to technological education as obtained in other advanced countries of the world,” SSANIP said.

    SSANIP also lauded Ministers of Labour and Employment and Education for their timely interventions on its proposed three-day warning industrial action.

    “While the proposed strike action was suspended with a strong belief that the right steps would be taken, the union would not guarantee Industrial harmony if the agitations of its teeming members are not being treated as has been promised,” SSANIP said.

    The union commended the federal government and the security architecture for the successes recorded in combating the spate of security challenges pervading the country.

    Read Also: Fubara orders implementation of N85,000 minimum wage in Rivers LGAs

    It enjoined the government to sustain the tempo so as to give all Nigerians, irrespective of their place of abode a sense of belonging devoid of intimidation and harassment.

    SSANIP also backed the proposed ban of tankers carrying 60,000 liters of hydrocarbons from loading at the depots nationwide.

    According to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority Executive Director, Distribution System, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure, Ogbugo Ukoha, this is to curtail the incessant loss of lives and properties exacerbated by the recurring accidents and explosions due to overloading of petroleum products.

    “The Council, while supporting this noble gesture called on relevant stakeholders to adhere strictly to this directive for the safety of lives and properties,” SSANIP added.

  • Minimum wage payment: Labour to crack down on defaulters

    Minimum wage payment: Labour to crack down on defaulters

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to take action against state governments and other employers of labour that fail to implement the national minimum wage of N70,000 and pay the consequential adjustment by the end of the first quarter of this year.

    Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) President Mohammed Ibrahim issued the threat while addressing reporters during the union’s national leadership retreat organised for its National Administrative Committee (NAC) members in Abuja.

    The SSANU President, who doubles as the National Internal Auditor of the NLC, warned that states and institutions that continued to delay or manipulate wage payments would face serious consequences. 

    Read Also: HOS commends Eno for paying N80,000 minimum wage, prioritising workers’ welfare

    Ibrahim said: “The problem with the government and employers of labour is that of insincerity. The national minimum wage has been signed into law and payments should have commenced nationwide. But in most institutions and states, these things are just an award.

    “In most universities and among state governments, what they did was just to award a certain amount, a figure they are merely using to play with the intelligence of workers.

    “But I am happy that the NLC is not sleeping on this matter. We have been engaging (with stakeholders). You can see that it was only when the NLC gave the directive that any state government that refused to implement the national minimum wage should face a strike that you started seeing different state governors rushing to sign. Most of them are even kangaroo agreements that have not seen the light of day.”

  • Sokoto workers may get N70,000 minimum wage today

    Sokoto workers may get N70,000 minimum wage today

    Sokoto State government workers may today start receiving the new minimum wage as approved by Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.

     Sokoto had, during his 2025 budget proposal presentation to the Assembly last December, promised to start paying the new national minimum wage of N70,000 by the Federal Government last July this year.

     In a statement, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Abubakar Bawa, who confirmed the information, said the wage would cover civil servants, local governments and local government education authority staff members.

     The governor, therefore, urged the civil servants to reciprocate the government’s gesture by being alive to their responsibilities.

     “With the commencement of the payment of this new national minimum wage,we expect a renewed  commitment, hard work,punctuality and above all, seriousness from our civil servants,’ he added.

     The governor vowed to sustain the prompt payment of salaries from the 19th to 22nd monthly,saying that his administration will continue to remain workers’-friendly.

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      It would be recalled that prior to the coming of the administration,  workers were not sure of when to get their salaries, as salaries were paid after 50 days as against the usual 25-30 days.

     With the coming of the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration, workers in the state now receive their salaries between 19th and 22nd of every month, while the backlog of unpaid gratuity  of retirees is being defrayed  by the present administration.

     Hitherto, the state government had set aside N500 million monthly to pay the backlog of unpaid gratuity, while an additional N300 million has also been set aside monthly to pay retired civil servants from 2023 to date.

      The idea , according to the government, is to ensure  that by the time the administration completes its tenure, no civil servant would be owed any gratuity by the state government.

  • Eno orders payment of N80,000 minimum wage to Akwa Ibom workers

    Eno orders payment of N80,000 minimum wage to Akwa Ibom workers

    Akwa Ibom state governor Umo Eno has authorised the payment of the new minimum wage of N80,000 to 45,000 duly verified civil servants in the state with effect from November 2024.

    Eno gave the directive on Tuesday following the submission of the report by the committee on the Implementation of the New Minimum Wage/Personnel Verification, headed by the Head of Service, Effiong Essien.

    Payment of the new minimum wage is scheduled to begin at the end of this month but backdated to November last year.

    Receiving the report at Government House, Uyo, the governor thanked the Committee for the great work they did and requested the Committee to extend similar work to the retired workers Pension Schemes.

    “Let me thank the Committee for taking the time to deliver on this assignment. As I receive this report today, my understanding is that before now, we had a staff strength of 55,120. Out of that, 52,177 persons turned out for the verification exercise, so we still have an outstanding of 2,943 personnel who did not show up while 6,193 have issues with their verification.

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    “Having received this report today, I will be signing this off to the Office of the Accountant General, Auditor General, and the Director of Budget to come up with the memo that they are ready to implement.

    “For those who have been cleared—about 45,984 of them—we should be ready to pay the minimum wage at the end of this month, effective from November 1, 2024.

    “The Civil Service forms a critical mass of employees in our state government. Since we came on board, their welfare has remained a key priority, and we will continue to do so. I believe this will help ameliorate the harsh economic environment we have found ourselves in, and I hope, by the grace of God, slowly, we will find our way out of it very soon.

    “For the people who are yet to be verified, we will give another 30 days. After that, we will end the exercise. If they don’t show up within the time specified, we will take it that they are not civil servants, and their salaries will be stopped.

    “We want to extend our hand of fellowship to the organized labour in the state and ask them to work with the government, as we all have a responsibility to Akwa Ibom State. We have done a lot to engender good government-labour relations. Since we came on board, we have paid over 47 billion in gratuities from the over 97 billion backlog we met since 2012, as well as several palliatives to the workers and people of Akwa Ibom State.”

    The Governor said he has accepted the recommendation of the Committee that the verification exercise should be done on a yearly basis. “I have received your recommendation that this exercise should be done on a yearly basis, and I think we will do so.

    “Another area we will run verification is the pension payments. If what we uncovered can happen with serving personnel, then you can imagine what may be happening where people have unfortunately passed and are still being paid. We need to quickly carry out the verification exercise in that area too. So I am not dissolving the Committee now; we will extend the life of the Committee for another month.”

  • Katsina tertiary institutions union faults govt over delay in minimum wage implementation

    Katsina tertiary institutions union faults govt over delay in minimum wage implementation

    The Joint Consultative Forum (JCF) of tertiary institutions owned by the Katsina state government has expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to address their concerns, particularly the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage (NNMW). 

    In a press statement signed by JCF Chairman Comrade Muhammad Nasir and delivered to journalists in Katsina after an emergency executive council meeting, the union acknowledged public support and concern over the journalists’ plight.

    However, they lamented the non-implementation of the NNMW agreement, which had been signed in the state. 

    The statement noted that the two-week ultimatum issued by the JCF on December 9, 2024, had expired, necessitating the emergency meeting to reassess the situation.

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    “During the period under review, a series of engagements and consultations were held with key stakeholders, including the Katsina State House of Assembly, Head of Service, Ministry of Higher, Vocational, and Technical Education, the Special Adviser on Labour and Productivity, and the NLC Chairman, Katsina State Council,” the statement read. 

    The union disclosed that these stakeholders pledged to intervene in resolving the issues but stressed the urgency of seeing tangible results. 

    Following extensive deliberations, the meeting resolved to await the outcome of the stakeholders’ intervention and directed its 11 affiliate unions to communicate this resolution to their respective congresses, advising them to await further instructions. 

    The JCF raised serious concerns about the negative implications of the delayed implementation of the NNMW.

    They warned of a potential brain drain, which could undermine program accreditation in the institutions. If the government fails to act promptly, department, school, and college closures are also possible. 

    The union called on the Katsina State Government to take swift action to ensure industrial harmony and protect the future of its tertiary education sector.  

  • LTV, radio workers embark on strike over minimum wage

    LTV, radio workers embark on strike over minimum wage

    Workers of the Lagos Television, Eko FM/Radio Lagos and Lagos Traffic Radio yesterday embarked on a three-day strike to protest the non-implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage and non-inclusion in the Oracle database by the government.

    NLC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), decried the government’s failure to implement the minimum wage.

    The workers blocked the entrance and exit to the complex of the stations to begin the three-day strike with placards which read: “Give us Oracle and take revenue generated”, “Oracle is the answer, it’s all we need”, “Pay us Minimum Wage,” among others.

    Chairman, RATTAWU, Lagos, Ishola Adejumo, said the strike was aimed at pressing the state government to pay the approved minimum wage, which has been denied to the workers despite generating revenue for the state.

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    Adejumo emphasised that the system, where salaries are paid based on internally generated revenue (IGR) is no longer sustainable.

    “For the past 12 years, we’ve been demanding migration of the workers here to Oracle, and on migration to Oracle, will ensure and guarantee them a regular payment of their salary along with other counterparts in the ministry,” he said.

    But the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, condemned the disruption of public peace by the protesting workers’ union.

    “A strike should not be turned into an attack on the agencies and their workers,” the commissioner said.