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Tag: Muhammadu Buhari

  • ‘Why Buhari cannot stay away from peace forum in Paris’

    The Presidency on Friday night gave reasons why it is important for President Muhammadu Buhari to attend the Peace Forum in France.

    Speaking with journalists on arrival in Paris, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, said that Nigeria cannot afford to stay away from the forum as it has its own share of negative impact of insurgency.

    According to him, it is better for President Buhari to join other world leaders to find a common front and solutions to the incidences of bloodshed, insurgencies, and rebellions ravaging the world.

    He said “Well the world has seen too much of war, it has seen too much of bloodshed, too much of insurgency, has seen rebellions, has seen too much lost of lives in many millions.

    “In Nigeria, we know the Boko Haram insurgency, we have ISIS, we have Taliban, and these things are all over the world.

    “So, if world leaders will gather to celebrate peace, I think it’s a refreshing thing. And coincidentally, it’s coming at a time the world is cerebrating 100 years after the end of the first world war. So it’s very significant for the world to celebrate peace instead of war.” he said

    On what Nigeria intends to take away from this forum, he said “Nigeria is part of the global community and Nigeria needs peace just like other countries of the world.

    Read Also: Buhari leads Nigeria delegation to Paris Peace Forum

    “So, it is not unlikely that here they are going to talk about the theaters of wars, insurgencies, and unrest all over the world. They will form a common front and common solution.

    “So it is very important for Nigeria to be here, Nigeria needs peace.” the spokesman added

    With the President scheduled to meet the Nigerian community in France on Monday, he said that the issue of the up coming general elections in Nigeria may dominate the discussions.

    “Well at a time Nigeria is about to go to the polls, I’m sure he is going to assure them that it will be free, it will be fair, and it will be peaceful.” he stated

  • Buhari : Imbibe patriotic commitment of Allison Ayida

    President Muhammadu Buhari has enjoined Nigerians to imbibe the patriotic commitment of late elder statesman, Allison Ayida,  saying that Nigeria needs people like him, for progress and unity of the country.

    The president made his position known in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Friday.

    President Buhari recalled Ayida’s decades of public service to his fatherland, urging younger Nigerians and public servants to emulate his uncommon patriotism.

    Read Also:Buhari declares state of emergency on water, sanitation

     

    “Nigeria will surely miss his wide experience in public and private service.

    “We need people like him and his colleagues, the celebrated super permanent secretaries, who exhibited remarkable commitment to the progress and unity of the country.’’

    The president commiserated with the Ayida family, the government and people of Delta State on the transition of the elder statesman.

    Buhari that as the remains of the former federal permanent secretary, political economist, and boardroom guru are interred, he prayed that almighty God would comfort the family, close associates and his admirers.

    The President also prayed that God would grant the soul of the octogenarian, who was the fifth Secretary to the Government of the Federation, eternal rest.

  • ‘Why South must return Buhari for second term’

    A pressure group within the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Ifesowapo Society, has explained why the people of the Southern part of Nigeria must return President Muhammadu Buhari for the second term.

    In a statement by its President, Samuel Jegede, the group said if a Northern candidate different from Buhari is voted into office in 2019 the South will have to wait for another eight years to produce a president.

    He said it is wise for the people of the South East and South West geo-political zones to support the second term bid of Buhari in their own common interest.

    Jegede said now is the time for the Southern politicians and people to rally support for Buhari to complete the eight year tenure which is due constitutionally for him rather than allow a fresh candidate from the North to open a new chapter of another two term tenure.

    He advised Nigerians to make the Buhari administration continue its fight against corruption in order to consolidate on its gains so that  Nigeria could regain respect among comity of nations.

    Read Also: Buhari, Atiku clash over N30,000 minimum wage

    The leader of the group described Buhari’s integrity as uncommon, saying Mr. President fears no man but only God and therefore need “the support of every Nigerian to succeed.”

    He maintained that no one among current presidential candidates could match Buhari’s integrity, patriotism and commitment to Nigeria.

    Jegede, who also commended Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his commitment to good governance, said that his contribution to the development of Osun in the last eight years would remain evergreen, adding that he had laid a good foundation for an incoming administration to build upon

  • Buhari leads Nigeria delegation to Paris Peace Forum

    President Muhammadu Buhari is to attend the first ever Paris Peace Forum schedules to hold in the French capital between November 11 and 13, 2018 aimed at discussing issues of global peace.

    The Paris Forum is Organised by the French Government and a number of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), based on the “simple idea that international cooperation is key to tackling global challenges and ensuring durable peace.”

    Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said in a statement that the Nigerian President will join the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and other world leaders in discussing contributions towards global peace while underscoring the imperative of collective action.

    Read Also: ‘Why Buhari must keep his word’

    Adesina said that while in Paris, President Buhari will also join other world leaders to commemorate the centenary anniversary of the Armistice signed on November 11, 1918 between the Allied Forces and Germany in the forest of Compiegne in France to end the First World War.

    He said further that President Buhari will also attend a luncheon hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France in honour of visiting heads of delegations and attend an interactive session with the Nigeria community in France before returning to Abuja.

    President Buhari is accompanied on the trip to Paris by Governors Aminu Masari, Willie Obiano and Kayode Fayemi of Katsina, Anambra and Ekiti States, respectively. Others include the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama; the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; the National Security Adviser, Maj-Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd); and the Director-General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar.

     

  • Reps want NEMA boss sacked over alleged mismanagement of resources

    The House of Representatives on Thursday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari, to relieve the Managing Director of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Mustapha Maihaja of his duties over alleged mismanagement of resources.

    This followed the adoption of a report of the House Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness at plenary.

    According to Chairman of the committee, Rep. Ali Isa, based on the investigation conducted, it has been established that the Federal Government lost over N33 billion as a result of mismanagement by Maihaja.

    “This is as a result of mismanagement or outright embezzlement of funds occasioned by actions or inactions of the Managing Director of NEMA, Mr Mustapha Maihaja,’’ Isa said.

    He also expressed reservation over the handling of the 6,779 metric tonnes of rice donated for Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in the Northeast by the Chinese Government.

    “On the issue of donation of 6,779 metric tonnes of rice by the Chinese Government for IDPs in the Northeast, the House condemned the negligence.

    “It also condemned the inefficiency of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning and NEMA for the long delay in the collection of the donated rice from the port terminal.

    “The Committee therefore called on anti graft agencies to investigate and prosecute all those involved.

    “The ICPC, EFCC and Police should ensure recovery of the payment of about N800 million demurrage from the concerned officers of the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Ministry of Agriculture and NEMA.

    “They should further investigate the conflicting testimonies of the above agencies to determine whether there were multiple payments for the demurrage,” Isa said. (NAN)

  • ‘Keep to your word on N30,000 minimum wage’

    The Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to keep to his words on the N30,000 minimum wage agreed upon by a federal government-led tripartite negotiation team.

    President Buhari was reported to have agreed to the N30,000 minimum wage proposal, but a statement on Wednesday by the Presidency had denied that the President agreed to the proposal.

    In a reaction, the Atiku campaign organisation faulted the Presidency’s denial, accusing the government of double speak on the minimum wage controversy.

    The statement said, “Our attention has been drawn to a statement from the Presidency denying President Buhari’s earlier pledge to pay the new minimum wage of ₦30,000 agreed with the Nigerian Labour Congress and other labour affiliates in a signed communiqué.

    “This approbation and re-probation is characteristic of the Buhari administration and is evidence of the lack of leadership at the very top that is putting our economy in peril.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: Buhari has not endorsed N30,000 – Presidency

    “Just two weeks ago, two of the world’s largest banks, HSBC and UBS, pulled out of Nigeria citing lack of policy stability as their reason.

    “This same reason was given by Procter and Gamble when they pulled out last year. In the span of the three years that this administration has been in office, more than 500 companies have pulled out of Nigeria for similar reasons. Nigeria under President Buhari has become synonymous with policy flip flopping.

    “A government is only as reliable as its word and if its word is not reliable then nothing else about the government will be stable. This is why Nigeria suffered from a recession under this administration and is right now at risk of another recession.

    “At the risk of repeating ourselves, we urge the Buhari administration to note that Nigerian workers are the goose that lays the golden egg that top members of this government are enjoying to the detriment of those laying the egg.

    “We are aware that both President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo, despite living and feeding at the public expense, collect a hardship allowance of 50% of their annual basic salary, whereas, the long suffering Nigerian workers, who are the main sufferers of the hardship caused by the incompetence of this administration, do not have any hardship allowance and are expected to live on the unliveable minimum wage of the Buhari government.

    “It is a testament to how badly we have treated our workforce over the last three years that Nigeria was officially declared the world headquarters for extreme poverty by the World Poverty Clock and the World Economic Forum.

    “We can only change this by paying our workers a living wage as opposed to the starvation wages now paid to them by the Buhari administration.

    “We therefore call on President Muhammadu Buhari to keep faith with the agreement his government freely reached with labour and affirm the new minimum wage”.

  • I’m fully committed to having new National Minimum Wage, says Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday promised to implement a new National Minimum Wage.

    He spoke while receiving the report of the Tripartite Committee on the Review of National Minimum Wage from committee chairman Amal Pepple at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Pepple said: “After carefully weighing these critical factors and bearing in the mind the overriding interest of the economy, the committee, while noting the offer of N24,000 by the Federal Government, is recommending an increase in the existing minimum wage from N18,000 to N30,000.

    “We believe that the implementation of the recommended minimum wage will, no doubt, boost the purchasing power of workers, increase consumption expenditure and ultimately stimulate business and overall economic growth.”

    The committee has also produced a Draft National Minimum Wage Bill 2018 for consideration by the government.

    “We strongly believe that the enactment of the draft bill into law is very critical to the operation and future reviews of the National Minimum Wage,’’ Pepple said.

    She added: “Consideration was given to the critical role of the informal sector in employment generation and the need for a realistic minimum wage that will not stifle the growth of the sector and the overall economy.”

    The committee’s recommendation was predicated on the high cost of living, occasioned by the exchange rate as well as the rising inflation rate.

    The committee considered also micro-economic indicators, including the government’s revenue and expenditure profile.

    Pepple believes that the implementation of the recommended minimum wage will boost the purchasing power of the working class, increase consumption expenditure, and stimulate economic growth.

    At the meeting were Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige, Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and others.

    The President was delighted that the committee completed its assignment in a peaceful and non-controversial manner.

    He said the Federal Government would soon transmit the Executive bill (on National Minimum Wage) to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.

    “Our plan is to transmit the Executive bill to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.

    “I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.

    ”The fact that we are here today is a notable achievement.

    “As the Executive Arm commences its review of your submission, we will continue to engage you all in closing any open areas presented in this report.

    “I, therefore, would like to ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks,” he said.

    ”May I, therefore, implore workers and their leaders not to allow themselves to be used as political weapons,’’ Buhari said.

    He explained that the review became necessary for many reasons, adding that the last review took place in 2011.

    “We all know since then the prices of key consumables have increased and the most vulnerable of our workers are struggling to make ends meet.

    “Since 2011, many changes have taken place. Nigeria rebased its GDP to become the largest economy in Africa. We reported very strong GDP growth rates and exceptional performance of our capital markets.

    “However, these reported successes did not flow into the pockets and homes of majority of Nigerians.

    “In the last three years, we focused on correcting this deficiency. We are working to create a diversified and inclusive economy,’’ he said.

    Buhari spoke of how his administration had been pushing to clear pension arrears owed retired workers with the limited resources available to it, just as it had been supporting state governments to pay workers’ salary.

    He praised the members of the committee for their commitment and sacrifice.

    “From the outset, we knew the committee had a difficult task ahead of it. But at the same time, we were also confident that the patriotic and professional background of its members would produce realistic, fair and implementable recommendations that will be considered by both the executive and legislative arms of government.

    “I am not surprised that the committee has worked for close to one year. I am also not surprised that on a few occasions, the debates got heated and, sometimes, these differences came out.

    “What is truly inspiring is that, in almost all instances of disagreements, the committee members always came back to the negotiating table with a common goal of improving the welfare of Nigerian workers.

    “On behalf of all Nigerians today, I want to thank you for your commitment and sacrifice in getting us to where we are today,’’ he said.

    The President acknowledged that the concerns raised by representatives of government in the committee was affordability while many states were struggling to meet their existing salary requirements.

    “On the side of labour, the points raised focused on the need for any increase to be meaningful.

    “In a way, both arguments are valid. I want to assure you all that we will immediately put in place the necessary machinery that will close out these open areas,’’ he said.

     

  • President insists on $1.04b Malabu Oil suspects trial

    The controversy over the Malabu Oil Block(OPL 245) won’t just go away, with President Muhammadu Buhari rejecting Attorney-General Abubakar Malami’s proposal on how to resolve the impasse.

    Buhari is insisting on the continuation of the criminal proceedings against some suspects implicated in the OPL 245 scandal.

    The President has also directed the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu,  and the Department of Petroleum Resources to stay action on the development of the oil well.

    The OPL245 is  an offshore oil block with about nine billion barrels of crude. It was auctioned for $1.3 billion (1.1 billion euros).

    Although the Federal Government received only $210 million as Signature Bonus, about $1.092 billion was traced to a London bank account.

    The cash was suspected to be slush funds allegedly used to bribe some middle men and politicians.

    A former President is accused of benefiting about $200 million from the deal.

    But there are concerns that the controversy over Malabu oil block has been lingering since 2001 (17 years) and there is need to resolve it.

    The AGF on September 17, 2018 advised the President  on four issues related to the oil block.

    The  AGF’s advised:

    • discontinuation of the civil case on OPL 245 in a Milan, Italy court  and payment of the counsel hired by the Federal Government for his services;
    • discontinuation of all criminal matters in Nigeria in connection with the oil block;
    • A recommendation to the President to allow the relevant agencies to sign Heads of Agreement with Eni and Shell; and
    • Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the Department of Petroleum Resources(DPR) be mandated to begin the process of using the well.

    There are cases on Malabu oil block against former Petroleum Resources Minister Dan Etete,  former Attorney-General of the Federation Bello Adoke (SAN),  former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, some businessmen and top officials of Eni and Shell.

    A source quoted the AGF as saying “there was nothing in the proof of evidence to support the charge of money laundering against suspects and it is therefore impossible for the prosecution to prove the elements, which include illicit funds, transfer for such through various channels to re-introduce same again into the regular financial system as legitimate funds in financial institutions etc.”

    “He wanted the Federal Government to pursue Nigeria’s possible investment in the disputed oil blocks rather than trying to repossess it or prosecute former Nigerian government officials or Shell or Agip-Eni chiefs involved in the deal.

    “He said the Public Officers Protection Act CAP P41 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 limits liability of Public Officers to a period of three months much naturally come to mind, considering their claim that the acts which are complained of were authorised by the three presidents before this current administration.”

    In an October 29, 2018 response, President Buhari, in a memo through his Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, rejected the Attorney-General of the Federation’s proposals on the fate of OPL 245.

    A highly-placed source in the Presidency said: “The position of the President is that the law must run its full course on the controversy surrounding Malabu Oil Block.

    “The position of the President is that there was no way the government would discontinue all the cases in court when a Milan judge on September 20, 2018 has already sentenced two men – a Nigerian, Emeka Obi, and an Italian,  Gianluca Di Nardo – to a four-year prison term. They were both negotiators during the sale of controversial OPL 245.

    ”They were jailed in respect of alleged international corruption case involving oil giants Eni and Shell on OPL 245. In fact, while  the court asked Obi to forfeit $98.4 million, Dino lost 21 million Swiss francs ($21.8 million, 18.6 million euros) in fines.

    “The decision of the President is that the anti-graft agency, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) should sustain its investigation of the Malabu deal in the light of development from Milan Court.

    “He has also insisted that all those facing criminal charges in Nigeria on OPL 245 should be allowed to clear their names once and for all. Buhari believes the probe is not targeted at any Nigerian or multi-national firm but it is better to get to the root of the deal.

    “If you review the development in Milan, you will realise that there must be more to Malabu Oil Block. How can there be convictions in Italy and we have to discontinue the cases in Nigeria?

    “Do not forget that the  Federal Government has seized Malabu Oil Block from four oil giants pending the conclusion of investigation and trial of those implicated in the $1.09billion deal. The oil firms are Shell Nigeria Ultra Deep Limited, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCO), Nigeria Agip Exploration Limited, Malabu Oil and Gas Limited.

    “Also, the President rejected advice to go ahead with Heads of Agreement with Eni and Shell and a recommendation to mandate the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu and DPR to put the block into use. He said all issues must be resolved.”

    The EFCC  on  December 20, 2016 filed nine charges bordering on alleged mismanagement of over $1b Malabu Oil cash against Etete, Adoke, a businessman, Aliyu Abubakar, Malabu Oil and Gas Limited; Rocky  Top Resources Limited; Imperial Union Limited; Novel Properties and Development Company Limited, Group Construction Limited and Megatech Engineering Limited.

    The nine-count charge was filed  at the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    In another charge, the EFCC sued  Etete, Adoke, Abubakar and eight others over alleged $801million bribe in respect of the auctioning of Malabu Oil Block.

    The others are: Shell Nigeria Exploration Production Company Limited;  Nigeria Agip  Exploration Limited; ENI SPA; Malabu Oil and Gas Limited; Ralph Wetzels(ex- Director of SNEPCO), Casula Roberto(Italian) whilst being the Director of AGIP; Pujatti Stefeno(Italian) while being the Director in AGIP; and Burafato Sebastiano(Italian).

    All the suspects have denied the charges.

    Malabu was issued a licence for OPL 245 on 9th April 2001 but the Federal Government subsequently revoked the licence on 2nd July 2001.

    Following the revocation, Exxon-Mobil and Shell were then invited in April 2002 to bid for the same OPL 245 as contractors on a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), despite the existence of subsisting contractual agreements between Malabu and SNUD with respect to OPL 245.

    But Malabu faulted  the revocation of its licence on Block 245.

    It alleged that the revocation was “less than transparent and smacked of inducement and connivance from SNUD”, which at the material time was its technical partner. It was also contended by Malabu that the subsequent re-award of OPL 245 to SNUD by the FGN was done under questionable circumstances.

    Based on Malabu’s petition, the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum  also found   “no rational basis for the revocation”  and reprimanded Shell for its “complicity”.

    The Committee also directed the Federal Government to withdraw the re-award to Shell and return OPL 245 to Malabu, the original allotee of the Block.

    Malabu later instituted a suit before the Federal High Court (FHC), Abuja against the Federal Government of Nigeria to enforce its claim to OPL 245.

    Although the suit was struck out by the FHC, Malabu proceeded to lodge Appeal No. CA/A/99M/2006, before the Court of Appeal, Abuja, Division in 2006.

    According to records, it was during the pendency of the Appeal that a settlement hereof was executed as a consideration for withdrawal of the Appeal by Malabu.

    A memo said: “That consequent upon Exhibit 2, the then Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Edmund Daukoru, communicated the restoration of the OPL 245 to Malabu vide letter dated 2nd December 2006.

    “That following  Malabu was expected to pay the new signature bonus in the sum of US$210,000,000 less the $2,000,000,00 it had previously paid. Malabu accordingly released the FGN from liability on account of the actions taken in respect OPL 245.”

    Earlier, a Settlement Agreement signed by a former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Edmund Daukoru  (for the Federal Government) and Malabu Oil and Gas Limited officials, in the presence of Anthony G. Ikoli (SAN) was reached on November 30th, 2006.

    The agreement said: “IT IS HEREBY AGREED AS FOLLOWS: In the spirit of amicable settlement and without any admission of liability for any alleged wrongful, unlawful, unjust or any like conduct, the FGN agrees to re-allocate the oil block known as and covered by Oil Prospecting Licence 245 (herein called OPL 245) to Malabu within 30 days of this Agreement.

    “The Signature Bonus in respect of OPL 245 shall be the sum of US$210million payable by Malabu to the FGN. In this regard, the FGN acknowledges that Malabu had hitherto paid the sum of $2,040,000 to the FGN in respect of this Oil Block which sum shall be deducted from the aforesaid Signature Bonus leaving a balance of US$207, 960,000 to be paid by Malabu to the FGN within 12 months from the date of reinstatement of OPL 245 to Malabu.

    “The parties agree that Malabu shall, if it so desires, be at liberty to assign OPL 245 or any part thereof in accordance with the provisions of the Petroleum Act.

    “Pursuant  to this Agreement  and in consideration of the foregoing, Malabu hereby forever and absolutely discharges and releases the FGN, its officers, agents, agencies and Privies howsoever described or any person acting for and or on its behalf from all claims or demands which Malabu has or may have, and from all actions, proceedings, obligations, liabilities, losses and damages brought, made, incurred, sustained or suffered by Malabu now or in the future relating to, arising from or howsoever connected with the withdrawal or revocation by the FGBN from Malabu of OPL 245.

    “Immediately upon the execution of this Agreement, Malabu shall withdraw. Discontinue and terminate its Appeal No. CA/A/99/M/06 now pending against the FGN and its Agencies at the Court of Appeal, Abuja. Malabu shall cause the requisite evidence of this withdrawal/ discontinuance to the solicitors to be delivered to the FGN within 72 hours of the same being withdrawn or discontinued.”

     

    In a July 2nd 2010 letter to the Managing Director of Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, another former Minister of Petroleum Resources,  Diezani Alison-Madueke asked the company to pay US$210million as signature bonus.

    The letter, ICSID Case No. ARE/07/18, said: “Further to the Settlement Agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd dated   November 2006, your company is hereby allocated OPI 245 subject to the payment of the sum of US$210million as signature bonus into the Federal Government designated Account less the sum of US$2,040,000 already paid by your company in respect of the said block within ninety days (90 days) from the date of receipt of this letter.

    “Please note that failure to pay the above mentioned within the stipulated period will amount to forfeiture of the allocation without further notice from the office.

    “Please accept the assurance of my highest regards.”

    In a July 2nd 2010 letter to the Managing Director of Malabu Oil and Gas Limited, Diezani asked the company to pay US$210million as signature bonus.

    The letter, ICSID Case No. ARE/07/18, said: “Further to the Settlement Agreement between the Federal Government of Nigeria and Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd dated   November 2006, your company is hereby allocated OPI 245 subject to the payment of the sum of US$210million as signature bonus into the Federal Government designated Account less the sum of US$2,040,000 already paid by your company in respect of the said block within ninety days (90 days) from the date of receipt of this letter.

    “Please note that failure to pay the above mentioned within the stipulated period will amount to forfeiture of the allocation without further notice from the office.

    “Please accept the assurance of my highest regards.”

     

  • Minimum wage: Hope brightens for workers

    Labour has scaled the first hurdle in its quest for a N30, 000 minimum wage. The committee set up by President Muhammadu Buhari has upheld its position.

    For workers, it was cheery news. Yesterday, the Tripartite Committee on Nation Minimum Wage upheld Labour’s demand for  N30, 000 for the least paid worker. President Muhammadu Buhari, who received the committee’s report at the Villa in Abuja, pledged his commitment to the recommendation.

    The Ms. Ama Pepple-led committee comprising the government (federal and states), Labour and Organised Private Sector (OPS) proposed N30, 000 in its report to the President.

    The President promised to send a New Minimum Wage Bill to the National Assembly after presenting the proposal to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the Council of State (CoS).

    He warned workers against being used as political tools.

    The presidential endorsement came after Labour shelved its planned nationwide strike over the matter to ensure its amicable resolution.

    The submission of the report was a relief for labour leaders, who had hectic time selling their position to the federal and state governments.

    The Federal Government proposed N24, 000 and the states, through the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) N22, 500.

     

    MAN, LCCI react

     

    On the heels of the recommendation, MAN’s

    Director-General Segun Ajayi-Kadir said the association was in full in support of the implementation of a new minimum wage notwithstanding the difference in the operational modes of the private and public sectors.

    He, however, said the implementation of a new minimum wage will be difficult for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs). Ajayi-Kadir said it will be easy for bigger enterprises as many of them have been paying higher.

    He said: “Some chief executives of MSMEs may not be able to take home N30, 000 monthly. How much more their staff? They may adopt some model which may not be favourable to their workers as they can resort to inviting some layers of staff only when they are needed.

    “In our advocacy we have consistently complained that our warehouses are stocked with low consumer apathy. The new wage will put money in the hands Nigerians”.

    He said the OPS will be looking forward to stability in the labour force.

    LCCI Director-General Muda Yusuf who said the private sector has been paying above the minimum expressed the fear that the Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) may not meet up with the wage increase.

    He said: “There may be different challenges for the SMEs as they may adopt different models for engagement. Rather than keep all their staff, they may rationalise them by only inviting those that they need at a particular time. The big corporations have nothing to worry about as they are already paying the minimum wage.”

    He commended the government for working successfully with the private sector and labour to arrive at an acceptable figure and averting crises.

     

    Labour unions hailed

     

    The Ebonyi State chapter of the NLC commended leaders of the various labour unions for their resilience in the struggle for a living wage for workers.

    State chairman Leonard Nkah described the successful negotiation of a new wage by the leadership of organised labour as a demonstration of good virtues and strength of character.

    He, therefore, called on other relevant authorities to expedite action to get the new wage passed into law to enable Nigerian workers to enjoy a living wage.

    Nkah said: “The organised labour in Ebonyi just ended its meeting this (yesterday) morning, whereby we extolled the virtues and strength of character exhibited by our national leadership, including the TUC, ULC and NLC.

    “We commended them for holding on tenaciously on the new national minimum wage until government came around to accept what had earlier been agreed upon.

    “So, we are very happy and we praise the leadership of organised labour in Nigeria for being undaunted in the struggle.”

    He opined that once the new national minimum wage was signed into law, that state governors were bound to pay.

    His words: “Once the new figure is signed into law, nobody not even the governors, has the powers to say that they cannot pay.

    “Anybody who refuses to pay will be going against the law and we don’t envisage that any governor will refuse to pay the new wage once it is signed into law.

    “In our own state, the governor has stated his willingness to pay once any amount is agreed upon. Once it comes out, organised labour in various states will approach their various state governors for implementation.

    “So, we are hopeful and we are not being negative that governors may not pay the new wage once signed, but if it happens we will rise to the occasion.”

     

    Buhari: we’ll transmit Executive Bill to National Assembly for passage

    The President’s remarks after receiving the National Minimum Wage Report from the tripartite committee yesterday at the State House in Abuja.

    On 27th November 2017, I inaugurated the National Minimum Wage Committee with a mandate to recommend a new minimum wage for workers.

    This exercise became necessary for many reasons. The last review took place in 2011. We all know since then, the prices of key consumables have increased and the most vulnerable of our workers are struggling to make ends meet.

    Since 2011, many changes have taken place. Nigeria rebased its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to become the largest economy in Africa. We reported very strong GDP growth rates and exceptional performance of our capital markets.  However, these reported successes did not flow into the pockets and homes of majority of Nigerians.

    In the last three years, we focused on correcting this deficiency. We are working to create a diversified and inclusive economy. We are pushing to clear pension arrears owed to our retired workers with the limited resources available to us.

    We supported state governments to pay workers salary. And of course, we set up a committee in order to review the minimum wage of workers.

    In constituting this committee, we took into account the need for all stakeholders to be adequately represented – the government, the private sector and most importantly, the workers. Our goal was to get an outcome that was consensual.

    From the outset, we knew the committee had a difficult task ahead of it. But at the same time, we were also confident that the patriotic and professional background of its members would produce realistic, fair and implementable recommendations that will be considered by both the executive and legislative arms of government.

    I am not surprised that the committee has worked for close to one year. I am also not surprised that on a few occasions, the debates got heated and sometimes, these differences came out.

    What is truly inspiring is that, in almost all instances of disagreements, the committee members always came back to the negotiating table with a common goal of improving the welfare of workers.

    On behalf of all Nigerians today, I want to thank you for your commitment and sacrifice in getting us to where we are today.

    In the past few days, I have been receiving regular updates on your deliberations. And today, I am pleased that you have completed your work in a peaceful and non-confrontational manner. The entire nation is grateful to you all.

    The committee chairman highlighted some of the challenges encountered during your deliberations, especially as it relates to having a consensus position acceptable by all parties.

    I understand, on the government side, the concerns raised were around affordability – that today many states struggle to meet their existing salary requirements.

    On the side of labour, the points raised focused on the need for any increase to be meaningful.

    In a way, both arguments are valid. I want to assure you all that we will immediately put in place the necessary machinery that will close out these open areas. Our plan is to transmit the Executive Bill to the National Assembly for passage within the shortest possible time.

    I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.

    Let me use this opportunity to recognise the leadership of the Organised Labour and private sector as well as representatives of state and federal governments for all your hard work. The fact that we are here today, is a notable achievement.

    As the Executive Arm commences its review of your submission, we will continue to engage you all in closing any open areas presented in this report. I therefore would like to ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks.

    May I therefore, employ workers and their leaders not to allow themselves to be used as political weapons.

     

    The tripartite committee

    The Tripartite National Minimum Wage Negotiating Committee had its membership drawn up from the public sector (federal and state governments); Labour (NLC, TUC and ULC); the private sector (the largest private employer group – the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines & Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Nigerian Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (NASME).

    The panel, which was inaugurated by the President at the Council Chamber of the State House Villa in Abuja on November 27, last year 2017, was chaired by Ms. Pepple, a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF) and one-time Housing Minister. Labour & Employment Minister Chris Ngige was named as deputy chairman and the Chairman of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Chief Richard Egbule, as secretary.

    In his remarks at the inauguration, President Buhari said: “Government’s decision after considering your final recommendation will be sent as an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for it to undergo appropriate legislative scrutiny before passage into law.

    “As is evident by the membership of the committee, state governors and private sector employers are part of this process. This will ensure ease of implementation of a new minimum wage nationwide.

    “I am hopeful that the principles of full consultation with social partners and their direct participation would be utilised by the committee, bearing in mind the core provisions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Minimum Wage Fixing Convention No. 131 and Minimum Wage Fixing Machinery Convention No.26 (ratified by Nigeria).

    “Accordingly, conditions of genuine social dialogue should prevail in the spirit of tripartite and collective bargaining agreements. I, therefore, enjoin you all to, collectively bargain in good faith, have mutual recognition for each other and always in a spirit of give and take.”

    Besides Ngige, other representatives of the Federal Government are: Budget & National Planning Minister Senator Udoma Udo Udoma; Finance Minister Mrs. Zainab Ahmed; HoCSF Mrs. Winifred E. Oyo-Ita and the Permanent Secretary (General Services) Office, Office of the SGF, Dr. Roy Ugo.

    The NGF was represented by governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun, Southwest); Rochas Okorocha (Imo, Southeast); Hassan Dankwambo (Gombe, Northeast); Nyesom Wike (Rivers, Southsouth); Simon Lalong (Plateau, Northcentral) and Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi, Northwest). The NGF’s Forum’s Director-General A. B. Okauru, was an observer status.

    On the trade union side, are: NLC President Ayuba Wabba; Peters Adeyemi (NLC); Kiri Mohammed (NLC); Amechi Asugwuni (NLC) and Peter Ozo-Eson (NLC), the TUC was represented by Bobboi Bala Kaigama (President); Sunday Olusoji Salako; Alade Bashir Lawal; Igwe Achese and Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) president.

    On the employers’ side were: NECA’s Director-General Olusegun Oshinowo; Timothy Olawale (NECA); Chuma Nwankwo (NECA); Federation of Construction Industry (FOCI) Director-General Mrs. Olubunmi Adekoje; Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) Kaduna East branch Chairman Ahmed Ladan Gobir; Francis Oluwagbenro (MAN); NACCIMA Kano branch President Hajia Muheeba Dankaka and NASME President Degun Agboade.

    According to its mandate, the panel was billed to conclude its work and submit its recommendation to the Presidency for onward transmission in form of an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for ratification in the third quarter.

  • Gen. Alkali’s death: I’m depressed over atrocious ethno-religious killings – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said that he was distressed and depressed by the atrocious ethno-religious killings in the country.

    He appealed to Nigerians to learn to live together in peace and harmony.

    The President spoke while receiving leaders of the Church of Christ in Nations, (COCIN), led by Rev. Dr. Dachollom Datiri, at the Council Chamber of Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    He urged religious, community and traditional leaders to do more in promoting peaceful co-existence among Nigerians at different walks of life.

    He said ”As an organised institution (COCIN), I have no reason to doubt your report on the atrocities being committed in your communities including the killing of Idris Alkali, a retired Major-General, the dumping of his car into a pond and the body of the deceased thrown into a disused well.

    ”The communities (in Plateau) have lived long enough to know that there is nothing they can do without each other than to live together in harmony.

    ”As leaders, we must persuade the upcoming generation, using every channel particularly the educational institutions, to live together with our neighbours,’’ the President said.

    President Buhari, who used the occasion to underscore the important roles religious leaders play in engendering peace, lauded the exemplary role of the Imam in Plateau State who risked his life to save hundreds of Christian families fleeing attacks, in June.

    ”It is not all Muslims that are against Christians and neither are all Christians against Muslims. The leadership in the respective religions have to work harder to make sure they convince the coming generation that they have to live together in the same country,” he said.

    The President also assured the Christian delegation that he will continue to exert pressure on the Nigeria Police Force to do the needful in protecting lives and property.

    ”In our security arrangement, the police is in the frontline in making sure that communities, irrespective of ethnic or religious bias,  live together in peace,” he said, adding that Nigeria cannot afford to take its unity for granted and allow a return to the unfortunate perils of a civil war.

    Datiri condemned the recent killing of an Army General in the State and also chronicled recent attacks against Christian communities in Plateau and neighbouring States, resulting in the displacement of thousands of persons.

    The cleric appealed to the Federal Government to ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their communities, in addition to the rebuilding of places of worship destroyed in the unfortunate incidents.

    The COCIN president also called on the Federal Government to take adequate measures in ensuring the release of Leah Sharibu and other abductees of Boko Haram terrorists.

    Read also: 2019: Buhari deserves to be voted for second term– Lai Mohammed

    Datiri requested the President to use his good offices to persuade some Northern States to allocate land titles to Churches, in addition to directing the Ministry of Education to allow the teaching of Christian Religious Knowledge in schools in the region.

    Speaking with State House correspondents, Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State said that henceforth, any traditional or religious leader that protects criminal elements in Plateau State will have the government to contend with.

    He said, “The delegation of COCIN leadership is at the invitation of Mr. President. I was here yesterday (Monday) to pay condolence visit to the Chief of Army Staff, the family of Gen. Alkali, also to the Minister of Defence and also to Mr. President and that was when I was informed that the leaders of Church of Christ in Nigeria were also going to pay the visit to Mr. President.

    “I joined the delegation because they are all Christian leaders from my state. It was in the interest of the state because all of us are searching for peace. I have been searching for peace in Plateau state so any move for peace in Plateau and Nigeria, I will put myself at the front burner, that is why you saw me today.”

    On what he was doing to ensure security and peace in Plateau State, he said, “Well, we have done a lot including the rehabilitation of the IDPs. We set up a committee and they are submitting their report today.

    “I had assured everybody after that crisis that we are going to rehabilitate the place. We have applied to Mr. President and he has approved for us additional force, Special Mobile Squad and I got the approval of Mr. President last week.

    “So, we are waiting to get the report and then we will start moving people to their ancestral home. The people of Plateau are making their complains, everybody has a right to make complains but as far as the government is concerned in Plateau, we have done a lot, we have gone far with some of the issues that were raised.

    “The only one that put us back was the killing of the General. And I have also charged community leaders just like Mr. President said, I said if you want to ensure peace in your place, community leaders must also come out and expose criminals in their domain.

    “But when they commit crime and community leaders or religious leaders fight to protect them that is why we have problems. If they had exposed the killers of Alkali earlier everything would have been solved. But there you have community and religious leaders who claimed to be religious, who claimed to be religious leaders hiding criminals.

    “They might not like me but that is what I am doing, I have said that yes you want government to work but if I catch you or get any criminal activities in your domain, we will hold the community leader, religious responsible. We cannot claim to live in a community and we don’t know the criminals and who are good people.

    “So, we are doing our best. Even when they were doing investigation people were shouting but I insisted that this investigation must be done to the later, they must investigate and find out those who killed the general and other people that were slaughtered on that road.

    “So, by this, they are beginning to expose the reason for some of the crisis. And I always appeal that in a society like Plateau, we must learn to live together. It is not by chance that people were born outside Plateau, God brought us together and so if we want peace we must embrace each other and we must also give opportunity for people to come and live in our state.”