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Tag: Nigerian news

  • TUC to FG: conclude discussion on new minimum wage

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the Federal Government to urgently conclude discussion on the new minimum wage and commence implementation across board.

    The TUC Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Gbenga Ekundayo, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

    Ekundayo said that the union had condemned the segmental implementation of the minimum wage for grade levels one to six.

    NAN reports that the junior public servants from grade one to six have started receiving payment of the new minimum wage from the Federal Government for August salary.

    This was confirmed on Sept. 22 by Mr Lawrence Amaechi, the National President, Nigeria Civil Service Union, also a member of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.

    Ekundayo said: “The government implemented for grade levels one to six, leaving grades level seven upwards out, and we are still discussing around the consequential adjustment and relativity impact.

    “It needs to be quickly dealt with, concluded; what needs to be done is to go to the negotiation table, discuss these issues and let us have implementation for all the workers.”

    Also, the union Secretary, Mr Abiodun Aladetan, expressed displeasure over the delay of the implementation of the minimum wage.

    Aladetan said that it was the duty of government to address the issues in the interest of the workers.

    “It is unfortunate where we are on the minimum wage; recently, the Minister of Labour acknowledged that the government had commenced payment for those on grade levels one to six.

    “This could create division within the labour circle and as a labour movement, we condemn it; it will not deter us, but have a ripple effect on the system.

    “We call on government, as a matter of urgency, to discuss with labour; come to terms with these realities by accepting the demands of the labour movement,”Aladetan said. (NAN)
    EEI/IAA/GOK
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    Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Olagoke Olatoye
    Conclude discussion on new minimum wage, TUC urges FG

    Wage
    By Izah
    Lagos, Sept. 27, 2019 (NAN) The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the Federal Government to urgently conclude discussion on the new minimum wage and commence implementation across board.

    The TUC Chairman, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Gbenga Ekundayo, made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

    Ekundayo said that the union had condemned the segmental implementation of the minimum wage for grade levels one to six.

    NAN reports that the junior public servants from grade one to six have started receiving payment of the new minimum wage from the Federal Government for August salary.

    This was confirmed on Sept. 22 by Mr Lawrence Amaechi, the National President, Nigeria Civil Service Union, also a member of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.

    Ekundayo said: “The government implemented for grade levels one to six, leaving grades level seven upwards out, and we are still discussing around the consequential adjustment and relativity impact.

    Read Also: Minimum Wage stalemate: Labour chiefs blow hot

    “It needs to be quickly dealt with, concluded; what needs to be done is to go to the negotiation table, discuss these issues and let us have implementation for all the workers.”

    Also, the union Secretary, Mr Abiodun Aladetan, expressed displeasure over the delay of the implementation of the minimum wage.

    Aladetan said that it was the duty of government to address the issues in the interest of the workers.

    “It is unfortunate where we are on the minimum wage; recently, the Minister of Labour acknowledged that the government had commenced payment for those on grade levels one to six.

    “This could create division within the labour circle and as a labour movement, we condemn it; it will not deter us, but have a ripple effect on the system.

    “We call on government, as a matter of urgency, to discuss with labour; come to terms with these realities by accepting the demands of the labour movement,”Aladetan said.

  • Video: Dangote dances with singer Teni

    Nigerian Billionaire Aliko Dangote was recently spotted showing off his dance moves with singer Teni the entertainer while she was performing at an event in New York.

  • BBNaija: Fans react to Cindy’s eviction

    Housemate, Cindy Okafor has been evicted from the ongoing BBNaija season four.

    The shocking eviction took place on Friday morning with host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s visit to the house.

    Cindy, who was introduced to the show on July 30 alondisde Elozonam, Enkay and Venita, is an online radio presenter, writer and content creator.

    In an interesting turn of events, Ebuka strolled into the house with the envelope containing the name of the evicted housemate.

    Read Also: Cindy evicted from #BBNaija reality show

    Prior to that, he asked all the housemates to pack their bags and get ready for the show at the lounge.

    On Monday, Frodd used his veto power card to nominate Mike, Tacha, Ike, Cindy and Elozonam for possible eviction.

    Following Cindy’s eviction, fans took to social media to express their shock at the turn of events.

    @Thecybernewt said, “This breakfast has too much pepper. Which kain eviction be this.”

    @Raynergy tweeted, “Cindy is an amazing girl and she’ll do just fine.”

    @Byran said, “Cindy is an amazing girl and she’ll do just fine.”

    @JaneChy said, “This gonna be most pepperish moment in BBN4, why not wait till Sunday.”

  • Video: BBNaija: Tacha, Mercy in dirty fight

    There was a big fight between Mercy and Tacha on Friday at the Big brother house, similar to what could be obtainable in a wrestling ring.

    The heated argument between the two has attracted several reactions from fans and followers of the show.

    Other housemates attempted to broker peace, but the angered Tacha and Mercy were hearing none of it, with Tacha yanking off Mercy’s hair which she was swinging in her face.

    Read Also: Cindy evicted from #BBNaija reality show

    The argument between the two has to do with Tacha’s alleged body odour and after the housemates argued, Tacha could be clearly seen applying body spray.

    There are already insinuations that the duo may be sanctioned for their actions.

    https://twitter.com/draliconpoint/status/1177495427895050240

  • Cindy evicted from #BBNaija reality show

    Big Brother Naija housemate Cindy has been evicted from the reality show.

    Cindy who was evicted on Friday is now the 17th housemate to be evicted from the Big Brother Naija 2019 house.

    On Friday, September 27, 2019, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced her eviction of from the Big Brother House.

    Cindy emerged the Head of House on September 9, 2019. She joined the show four weeks after it kicked off alongside Joe, Enkay, Elozonam and Venita.

    This is the 10th eviction and 11th live eviction show on the Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem edition which kicked off on June 30, 2019.

     

  • Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria commended for maritime development

    Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria (SHIN), the leading operator of the SHI-MCI fabrication and integration yard, has won a highly-commended award in the category of contribution to development of the regional maritime cluster at the prestigious Seatrade Maritime Awards Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa held in Dubai on September 22, 2019.

    Samsung was the only nominee from Africa to be listed for four individual awards: Contribution to Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster, Shipyard of the Year, Africa Maritime and Education & Training.

    In its award citation for Contribution to Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster, SHIN was highly commended for its commitment to empowering the African oil and gas industry through local content leadership.

    Prior to the construction of its fabrication and integration yard in Lagos, customers in the regional oil and gas industry had to work outside of Africa.

    In order to complete the Egina FPSO project, significant investment was needed to develop a local workforce and facilities. These have become the core of a world-class marine construction capability that benefits all shipping & marine construction and maintenance companies in the region with greater access to opportunities as well as providing economic stimulus to the whole West African region.

    Commenting on the meritorious award, the Managing Director of Samsung Heavy Industries Nigeria, Mr. Jejin Jeon, said: “It is a great honour to be recognised for our Contribution to the Development of the Regional Maritime Cluster in Africa. This award validates SHIN and SHI MCI’s efforts in developing Nigeria as the next global fabrication destination. I thank the people of Nigeria and the Nigerian government for their faith in us. Our journey will not stop here. We will continue to empower the African oil & gas and maritime industry by developing local capacity to deliver world class work locally, stimulating more opportunities for the benefit of Nigeria.”

    The Seatrade Maritime Awards are recognised internationally as the most influential in the industry with a very robust selection process led by independent judging panels consisting of CEOs from maritime companies around the world. An impressive list of nominees was shortlisted, from over 120 entries across 20 countries, made it to 2019’s shortlist. The award ceremony was attended by over 700 industry and governmental representatives from across Africa, the Middle East and the Indian Subcontinent.

    The award and nominations are an encouraging acknowledgement of the significant work SHIN has done in initiating collaboration with the Nigerian government and local partners to improve the profile of Nigeria as the most advanced integration and fabrication hub in Africa. The company has already been receiving worldwide recognition, winning multiple national and international awards for its dedication in bringing about economic and local talent development. It has received notable accolades from the Nigerian Content Board, NOGOF and Africa Assembly Paris hosted by World Energy Council.

    After successfully delivering the Egina, the world’s largest FPSO, SHIN’s next focus is to widen its integration and fabrication work for the on- and off-shore oil & gas industry as well as power and infrastructure projects. The high profile generated from this award will also drive increased interest among the maritime industry into the immense potential and capability of Nigeria and indeed the whole West African region, showing what they have to offer to international customers. This will continue to stimulate local employment, ongoing talent development and vocational training to continue performing at international standards.

  • ABU sacks 16 lecturers over sexual harassment

    Authorities of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State have fired 15 lecturers over offences involving sexual harassment, negligence of duty and corruption in the institution.

    It was gathered that the lecturers were from different departments and faculties in the institution.

    A source, who prefers anonymity, said: “It is true that the Ahmadu Bello University management sacked some lecturers.”

    He told our correspondent that the sacking of the lectures was duly approved by the Governing Council of the institution

    When contacted the Director of ABU’s Public Affairs, Dr. Sama’ila Shehu, confirmed the incident but noted that not all those sacked had their ranks reduced were lecturers.

    He said: “Not all of them are lecturers but they are ABU staff. They cut across. The total of those affected are 16.

    According to him: ” But some of the offences ranges from mishandling of records, scripts, sexual harassment and assault.
    There are categories of offences and penalties. Some are termination of appointments, dismissal and demotion.”

    According to a document, the dismissal of the erring staff was approved by the university’s Governing Council during its two separate meetings.

    Read Also; How AfCFTA will transform Nigeria’s economy, by Osinbajo

    Our correspondent reports that a lecturer from the department of Plant Science was sacked over sexual harassment of a female staff while three lecturers from the Sociology department were sacked over alteration of results, extortion of students and illegal allocation of grades.

    Two staff from Bursary unit were sacked over diversion of money and fraudulent reinstatement of staff on payroll. Similarly, a lecturer in Political Science department was demoted over loss of students’ scripts, the offence that the university defined as “negligence of duty”.

    It was also discovered that, the job of many lecturers is on the line, as investigation into their involvement in sexual harassment and other offences is still ongoing.

  • Nigeria optimistic of setting aside 9.6bn judgment debt – Lai Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has expressed optimism that the entire arbitration decisions and judgment debt of N9.6 billion against Nigeria by a UK court over a botched gas contract would be set aside.

    The Minister stated this in London while reacting to Thursday’s ruling by a UK commercial court staying execution of the 9.6 billion dollar judgment debt and granting leave for Nigeria to appeal the decision in the UK appellate court.

    A text of the minister’s reaction was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja by his media aide.

    Mohammed noted that with the reprieve granted by the court, Nigeria has the opportunity to take appropriate steps to set aside the entire judgment debt in favour of an Irish company, Process and Industrial Developments Ltd (P&ID).

    “We now have a fresh opportunity of arguing our case and even filing separate suit to argue that the entire judgment be set aside.

    “As we have been saying everywhere we go, we have been compiling arguments that will make our case and position to set aside the judgment debt, an easy thing,” he said.

    The minister noted that besides the victory in the court, the federal government delegation to the UK, had succeeded in changing the narratives of the case in favour of Nigeria, in the international community.

    The government delegation included the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu and the Acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

    “We came here with the sole purpose of not just winning in court but also winning in the minds of the international community.

    “We started by visiting key media outlets, key business and financial groups such as Bloomberg, Financial Times, the Economists and others.

    “I must say that over 24 major publications that published our stories are from our own viewpoints.

    “What we are saying is that, until now, only the voice of P&ID was heard, only their own side of the story was heard but in the last four days our efforts in visiting the key media outfits and think tanks have paid off in changing the narrative,” he said.

    Mohammed said the meeting with investors and other stakeholders had also helped to change the negative narrative that the case might hamper foreign investments into the country.

    “Many of them at the meeting are investing in Nigeria and holding key positions in the society.

    “By the time we came out of the meeting, they had more empathy for our course and even many of them volunteered to serve our course in a very patriotic manner,” he said.

    The minister recalled that prior to the visit, the plaintiff, armed with the court judgment, had been threatening enforcement by way of attaching financial and associated assets of Nigerian state.

    He said with the relief granted by the court, the harassment by the company and its handlers of compiling the nation’s assets for attachment would stop.

    Read Also: UK court stays execution on P&ID’s $9.6b judgment

    It would be recalled that the UK court had on Aug. 16 authorised P&ID, a little known Irish engineering and project development company to seize the 9.6 billion dollars, about N3.5 trillion in Nigerian assets over a failed contract.

    The court ruling was a fallout of the botched 20-year Gas and Supply Processing Agreement (GSPA) and the subsequent award made in July 2015 in favour of P&ID, by an arbitration panel sitting in London.

    The GSPA was purportedly entered into in 2010 between the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and P&ID.

    In the failed contract, P&ID was to build a gas processing facility to refine associated natural gas into non-associated gas to power the national electric grid.

    On its part, the Ministry was to build pipeline to supply gas to P&ID facility to be located in Adiabo, Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA)of Cross River state.

    The agreement went sour because the company which did not build any facility at the agreed site, blamed the Ministry for not constructing the pipeline for gas supply alleging that it had committed 40 million dollars into the contract.

  • UK court stays execution on P&ID’s $9.6b judgment

    • Fed Govt to deposit $200m
    • Judge okays request to appeal verdict

    Nigeria won the first battle on Thursday in its bid to quash the $9.6 billion arbitral judgment awarded to Process and Industrial Developments (P&ID)

    Justice Butcher of the United Kingdom Commercial Court, sitting in London, ordered a stay of execution of the judgment. The execution of the judgment would have led to the forfeiture of  $9.6 billion Nigerian assets.

    The court also granted Nigeria leave to file an appeal challenging the judgment.

    But Justice Butcher ruled that Nigeria should make $200 million Security deposit before the court within 60 days.

    The firm secured the damages against Nigeria following a failed Gas Supply Project Agreement (GSPA) contract signed with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum.

    No due diligence was observed before officials signed the contract. There was no approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

    Read Also: Firms linked to P&ID ‘withdraw $700,000 in cash’

    Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN),  said the country’s lawyers would consider whether to appeal the order to deposit $200 million.

    Reviewing the ruling, Malami said: “Leave to appeal has been granted.  Stay of execution is also granted subject to making $200 million  security payment to court pending the determination of the appeal.

    “The steps we will consider are to study the ruling and act in a way beneficial to the interest of the nation.

    ”We will study the court ruling, exercise the right of appeal and consider the legal options available at our disposal as it relates to the payment of $200m in view of the 60 days window stipulated by the court.”

    He added: “I am pleased with today’s development in the court and I see this as a positive resolution that constitutes an important step in the government‘s efforts to defend itself in a fair and just process.

    “We look forward to challenging the UK Commercial Court’s recognition of the Tribunal’s decision in the UK Court of Appeals, uncovering P&lD’s outrageous approach for what it is: a sham based on fraudulent and criminal activity developed to profit from a developing country.”

    At the hearing, which took place in Court 19, 7 Rolls Building, Fetter Lane London EC4A 1NL, at 10.30am (London time), the judge initially insisted on a $250million security deposit  before granting the stay of execution.

    But Nigeria stick to $100million before the judge settled for $200million.

    One of the lawyers in court said: “Our lawyers did a fantastic job of presenting our case. They were led by Harry Matovu, assisted by others including Timi Balogun.

    “The judge asked us to deposit $250 million  as a condition for granting us a stay of execution, but after a diligent counter argument, during which we argued for the deposit of $100 million, he ruled that we should deposit $200 million as a condition for granting us a stay of execution.”

  • PZ harps on entrepreneurship in food sector

    PZ Wilmar Food Ltd has stressed the need for entrepreneurship in the food sector.

    As a demonstration of its commitment to promoting entrepreneurship Mamador, a brand within the organisation has launched a programme tagged:  Mamador Empowerment Programme. The brand kick-started the initiative by empowering a food hawker in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    The food hawker, Josephine Adegahi, who is a university graduate selling food with the aid of a wheelbarrow, went viral on social media.

    She was subsequently contacted by the Mamador team and given a branded Mamador Mobile Kitchen as well as Mamador products ranging from the cooking oil to the recently launched seasoning and spread for bread.

    Speaking during the presentation, Category Development Manager, PZ Wilmar Limited, Toyin Popoola-Dania,  expressed delight at the launch of the empowerment programme.

    “I am particularly excited at the launch of this programme as it presents another opportunity for Mamador to support individuals and families. The mission of the Mamador Empowerment Programme is to provide equipment, products, materials and other supports for entrepreneurs within the food sector to help take their businesses to the next level profitably while improving access to healthy and tasty amongst consumers,” she said.

    Popoola-Dania said the brand was impressed by Josephine’s drive to support herself, her family and also improve her standard of living. She said: “We came across Josephine’s story and were impressed by her resourcefulness and positive personality. As we have done in the past – providing support for small businesses such as hers, we would like to press forward with our empowerment programme. This is in line with Mamador’s purpose to ensure consumers have access to healthy and tasty meals at all times.’’

    reach more people and be more productive. Through her, healthy and tasty made possible by Mamador will be made accessible to more Nigerians.”

    Mamador will continue to provide support for small-scale businesses within the food sector, and will be creating opportunities for deserving candidates nationwide to benefit from the brand.

    Mamador is a premium food brand that guarantees healthy and tasty meals.