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New minimum wage: Negotiations’ll reckon with situations in W’Africa —COMMITTEE CHAIRMANr

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Chairman of the tripartite committee on a new minimum wage, Buka Goni Aji, that the new wage would be based on what prevails in the country’s West African neighbours.

 

 

He stated this as President Bola T urged members of the committee to engage in collective bargaining in good faith but was countered by president of Nigeria labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, who contended that negotiation would be based on prevailing cost of living.

 

Goni, in his remarks after inauguration of the committee by President Tinubu, said: “He (President Tinubu) wants us to move forward.

 

”We don’t have any figure in mind. We want a very, very realistic approach, based on certain conventions on the reality of the Nigerian economy, based also on what you have in our neighbouring West Africa.

 

”Nigerian worker, everyone, deserves a rise in his pay package. Honestly, we want a situation where Nigerian workers are sufficiently motivated they would do very well. Because they are productive, because they are creative, they are full of initiatives, human resource base.

 

”I want to believe and strongly too that is second to none in Africa. That is why we are here today to ensure that our actions are in line and conformity with the law and expectation and aspirations with the Nigerian worker.”

 

Inaugurating the 37-member committee at the council chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja, President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, also told members of the committee, drawn from the government, organised labour and the private sector, to maintain the spirit of give and take.

 

He urged the members to “speedily” arrive at a resolution and submit their reports early as the current N30,000 minimum wage expires at the end of March 2024.

 

He urged them to take attendance to meeting seriously, adding that the minimum wage must be based on equity and social justice.

 

“This timely submission is crucial to ensure the emergence of a new minimum wage,” Tinubu said.
He also urged collective bargaining in good faith, emphasising contract adherence and encouraging consultations outside the committee.

 

Chairman of the Committee, Buka Goni Aji, in his remarks, said members of the committee shall make extensive consultation in order to arrive at a new national minimum wage that would be fair, practical, sustainable and implementable.

 

He affirmed that its members would come up with a “fair, practical, implementable and sustainable,” minimum wage.
Although President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, was absent at the meeting, the labour centre was, however, represented by the Deputy President, Prince Adeyanju Adewale.

 

Tuesday’s inauguration followed months of agitation from the organised labour over the government’s failure to inaugurate the new national minimum wage committee as promised during negotiations last October.

Minimumwage about cost of living—Ajaero

 

Meanwhile, President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, has said the forthcoming minimum wage negotiations must be based on cost of living and not just about give and take as requested by the vice president.

 

While reacting to the vice president’s inauguration speech, Ajaero, who explained that he had left the country for a scheduled trade union engagement before the government’s invitation for the inauguration got to the NLC’s secretariat, said the essence of every negotiation was compromise.

 

“However, national minimum wage is a reflection of objective realities driven by existential issues, such as cost of food beverages, housing, clothing, transport, communication, education, health care etc.

 

”These and others are the factors that must determine the eventual outcome for it to have any meaning. You do not play give and take with the lives of workers and Nigerians.

“It must be based on what does it cost the average Nigerian worker to survive or exist as a human being? That is where the compromise must be worked around, anything less than that makes the outcome less humane and reinforces poverty. The outcome must renew the hopes of Nigerians and not sabotage or betray it.

 

“My absence at the inauguration should not be an issue. The inauguration was just ceremonial and all the relevant stakeholders, including NLC leaders, were well represented at the inauguration.

 

”Let Nigerians know that they should look forward to the actual meetings that would mark the beginning of the negotiation process where all the parties will be expected to seriously canvass their positions,” Ajaero said.

 

Bring down prices for minimum wage to have meaning, NACCIMA tells govt

Also speaking, the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Industry and Agriculture, NACCIMA, urged the government to ensure prices of commodities in the market were brought down for any minimum wage to make any meaning.

Humphrey Ngonadi, Life Vice President, NACCIMA, said: “Well, I thank God for this initiative that government is taking at this place. But I’m worried.

 

“We may remember some time ago, that an Udoji award was done. And that was the first time the salary of workers was increased and immediately after the increment, the commodity in the market ran up to meet it.”
”So while we are talking about minimum wage, I think the government on its own side, has to think on how to bring down the price of commodities in the market.”

 

 

 

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Kinsmen Defend INEC Boss, Calls For National Restraint

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PRESS STATEMENT
From: Okun Development Association (ODA)

 

The Okun Development Association (ODA), on behalf of Okun sons and daughters worldwide, extend sincere appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
GCFR, for the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, as Chairman of the
Independent National Electoral Commission. (INEC). We receive this decision as a clear
endorsement of competence and character, and as a call to national service, anchored on
merit. The confidence reposed in Prof. Amupitan SAN, is an honour to Okunland, to Kogi
State, and to every Nigerian who believes that public office should reward integrity and
capacity.

ODA declares, without reservations, our unflinching support for Prof. Joash Amupitan
SAN, as he assumes leadership of INEC at a defining moment in our nation’s democratic
journey. His public and academic record reflect uncommon discipline, fidelity to due
process, and abiding respect for institutions. In every assignment he has handled, Prof.
Amupitan SAN, has shown the temperament, intellectual depth, and moral courage
required to manage sensitive national duties with fairness and firmness. We are assured
that these qualities will guide his stewardship of the Commission.

Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, personifies the values Okunland holds dear: honesty, hard
work, humility, and service above self. As a scholar, he has raised generations of
Nigerians who today serve in critical sectors of our society. As an administrator, he has
built systems that outlast individuals.

His commitment to strong, impartial institutions is exactly what INEC requires to
consolidate public trust. We are confident that under his leadership, the Commission will
discharge its constitutional mandate without fear or favour, and that his tenure will
strengthen the credibility of our electoral process.

ODA is mindful that the office of INEC Chairman will always attract intense public
scrutiny. While such scrutiny is part of democracy, we respectfully remind all
stakeholders, political actors, and concerned citizens that Nigeria’s constitutional order
provides established channels for resolving disputes. We therefore urge any aggrieved
parties to ventilate their concerns through the appropriate legal and institutional
mechanisms. We call for restraint in public commentary and ask all Nigerians to grant
Prof. Amupitan the calm and institutional space needed to serve the nation with neutrality,
courage and desired result.

The Okun Development Association reaffirms its commitment to national unity,
democratic stability, and the success of the Tinubu administration. We assure the
President and the Nigerian people that Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, will discharge his
responsibilities with honour, will bring credibility and candour to his office, to Okunland,
and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We request the prayers and goodwill of all citizens
as he undertakes this solemn duty for the nation.

God bless Okunland.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Signed:

Amb. (Chief) Akenson Rotimi
President General,
Okun Development Association.
President-General: Amb. Akenson Rotimi
08075259447

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Authorities Shut Four Lagos Properties for Illegal Wastewater Disposal

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The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed four properties across Ikotun and Ajah for illegally discharging untreated wastewater into public spaces.

 

The enforcement action, carried out on Wednesday and Thursday, targeted two residential properties at 13, Oritola Street and 1, Temitope Street, Pipeline, Ikotun.

The commissioner for the environment, Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed the development on X on Thursday, added that a public toilet and a mechanic workshop along Badore Road, Ajah, were also sealed on Thursday.

Wahab said the Ikotun properties were sealed following public complaints, repeated warnings and verified findings from an investigation.

Some of the sealed locations. Photo: Tokunbo Wahab on X
He said the owners had been deliberately channelling untreated wastewater through pipes onto roads.

“The present situation, which remains unabated, showed that the properties were deliberately releasing untreated wastewater into the environment through pipes onto the roads, thereby constituting public nuisance,” he said.

The Ajah premises were shut over what the agency described as “indiscriminate discharge of wastewater into the public drain and the environment.”

Wahab warned that the crackdown would continue, saying individuals and organisations found violating environmental regulations would face appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution under enabling laws.

 

 

“@followlasg reiterates the need for residents and property managers to adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices.

“Individual or organisation found contravening environmental regulations will be meted with appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with the enabling laws,” Wahab added.oads, thereby constituting public nuisance,” he said.

The The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed four properties across Ikotun and Ajah for illegally discharging untreated wastewater into public spaces.

The enforcement action, carried out on Wednesday and Thursday, targeted two residential properties at 13, Oritola Street and 1, Temitope Street, Pipeline, Ikotun.

The commissioner for the environment, Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed the development on X on Thursday, added that a public toilet and a mechanic workshop along Badore Road, Ajah, were also sealed on Thursday.

Wahab said the Ikotun properties were sealed following public complaints, repeated warnings and verified findings from an investigation.Ajah premises were shut over what the agency described as “indiscriminate discharge of wastewater into the public drain and the environment.”

Wahab warned that the crackdown would continue, saying individuals and organisations found violating environmental regulations would face appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution under enabling laws.

“@followlasg reiterates the need for residents and property managers to adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices.

“Individual or organisation found contravening environmental regulations will be meted with appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with the enabling laws,” Wahab added.

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Egunjobi’s Track Record of Road Development Strengthens Reps Bid – Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola

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Former Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Kola Egunjobi, has emerged as a strong contender for the House of Representatives, with his extensive record of road construction and rehabilitation projects widely cited as a key reason he deserves to represent Agege Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber.

 

During his tenure in Agege, Lagos State, Egunjobi initiated and delivered a broad range of road projects aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating local economic activities.

These projects, executed through new construction, rehabilitation, and interlocking stone paving, were strategically spread across the council area to address critical infrastructure gaps and long-standing community needs.

Notably, his administration constructed several new roads, including: Awori/Adesokan Street, Union Road in Dopemu, Alagbigba Street with streetlights, and Taiwo Street, also equipped with streetlights.

Similarly, Oniwaya Market Road, Sanni Omomeji Street, Abudu Oladejo Street, Shodipo Street, Ishola Yusuf Street, and Ogunjobi Street were completed, thereby easing movement and enhancing commercial access within key parts of the locality.

Furthermore, the administration rehabilitated Ashade Ogba Road, while also extending development to: Majaro Street, Oshungboye Keke Road, Humani Street, Onibeju Street, Imam Ojoku Street, Alowonle Street, and Ajibose Street. In the same vein, projects such as Elicana Phase 1, Ajakaiye Street, Arigidi/Sonaya Street, Adegbola Street, Adeniyi Street, Onilude Street, Okanlawon Street, Old Union Street, Onafuwa Street, and Abolore Phase 1 were successfully delivered.

In addition, construction works covered Anuoluwapo Street, Ashafa Street, Oredapo Street, Mayaka Street, Sarumi Alawo Street, Akerele Street, Ashiata Street, Abeje Street, Ashaolu Street, and Kosoko Street.

Significantly, Adebari Street was both constructed and interlocked, while Olowo Street benefitted from a combination of construction, installation of streetlights, and the provision of a security house, reflecting a comprehensive approach to infrastructure and safety.

Residents and stakeholders have continued to acknowledge the impact of these projects.

A community leader noted that the roads “greatly improved accessibility and supported economic activities across several neighbourhoods,” adding that many previously inaccessible areas have now been opened up.

Consequently, political observers maintain that Egunjobi’s infrastructure footprint underscores his administrative capacity and grassroots appeal.

They argued that his performance in office provides a solid foundation for legislative representation.

As the contest for the Green Chamber intensifies, supporters insist that his track record in road development remains a defining factor, positioning him as a candidate capable of attracting meaningful progress and sustained development for Agege at the national level.

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