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Disappointment As Tinubu, Govs Keep Mum On Minimum Wage—-President Bola Tinubu and the governors of Nigeria’s 36 states remained silent on the issue of minimum wage following Thursday’s National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.

Hopes had been high among millions of Nigerians and organised labour members that both federal and state governments would address the protracted issue, which has been unresolved since the removal of the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023 – the day Tinubu assumed office – and the expiration of the N30,000 minimum wage agreement established in 2019.

The NEC meeting, which is typically chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, saw the attendance of President Tinubu, further raising expectations that the long-awaited new minimum wage threshold would finally be determined.

It’s worth noting that the 37-member Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, chaired by former Head of Service Bukar Aji, had presented its report to President Tinubu weeks earlier, following approximately five months of deliberations.

During his Democracy Day address on June 12, 2024, President Tinubu announced that a consensus had been reached and that a proposal would be forwarded to the National Assembly. However, organized labor refuted this claim, asserting they were unaware of any such agreement.

Simultaneously, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) rejected the previously proposed N62,000 minimum wage, stating that certain states would need to borrow funds to meet this requirement.

Currently, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) are demanding a minimum wage of N250,000.

Earlier this week, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) postponed the discussion on the proposed new minimum wage for workers.

Following the NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, there was no mention of the minimum wage. Governors who spoke to the press did not address the topic. Instead, President Tinubu approved a one-time allocation of N10 billion to states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for the procurement of buses and the CNG “uplift programme.”

This allocation is part of a new initiative dubbed the “National Construction and Household Support Programme.”

In a statement, presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale outlined the programme, which includes N50,000 uplift grants for 100,000 families per state for three months and provisions for labor unions and civil society organizations.

Additionally, Ngelale announced the deployment of N155 billion for the purchase and distribution of assorted foodstuffs nationwide, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity, stimulate the economy through opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, and provide immediate economic relief to Nigerians.

The statement also highlighted the prioritization of road infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Trans-Saharan Highway connecting Enugu, Abakaliki, Ogoja, Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Abuja.

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Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

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Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant

Lagos 2027: Governor Sanwo-Olu Endorses Obafemi Hamzat as APC Aspirant—-Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has thrown his weight behind his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, as his preferred successor for the 2027 governorship election—an early move that is already stirring quiet conversations within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The endorsement did not come in the open. Instead, it followed a closed-door meeting at Lagos House, Marina, where Hamzat reportedly informed key stakeholders of his intention to run. Present at the gathering were members of the State Executive Council, party leaders, and influential figures within the Governor’s Advisory Council.

Among those in attendance were former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, and former senator Ganiyu Solomon—names that signal the weight of the political bloc involved in the discussions.

Speaking afterwards, Sanwo-Olu described the decision as “unanimous,” framing it as a consensus among party stakeholders. But the speed and timing of the endorsement—well ahead of party primaries—have raised eyebrows about how firmly the succession plan may already be taking shape behind the scenes.

“We just received Mr Deputy… to inform us of his intention,” the governor said, adding that those present agreed he is “fit and well-prepared” for the role.

Sanwo-Olu leaned heavily on Hamzat’s track record and their long-standing working relationship, portraying him as a loyal and capable hand ready to take over. He went further, suggesting that Hamzat has effectively been groomed for the position from the outset.

“This is a deputy governor that is worth a governor from day one,” he said.

In a remark that may further fuel speculation, the governor also referenced President Bola Tinubu’s enduring influence in Lagos politics, hinting that the current development could be part of a longer-term political vision.

Observers note that describing the gathering as a “family meeting” may reflect the tightly knit nature of decision-making within the state’s political structure—where major alignments are often settled before they reach the public stage.

While Hamzat has long been regarded as a key player in Lagos politics, the early endorsement positions him more clearly at the centre of succession discussions, even before a formal campaign has begun.

With more than a year to go before party primaries, the move is already reshaping conversations within the APC, where control of Lagos—Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre—remains one of the most strategic political prizes.

Whether this early alignment holds or faces internal pushback in the months ahead is a question many party watchers are now quietly asking

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2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

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Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress

2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

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