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Minimum Wage : FG Reacts To NLC, TUC’s Planned Strike—-The President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider their decision to commence an indefinite strike on Monday, June 3, 2024.

The planned strike is in response to the government’s refusal to increase the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, emphasized the importance of prioritizing the interests of the general public in an interview with PUNCH.

He described the NLC and TUC as essential partners in the nation’s development and cautioned that industrial action is not the solution to the ongoing wage negotiations.

This plea followed the labour unions’ declaration of a nationwide strike, aimed at compelling the government to finalize a new minimum wage law and reverse the recent electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh.

NLC President Joe Ajaero, reading a joint statement with TUC leader Festus Osifo, expressed deep disappointment over the government’s failure to pass the new National Minimum Wage Act and address the electricity tariff issue.

Ajaero criticized the government’s absence at a recent negotiation meeting, indicating a lack of commitment to resolving the wage dispute. He pointed out that despite the unions’ ultimatum issued during the last May Day celebration, there has been no meaningful progress from the government.

The labour unions had also demanded the reversal of the electricity tariff increase from N225/kWh to N65/kWh and the end of the consumer band categorization. A nationwide protest on May 13, 2024, highlighted the unions’ demands, but the government’s response has been inadequate, according to Ajaero.

In light of the government’s inaction, the NLC and TUC have issued a notice of an indefinite nationwide strike, beginning June 3, 2024. The unions are urging all affiliates, civil society organizations, and the general public to support the strike to ensure fair wages and living conditions for Nigerian workers.

The recent breakdown in wage negotiations marks the latest setback in a series of failed talks. Despite the government’s offer to raise the minimum wage to N60,000, labor unions dismissed the proposal, having initially lowered their demand to N494,000 from N497,000.

The wage committee, inaugurated by Vice President Kashim Shettima in January 2024, was tasked with recommending a new national minimum wage.

However, the ultimatum set by the labour unions expired without a resolution, prompting the planned industrial action.

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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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