BREAKING: N60,000 Minimum Wage Proposed By Tinubu Government Too High, Can’t Fly — State Governors

 This was stated in a press statement issued by the Director Media and Public Affairs of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed, on Friday.

The N60,000 minimum wage earlier proposed by the Bola Tinubu Government has been rejected by all the 36 state governors of the federation. 

 This was stated in a press statement issued by the Director Media and Public Affairs of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Hajiya Halimah Salihu Ahmed, on Friday.

 

The Governors described N60,000 minimum wage as too high and can't be sustainable by them, adding that approving it would push many state governments to borrow more loans to pay salaries every month.

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had on Monday embarked on indefinite strike action after rejecting the federal government’s N60, 000 offer as minimum wage.

 

However, the Labour Union relaxed the strike for one week to give room for further negotiations with the federal government, which had promised to increase the wage from N60,000.

 

The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum also sympathises with labour unions in their push for higher wages.

 

“However, the Forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners.

 

“The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.

 

“All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and can not fly. It will simply mean that many states will spend all their FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes.

 

“In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers.

 

“We appeal that all parties involved, especially the labour unions, consider all the socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society who have legitimate claim to public resources.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had on Monday embarked on indefinite strike action after rejecting the federal government’s N60, 000 offer as minimum wage.

 

However, the Labour Union relaxed the strike for one week to give room for further negotiations with the federal government, which had promised to increase the wage from N60,000.

However, the Labour Union relaxed the strike for one week to give room for further negotiations with the federal government, which had promised to increase the wage from N60,000.

The statement reads in part, “The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum also sympathises with labour unions in their push for higher wages.

 “However, the Forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners.

“The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.

 “All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and can not fly. It will simply mean that many states will spend all their FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes.

“In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers.

“We appeal that all parties involved, especially the labour unions, consider all the socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society who have legitimate claim to public resources.”

Former PDP Chieftain Defends Tinubu's First-Year Performance

By Anietie Edet

2min reads

Former PDP Chieftain Defends Tinubu's First-Year Performance

Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has offered an excuse for President Bola Tinubu's perceived poor performance in his first year in office.

George, a long-time political foe of Tinubu, said the president used his inaugural year to study and correct the failures of the previous Muhammadu Buhari administration. The former military Governor of Ondo State urged Nigerians to give Tinubu one more year to deliver on his electoral promises and turn around the country's fortunes.

Speaking in a television interview on Friday, the PDP chieftain acknowledged that while Tinubu was part of the party that formed the Buhari government, leading the nation as president is a "hell of a different thing."

"To be fair to my conscience, he has had that one-year holiday of trying to study the failures of the past administration. I have given him that one year of grace because now he has seen it and lived there," George said.

The PDP stalwart asserted that Tinubu's lack of prior presidential experience warrants a grace period of one year, drawing a comparison to former President Olusegun Obasanjo's adjustment period in his first year in office.

"Even when Baba (Olusegun Obasanjo) became president in 1999, he was still trying to figure out what happened there or vice versa in his first year. Let's give him more time," George added.

Recall that in May 2024, George had called on President Tinubu to restructure his economic team and provide Nigerians with the true state of the country's affairs.

The PDP chieftain had stated that 25 years after the return of democracy, Nigeria has not lived up to its description as the "Giant of Africa," and can only regain its rightful place through the collective determination of leaders and followers.

National Assembly Member, Paul Haruna, Donates Well To Kogi Residents As Constituency Project

By News desk

2min reads

THE SOUTHERN POST reports that a member representing Bassa/Dekina Federal constituency in the 10th National Assembly, Paul Gowon Haruna, has built a traditional well for members of his constituency.

Haruna, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress and also a former member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, donated the well as his constituency project.

However, some residents of the constituency have slammed him for the project.

National Assembly member, Paul Haruna donates well to Kogi residents as constituency project

“This is a project from a House of Representatives member representing Dekina/Bassa Federal constituency, what a shame, not even a mechanised hand pump,” one of his constituents told SaharaReporters.

Another resident said, “It’s glaring these politicians don’t rate us, a federal lawmaker constructing well and celebrating it as achievement.”

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, has granted a scholarship to Priscilla to pursue her dream of becoming a female pilot, enabling her to chase her childhood aspirations

Quick facts about the Priscilla Scholarship and my interpretation

By The Southern Post news

 According to the Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Akwa Ibom State, Comrade Ini Ememobong on Facebook, THE SOUTHERN POST reports that the commissioner explicitly stated that Priscilla never give up on her childhood dream of becoming a pilot.

Fact- A female student of Girls High School Eket named Priscilla, sees helicopters and airplanes taking off and landing at the airstrip, close to her school,  and she imagines herself flying them, someday. 

Interpretation- Environment matters. We are generally products of our environment because it plants some impressions subconsciously on our minds. Childhood dreams are important.

Fact- Priscilla shares her vision with colleagues, who tell her being a pilot isn’t a woman’s thing.

Interpretation- Your friends and colleagues may not believe in your dreams. Be careful who you tell your dreams.

Fact- She obtained a Higher National Diploma in Electrical Electronic Engineering Technology, but still desired to be a pilot.

Interpretation- While chasing your dreams, get educated. Education is a strong foundation to build your dreams.

Fact- After her HND, in 2020, she applied for admission at the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology, Zaria but they didn’t invite her for the evaluation examinations, until three years later.

Interpretation- All good things take time, some take a short time to manifest, and others take longer. Wait with hope, and trust in God.

Fact- when the admission came, she had no money to process it, but she was determined to attend the school. She reached out to Oga Yene, who publicised her appeal.

Interpretation- When in need, seek help from the right quarters. Until you seek help, you may never know where help can come from, but be careful of where you seek help from.

Fact- Priscilla’s appeal catches the attention of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, HE Pastor(Mrs) Patience Umo Eno, who drew her dear husband’s attention and sought his help for her(a person she had not known or met before).

Interpretation- when God wants to help you, HE will raise strategic and powerful channels to draw help. Of course, when a good wife makes a demand of her husband, you can consider it done.

Fact- Governor Umo Eno dispatches a team to find and bring Priscilla to him. He interacts with her and announces that he will not only sponsor her and two others through Aviation College but also called critical industry players to secure their post-training.

Interpretation - on the day of your blessing, you may not be the one hustling your source, they may contact and wait for you.

Finally, childhood dreams are valid; don’t let anyone discourage you; keep chasing your dreams, but get educated; when in need, seek help from the right sources.

To the glory of God, It ended in praise, courtesy of our listening Governor, HE Pastor Umo Eno.

I am glad that I was a witness, congratulations to Priscilla and co. Indeed it’s a golden era. ie

Super eagles World cup qualifying series, in Uyo, looking at the preparation

By The Southern Post

1 min reading

Nigeria is committed to performing at their best as they aim to secure a victory against South Africa in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifying series match on Friday night at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The Super Eagles understand that only a win will satisfy the passionate Nigerian football fans, who have been disappointed by the team's slow start to the campaign, earning only two points out of a possible six in the first two games. Additionally, several players arrived late to camp, contributing to the dissatisfaction.

The absence of Victor Osimhen, the reigning Africa Player of the Year, and injuries to key defenders such as William Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo, Jamilu Collins, and Zaidu Sanusi will force Head Coach Finidi George to explore all options for defensive solutions against the AFCON bronze medalists. Despite the challenges, the team is determined to give their all and secure the much-needed victory.

Support the Super Eagles in their upcoming game!

200 babies born in one month in Benue IDP Camps

Benue IDP Camps Struggle with High Birth Rates

By Peter Dudu

The situation at Benue's Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps has reached a critical point with reports indicating an alarming trend - the camps are now recording an average of 200 new born babies per month. This shocking statistic has left many in a state of disbelief and prompted concerns about the well-being of the women and infants living in these dire conditions.

The Executive Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board expressed grave concern, stating that the women at the camps are left feeling helpless and vulnerable. With over 1.5 million IDPs spread across 17 camps in Benue State, the scale of the crisis is overwhelming. These individuals, forced out of their homes due to attacks by armed herdsmen, are now dependent on government support and charitable donations for their survival.

From Guma to Agatu, Gwer West, Kwande, Makurdi, Logo, Apa, Okpokwu, Bururku, Otukpo and other local government areas, LGAs, it’s all tales of woes as the rural Benue farmers who are known for their prowess in food production have vacated their ancestral homes and taken refuge in IDPs camps.

Despite promises from the government to facilitate their return home, many IDPs remain stranded in the camps, grappling with inadequate food and medical supplies, as well as limited sleeping arrangements. The harsh living conditions have not deterred the residents from starting families, resulting in a significant number of births within the camps.

The troubling reality of high birth rates in these challenging circumstances highlights the urgent need for improved support and resources for the displaced population in Benue State.