President Bola Tinubu will meet with the Organised Labour in Abuja on Thursday to further discussions on a new minimum wage for workers in Nigeria. A top labour source told Channels Television that the President invited the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to the meeting expected to be held at the Aso Villa in the nation’s capital city. The President is expected to make a decision on the ₦62,000 proposal of the government and private sector side; as well as the ₦250,000 demand of the Organised Labour. The Thursday meeting is coming about a month after the President said in his Democracy Day speech on June 12, 2024, that an executive bill on the new national minimum wage for workers would soon be sent to the National Assembly for passage. On June 25, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) chaired by the President stepped down from consideration and deliberation on the memo on the new minimum wage to allow for more engagement with stakeholders. Two days after, Tinubu and Vice President Kassim Shettima, at the 141st meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC), met with governors of the 36 states of the Federation and ministers to deliberate on a new minimum wage for workers. Long Walk To New Wage Talks for a new minimum wage for Nigerian workers have been on for a while. The Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which made ₦30,000 the minimum wage, expired in April 2024. The Act should be reviewed every five years to meet with contemporary economic demands of workers. President Bola Tinubu in January set up a Tripartite Committee to negotiate a new minimum wage for workers. The committee comprises the Organised Labour, representatives of federal and state governments as well as the Organised Private Sector. However, the committee members failed to reach an agreement on a new realistic minimum wage for workers, forcing labour to declare an indefinite industrial action on Monday, June 3, 2024. Businesses were paralysed as labour shut down airports, hospitals, the national grid, banks, National Assembly, and state assemblies’ complexes. The labour unions said the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 can no longer cater to the well-being of an average Nigerian worker, saying the government should offer workers something economically realistic in tandem with current inflationary pressures, attendant effects of the twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and unification of the forex windows of the current administration. Labour “relaxed” its strike on June 4, 2024 following assurances from the President that he was committed to a wage above ₦60,000. Both the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership subsequently resumed talks with the representatives of the Federal Government, states, and the Organised Private Sector. On Friday, June 7, 2024, the two sides (labour and the government) still failed to reach an agreement. While labour dropped again its demand from ₦494,000 to ₦250,000, the government added ₦2,000 to its initial ₦60,000 and offered workers ₦62,000. Both sides submitted their reports to the President who is expected to make a decision and send an executive bill to the National Assembly to pass a new minimum wage bill to be signed into law by the President.

  AS Nigerians hit the streets to protest hunger, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen Abubakar Kyari, Wednesday, disclosed that in 180 days food prices will crash. Kyari stated this on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, where he unveiled measures that will be implemented over the next 180 days. I want people to remember the Emirate as a symbol of dignity and peace —Film maker, Zainab Bayero0.00 / 0.00 He said: “Our administration has unveiled a series of strategic measures aimed at addressing the high food prices currently affecting our nation. These measures will be implemented over the next 180 days; “150-Day Duty-Free Import Window for Food Commodities •Suspension of duties, tariffs, and taxes for the importation of certain food commodities through land and sea borders. These commodities include maize, husked brown rice, wheat, and cowpeas. “Imported food commodities will be subjected to a Recommended Retail Price (RRP). We understand concerns about the quality of these imports, especially regarding their genetic composition. The government assures that all standards will be maintained to ensure the safety and quality of food items for consumption. “The Federal Government will import 250,000 metric tons of wheat and 250,000 metric tons of maize. These semi-processed commodities will be supplied to small-scale processors and millers across the country. “Engagement with relevant stakeholders to set a GMP and purchase surplus food commodities to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve. “Ramp-Up of Production for the 2024/2025 Farming Cycle •Continued support to smallholder farmers during the ongoing wet season farming through existing government initiatives; Strengthening and accelerating dry season farming nationwide; “Embarking on aggressive agricultural mechanization to reduce drudgery, lower production costs, and boost productivity. ; Collaborating with sub-national entities to identify irrigable lands and increase land under cultivation; Working closely with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation to rehabilitate and maintain irrigation facilities under river basin authorities across the federation. “Developing strategic engagement for youth and women for immediate greenhouse cultivation of horticultural crops such as tomatoes and pepper to increase production volume, stabilize prices, and address food shortages; Fast-tracking ongoing engagements with the Nigerian Military to rapidly cultivate arable lands under the Defence Farms Scheme and encouraging other para-military establishments to utilize available arable lands for cultivation. “Renewed Hope National Livestock Transformation Implementation Committee; This committee has been inaugurated on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, to develop and implement policies prioritizing livestock development in alignment with the National Livestock Transformation Plan, and a ministry of Livestock Development has been created. “Enhancement of Nutrition Security •Promoting the production of fortified food commodities. •Supporting the scale-up of the Home Garden Initiative by the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Meanwhile, he also explained that, “Over the next 14 days, in close collaboration with the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) and the Economic Management Team (EMT), we will convene with respective agencies to finalize the implementation frameworks. We will ensure that information is publicly available to facilitate the participation of all relevant stakeholders across the country.” However he said, “The success of these measures hinges on the cooperation and collaboration of all relevant MDAs and stakeholders. “As our nation confronts this critical food security challenge, I reiterate President Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to achieving food security and ensuring that no Nigerian goes to bed hungry. “My team and I will work swiftly and diligently to actualize these crucial policies, ensuring food security for everyone in the immediate term while continuing our strategies for long-term interventions to address underlying causes and ensure sustainable and resilient food systems in Nigeria.”

  The House of Representatives has denied any resolution asking the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Samoa agreement. Spokesman of the House, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi, said in a statement the resolution of the House was to investigate the controversial clauses allegedly contained in the Samoa Partnership Agreement to ensure they sufficiently align with constitutional provisions, extant laws, and our national interests and values. Rotimi said the Green Chamber also urged the Federal Government to ensure thorough consultations and stakeholder engagement on matters relating to the agreement. He said: “These decisions followed the adoption of a Motion of Urgent National Importance titled “Alleged Controversial Samoa Partnership Agreement by the Federal Government,” sponsored by House Deputy Minority Leader, Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki (NNPP, Kano), and co-sponsored by 88 lawmakers. “The motion, which debated the Samoa Partnership Agreement aimed at enhancing food security and promoting inclusive economic development, sparked significant discussion in the Green Chamber upon its introduction. “During the debate, concerns were raised regarding alleged clauses purportedly mandating support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community as a prerequisite for financial and other aid from developed nations. “Additionally, apprehensions were expressed about several specific articles within the agreement, including Articles 2.5, 29.5, 36.2, and 88, which some lawmakers believe may not align with Nigeria’s national interests and values, especially in the absence of a reservation clause. “Rep. Aliyu Sani Madaki argued that Article 97 of the agreement, which asserts the supremacy of the agreement over any conflicting treaties involving European Union (EU) member states or the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), potentially infringes upon Nigeria’s sovereignty. “In response, House Leader, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere (APC, Edo) clarified that the agreement, as officially presented, does not include provisions related to a $150 billion fund or any clauses promoting LGBT rights in Nigeria, contrary to public speculation. “Emphasising the importance of parliamentary oversight, House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) underscored the need for transparency in treaty negotiations, citing Section 12 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999, as amended), which mandates parliamentary involvement in such matters”. He said further: “It is important to clarify that the House of Representatives did not resolve to call for the suspension of the agreement nor for the suspension of its implementation, as has been erroneously reported by some media houses. “Instead, the House resolved to thoroughly scrutinise the Samoa Partnership Agreement for all contentious clauses through legislative hearings. “Furthermore, the House mandated its Committees on Treaties, Protocols and Agreements; Justice; and National Planning and Economic Development to engage with relevant stakeholders to address any ambiguities in the agreement. The Committees are expected to report back to parliament within four weeks. “In reaffirming its commitment to shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy in line with national interests, the House emphasises its Legislative Agenda 7 (Influencing and Directing Nigeria’s Foreign Policy) to harmonise constitutional requirements with the Treaty Ratification Act for consistency and transparency.”

  The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) says herders and traders can soon move their cows from northern Nigeria to the country’s southern region using rail services. NRC Managing Director, Fidet Okhiria, disclosed this on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief breakfast show on Wednesday, hours after President Bola Tinubu announced the creation of a new ministry for livestock development. He said the movement of cows and other goods would resume with the Warri-Itakpe route. The NRC, famous for passenger traffic, had in 2017 suspended the movement of cattle by train following technical hitches. However, Okhiria said in a matter of one or two months, herders would be able to move their cattle on the Warri-Itakpe train services. Itakpe is a town in Kogi State in North Central Nigeria while Warri is located in Delta State in the South-South geopolitical zone of the country. He said the NRC would modernise the movement of goods in the country “so that when they come by road from the north, they can move them by rail to South-South Warri”. Okhiria said the NRC has brought in some wagons that can mobilise livestock and they are being assembled in the Kajola area of Oyo State in the South-West. “We’ve built 15 wagons for livestock and maybe in the next month or two months, they would be deployed from Itakpe to Warri to drive the economy,” the NRC boss stated. ‘Efficient Rail Services Boost Economy’ He said investment in railways should be for the social and economic benefits of the people and not profit-oriented in naira and kobo. “You are not developing transportation because you want to make profit in terms of naira and kobo but the profit will come indirectly if we can move goods and link cities,” he said.   According to him, the indirect earnings might not be directly to the government but it would flow into the economy. Okhiria said investment in rail infrastructure should be for the public good and to make lives comfortable for the masses to have a robust and vibrant economy.

  Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, says talks are ongoing for a new oil-backed loan to finance operations and allow investment in its business. In a report by Reuters on Tuesday, Kyari said NNPC wants a loan against 30,000-35,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude production but declined to say how much money it sought. He said the cash raised would be used for all of NNPC’s business activities, including supporting production growth. “We have no problem covering our gasoline payments. This is just money for normal business and not a desperate act,” Kyari said. “It will be a syndication with critical but regular partners who have been in business with our company to forward the cash.” Kyari added that he expects to conclude the deal in the next two months. According to the report, two sources familiar with the situation told Reuters that NNPC aims to raise at least $2 billion. The report said the company’s debts to gasoline suppliers have doubled in the last four months to hit $6 billion. NNPC already has a $3.3 billion oil-backed loan through Afreximbank, but five sources, according to Reuters, said the company’s lack of cash had been aggravated by rising fuel subsidy costs, and that the new loan would help it to pay them.

  Wednesday 10 July 2024 Fuel crisis lingers as NNPC seeks fresh $2bn crude-backed loan Fuel crisis lingers as NNPC seeks fresh $2bn crude-backed loan No going back on N250,000 minimum wage, TUC insists Food crisis: FG sends 2,700 fertiliser trucks to states How Emefiele awarded CBN contracts to own companies – Witness PSC not reviewing 10,000 police constables recruitment – Spokesman El-Rufai’s aides fault alleged N423bn fraud N23bn allocation for airport upgrade not enough – FAAN MD NCAA Threatens To Sanction Airlines Over Deceitful Departure Schedules Tinubu Creates Ministry Of Livestock Development SSANU, NASU Members Stage Nationwide Protests Over Withheld Salaries EFCC Witness Tells Court How Funds Were Moved From CBN Through Emefiele’s Wife Queues: Why Petrol Prices Have Slightly Increased – Marketers Halt Scrapping Of Video Censors Board, Senate Tells FG Sanwo-Olu Approves Release Of 56 Inmates Abducted children of Kaduna judge regain freedom — after 15 days in captivity Bill to create 74 extra seats for women in n’assembly passes second reading Police: Man who climbed mast in Abuja will be prosecuted if found mentally stable Report: Ghana a major destination for cars stolen in Western countries Bill to create 74 extra seats for women in n’assembly passes second reading N400bn oil production shortfall threatens 2024 budget Scarcity: Fuel shortage, queues worsen in Lagos, Abuja, others APC insensitive to plight of Nigerians, telling lies to hoodwink Edo people — Govt Bayelsa community cries out over massive oil spill from Agip facility Oronsaye report: Follow due process, Senators tell FG Reps Grill Women Affairs Minister Over N1.5bn Tinubu Offers Fresh Appointment To Jega   Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…