FULL LIST: Governors Ready to Implement New N70,000 Minimum Wage

In a significant development, President Bola Tinubu recently signed into law a new national minimum wage of N70,000, up from the previous N30,000. This decision follows extensive discussions and disagreements among the Organised Labour, private sectors, and federal government representatives.

While the new wage aims to address the rising cost of living and improve civil servants’ welfare, its implementation at the state level has elicited varied responses from governors across Nigeria. Some governors have expressed their readiness to adopt the new minimum wage, while others have voiced concerns about financial constraints.

Here’s a list of governors who have committed to implementing the new N70,000 minimum wage:

  1. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri (Adamawa State)
    Governor Fintiri announced on August 19, 2024, that Adamawa State will adhere to the new minimum wage, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
  1. Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo State)
    Governor Aiyedatiwa has pledged to implement the new minimum wage as part of his campaign for the upcoming gubernatorial election. This commitment was confirmed by Ondo State’s Head of Service on August 6, 2024.
  1. Ademola Adeleke (Osun State)
    Governor Adeleke affirmed on July 19, 2024, that Osun State will adhere to the new wage law, highlighting his administration’s focus on workers’ well-being.
  1. Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)
    Governor Sanwo-Olu assured during Workers’ Day celebrations on May 1, 2024, that Lagos State will implement the new minimum wage, demonstrating his administration’s dedication to equitable worker compensation.
  1. Hyacinth Alia (Benue State)
    Governor Alia confirmed on July 19, 2024, that Benue State is prepared to pay the new minimum wage, following measures to curb financial leakages.
  1. Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa State)
    Governor Sule expressed commitment to paying the new wage but noted potential delays due to financial implications. He anticipates starting payments within the next two years, subject to the state’s financial capacity.
  1. Babagana Zulum (Borno State)
    Governor Zulum has pledged to adopt the new minimum wage, as reported by the Borno State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress on July 21, 2024.
  1. Seyi Makinde (Oyo State)
    Governor Makinde declared on July 29, 2024, that Oyo State will implement the new minimum wage, maintaining his earlier commitment made during the 2024 Workers’ Day.

These governors’ readiness to implement the new wage underscores their commitment to addressing workers’ needs amid challenging economic conditions.

Breaking: Wike Declares Abuja Park and Pay Policy Illegal

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has declared the Park and Pay scheme in Abuja illegal. The announcement was made during a live media briefing marking Wike’s one-year anniversary in office.

Wike revealed that he was previously unaware of the scheme until a Senior Advocate of Nigeria brought it to his attention. He described the scheme as a fraudulent operation that has been siphoning government funds, with private consultants reportedly taking 80% of the revenue while the FCT administration received only 20%.

The Minister expressed his commitment to dismantling the operation immediately, citing the lack of transparency and legal foundation as key issues. He emphasized that such schemes undermine the integrity of the system and called for vigilance to prevent similar abuses.

Wike’s declaration comes as a significant move to address concerns about corruption and mismanagement in the FCT administration.

#EndBadGovernance Protest: A Catalyst for Change or Chaos?

The #EndBadGovernance protest, which culminated in a one-million-man march over ten days, has sparked significant debate about its impact and effectiveness. The nationwide demonstrations were triggered by economic hardships exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies and the decision to float the Naira, which critics argue worsened the country’s economic situation.

Protest’s Impact and Outcomes

While the protest succeeded in drawing attention to severe economic and governance issues, its success has been marred by violence and controversy. Reports indicate that the protest resulted in at least 14 deaths across several states, with a significant number of arrests and injuries.

In response to the protests, President Bola Tinubu urged demonstrators to suspend their actions, promising that his administration’s efforts would soon bear fruit. However, he did not address the specific demands of the protesters, which included reversing the fuel subsidy removal, halting electricity tariff hikes, and addressing currency devaluation.

Human Rights Activist’s Perspective

Mark Adebayo, human rights activist and National spokesperson for the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), provided insights into the protest’s effectiveness. He acknowledged that the protest communicated the grievances of the citizenry to the government, making the leadership uneasy and highlighting the need for proactive engagement with the populace.

Adebayo criticized the government’s approach to addressing the demands, suggesting that the protest’s lack of immediate tangible outcomes may lead to further unrest. He argued that cost-cutting measures, such as reducing excessive government spending and bloated salaries, could provide immediate relief and demonstrate genuine concern for the public’s welfare.

Ethnic Divisions and Regional Responses

The refusal of southeastern states to join the protest has been interpreted by some as an indication of ethnic division. Adebayo noted that the deep-rooted ethnic divisions in Nigeria have long affected national unity and highlighted the need for a leader who can unite the country and address these issues. He also criticized the actions of some groups within the southeast for exacerbating tensions with inflammatory rhetoric.

Looking Ahead

The aftermath of the #EndBadGovernance protest raises questions about future protests and the potential for spontaneous unrest. Adebayo warned that unchecked protests could lead to uncontrolled violence and further societal damage. He stressed the importance of competent and patriotic leadership to address Nigeria’s challenges and bridge ethnic divides.

The protest has underscored the need for meaningful dialogue between the government and its citizens and has highlighted the deep-seated issues affecting Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. The future of Nigeria’s governance and public response to economic policies will likely hinge on the government’s ability to address these concerns effectively and transparently.

Gridlock as Tanker Overturns on Lagos Road [VIDEOS]

A severe traffic jam has erupted in Lagos State after a heavily loaded gas tanker overturned near Anthony Oke on Wednesday, blocking the major road.

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has confirmed the incident, sharing videos and photos of the scene on their official X account.

Emergency services, including the Lagos State Fire Service, have been dispatched to the site. LASTMA personnel are working to remove the overturned tanker and manage the traffic disruption.

“A loaded gas tanker has overturned at Anthony Oke, near Trem, inward. Necessary action has been taken, and our officers are on site to divert traffic to alternative routes,” LASTMA announced.

Motorists are advised to use the service lane or seek alternative routes to avoid the area. LASTMA has urged patience from road users as recovery efforts continue.

Kano Anti-Graft Commission Freezes ₦160 Million, Set to Question Kwankwaso’s Nephew

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has successfully frozen ₦160 million linked to a local government contract scandal and is working to recover an additional ₦440 million. The investigation revolves around allegations of improper awarding of contracts within the state’s local government councils.

As part of the probe, Musa Garba Kwankwaso, a nephew of Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso and owner of Novomed Pharmaceuticals, is set to be questioned on Thursday. Novomed Pharmaceuticals is at the center of the controversy, with allegations that it received exclusive contracts to supply drugs to the state’s 44 local government councils without following due process. Each council was reportedly instructed to pay approximately ₦9 million monthly, amounting to ₦396 million.

The scandal gained attention after Nigerian filmmaker Bello Galadanchi accused the Kano State government of directing local councils to pay around ₦10 million for drug supplies under dubious circumstances. It is reported that 25 local governments have already made payments for August to Novomed Pharmaceuticals.

Critics have raised concerns over the transparency of the local governments’ interim management committees, which were appointed by Governor Yusuf in March following the expiration of the elected council chairmen’s tenures. Governor Yusuf has since denied any prior knowledge of the contract and has ordered an immediate investigation.

PCACC Chairman Muhuyi Magaji confirmed that several individuals, including high-ranking officials from the Ministry for Local Governments and the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kano State, have been summoned for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation.

NAF Airstrikes Neutralize Five Terrorist Commanders, 35 Fighters in Borno

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has successfully neutralized five prominent terrorist commanders and over 35 fighters in a precise airstrike carried out in Arina, Southern Tumbuns, Borno State. The operation, part of the ongoing Operation “Hadin Kai,” targeted a key terrorist stronghold on August 16, 2024.

In a statement released in Abuja, AVM Edward Gabkwet, NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed the success of the mission. Among the high-profile commanders eliminated were Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (also known as Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and Bakoura Arina Chiki.

The airstrike was a strategic effort to weaken the remaining terrorist elements in the Northeast while ensuring the safety of civilians and Nigerian troops. Gabkwet detailed that intelligence had tracked the movement of terrorists into the area, leading to confirmatory Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions on August 12 and 15. These missions identified numerous terrorists and their hidden structures, which were subsequently destroyed in the coordinated airstrikes.

The operation not only resulted in the elimination of key terrorist figures but also led to the destruction of equipment, vehicles, water vessels, and a suspected medical dispensary. Gabkwet emphasized that this successful strike has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the remaining terrorist elements in the region.

“The Nigerian Air Force remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in maintaining peace and security in the region,” Gabkwet concluded.

APC Dismisses PDP’s 2027 Plans, Says Jonathan Can’t Defeat Tinubu

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculations that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may field former President Goodluck Jonathan as its candidate in the 2027 presidential election, mocking the opposition for what it calls “desperation.”

Reports suggest that some northern elites and politicians, dissatisfied with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, are considering Jonathan as a potential challenger. However, APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, warned that if Jonathan were to accept the PDP nomination, he would face another defeat at the hands of Tinubu.

“For us to start talking about 2027 is not only premature but also a calculation that is doomed,” Ibrahim stated in an interview with Punch. “The APC defeated Jonathan when he was in power. Defeating him when he’s out of power will be a walkover. It is something that cannot even give the party a sleepless night.”

Ibrahim downplayed claims that the APC’s 2015 victory over Jonathan was due to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s widespread support. He emphasized that the party’s strength, not just Buhari’s following, was the key to their success, and he expressed confidence that the APC would prevail again under Tinubu’s leadership.

“Forget about the shenanigans on display now. When it’s time for the election, the party will package its candidate, and the people will support us,” Ibrahim added, noting that it is too early to speculate on the 2027 election.

Tekno Denies Reports of Collapsing On Stage in South Africa

Popular Nigerian singer and producer, Tekno, has debunked rumors claiming that he collapsed on stage during a performance. Earlier reports suggested that Tekno had a health scare while performing in South Africa, after a video surfaced online showing a man having a seizure.

However, Tekno, who is currently on a music tour, clarified on his Instagram page that he is not the person in the video and confirmed that he is in good health. He also stated that he is not in South Africa.

“Hey guys, I’m hale and hearty and not currently in South Africa. I hope whoever that was in the video is doing well and ok. Thank you, guys. Love you,” Tekno wrote.

Yinka Alaseyori Requests Prayers Amid Death Threats

Meanwhile, Nigerian gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori has appealed for prayers, revealing that she has been receiving death threats. In an emotional Instagram live session, Alaseyori shared that she has been facing online harassment for the past six months.

She addressed those wishing her harm, warning that they are inviting misfortune upon themselves. “I will not die untimely… Whoever wishes me death is counting the days of death for him or herself,” she stated. Alaseyori urged her supporters to pray for her, both when she is on stage and in their private moments.

Chinese Firm to Auction Seized Nigerian Properties on eBay to Recover $70 Million Debt

A Chinese investment group, Zhongshang Fucheng Industrial Investment Ltd, plans to auction two residential properties seized from Nigeria on eBay to recover up to $70 million from an arbitration award. The properties, located at 15 Aigburth Hall Road and Beech Lodge, 49 Calderstones Road in Liverpool, were seized in June 2024 after Nigeria failed to settle a 2021 arbitration ruling.

The seizure followed a December 2021 British court order that allowed Zhongshang to claim Nigerian assets in the UK to recoup the debt, which remains unpaid as of August 2024, with accumulating interest of two percent per month.

Court records show that Zhongshang was awarded $55.7 million, plus $9.4 million in interest and £2.86 million in legal costs, related to a dispute over a 2001 trade agreement between Nigeria and China. The conflict began when Ogun State revoked Zhongshang’s rights to a free trade zone in 2016, which the company claimed violated the treaty.

In 2018, Zhongshang initiated arbitration against Nigeria in the UK, accusing Nigerian federal agencies of acting on behalf of Ogun State without due process. The firm also alleged that two of its executives were expelled from Nigeria in 2016, with one reportedly detained and tortured by local police.

This development adds to Nigeria’s international legal troubles, coming shortly after the country narrowly avoided an $11 billion arbitration ruling in favor of Process & Industrial Developments Ltd (P&ID). That case was overturned after evidence of bribery and corruption emerged. The Zhongshang case, however, presents a more challenging situation, with enforcement orders granted by courts across Europe, including the UK, Belgium, and France, allowing for the seizure of Nigerian assets. Efforts to protect Nigeria through sovereign immunity have so far been unsuccessful, including in the United States.

A consultant for Zhongshang revealed that the firm is preparing to list the seized Liverpool properties on platforms like eBay, with an estimated value of $2.2 million.

“The decision to use online platforms like eBay aims to attract buyers quickly,” the consultant told Peoples Gazette.

The properties, not classified as diplomatic or consular assets, are vulnerable to seizure. It is unclear when Nigeria acquired them, but court filings indicate they were rented out to private tenants not connected to Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in the UK.

In a June 2024 ruling, Master Lisa Sullivan of the UK High Court’s King’s Bench Division confirmed Zhongshang’s claim, stating the properties were eligible for seizure under commercial purposes as per section 13(4) of the State Immunity Act.

Zhongshang has pledged to maintain transparency throughout the sales process and to keep the Nigerian public informed about the recovery.

Nigeria’s New Presidential Jet: Refurbished Airbus A330 Acquired from Saudi Arabia

Recent investigations reveal that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has acquired a refurbished Airbus A330 as the new presidential jet, sourced from Mid East Jet in Saudi Arabia. This aircraft recently facilitated the President’s trip to France, replacing the aging 19-year-old Boeing B737-700(BBJ) purchased during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure.

According to LEADERSHIP, the Airbus A330 previously served with Middle East Jet from November 27, 2009, to May 25, 2012, before moving to Constellah Aviation and then returning to Mid East Jet in September 2014, ultimately being sold to Nigeria.

The federal government officially received the aircraft on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Registered as 5N-FGA with HEX CODE 06430C, the plane was delivered from a factory in France.

An aviation security expert, who chose to remain anonymous, raised concerns about the maintenance costs of the older Airbus A330, suggesting that a more modern, fuel-efficient Boeing might have been a better choice for cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance in Nigeria.

The presidency countered these concerns, stating that the jet was acquired at a price below market value, resulting in considerable savings on maintenance and fuel costs, potentially saving millions annually. This decision followed a parliamentary investigation that highlighted safety and cost concerns related to the old B737-700(BBJ) after a malfunction during a trip to Saudi Arabia.

The Nigerian Senate’s security and intelligence committee had recommended a new aircraft to minimize downtime and operational expenses. Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted that the new jet boasts state-of-the-art avionics, a customized interior, and advanced communication systems.