News
Tinubu may Announce New Minimum Wage On Workers’ Day
Indications have emerged that President Bola Tinubu may announce the new minimum wage on May 1 in commemoration of the International Labour Day and backdate its implementation to April.
It was gathered that the National Minimum Wage Committee was working to ensure that all negotiations regarding the new rate were finalised before then with the expectation that the President would announce the new minimum wage in his Workers’ Day address.
A member of the committee, who spoke to The PUNCH on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the issue, said, “By next week, the minimum wage committee will meet again. It’s a continuous meeting. That is a meeting where all the reports from the zonal public hearings will be collated and reported, and then, you know, that will also give the committee the direction to work with.
“Our target is to ensure that Mr President announces the minimum wage by the 1st of May, which is the Workers’ Day, for it to take effect from April. So, we are working to meet the timeline.”
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When reminded that the current minimum wage of N30,000 would cease to be valid on March 31, the committee member said it was unlikely that the new rate would be ready before then, adding that there was still a long way to go in arriving at an acceptable minimum wage for the country.
The source stated, “We have not got to the negotiation point yet. When you finish with the zones, it is the aggregate of what you collect from the zones that will determine the direction of the main committee. Now that we have finished with the zones, when the committee meets, it will collate all the positions of the zones and committee members.
“The positions of the NLC, TUC, NECA (the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association) and the government will be looked at. Then, we will look at the aggregate, find a percentage, and arrive at what will be agreeable.
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“We are going to make some adjustments. I am sure the committee will also have a private meeting with Mr President; they will look at the ability to pay, and then with the state governors. NECA will also be involved and we will see how we marry those angles. It is not a one-stop affair.”
When contacted, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, did not take his calls and he had yet to respond to text and WhatsApp messages sent to his mobile line as of the time of filing this report.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said he was not so conversant with the internal deliberations of the committee, but affirmed that talks were ongoing among the committee members who, he noted, were cognizant of the urgency of their assignment.
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However, a presidential aide, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not the official spokesperson for the President, said Tinubu might not wait for May 1 to announce the new minimum wage if the committee was able to complete its assignment as scheduled, noting that ordinarily, the new wage should come into effect on April 1.
The aide said, “I don’t think the government will be able to wait until May 1 before announcing the minimum wage. The law says it should be concluded by early April.
“If the parties agree, why do they have to wait to make the announcement? Because they are negotiating and the law says negotiations should be completed by April.”
PUNCH
News
NiMet Forecasts Three-day Thunderstorms, Rain From Wednesday
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted thunderstorms and rain from Wednesday to Friday across the country.
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Tuesday in Abuja envisaged early morning thunderstorms on Wednesday over parts of Taraba,
Kaduna and Adamawa in the northern region.
It anticipated thunderstorms with rain over parts of Kebbi, Taraba, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, Gombe and Bauchi states later in the day.
According to it, early morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Benue, Kwara, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory and Nasarawa States in the North central region.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi and Plateau states.
READ ALSO: NiMet Forecasts 3-day Sunshine, Cloudiness In Some States Starting Sunday
“In the southern region, a cloudy atmosphere is expected with chances of morning rain over parts of Ondo, Ekiti and Edo states.
“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers during the afternoon or evening hours,” it said
NiMet envisaged prospects of morning thunderstorms on Thursday over parts of Kaduna, Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kano, Gombe and Bauchi states.
READ ALSO: NiMet Predicts 3-day Rains, Thunderstorms Across Nigeria From Sunday
“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of early morning thunderstorms to affect parts of Niger, Nasarawa, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory.
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rain are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states,” it said.
According to NiMet, morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states in the southern region.
It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra, Imo, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, Ekiti, Edo, Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states later in the day.
“On Friday, prospects of morning thunderstorms are expected over parts of Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Adamawa and Taraba in the northern region.
READ ALSO:NiMet Predicts Three-day Haziness, Thunderstorms From Tuesday
“Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kano, Kaduna and Bauchi states.
“In the North-central region, patches of clouds with sunshine intervals are expected with prospects of thunderstorms with rain over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger,” it said.
NiMet forecast thunderstorms over parts of Kwara, Benue and Kogi in the afternoon or evening hours.
According to it, cloudy atmosphere is expected in the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Oyo, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
It predicted isolated thunderstorms with rain over most parts of the region later in the day.
“Strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur. The public should take adequate precautions and ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision.
“Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets.
“Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees.
“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
“Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it said.
NAN
News
Democracy Day: Gov. Mohammed Advocates Unity, Good Governance
News
Edo Deputy Governor, Idahosa Preaches Unity As Honour For Martyrs Of June 12
The deputy governor of Edo State, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has said that Nigerians must continue to fight for a united and indivisible nation as a mark of honour for those who fought for the country’s democracy.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Mr Friday Aghedo, the former federal lawmaker, noted that despite the challenges confronting Nigeria, “there is no alternative to democratic governance.”
“Today, we celebrate not just a date, but a journey; our collective commitment to freedom, justice, and the right of every Nigerian to have a voice.
“June 12th reminds us of the resilience of our people, the sacrifices made for democratic rule, and the unyielding hope we hold for a better and united Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Democracy Day: FG Declares June 12 Public Holiday
“As we mark this important day, let us honor the memory of those who stood for truth, uphold the values of transparency and accountability, and continue to build a nation where every citizen can thrive,” he stated.
Idahosa said that the Governor Monday Okpebholo leadership underscores the power of democracy to bring about meaningful change.
He said that the administration remained committed to transformative governance with it’s SHINE mantra.
This was just as the deputy governor noted that the people’s collaborative efforts were needed to foster a more effective and responsive democracy.
According to him, “As we commemorate this day, let us renew our commitment to supporting leaders who prioritize the welfare of the people.
“Democracy is not a destination, it is a continuous process. Together, let’s build Edo of our dreams.”
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