News

Untold Reasons NLC, TUC Endorsed Ighodalo For Edo Governorship

Published

12 months ago

September 14, 2024

By Mani Imaru

Edo State was at the weekend celebrating the popular endorsement given the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP by workers under the aegis of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC.

The endorsement of the two labour centers was an unprecedented feat for Ighodalo. It is also a rebuke of the All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Senator Monday Okpebhelo. The most obvious rebuke for Okpebhelo is the fact that he is being marketed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole who acquired a national reputation as a labour leader.

However, for the workers who Oshiomhole led at one time to openly snub him and his candidate means that either they found fault with him and his candidate or that they found some positives in Ighodalo. Or perhaps both.

While not dwelling on the negatives associated with Okpebhelo and his lack of ideas as concerning workers’ welfare, suffice it to say that many workers would have been alarmed by his continuous repetition of the phrase that if elected that he will continue from where Oshiomhole stopped.

It will not be forgotten that as governor, Oshiomhole embarked on the largest casualization of the work force by any state government. More than 50,000 workers who were employed through the Youth Employment Scheme (YES) in 2009, were sacked in 2015 when Oshiomhole claimed on television that he “picked them” from the “gutters.”

If Okpebhelo wants to continue the casualisation programme of the Oshiomhole years, one would expect him to say so.

We also are not forgetful of the fact that Oshiomhole since he joined the APC has helped to break strikes embarked upon by workers against the very things he fought against.

Meanwhile, the shinning stars of Governor Godwin Obaseki have been echoed by labour leaders. Last Friday they marched out through the streets of Benin to openly declare why they are backing a continuity under Ighodalo.

Not only has Governor Obaseki been proactive in considering the welfare of workers, Edo State became the first state in the country to implement a minimum wage of N70,000. That was well before the workers even entered into full negotiation with the Federal Government. Please note that federal workers and virtually many other states in the country are yet to start the implementation of the new minimum wage that has been operational in Edo State since May.

So, when Okpebhelo said at a campaign rally in Auchi on Monday, September 9 that he was going to abolish the salary scheme being implemented by Governor Obaseki for that of the Federal Government, many workers were bound to have been shocked. How could he replace what they enjoy now with what has remained an illusion for federal workers.

It was as such not surprising that workers decided to reject his message for the positive welfare benefits of the Obaseki administration.

Indeed, when the workers stormed the Government House, Benin on Friday, the NLC Chairman, Odion Olaye thanked the governor for setting aside N200 million monthly to offset the backlog of gratuity in the State.

He said, “The TUC and NLC are here today to thank you for what you have done for Edo State workers. Prompt payment of salaries and pensions has become your trademark for almost 8 years now.

“Edo workers have endorsed the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo as we will all come out en masse on September 21st to vote for the party to ensure continuity in the State. We will vote and defend our votes.”

On his part, the TUC Chairman hailed the governor’s developmental stride in the last eight years, assuring the votes of members of the TUC to thank him for investing in their welfare.

News

W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes

Published

6 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

In a high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria secured a vital 1–0 victory over Rwanda, breathing new life into their qualification hopes.

The only goal of the match came in the 51st minute when Tolu Arokodare capitalized on a loose ball in the penalty area, slotting it past Rwanda’s goalkeeper to give Nigeria a crucial lead.

The first half ended goalless, with both teams cautious in their approach. Nigeria’s defense, marshalled by Calvin Bassey, held firm despite Rwanda’s tactical shifts in the second half.

News

NCDC Alerts Nigeria As DR Congo Declares Ebola Outbreak

Published

7 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has issued a public health advisory following the confirmation of a new Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

As of September 4, 2025, the DRC has reported 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including four health workers, in the Kasai Province.

The Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, said the agency will continue to monitor the regional and global situations as there are no cases of Ebola virus disease in Nigeria, as of now.

However, the NCDC is taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of the disease, and it is working closely with relevant Ministries, Departments, Agencies, and Partners to strengthen preparedness and response measures in Nigeria.

Idris urged Nigerians to practice good hand hygiene by washing their hands regularly with soap under running water or using hand sanitisers. He also advised Nigerians to avoid physical contact with anyone showing symptoms of infection or an unknown diagnosis.

Additionally, individuals should handle animals with gloves and protective clothing, and cook animal products thoroughly to reduce the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission.

Furthermore, people should avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine, and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases.

The NCDC advises Nigerian citizens and residents to avoid all but essential travel to countries with confirmed Ebola cases. Those with recent travel history to affected areas who experience symptoms should promptly call the NCDC hotline (6232) or their State Ministry of Health hotline for assessment and testing.

They should also shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems and await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a treatment centre.

The NCDC is strengthening surveillance across the country, including borders and airports, and enhancing laboratory capacities for quick testing of suspected cases.

Idris assured that the agency will continue to provide periodic updates on the situation as the Ebola outbreak in the DRC is caused by the Zaire strain, with a mortality rate estimated at 57%.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has deployed experts to support response efforts, and the DRC has activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre.

News

5% Fuel Surcharge: What Nigerians Should Know

Published

7 hours ago

September 6, 2025

Editor

File Copy: Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Tax Policy and Fiscal Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele

Confusion has erupted online over a supposed 5% fuel surcharge under Nigeria’s new tax laws, with many fearing a sudden increase in fuel prices.

The chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, on Saturday through a post on X, clarified what is fact and what is fiction.

The controversy arises from the recent passage of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025, which consolidates and harmonises previous tax laws.

Some social media posts suggested that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had introduced a new surcharge on fuel, sparking public concern.

Oyedele clarified: “The charge is not a new tax introduced by the current administration. The provision already exists under the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (Amendment) Act, 2007. Its restatement in the new Tax Act is for harmonisation and transparency rather than immediate implementation.”

According to Oyedele, the surcharge is meant to fund road infrastructure, an area that has historically suffered from underfunding.

Over the years, Nigeria’s road network has faced chronic maintenance challenges, resulting in potholes, travel delays, and higher vehicle operating costs.

Oyedele further noted that the surcharge is intended to create a dedicated, predictable funding source for road construction and maintenance.

Oyedele addressed key questions raised by citizens:

Will the surcharge start automatically in January 2026?

No. It will only take effect when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette:

“The surcharge does not take effect automatically with the new tax laws. It will only commence when the Minister of Finance issues an order published in the Official Gazette as stated under Chapter 7 of the Nigeria Tax Act, 2025. This safeguard ensures careful consideration of timing and economic conditions before implementation,” Oyedele stated.

Does it apply to all fuels?

No. Household energy products such as kerosene, LPG, and CNG are exempt. Clean and renewable energy products are also excluded to support Nigeria’s energy transition agenda.

Why maintain the surcharge amid economic hardship?

Oyedele explained that the fund is meant as a dedicated mechanism for road maintenance:

He said, “The surcharge is designed as a dedicated fund for road infrastructure and maintenance. If implemented effectively, it will provide safer travel conditions, reduce travel time and cost, lower logistics costs and vehicle maintenance expenses, which will benefit the wider economy. This practice is virtually universal with over 150 countries imposing various charges ranging between 20% to 80% of fuel products to guarantee regular investment in road infrastructure.”

Could subsidy savings cover road funding instead?

The Chairman of theCommittee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms said: “While subsidy savings will provide some funding, they are insufficient to meet Nigeria’s huge and recurring road infrastructure needs among other public finance needs. A dedicated fund ensures reliable and predictable financing for roads, complementing the budget and ensuring roads are not left underfunded.”

Does this contradict the tax reform objective of easing citizens’ burden?

Oyedele reassured: “The reforms have already reduced multiple taxes and removed or suspended several charges that directly affect households and small businesses, such as VAT on fuel, excise tax on telecoms, and the cybersecurity levy. By harmonising earmarked taxes, government is reducing duplication and ensuring a more efficient tax system.”

Why not remove the surcharge entirely?

He clarified: “Yes, the surcharge has been removed from the FERMA Act and incorporated into the new tax laws which are designed to provide a forward-looking legal framework for Nigeria. Keeping this provision in place within a harmonised legal framework ensures Nigeria is prepared to address critical challenges, such as sustainable road financing and even climate change impacts. It is not about immediate implementation, but to ensure the law provides a clear and effective framework for when it becomes necessary in the future.”

In summary, Oyedele stressed that the surcharge is not new, not immediate, and selectively applied. Its inclusion in the law is about transparency, preparedness, and sustainable funding for Nigeria’s roads, and it aims to address long-standing gaps in infrastructure financing.
(PUNCH)