Alfred Olufemi

In a democracy, the primary purpose of government is the security and well-being of the citizens. Specifically, Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution [as amended] provides that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” https://lnkd.in/dfyyvEXA

Unpacking the Debate: Why the Proposed N48,000 Minimum Wage by FG Faces Criticism from TUC https://ift.tt/d2Jq6ZD Minimum Wage In recent discussions surrounding the minimum wage in Nigeria, the Federal Government’s proposal of N48,000 has sparked significant debate and criticism, particularly from the Trade Union Congress (TUC). Let’s delve into the intricacies of this proposal and the reasons behind the TUC’s rejection. The TUC’s Perspective The Trade Union Congress (TUC), representing the interests of Nigerian workers, has voiced strong opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed minimum wage of N48,000. TUC President, Festus Osifo, expressed dissatisfaction with the proposal, labeling it as nonsensical. According to Osifo, the current minimum wage for federal workers stands at N77,000, making the proposed N48,000 inadequate and unacceptable. Inadequate Proposal Osifo highlights the discrepancy between the proposed N48,000 and the existing minimum wage, emphasizing that federal workers are already earning substantially more. He argues that the proposed amount fails to reflect the economic realities faced by Nigerian workers, especially considering the rising cost of living and inflation rates. Lack of Data and Justification One of the primary grievances raised by the TUC is the absence of supporting data and justification behind the N48,000 proposal. Osifo challenges the Federal Government to provide concrete evidence and reasoning for their suggested wage, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the negotiation process. Labour Unions’ Response The TUC’s dissatisfaction with the proposed minimum wage culminated in a walkout from ongoing negotiations between labour unions, the government, and the Organised Private Sector. The union leaders deemed the government’s offer as ridiculous, citing the lack of a detailed breakdown on how the proposed amount would suffice for the needs of Nigerian workers. Counterproposal by Labour Unions In contrast to the government’s N48,000 proposal, the labour unions presented a significantly higher minimum wage of N615,000. This substantial increase reflects the unions’ commitment to advocating for better compensation and improved living standards for workers across the country. Deadline for Conclusion Amidst the ongoing negotiations, the TUC has set a deadline for concluding discussions on the new national minimum wage by the end of May. This deadline underscores the urgency and importance attached to resolving the wage issue promptly to address the concerns of Nigerian workers effectively. Implications and Way Forward The impasse between the TUC and the Federal Government regarding the minimum wage has broader implications for the Nigerian economy and workforce. Failure to reach a consensus could lead to labor unrest and disruptions, ultimately impacting productivity and economic stability. Call for Data-driven Decision-making To facilitate meaningful dialo...

With stagnant labor incomes pushing 14 million more Nigerians into poverty this year, what steps do you believe can help reverse this trend? https://buff.ly/3OetEAl #PovertyInNigeria #EconomicChallenges #LaborIncome #NigeriaEconomy #PovertyReduction #NigerianWorkers

Marketers request bulk supply as Dangote ceases fuel imports in June The Dangote oil refinery's imminent cessation of monthly petrol imports, totaling around 1 billion liters, marks a significant shift in Nigeria's energy landscape. Chairman Aliko Dangote announced the refinery's plan to commence petrol sales in June, effectively ending Nigeria's reliance on imports. This development follows President Bola Tinubu's removal of fuel subsidies in June, which already reduced monthly imports by about 1 billion liters. Dangote, speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit, expressed confidence in the refinery's capacity to meet not only Nigeria's but also West Africa's petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel demands. With ongoing efforts to secure crude supplies, the refinery aims to fully utilize its 650,000 barrels per day capacity. Despite already selling diesel and aviation fuel, anticipation remains high for the refinery's petrol debut, offering relief to both marketers and Nigerians weary from recent fuel shortages.

A UBA customer is raising alarms, accusing the bank’s staff of involvement in a fake credit alert of N140,000. Could this be an isolated case, or is there more beneath the surface? Get the full story and see what this means for your banking experience. 👉 Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/ddmZvAqQ #ubabank #fakecreditalert #bankingfraud #customerrights #businesstimesng #nigeria

INEC's Mismanagement of Taxpayer Funds: A Call for Accountability The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has faced criticism for its handling of taxpayer funds, particularly in the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in Kogi State. During the recent gubernatorial election, BVAS machines malfunctioned, leading to disenfranchisement and electoral irregularities. An investigation revealed that INEC procured the machines at an inflated cost, resulting in significant waste. This incident highlights INEC's mismanagement of taxpayer funds, demonstrating a disregard for fiscal responsibility and accountability. Public officials must be held accountable for their actions. INEC's chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, should be held responsible for the mismanagement. Jailing him would serve as a deterrent to future mismanagement and demonstrate a commitment to transparency and responsible governance. Restoring trust in Nigeria's electoral process requires accountability and consequences for mismanagement. Only through such measures can we promote a culture of accountability and ensure efficient use of taxpayer funds. INEC must be held accountable for its actions, and public officials must face consequences for mismanagement. This is crucial for maintaining transparency and trust in Nigeria's electoral process.

Agora policy, in its latest report revealed that the trio of FIRS, NCS & NUPRC got a total N78.3bn as cost of collection for the FG in revenue allocation for January 2024, this amount is higher than what any state in Nigeria received for the month. FIRS got N43.bn for the period greater than what DeltaState, the highest gross earner of the FAAC revenue got. This implies that just one agency was richer in terms of revenue allocation than a whole state battling with hunger and increasing unemployment. https://lnkd.in/dw6sWqC5

1. APC’s Prospects in Osun State: Oyetola’s Optimism and Defections https://ift.tt/s0FDbCV Oyetola Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, expressed confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s ability to reclaim Osun State in the 2026 governorship election. This assertion came during a gathering where prominent members of the opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) officially joined the APC ranks. Oyetola’s confidence in APC’s electoral prospects stemmed from the belief that the party’s governance track record would resonate with voters. He highlighted the reverse trend of defections, with PDP members defecting to APC, as evidence of APC’s enduring appeal and strength in the state. The minister emphasized the need for APC members to welcome the new entrants without discrimination, underscoring the party’s inclusivity and openness to diverse political affiliations. Echoing Oyetola’s sentiments, Tajudeen Lawal, the APC Chairman in Osun State, assured the defectors of equal opportunities within the party and emphasized APC’s status as a party of the people. Dotun Babayemi, a former PDP governorship aspirant, cited dissatisfaction with the state of governance since Oyetola’s departure as a motivating factor for joining APC. His decision to bring his political network and Atunto group into the APC fold signaled a significant boost for the party’s grassroots mobilization efforts. Shuaibu Oyedokun, a former National Deputy Chairman of the PDP, highlighted the perceived deviation from the founding principles of the opposition party as a reason for his defection to APC. Akinsola Basiru, the APC National Secretary, welcomed the defectors and urged them to integrate seamlessly into the party’s structure. The presentation of APC flags to Oyedokun and other defectors symbolized their formal induction into the party. Overall, Oyetola’s optimism, coupled with the influx of prominent PDP members into APC, underscores the shifting political dynamics in Osun State and sets the stage for a potentially competitive electoral landscape in the upcoming 2026 governorship election. via POTPOURRINEWS https://ift.tt/HnAIExS May 18, 2024 at 01:22AM

The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy strongly criticized the Federal Government's relentless imposition of taxes and levies on Nigerians, denouncing the resultant hardships faced by citizens. Speaking at the group’s convention and ICONS Democracy Awards ceremony in Abuja, Chairman Prince Rwang Pam highlighted the plight of the middle class and poor, urging the government to prioritize the masses' interests in policymaking. Rwang criticized the introduction of new taxes amidst economic struggles, emphasizing that taxes should be based on profits, not on basic transactions. He urged the government to implement policies that directly benefit Nigerians, expressing dissatisfaction with mere promises and bureaucratic activity. Rwang also criticized recent economic decisions, including the cybersecurity levy and fuel subsidy removal, which have exacerbated the country's hardships. The increase in electricity tariffs and currency depreciation have further compounded the challenges faced by Nigerians.

Today, a group of Nigerians, by the Patriots and led by the venerable Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former secretary general of the Commonwealth, called for the setting up of a National Constituent Assembly to produce a new draft constitution for Nigeria. The Patriots also employed the President to send a bill to the National Assembly to legislate for a national referendum on the would be draft constitution. Since independence in 1960, Nigeria had had four constitutions. During colonial time, we had had the 1914 Constitution; Clifford's Constitution, 1922; Richard's 1946 Constitution, MacPherson's Constitution of 1951; 1954's Lyttleton's Constitution. Constitutionalism, has therefore been a recurring decimal of our national life. From Independence, constitution making has been motivated by two broad considerations: 1 The desire to return power to civilian rule and redress some perceived defects in the polity. 2 The desire to perpetuate regime hegemony in the pretext of ushering a new constitution. It is a common knowledge, however, that Nigeria's developmental quagmires are not caused by the absence or inadequacy of constitutional provisions. They are caused by bad leadership that engenders corruption and bad governance. What the nation needs therefore, is not a national jamboree or military era congregation in Abuja, in the name of constitution making. We need a sincere and genuine war against corruption in public office. Our failure to fight corruption and move our nation forward cannot be attributable to lapses in the 1999 Constitution, but human factors that would remain even if we create a new constitution. This also brings us to the issue of the motives of the group. Except for Chief Emeka Anyaoku, most of the members of the group shown on national television are politically exposed individuals with a rather unpatriotic pasts. Others have engaged in the politics of division and ethnicity, fanning the ambers religious bigotry and disunity. I would surely love to see the group turns its energy in helping the President in redressing some existential challenges bedeviling our nation. Many Nigerians will view their patriotic endeavour as an attempt to exploit our national malady for personal and group aggrandizement. If this is the case, it wouldn't be the first.

NEWSFLASH : Governor Dapo Abiodun issues three executive orders to establish two new agencies, restrains monarchs on MOU Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has issued three Exective Orders to establish two new agencies, namely: The Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency and The Ogun State Landscaping and Recreation Agency. In addition to the establishment of these two agencies, the third executive order, therefore restrains monarchs from entering into any form of agreement or Memorandum of Understanding concerning mining activities or any other land matters in their domains. A statement issued on Saturday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Hon. Kayode Akinmade said the three executive orders take an immediate effect. "Executive Order One: ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OGUN STATE MINERAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY. Section 5(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 vests in the Governor of Ogun State, the exercise of executive powers of the State for the purpose of effective governance. Government's responsibilities include the security, welfare, good governance, safety, and peaceful co-existence of all persons in the State, including in business clusters such as mining communities. "Ogun State has rich and vast deposits of mineral resources which must be explored responsibly, judiciously and without detriment to the environmental ecosystem in mining areas. NOW THEREFORE BY THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME AS THE GOVERNOR OF OGUN STATE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 1999 (AS AMENDED) PRINCE ADEDAPO OLUSEUN ABIODUN, CON, HEREBY ORDER THAT: An Agency to be known as the Ogun State Mineral Resources Development Agency is hereby established. "The Agency shall directly or through qualified third parties, conducts and establishes working relationship with host communities and local governments for the conduct of geo-technical and geological surveys of solid mineral deposit within their domains; geo-technical survey of solid mineral deposits in the State and maintain relevant data in the Sector; organises the solid minerals sector to the best interest of the State; "Develop and strengthen the local capacity of investors in the solid minerals sector and build value re-orientation of indigenes of the state towards engaging in solid mineral SME business; empower the youths in the state to participate in the mining business under a specified program; promote solid mineral investment within the state through prospection and exhibition; establish a data bank to document the rocks and minerals identified in the State; and conduct regular visits to mining sites to forestall environmental degradation in collaboration witha other Agencies. "To realise its objectives, the Agency shall be funded through fees generated from regulatory agency, budgetary allocation; grants and financial intervention from both local and international development partners; as well