Workers Day: CHRICED Calls for Payment of Living Wage
… Nigerian Workers Facing Unprecedented Hardship, Decries NHRC

By: Michael Mike

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for payment of living wage to Nigerian workers.

In a signed statement to commemorate the Workers Day, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi,said: “On this Workers’ Day, we call on the Federal and State Governments to recognize workers as essential partners in national development. It is not enough to simply pay the minimum wage; governments must ensure that workers receive a living wage—a wage aligned with the real cost of living and adjusted regularly to reflect inflation and other macroeconomic conditions. Doing so will not only uplift the lives of workers but also boost national productivity and stability.

“We further urge the implementation of comprehensive social programmes that address workers’ needs in housing, healthcare, and agriculture.”

While saluting the resilience, perseverance, and unwavering commitment of Nigeria’s workforce, especially amid the harsh economic conditions that have worsened under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, Zikirullahi said: “CHRICED acknowledges the growing financial burden on workers, many of whom now take on multiple jobs just to survive. Inflation has surged from 21% at the start of this administration to 24.23%, yet the Federal Government has failed to match this economic reality with meaningful improvements in workers’ welfare. It is unacceptable that the national minimum wage remains a paltry N70,000, despite increased government revenues from crude oil sales, expanded taxation, and savings from fuel subsidy removal. These revenue increases have also boosted state allocations through the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), leaving no excuse for states and the federal government to continue neglecting workers.

“We are particularly alarmed by reports such as the recent protest by workers in Oyo State, highlighting the Federal Government’s failure to pay wage awards for over five months. Additionally, despite the passage of the new minimum wage law on July 29, 2024, more than 20 states have yet to revise their salary structures in line with the law. This delay reflects a disturbing level of disregard for the well-being and dignity of Nigerian workers.”

He lamented that: “It is deeply troubling that while billions of naira are earmarked for allowances and perks for political elites across the executive, legislative, and judicial arms, civil servants receive little to no support—even during important festivities like Christmas or Eid. Under the “Renewed Hope” agenda, CHRICED is concerned that the current administration has failed to offer Nigerian workers any meaningful hope or pathway to improved livelihoods.”

CHRICED called on all tiers of government to act with urgency, empathy, and accountability in addressing these pressing issues, insisting that: “The welfare of Nigerian workers must be elevated from rhetoric to reality.”

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has decried that
Nigerian workers are facing unprecedented hardships due to high inflation rate which has significantly eroded the purchasing power of salaries, making it increasingly difficult for workers to afford basic necessities of life.

Ojukwu, in his statement on Workers Day, noted that the soaring cost of transportation has further compounded these challenges, often hindering workers’ ability to commute to their workplaces, thereby affecting overall productivity.

According to him, the Commission notes with great concern the harsh economic realities occasioned by the recent economic reforms. He said these have exacerbated poverty, rendering individuals vulnerable to preventive illnesses and deaths due to inadequate access to nutrition, and healthcare.

He said: “While we commend the Federal Government for some of the initiatives so far taken to alleviate the economic hardship, we call for economic reforms that prioritize human dignity, social justice and the well-being of citizens. Nigerians deserves policies that ensure decent work, fair wages and access to essential services, which will enable them to live with dignity and hope for a better future.”

He said that the Commission has observed reports indicating that law enforcement agencies have at some times suppressed peaceful protests, organized by citizens and workers who attempt to draw attention to their grievances. Such actions he said not only contravene the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but also stifle the democratic expression of concerns which is vital for national development.

He urged the Federal Government to use the Workers Day to engage more in constructive dialogue, as promised during the End Bad Governance protests, one that fosters open communication channels with labour unions and workers’ representatives to collaboratively address their concerns.

He also emphasised the need to ensure that law enforcement agencies respect and uphold citizens’ rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association in all aspects of their lives including economic concerns.

The NHRC boss further urged labour unions to adopt more proactive measures in advocating for workers’ rights as they serve as robust platforms for voicing workers’ concerns and negotiating better conditions on their behalf.

He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian workers and ensuring that their voices are heard, respected, and acted upon, adding that the International Labour Day serves as a strong reminder of the invaluable contribution of the Nigerian Workers to National Development.

Workers Day: CHRICED Calls for Payment of Living Wage

UNODC, NAPTIP, Immigration, MDAs, Collaborate to Change Nigeria’s Migration Landscape

By: Michael Mike

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI); the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other stakeholders are collaborating to change the landscape of Migration in Nigeria.

The stakeholders met in Abuja on Wednesday to provide a policy framework for migration governance for the country, with the purpose of making it safe, orderly, and a source of pride.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee for Component 3 of the Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria, UNODC Country Representative, Mr. Cheikh Toure said: “Today, we gather not merely as representatives of institutions, but as custodians of a shared vision: to transform Nigeria’s migration story from one of vulnerability to one of dignity, opportunity, and justice.”

He noted that: “Nigeria is a nation of vibrant energy, a youthful spirit, and boundless potential. As the heartbeat of West Africa, this country stands at the crossroads of migration—a force that shapes its communities, its economy, and its future. Its youth, its entrepreneurs, its artists, and laborers move across borders seeking livelihoods, education, and safety.

“But too often, their journeys are marked by peril—exploitation by smugglers, violence at borders, and the anguish of families torn apart by trafficking.

“This is not just a policy challenge. It is a moral imperative,” he added that: “Today, we gather not merely to address these challenges but to redefine the narrative of migration in Nigeria—to make it safe, orderly, and a source of pride.

“This project, Component 3, of the Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria, is more than a program; it is a promise. A promise to the young woman dreaming of a better future beyond our borders, to the family seeking safety from conflict, and to the communities striving for sustainable development.

“Aligned with the UNODC’s Strategic Vision for Nigeria 2030, this initiative is a bold step toward strengthening our criminal justice system, safeguarding human rights, and building a society resilient against the scourge of trafficking and smuggling. Through five interconnected outputs, we aim to fortify policy implementation, enhance data-driven prevention, protect victims with unwavering commitment, empower law enforcement, and foster cooperation across borders and institutions.”

He tasked the newly inaugurated Steering Committee on the need to think beyond timelines and deliverables, stating that: “Today, as we review the Terms of Reference and the 2025 work plan, I urge us to think beyond timelines and deliverables.”

He said: “To the members of this Steering Committee: You are not advisors—you are architects. The National Migration Policy and the Action Plan on Human Trafficking are blueprints, but you will turn them into action. Challenge us. Demand transparency. Insist on sustainability.”

NAPTIP DG, Binta Adamu who was represented by the agency!s Head, Data & Statistics, Mr. Rasheed Okatinji, said: “For Nigeria, the challenges and opportunities presented by migration are both profound and complex. While migration can be a powerful force for development, it also presents risks when poorly governed. Risks such as irregular migration, human trafficking, labour exploitation, and transnational organised crime.”

She therefore said the project, Support to Migration Governance in Nigeria, Component 3, is timely, strategic, and deeply relevant.

She added: “It reflects our shared resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s migration architecture in a manner that is rights-based, gender-sensitive, development-orientated, and anchored in strong institutional coordination. Permit me at this point to express our profound appreciation to the European Union for its generous funding of this project.

“Your unwavering support continues to drive meaningful change in our governance landscape”.

UNODC, NAPTIP, Immigration, MDAs, Collaborate to Change Nigeria’s Migration Landscape

Nigeria, Mexico to Bolster Trade Relations with Inauguration of Chamber of Commerce

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria-Mexico Chamber of Commerce (NMCC) has been inaugurated to enhance trading relations between Nigeria and Mexico.

The inauguration took place in Abuja on Tuesday where the members of the Board of Directors were introduced to the members of the public.

The Ambassador of Mexico to Nigeria, Amb. Alfredo Miranda, during the inauguration ceremony organised by the embassy in Abuja described NMCC as a new chapter in the economic, cultural and strategic relations between the two great nations.

He stated that NMCC would bridge businesses, ideas, innovation and opportunities between Nigeria and Mexico, as two countries rich in heritage, resilient in spirit and bold in ambition.

According to him, the NMCC would serve as a catalyst and provide critical support to businesses from both countries, promote trade and investment, offer market intelligence and foster mutual understanding.

Miranda said: “This is the moment we are certain will work, create new narrative and show to people that together Nigeria and Mexico are big power houses.

“The two countries do wonderful work for their continents. We have to continue working in trade, this is why it is important to focus on these strategic areas and see the capacity of some countries.

“I believe that in the future, we will have more positive figures than what we have just done. “

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, underscored the need for both countries to strengthen their bilateral ties to harness economic potential.

Tuggar, who was represented by Amb. Anderson Madubuike, Director, Economic, Trade and Investment Department of the ministry, said: “There are so much that the two countries can do in advancing global economy, good enough this NMCC has come at auspicious moment.

“By talking about globalisation we are saying African countries must come together to take their rightful places in the committee of nations.”

Also speaking, the Minister of Livestock and Rural Development, Mr Idi Mukhtar, promised to open new-vista for agriculture to thrive through adequate investment in production of red meat, animal disease management and processing of diary.

Mukhtar said, Nigeria today imports not less than 1.5 billion USD worth of diary products, we are hoping to upscale operations of the red meat industries, create opportunities and competition at the international market.

“So, the ministry is open to investment and this is where we have been able to send message to all captains of industry and the newly created Nigerian-Mexico,” he said.

For her part, the President of NMCC, Arim Topete, commended the event marked new era for the chamber to be built on trust, opportunity and vision.

According to her, Mexico is not just a regional powerhouse, it is the 12th largest economy in the world with a Gross Domestic Product of 1.8 trillion dollars.

Pete said, “We are going to focus on trade with Nigeria as our primary focus. Times have changed and the rules of trade have also been rewritten.

“So it is a good time for NMCC because there are so many opportunities across both countries. Our economies are so complimentary, it is for us to now start the initiative,” she said.

The event attracted the President of NMCC the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dele Kelvin Oye,

Others include representatives of the Nigeria trade chambers. diplomats and leaders of the private sector.

NMCC was established to promote bilateral trade and investment, support businesses in navigating regulatory landscapes and foster collaborations that generate jobs, technology and knowledge across both countries.

Nigeria, Mexico to Bolster Trade Relations with Inauguration of Chamber of Commerce