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

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

FG, IOM Tackle Irregular Migration with Revised 2024 Policy

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government in partnership with the United Nations’ International Organisation for Migration (IOM), has officially validated the Revised 2024 National Migration Policy and its Integrated Implementation Plan.

The validation event, held in Abuja on Tuesday, marked the culmination of months of extensive multi-stakeholder consultations, with inputs from government agencies, international partners, and civil society organisations.

The updated policy reflects Nigeria’s commitment to leading migration governance efforts in Africa, while aligning national strategies with global frameworks such as the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the African Union’s Migration Policy Framework.

Speaking at the high-level validation session, IOM Nigeria’s Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche praised the inclusiveness and depth of Nigeria’s policy-making process.

She said: “This policy is the product of rigorous consultations, late-night research, and inter-agency collaboration. It’s not just a technical validation; it’s a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s leadership in shaping inclusive and globally-aligned migration systems.”

The revised policy arrives at a time when global migration trends are shifting rapidly. With over 281 million international migrants worldwide and remittances to low- and middle-income countries reaching $669 billion in 2023, migration continues to be a key development driver.

Nigeria, which received an estimated $19.5 billion in remittances last year, relies heavily on these funds to support household needs such as education, healthcare, and livelihoods.

Director General of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Aliyu Tijani Ahmed, emphasised that the updated policy responds to both national realities and global migration dynamics.

He said: “We need adaptive and inclusive frameworks to tackle modern migration challenges such as climate-induced displacement, irregular migration, and the protection of vulnerable populations.”

Ahmed explained that the revised policy was developed through a structured review process led by a 19-member committee, guided by the United Nations Network on Migration’s six-step approach to implementation.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the urgency of addressing the plight of Nigerian migrants abroad. Referring to the recent rescue of 231 trafficked Nigerians from Ghana.

She said: “Migration is not a crime. We must do more to protect our citizens from exploitation and abuse. This policy must not just exist on paper, it must actively guide public awareness campaigns and cross-border interventions.”

The revised policy prioritises improved coordination among government agencies, better migration data governance, climate resilience strategies, diaspora engagement, and legal migration pathways.

Dimanche noted that effective coordination remains key to implementatio, adding that: “Nigeria has proven that harmonising efforts across ministries and sectors is not only possible but essential for results”, she added.

The IOM’s technical support and funding, through the Migration Multi-Partner Trust Fund, were crucial to the development of the new policy, ensuring inclusivity and alignment with international standards.

With the validation phase completed, the next step is to secure Federal Executive Council approval, after which the policy will guide Nigeria’s migration agenda in the years ahead.

“The presence of all stakeholders here today shows our shared vision. Together, we can build a migration system that is humane, coordinated, and development-focused”, Ahmed said.

FG, IOM Tackle Irregular Migration with Revised 2024 Policy