National News
Workers Day: CHRICED Calls for Payment of Living Wage
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
National News
2027: VP Shettima’s Aide lauds North East Youths, others for endorsing Tinubu/Shettima for second term
2027: VP Shettima’s Aide lauds North East Youths, others for endorsing Tinubu/Shettima for second term
By Inusa Salihu
The Personal Assistant Domestic (Northeast), office of the Vice -President Kashim Shettima, Comrade Mahmud Muhammad, has expressed gratitude to the teaming youths, mostly members of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC in the North East who endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima to run for the second term on the same ticket come 2027 general elections.
He also applauded Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State who is the Chairman North East Governors’ Forum, his counterparts from Yobe and Gombe state, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya and Mai Mala Buni, as well as other party stalwarts and thousands of supporters who also threw their weight behind Tinubu/Shettima -led administration.
The endorsement were made on Sunday in Gombe state during the North East APC Consultative Meeting.
Meanwhile, there was a chaos witnessed at the meeting after Comrade Mustapha Salihu, National Vice Chairman of the ruling APC in the North-East, failed to mention the name of Vice-President Kashim Shettima while endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
But briefing Journalists shortly after the meeting, Comrade Mahmud said, “the unanimous decision taken by all stakeholders to ensure Tinubu/Shettima fly another same ticket come 2027, would ensure continuity of good governance with inclusivity, progress and development of Nigeria at all levels.
“As you can see the large turn out of people, all the entire Youths, the three Governors, Women groups and stakeholders have unanimously gave their support come 2027.
“Let me use this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all and sundry for not just coming out enmasse to witness this meeting, but to also join millions of Nigerians who are clamouring for Tinubu/Shettima ticket for second term.
“I want to assure the APC family and all other Nigerians from other political parties to continue give their maximum support and cooperation to the present administration which is poised to put smile on the faces of the downtrodden”. He said.
According to Mahmud, President Bola Tinubu and Kashim Shettima have in their short term of leadership, transformed Nigeria with their renewed hope agenda, adding that, the education, health, agriculture, women/youths empowerment and other sectors have witnessed positive boost.
He specifically thanked Governor Zulum for his continued support to the present administration led by President Tinubu and his Vice, Kashim Shettima.
Mahmud then call on Nigerians to continue pray for peace, as there is no development without peace.
Earlier in his speech at the occasion, Chairman of the North East Governors’ Forum and Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum noted that, in the last two years the Tinubu-Shettima led government has done a lot in areas of health, education, youth and women empowerment, revenue generation and has better lives of citizens.
He called upon all and sundry to rally behind a ticket that promises unity, progress and hope for the country.
Likewise, the Deputy National Chairman of the APC (North) Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori from Borno state also endorsed Tinubu/Shettima ticket while delivering his remarks.
But in another development, chaos were witnessed at the meeting after Comrade Mustapha Salihu, National Vice Chairman of the ruling in the North-East, failed to mention the name of Vice-President Kashim Shettima while endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Also, the National Chairman of the Party, Umar Ganduje did not mention the name of Kashim Shettima, as he only endorsed Tinubu, a situation that led to the meeting ended abruptly.
2027: VP Shettima’s Aide lauds North East Youths, others for endorsing Tinubu/Shettima for second term
National News
Terrorism: ONSA-NCTC, PAVE Network Move to Strengthen Local Ownership, Capacity for PCVE in Nigeria
Terrorism: ONSA-NCTC, PAVE Network Move to Strengthen Local Ownership, Capacity for PCVE in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
In a bid to deepen the domestication and implementation of the Policy Framework and National Action Plan for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PF-NAP) across Nigeria, the PCVE Knowledge, Innovation and Resource Hub (KIRH) is hosting a Training of Trainers (ToT) in Kano and Sokoto States.
Mr. Ade Atambi of PAVE Network in a statement on Sunday, said the the four-day training programme, scheduled to take place from June 16 to June 21, 2025, aims to empower stakeholders with the tools, frameworks, and strategic capacities required for sustained, community-based, and evidence-driven PCVE programming.
According to the statement participants include officials from relevant state ministries, departments, and agencies, local government administrators, state house of assembly members, security agencies, community and traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and state PAVE network representatives.
The statement, read in part: “The simultaneous training in Kano and Sokoto States is part of ongoing efforts to promote peace and community resilience in the North West region. The PCVE KIRH, an initiative of the PAVE Network, is working in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser – National Counter Terrorism Centre (ONSA-NCTC) and other strategic partners, with support from ActionAid Nigeria and funding from the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF).
“The training programme will feature interactive technical sessions, panel discussions, and practical planning exercises, led by seasoned facilitators and subject matter experts. The event is expected to provide a platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration, cross-state learning, and mobilization for sustainable peace and community resilience.”
Atambi also urged media professionals to attend and cover the opening sessions and select panel discussions by obtaining appropriate accreditation.
He said the PCVE KIRH is committed to serving as a national knowledge and learning hub, facilitating critical reflection, technical support, and policy innovation, and promoting the domestication of the PF-NAP at state and local government levels.
Terrorism: ONSA-NCTC, PAVE Network Move to Strengthen Local Ownership, Capacity for PCVE in Nigeria
ABU Wins Inaugural ECOWAS Moot Court Competition
By: Michael Mike
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaira has emerged the winner of the inaugural Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Moot Court Competition.
The competition which had competing for the top prize of N5 million, eight universities, had as first runners up University of Jos carting home N3 million.
Organized by the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, the competition which came to an end at the weekend, also had law undergraduates from American University, Yola; University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Igbinedion University, Okada; Lagos State University, Ojo; Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, and University of Uyo, Uyo.
The Moot Court Competition, marking a significant step toward deepening youth
engagement in regional integration and justice, was held under the theme “Promoting Regional Integration and Human Rights through Judicial Processes in West Africa,”
In his closing remarks, the Honourable President of the Court, Justice Ricardo Claúdio Monteiro Goncalves, described the event as a “historic milestone” for the ECOWAS Court and a “beacon of hope” for the next generation of legal professionals in West Africa. Applauding the eloquence, analytical acumen, and professionalism displayed by the participants.
He congratulated all the universities represented, declaring that “every team is a winner” for its invaluable contributions.
Justice Goncalves also announced that, following the overwhelming success of the
maiden edition, the Moot Court Competition will become an annual flagship
programme of the Court, with plans to expand participation to universities across all ECOWAS Member States.
“By creating platforms such as this, the Court not only demystifies its work but also plants the seeds of a more robust legal culture—one that upholds justice, human rights, regional cooperation, and the rule of law,” he stated.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Honourable Vice-President of the Court, Justice Sengu Mohamed Koroma, lauded the competition as a powerful blend of vision and execution. He commended the students for their dedication and decorum and acknowledged the essential roles played by judges, academic mentors, ECOWAS institutions, and development partners.
“Whether or not you won today,” he told the
participants, “you have all emerged as ambassadors of law and justice in the ECOWAS region.”
ABU Wins Inaugural ECOWAS Moot Court Competition
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