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Breaking : At last, FG and Labour agree on ₦70,000 as minimum wage

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In a landmark development, the Federal Government and Organised Labour have agreed on a new national minimum wage of N70,000, a significant increase from the current N30,000.

The newly agreed minimum wage was reached on Thursday when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu met with the leadership of the organized Labour, led by presidents of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at the State House, Abuja, the second meeting within a week.

Before reaching the agreement, the two sides, being government and the organised private sector on one side, and the organised Labour on the other, had held a long-drawn series of negotiations, starting with the Constitution of the Bukar Goni-Aji-led Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage.

While the negotiations were ongoing, the employers’ side (federal/sub-national governments/OPS) had offered varying amounts, starting with ₦48,000 to ₦54,000 to ₦57,000 to ₦60,000 to ₦62,000 and finally to the agreed ₦70,000.

On the side of Labour, the leadership of the workers started negotiation with a demand for ₦615,000 then lowered it further to ₦500,000 to ₦497,000 to ₦250,000 and finally agreed to ₦70,000.

However, disclosing details of the meeting and the final agreement to journalists at the State House, Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the conclusion of the meeting as “a happy day for Nigeria”.

Read Also: NLC urges FG to pay SSANU, NASU withheld four-month salaries
According to Idris, besides the agreement to the ₦70,000 minimum wage, the government has also agreed to addressing the disagreement over the withheld salaries of university workers’ unions; the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities (NASU).

The government has also pledged massive investments in infrastructure and renewable energy, including the acquisition of more CNG buses to enhance Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy, as well as expressing commitment to ensuring local government autonomy.

“Today’s a happy day for Nigeria. You’ll recall that last week we had a meeting here and the organized private sector. The sub-nationals have also held their various meetings with Mr. President following the submission of the tripartite agreement to Mr. President. Labour came last week, they had meetings with Mr. President, they asked for adjournment for a week to go and consult further. They did those consultations, they have come back today and we have met with Mr. President.

“We’re happy to announce today that both the federal government and organized Labour have agreed on an increase on the N62,000 minimum wage. The new national minimum wage that we expect Mr President to submit to the National Assembly for legislation is N70,000. But that is not all. There is also a boost, like Mr. President has assured, in ensuring that massive investment is going to be made in the area of infrastructure.

“There is also a deepening of the investment of the federal government in renewable energy. More money is going to go into the acquisition of more CNG buses, Nigeria is going to be more CNG compliant, according to the President. We’re moving in this transition to renewable and all other things that Mr. President has assured Labour; the issue of SSANU and NASU is also going to be looked at.

“We are happy, we are very thankful of the role that the Organised Labour has done today. They recognised the federal government’s role in ensuring that we have the local government autonomy, in also ensuring that both the Organised Labour and the government are on the same page today. They have seen the magnanimity of the President and today the leadership of Labour said they didn’t come here for negotiation, not at all. They came here in their deep sense of patriotism to ensure that Nigeria remains united, Nigeria becomes more prosperous.

“It is in that spirit that they are in agreement with what the federal government has done today. We want to thank Labour for their patriotism. We also want to thank Mr President, the federal government, the sub-nationals and organized private sector for going through this painstaking effort, by also ensuring that at the end of the day Nigeria is the winner for it all”, Idris said.

Corroborating the Information Minister’s brief, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, announced that organized Labour has agreed to the new minimum wage of N70,000 after the meeting with President Tinubu.

The agreement comes after labour leaders requested a one-week extension to consult with their members, following their initial meeting with the President last week.

According to Onyejeocha, the President adopted a fatherly approach, emphasizing the need for a review of the minimum wage policy every three years, rather than the current five-year cycle.

She further hinted that the President also directed the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, to review the issue of SSANU and NASU payments, with a waiver to pay the outstanding amounts.

She also said the President reassured Nigerians of his commitment to the country’s economic recovery and the welfare of citizens.

President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, said the Organised Labour agreed to the new national minimum wage of N70,000 because of the President’s willingness to review wages every three years, rather than the usual five-year cycle.

While acknowledging the economic situation, Ajaero expressed mixed feelings about the agreement but noted that the NLC will take the proposal back to their constituency for further discussion and buy-in.

The agreement marks a significant step forward in the ongoing negotiations between the government and labour leaders, with a promise of future reviews and incentives like the CNG scheme to alleviate the burden on Nigerian workers.

“Well, we’re here last week and we’re here now, what they have announced in terms of the amount of N70,000 happened to be where we are now for now, but the good thing about it is that we will not wait for another five years to come and review, rather than settling on a figure that we’ll wait for five years, it’s like we’ll have to now negotiate even two times within five years, with a view to going up. That is one of the reasons why we decided to reach where we are today, because of the proviso that we can review in the next three years.

“We came with other issues in the basket, like the issue of SSANU, NASU and others, especially with the affront by the Commissioner of Police of FCT, we brought it to Mr. President, and talked on the need for that matter to be addressed and magnanimously, he asked the agencies concerned to work out the modalities for the payment of those workers in the universities.

“So far, that’s where we are. Although he promised some incentives like the CNG, which will lessen the burden that the Nigerian workers are passing through, but you can see that we are taking in this with mixed feelings because of the situation of the economy, we will have to move ahead despite the situation and the negotiation can linger. Coming from 62 to 70 and then with the promise that we’ll come back soon to negotiate it.

“We’re taking it back to our constituency to see how we can get a buy-in. So that’s what has transpired this afternoon”, he said.

The TUC President, Festus Osifo, who also spoke to journalists, expressed satisfaction with President Tinubu’s intervention, especially with the proviso for review every three years.

He also commended the President’s promise to address the issues of SSANU and NASU, and emphasized the need for swift passage of the minimum wage bill by the National Assembly and urged that the student loan scheme be targeted at those who need it most, not just the children of the rich.

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UPDATED: Police Arrest Adeyemi Over Alleged False Claim as PFIPC Director-General in Osun

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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in Osun State.

Adeyemi, who had been the subject of an intensive manhunt by security agencies, was apprehended following intelligence-led operations weeks after investigations into allegations about the purported federal agency’s activities.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the suspect was arrested without incident by a team of IRT operatives and has been moved into police custody for further interrogation.

He confirmed the arrest while speaking to our correspondent in Abuja.

His arrest followed days of coordinated efforts by security operatives, who had earlier raided his family residence while tracking his whereabouts. Reports indicated that investigators questioned his family members during the search for the suspect.

Adeyemi came into national prominence after controversy erupted over the operations of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an organisation widely described by government officials as having no legal backing or official recognition.

The controversy deepened following allegations that the suspect claimed close links with top government officials and allegedly used the platform to project influence in government circles.

Oyo police rescue abducted farmer after joint security operation
The matter also generated public attention after claims surfaced that huge sums of money were exchanged in connection with promises of government appointments. Those allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.

The Presidency had earlier distanced itself from the activities of the organisation, while the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, denied any connection with the group or its activities, maintaining that neither the office nor the Presidency authorised the operations of the PFIPC.

Police investigators are expected to interrogate Adeyemi on the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operations of the organisation, the authenticity of documents allegedly used in its activities, and claims that some individuals were deceived into believing it was an official government body.

Investigators are also expected to determine whether other suspects were involved in the alleged scheme and whether additional offences, including impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, forgery and conspiracy, may have been committed.

As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue a detailed official statement on the arrest or announce possible charges against the suspect. Demographics

The arrest is, however, expected to advance investigations into one of the most controversial cases involving the alleged use of a non-existent government agency to project influence within the Presidency.

Adeyemi is expected to remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment before a competent court.

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Breaking : Nigerian Soldiers Kill ISWAP Cameraman, Uncover Foreign Terrorist Network in Borno

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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators, including a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group in Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the operational success was recorded on Saturday following a failed infiltration attempt by members of ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Goni said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.

The statement read, “Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

“The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.”

The failed attack, he said, occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position.

“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said.

According to him, the attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group.

“The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.

“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators. They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established,” he added.

He said the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.

“Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses,” he added.

The Army spokesman said troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during the operation.

He further stated that initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.

“This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement,” he said.

According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care, adding that both personnel remained in stable condition.

“The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre,” he said.

He added that the outcome underscored the increasing difficulty the terrorists faced in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East,” he assured.

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BREAKING: Security Forces Rescue Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers in Oyo Forest Operation

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Eight kidnappers arrested

Ibadan, Oyo State – Nigerian security agencies have successfully rescued a group of kidnapped pupils and teachers following a coordinated operation in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Photos circulating after the operation show the rescued victims gathered in a rural forest location alongside security personnel shortly after they regained their freedom.

According to available information, the victims were abducted by suspected kidnappers before security operatives launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission. The operation, carried out through coordinated efforts by security agencies, led to the safe recovery of the pupils and their teachers.

The rescued victims have since been reunited with security officials and are expected to undergo medical examinations and trauma counselling before being reunited with their families.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests were made during the operation or if a ransom was paid. However, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents of the area, who commended the swift response of the security agencies while calling for increased security around schools and rural communities to prevent similar incidents.

The incident once again highlights the persistent security challenges facing some parts of the country, particularly the threat of school-related kidnappings, which have raised concerns among parents, educators, and community leaders.

Security agencies have assured the public that efforts are continuing to track down the perpetrators and strengthen measures aimed at protecting schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

Further official details are expected as the authorities provide updates on the operation.

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