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Tinubu Directs All State Governors To Implement Wage Award
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to state governors to start paying the wage awards pending the determination of the new minimum wage to reduce the hardship of the economy on the people.
Tinubu implied that if the states had implemented the wage awards, it would provide much-needed relief without causing inflationary pressures.
Speaking in Minna at the flag-off of the agricultural mechanization revolution for food security and the commissioning of the remodeled domestic terminal of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, the President stated that all states need to adopt the wage award saying that the National Executive Council would also adopt it.
He said: “If all of you, the sub-nationals have been paying the wages award, pending the determination of the new salary wage. Let all the states start paying the wages award. Whatever they are taking now plus the wage award would relieve the public.
“Please, I am not giving an order, I am appealing to you states, start paying the wages awards, let everyone start paying it. It is a relief to the people. The mechanism is the fact that it won’t be inflationary if we announce the new salary wage in a few weeks or months, they would have gotten used to the basic wages of N30,000 plus the wages award, and it will have a dampening effect on the market. Please get sub-nationals together and NEC should adopt this.”
The President assured that the student loans and other economic measures would soon commence as steps are being taken by the government to relieve the people of hunger.
“The student loan programme will commence, there will be unemployment benefits for our graduates, and the social security programme for the elderly and vulnerable will commence, we are fine-tuning all these areas. We will relieve people of hunger.”
Tinubu also outlined plans for a comprehensive programme to address the challenges of violent attacks, cattle rustling, and other related issues pledging to organize an inauguration of the Livestock Change programme in Nigeria within the next few weeks, aiming to transform the current challenges into economic opportunities.
“Give me two to three weeks. You will be part of the inauguration of the livestock change in Nigeria. I know what it means to economic sabotage for roaming cows to eat up the crops and vegetation of our lands, it could be painful but when we reorient the herders and make provision for cattle rearing. The Governors should provide the lands and as the President, I am committed to giving you a comprehensive programme that will solve this problem.”
He applauded the continued and aggressive determination of the Niger state governor in ensuring agricultural revolution for food security including efforts being put in place for Niger state to be one of the top food producers in the country while pledging his support to the state government.
He added: “We have seen the level of commitment here from the state level, we have seen leadership and the success story of any leader is the ability to do what they ought to do at the time they ought to do it. You are doing the job, you are walking the talk and I must support you.
“Whatever support you need, you will get. We appreciate your efforts in the infrastructure development of the state, and I guarantee you the federal support. We flag off the hope, you deliver the hope and you reassure Nigerians.”
He stated that his administration is not concerned about making excuses or blaming the past government adding that he intends to take action, do his best to reengineer the finances of the country, and stay ahead on the right path.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago said that agriculture is key to the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges in critical sectors of our economy adding that his administration intends to seize every opportunity for the attainment of growth and engender prosperity for the people of the state and Nigeria.
He disclosed that when he assumed office as a Governor, he met the infrastructure of the state comatose including the rural and urban roads adding that despite the strategic roles the state plays in the nation’s economy as a crucial transit corridor connecting the North and South parts of Nigeria, the current state of dilapidation of these infrastructures across the state is terrible.
He noted that the state government had embarked on some ambitious initiatives to rehabilitate and expand some federal roads to address these challenges and establish efficient road infrastructure and cost-effective and secure movement of goods and services.
The governor stated that the state has approved 3,000 hectares of land for the special Agro-processing Free Zone out of which 1,000 hectares is dedicated to greenhouses, 1,000 for dairy and meat processing, and the other 1,000 hectares for Agro-processing storage, aggregation, and other value chain development components.
Bago then stated that the state government has prioritized agricultural development as a catalyst for economic growth and poverty alleviation in the State as part of its efforts to advance the federal government’s aspiration towards food security in Nigeria.
“To further buttress the lead role Niger State is playing in agriculture and contributing to the overall food security of Nigeria, we shall explore over three million of the 8.3 million hectares of arable land, large water bodies with a multitude of tributaries, 23 grazing reserves, and 94 forest reserves. Therefore, Niger State stands as a beacon of hope and promise in the realm of agriculture and our springboard to harvest our potentials in the Green Economy and associated gains.
The Governor assured the President that Niger State shall serve as a champion for the food security agenda in the country stating that the state had procured a substantial number of agricultural equipment and inputs for enhanced agricultural activities in the state
The Governor disclosed that the state is well positioned to produce 50 million metric tons of assorted food crops annually utilising about three million hectares of land by 2030, “On overall, Niger State intends to be the largest sub-national food exporter in Nigeria. To achieve this objective, we are determined to attract investments, private sector equity, and loans totalling 500 billion Naira annually over the next seven years.”
Bago also announced the partnership between the Niger State Government and the Lagos State Government designating Lagos State as the off-takers of the state agricultural produce saying, “This strategic initiative will attract over N1 trillion in investment into our agricultural sector, consequently fostering the creation of more than one million direct and indirect job opportunities. This collaboration symbolizes a significant step towards economic empowerment that you laid the solid foundation.”
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu stressed the importance for the nation to grow what they eat and eat what they grow saying that the partnership and agreement between Lagos, Niger, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Osun states would go a long way to enhance food security in the country.
He said that Lagos state is building the largest food storage to store all the food produced from these states adding that Lagos state can make the food security of the federal government become a reality.
The programme was also attended by Benue state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, Kogi state Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, Kwara state Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq and Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, Ministers of Agriculture and Food Security, Senators and Legislators from the federal and state.
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Speaker Abbas Pledges Stronger Legislation to Protect Women in Politics
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By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to enact strong legislative measures that will safeguard and empower women in politics.
Speaking at the Nigerian Women Leadership and Empowerment Conference 2025 in Abuja, with the theme: “Investing in Nigerian Women, Securing Our Future,” organised by the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development,
Speaker Abbas emphasised the need for gender-inclusive governance and policies that promote equal representation in political and economic spheres.
The conference provided a platform to discuss challenges and solutions regarding women’s participation in leadership.
Despite constitutional guarantees of gender equality, Abbas noted that Nigerian women still face discrimination, underrepresentation, and socio-economic barriers that hinder their leadership opportunities.
“We will enact robust legislation to protect women in politics from violence and intimidation, ensuring that our political system aligns with constitutional principles of fairness and freedom,” he stated.
He revealed that the House of Representatives has introduced a Legislative Agenda prioritizing women’s political participation and economic empowerment.
“As part of this effort, two committees dedicated to women’s issues have been established, and all female lawmakers in the House are part of the Constitution Amendment Committee to ensure gender-sensitive policymaking”, he added.
The Speaker also urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to integrate women into its National Executive Committee (NEC), a move that has already resulted in the appointment of four women to NEC positions.
Abbas further stressed the need for special legislative seats for women and mandatory gender quotas in political parties to increase female representation in governance.
“I urge all State Houses of Assembly to support these reforms in the Constitution Amendment process to guarantee greater political participation for women,” he added.
Beyond politics, the Speaker highlighted that women’s economic empowerment is vital for Nigeria’s development, referencing successful global models, such as Rwanda’s gender quotas and Bangladesh’s microfinance initiatives, as strategies Nigeria can adapt to uplift women.
He reiterated the commitment of the House to enforcing the National Gender Policy, supporting electoral reforms that promote female candidates, and amending the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) to strengthen women’s rights.
Abbas commended Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara and Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim, for their roles in advancing gender equality.
Representative of the First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu at the event, Hajiya Fatima Abbas applauded Nigerian women for breaking barriers across various sectors. However, she emphasized the need for greater inclusion and empowerment, urging action to dismantle structural barriers that keep women in poverty.
In her opening remarks, Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, described the conference as more than just an event but a movement aimed at breaking barriers and creating opportunities for future generations of women.
She noted that the conference serves as a platform to celebrate Nigerian women’s strength, resilience, and potential while fostering an environment where they can thrive, lead, and inspire.
A key highlight of the event was the launch of the National Compendium of Women in Leadership Positions, a publication documenting the achievements of trailblazing Nigerian women across various sectors.
Rep. Ogbara emphasized that while the National Compendium of Women in Leadership Positions is in its maiden edition, it serves as an essential resource to inspire young girls and women striving for leadership roles.
She announced that the conference would honor outstanding Nigerians who have shown unwavering dedication to empowering women and promoting gender equality. Their contributions, she said, stand as a beacon of hope and proof that meaningful change is achievable through collective effort.
Among the award recipients were First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, and Minister of the FCT Nyesom Wike.
Beyond discussions, Ogbara revealed that the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development is implementing direct support programs for women in need, particularly widows and low-income earners, through cash empowerment initiatives.
She expressed gratitude to the leadership of the House of Representatives for their commitment to gender equality, acknowledging Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu for sponsoring a bill aimed at reserving special seats for women in parliament to ensure greater representation in legislative bodies.
Ogbara also commended First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for her leadership in advancing women’s welfare through the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a transformative program that has positively impacted countless Nigerian women.
The conference gathered policymakers, civil society groups, and development partners to strategize on enhancing women’s leadership and increasing their participation in national development.
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NSITF processed 22,359 claims in 2024 ready to deliver ECS benefits
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) said it would be innovative and proactive in its process to meet the rising expectations of beneficiaries of the Employees Compensation Scheme (ECS).
The Fund also disclosed that it processed 22,350 claims in 2024 which ensured beneficiaries of ECS received timely support.
In the same vein, the Fund expressed strong determination to surmount the dynamic socio-economic landscape and stringent regulatory frameworks that would impede on its mandate to deliver social protection services to Nigerians.
Speaking at the opening of the Management Performance Review of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), held Wednesday, at NECA House in Ikeja, Lagos, the Managing Director of the Fund, Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, disclosed that the organization has started the process of leveraging technology to facilitate its registration process with the intention of improving transparency and trust.
According to him, this has become necessary in order to forge collaborative partnerships with agencies that are able to facilitate the delivery of it’s mandate, including amplifying awareness and compliance among employers and employees to deepen adoption of the ECS..
Barrister Faleye said the review session is, therefore, an opportunity to critically assess their performance, celebrate what works, and address what does not.
He said: “As Custodians of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme, our mandate is clear and it is to provide timely compensation and support to employees affected by workplace injuries, disabilities, diseases, or fatalities. This scheme is not just about financial redress, it is a lifeline that upholds dignity, fosters safer workplaces, and strengthens Nigeria’s social security architecture.”
Buttressing the legacies of the NSITF, Faleye posited ” ln the past year, we have made significant strides: We have processed 22,350 claims in 2024, ensuring beneficiaries received timely support. We have expanded our outreach to 13 regions and created five new branches across the country brining the total numbers of branches to 62. The Fund now cover 183,528 employers and 7,616,476 employees. We have conducted 3,250 health and safety audits and 808 investigations and 2,035 awareness initiatives and 248 follow-up audits.”
According to him we have started the process of leveraging technology to facilitate our registration process thereby improving transparency and trust.
“We continue to forge collaborative partnerships with agencies that are able to facilitate the delivery of our mandate including amplifying awareness and compliance among employers and employees to deepen adoption of the Scheme.
“However, we are not blind to the hurdles: delayed employer remittances, gaps in public awareness, and systemic issues that contributes to diminished operational efficiencies. These challenges test our resolve but also sharpen our focus.
“Let us therefore use this platform to engage in open, honest, and constructive discussions. Let us ask ourselves the tough questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new ideas. Our goal is not just to meet targets but to exceed them, ensuring that the NSITF remains a beacon of hope and support for all Nigerians.” He added
Earlier in her address, the Executive Director Operations (NSITF), Hon Mojisola Alli-Macaulay, said the MPR is a crucial exercise aimed at assessing the Fund’s performance in the 2024 financial year and setting a clear strategic course for 2025.
In her words:” This event is of utmost importance as it provides a platform for us to critically evaluate our achievements, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies that will fast-track growth and enhance service delivery. The theme for this year’s MPR, Aligning Performance Activities with the Strategic Objectives of the Fund, underscores the necessity for every Department, Region, and Branch to work in synergy towards the overarching goals of the Fund.”
To this end, she emphasized that “The past year presented its fair share of challenges, but it also provided opportunities for us to reaffirm our commitment to excellence and innovation.
“Through the resilience and dedication of our workforce, we have made commendable strides in ensuring that the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) remains a pillar of social security and welfare for Nigerian workers.
As we engage in presentations, discussions, and deliberations over the next two days, I encourage every participant to actively contribute their insights and recommendations. Our success in the coming year will be determined by the strength of our strategies and the effectiveness of their execution.” She also observed
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EFCC alerted to switch into action immediately as Rivers people money is being loaded into aircraft
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
There’s an alert on the social media network alerting the anti-graft agency that Rivers government officials are loading an aircraft with hard currencies.
Hear him:
Information reaching us now has it that Rivers State government is loading money in hard currencies in Government Aircraft, at the International Airport, Omagwa!
*EFCC and other relevant security operatives should quickly go into action, to investigate this information!*
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