Bubendorff, Nanka win Football gold as Anambra school sports festival ends
Festival
By Chimezie Anaso
Awka, June 8, 2024(NAN) Bubendorff Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha defeated CKC Onitsha 5-4 on penalties to win gold in the U18 male event of Anambra Sports Development Initiative ANSSI) festival for primary and secondary schools in the state.
The thrilling and highly anticipated final held at the Awka Township Stadium on Friday, ended 1-1 a piece in regulation time with both teams displaying exceptional and promising skills and determination.
Bubendorff Memorial Grammar School opened scoring in the first half but CKC equalised after the break.
The game was witnessed by Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra.
Earlier, skilful Community School Nanka beat their rivals, Uncle Ralph de Great Academy Mgbakwu 2-0 to clinch the gold in the U14 male football event.
Speaking at the event, Patrick-Estate Onyedum, Chairman of Anambra Sports Development Commission, said that the 2024 edition was a more successful and promising one.
He said the journey started on May 3, with 756 primary and secondary schools across the 179 communities of the state taking part in 12 sporting events.
According to him, the first edition of ANSSI in 2023 prepared Anambra for a remarkable impact at the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta where they dominated in the 100m , 200m, 4x100m, High Jump, Taekwondo and Karate.
“Anambra was rated the most age compliant team and about five children who excelled at that festival are enjoying academic scholarships in schools in Abuja and Anambra, where they are also undergoing great mentorship.
“We shall support the very talented ones to explore the immense opportunities available in sports for their long term benefits.
“Already, our preparation for this year’s National Youth Games have started and talents discovered from this festival will make up 80 percent of that team,” he said.
Onyedum congratulated participating schools in the festival, saying they had not only competed for glory, but had bonded and created lifetime memories.
Declaring the festival closed, Soludo commended the students for their zeal to develop themselves and promised that his administration would continue to support the sports sector.
He assured that the 2025 edition would be bigger and better.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MultiChoice Nigeria to appeal tribunal’s N150m fine, free subscription
Tribunal
By Taiye Olayemi
Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) MultiChoice Nigeria says it will appeal Friday’s ruling of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja, which awarded a N150 million fine against it for challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal had fined MultiChoice Nigeria the sum of N150 million for disobeying its order.
The order had restrained the pay-TV company from increasing its monthly subscription pending the determination of the suit brought before it by an Abuja-based lawyer, Festus Onifade.
The tribunal also ordered the pay-TV company to provide its Nigerian customers with a one-month free subscription to its DStv and GOtv packages.
In a statement, MultiChoice reacted as it said that it disagreed with the ruling and would file an appeal against it.
The statement read in part: “MultiChoice Nigeria is aware of the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal regarding its jurisdiction to entertain a price regulation matter.
“We disagree with the ruling, and will therefore file an appeal against the said ruling.
“As the matter is currently sub-judice, we are restrained from making further comments.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)
I-G Egbetokun with other participants at the event in Abuja.
Insecurity
By Mark Longyen
Abuja, June 8, 2024(NAN)The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called on West African police chiefs to collaborate and devise innovative ways to tackle emerging complex security challenges facing the ECOWAS bloc.
Egbetokun made this known at a meeting of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) technical sub-committee on training and operations in Abuja.
He said that the West African subregion had in recent times been confronted with complex national security challenges, which had been accentuating transnational crimes.
“The activities of these cybercriminals has imposed on us all the additional burden of developing our national security capacity to dominate cyberspace and deny criminals the liberty to operate in our overriding national and regional security interests.
“The differences in legal frameworks and legislative systems continue to hinder effective law enforcement operations and criminal justice delivery initiatives among member states.
“Our security reality continually deepens the need to commit to regional collaboration, towards dissecting the pattern and trend of crimes on the one hand, and towards pulling together and supporting each other in bridging our national security gaps,” he said.
According to him, these challenges have been posing significant threats to the national security order of member states, as well as regional peace and social economic profile.
Egbetokun enumerated such crimes to include traditional crimes of stealing, cross border robberies, human goods, drugs trafficking, small arms and light weapons smuggling, banditry, terrorism, as well as other non-state actors.
He further said that cybercrime and cyber-enabled crimes were now emerging as bigger challenges to the subregion’s security.
The I-G said that a critical hindrance to effective regional law enforcement operations and criminal justice delivery initiatives was the differences in legal frameworks and legislative systems among member states.
“The situation calls for a collective review of the multivarious legal framework and regulates law enforcement and criminal justice delivery system.
“It also calls for a stronger operational partnership that will encourage the evolution of workable protocol that will engender stronger operational integration amongst security forces and border management agencies within the sub region,” Egbetokun said.
Also speaking, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Amb. Abdel-Fatah Musah, said that the fast evolution of information technology had further sophisticated the platforms and tactics used by criminal networks against targets.
Represented by Dr Abdourahmane Dieng, the Permanent Secretary, WAPCCO, Musah said that crime and criminality continued to pose a big threat to lives and property in the subregion, thereby creating an unconditional environment for meaningful development.
The commissioner said that security and law enforcement agents in the region had for so many years focused on territorial, aerial and maritime borders as key points for close surveillance against crime.
“However, with the dynamic availability and capacity of cyberspace, which transcends beyond geographical borders, criminality has become more efficient, faster and safer for criminals to execute.
“Therefore, our mandate is to increase our capacity on the fight against transnational border crime of all forms which include employing training and operational strategies.
“The illicit traffic and proliferation of small arms and light weapons, human smuggling activities, armed robbery, illicit migration, child trafficking and labor, kidnapping, abduction, maritime piracy are but a few of the main highlights trending in our region,” Musah said.
He, therefore, urged the participants to share, inform, exchange and discuss issues and activities surrounding training and operations in their respective member states with a view to coming up with joint strategies on security personnel’s training and operations.
The Director, Interpol Regional Bureau, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Paule Ouedrago, said the transnational dimension of the crimes required collaboration between countries, adding that the Regional Office would support the efforts through international police cooperation.
She called for the strengthening of collaboration between the Permanent Secretariat of the Committee of Police Chiefs and her office in the organization and implementation of police training and operations.
“This is how, together, we will succeed in dismantling and disrupting the criminal networks that undermine the tireless development efforts,”Ouedrago added.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) It was a night of glitz and glamour on Friday as Nigerian singer and rapper, Oladapo Oyebanjo, popularly known as “D’banj”, celebrated his 20 years of musical excellence in a sophisticated ceremony.
D’banj got the attention of bigwigs in the Nollywood and Nigerian music scene as he took the celebration held at Vaniti Lagos, Victoria Island, to another level entirely.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event witnessed guests and fans mime along while D’banj’s songs from 2004 were played to their delight.
Among the celebrities that turned up at the event are : Clarence Peters, legendary music video director; Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele; Afrobeats Musician, Femi Kuti; Timaya; ID Cabasa; Kenny Ogungbe; Bisola Aiyeola and Mr Macaroni.
Others include: Ini Edo, Tobi Bakre, Ruggedman as well as Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture and many others.
Dbanj arrived the venue for the celebration in a black outfit complemented with a mini gray-coloured jacket, as a cultural troupe welcomed him with his 2006 debut musical track, “Mobolowowon”.
His wife, Lineo Didi, and his parents also graced the occasion adorning beautiful outfits.
Music Executive and Founder of Kennyis Music, Kenny Ogungbe, congratulated D’banj while acknowledging his resilience and hardwork.
He said: “Congratulations to D’banj for being on stage for 20 years, he started with Mobolowowon and then Tongolo with so much energy and so many songs after that, and he is still standing very strong, very energetic and still a great entertainer.
“The solid energy behind his performances is something one cannot compare to anything. So, congratulations to him. May God keep on blessing him and he will grow to 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 years on stage.
“Look at Sunny Ade, he is still there, we pray for same energy for him in Jesus’ name.”
Also, actress Funke Akindele commended D’banj’s good heart and generosity as she recalled how the “Koko Master” encouraged her to make her 2009 film, “Jennifer” into an episodic play.
Akindele said D’banj assisted her with a lump sum to go ahead and produce more episodes of Jennifer, adding that this was the push that gave birth to “The Return of Jennifer”.
“And till date, the brand is still relevant. Christmas 2024, we are coming up with “Everybody Loves Jennifer”.
“So, this gentleman here, God used him to speak to me to have the Jennifer brand. I want to celebrate you D’banj, you were always there for me. I pray you will always be a force to reckon with. Congratulations D’banj.”
Still celebrating the Koko Master’s musical greatness, Ayo Animashaun, Founder of Hip TV, who presented a special gift to D’banj, said, “I like to say thank you so much for all you have done for the Nigerian music industry and thank you for all you do now and what you are going to do in the future. Thank you.”
Other guests also took turns to pour out encomiums on D’banj.
D’banj is best known for his song “Oliver Twist”, an uptempo dance fusion of afrobeats and electronic dance music that topped the African charts in 2011 and was a top 10 hit in the UK singles chart in 2012, reaching number two on the UK R&B chart.
He has won several music awards, including the awards for Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards 2007; Artiste of the Year at the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009
He also won Best International Act Africa at the 2011 BET Awards; Best-selling African Artiste at the 2014 World Music Awards, and Evolution Award at the 2015 MTV Africa Musical Awards. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
R-L: Justice Asante, Speaker Ibrahima, during the latter’s visit to the former in Abuja on Friday(NAN)
Independence
By Mark Longyen
Abuja, June 8, 2024(NAN)The President of ECOWAS Court, Justice Edward Asante, has promised to support the ECOWAS Parliament in efforts being made towards conducting direct elections of its lawmakers from their member states.
The Community Court’s President made this known while welcoming the new Speaker of the Parliament, Memounatou Ibrahima, when she paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja on Friday.
He expressed the court’s full support for current efforts aimed at bolstering the independence of the ECOWAS Parliament through the direct elections of its members from their respective countries.
“We are ready to assist and support the Parliament in achieving this goal, as a strong and independent Parliament is essential for the enactment of robust laws that benefit our community and foster deeper integration,” he said.
Asante called for a strong institutional collaboration between the court and the parliament against the backdrop of the enduring partnership between the Court and the Parliament.
According to him, the visit, which comes shortly after her investiture, symbolizes the solidarity and mutual respect that have characterized the relationship between the two ECOWAS institutions over the past five years.
“We have consistently supported each other’s programs and initiatives, and today’s visit reinforces our commitment to continue this cooperation,” he said.
Asante further emphasized the importance of continued collaboration in the exchange of resources and expertise, such as interpreters and translators, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of both institutions.
Earlier, the speaker expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed the parliament’s commitment to collaborating with the Court.
She said that the parliament and the court had a shared mission to promote rights within the community, and pledged to continue on that path.
“We are confident of your support, particularly in capacity building for the Parliament, and in addressing the challenge of direct elections for ECOWAS deputies,” she stated.
Asante and Ibrahima both expressed optimism about the future of ECOWAS, which they said underscored the vital role that their institutions played in fostering unity, promoting justice, and ensuring subregional prosperity.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Gberi-bè Ouattara, the Court’s Vice President; Justice Sengu Koroma; Dr Yaouza Ouro-Sama, the Chief Registrar; and Parliament’s 4th Deputy Speaker, Tunkara Billay, among others, were present.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Makkah, June 8, 2024 (NAN) An Islamic cleric, Malam Hussaini Abubakar-Giro, has charged Nigerian pilgrims to rigorously pray for prevailing peace across Nigeria.
He also urged them to pray for Nigerian leaders by seeking divine intervention on the nation’s lingering economic predicament.
Abubakar-Giro, a board member of Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, gave the charge at a routine enlightenment session shortly after the dawn prayer (Subh) in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the essence of the enlightenment session is to educate the pilgrims on rituals of Hajj towards an acceptable Hajj (Hajj Mabrur).
The cleric, who is a son to one of the famous Islamic scholars, late Sheik Abubakar Giro-Argungu, said: “We must always devote time for seeking divine intervention for God Almighty to fix our major problems of lingering insecurity as well as economic difficulties.
“We must therefore, pray for our leaders to be able to tackle these challenges. The more they tackle the challenges, the better for us.
“Since your arrival here in Saudi Arabia you have never heard of any Imam accusing the leaders, hence the need for us all to emulate and pray for Nigerian leaders to succeed.”
He advised the pilgrims to beg God Almighty for good both here in the world as well as the hereafter, saying that those who beg for worldly things alone were not of the successful.
While encouraging the pilgrims to repent to earn Allah’s favour, the cleric said nobody knew when he/she would answer the call of his/her creator (die).
Abubakar-Giro also cautioned them against mistrust, backbiting and other forms of sin to be able to scale through peacefully on the Day of Judgement (Quyama).
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asked his companions, who is a poor (muflis), they replied, he is somebody who has neither gold nor silver.
“But the Prophet (SAW) replied: muflis in my Ummah is he who will come on the Day of Judgement with good deeds but he has cheated different people through backbiting, mistrust, deception, stealing among others.
“At the end, his deeds will be used to compensate these people he cheated and he will end up with nothing and he will be sent to hell fire,” he said.
He, however, quoted the holy Prophet (SAW) as saying: “Had it been that we don’t commit sin and at the same time repent to God Almighty, He (God) would have cleared us all and created another set of people who will workshop Him more than us.”
In his contribution, Malam Kabiru Umar-Wasagu reminded the pilgrims that whenever a Muslim prays and couldn’t get what he wanted, he should bear in mind that Almighty Allah had changed it for something good.
While charging them to always pray for the best from God (Allah’s choice is always the best), the cleric urged the pilgrims to use the Hajj to purify their minds to go back home clean and pure.
He also encouraged the entire Muslims to do everything possible to exhibit good human relationships with fellow human beings, saying: “No matter your good deeds, if you do not have good relationship with people, it might throw you into hell.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
The Chairman, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa with the Executive Director, Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) detox centre in Abuja
NDLEA, centre partner on campaign against drug abuse
Rehabilitation
By Ibironke Ariyo
Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA) detox centre have strengthened partnership on the campaign against drug abuse, treatment and rehabilitation of drug users.
The NDLEA Chairman, retired, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa said this when the Executive Director of the rehabilitation centre paid a courtesy visit to the agency on Friday in Abuja.
Marwa was represented by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the VGADA detox centre which is a rehabilitation facility in Abuja is organising a National Youth Conference on Drug Abuse for Youths on June 28.
Marwa said that the agency had partnered other organisations that have or operate, private run treatment and rehabilitation centers like VGADA Detox centre.
He said that the agency had gone further to see how other states could be mobilised to support rehabilitated and treated people with skills acquisition as well as getting them reintegrated to the society.
According to him, So one of the things we do in drug demand reduction is to bring help to those who need help and those who need treatment.
“We choose to raise awareness first, because prevention is better than cure. So when the people know about the dangers of what they are about to abuse or what they are abusing, then they may likely restrain themselves.
“And that way, they would have prevented themselves from going into harmful way and also, for those that are already abusing these illicit substances, again, we also have a responsibility to provide help for them.
“And that’s why we have treatment and counseling centers across the country. We have 30 of them across our Commands,’’ he said.
Marwa said that one of the things the agency had also introduced in addressing drug demand reduction for those who may be afraid of stigmatisation or being judged was the toll free helpline 080010203040.
He said that drug abusers tends to be scared of arrests adding that there were a lot of them who were afraid to go out to a treatment centre to seek for help.
“One of the things the agency had also done to encourage them to seek help is setting up a call center with a toll free helpline, 0800 10203040.
“With that helpline, anybody can sit in the comfort of their homes in any part of the country, make a call to the toll free helpline.
“And there at the other end, we have our experts like counsellors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Psychotherapists among others to assist these people.
“If they check and realise some of them need to be sent or refered to rehabilitation centre, they do so and also follow up in the course of their treatment,’’ he said.
Speaking on the forthcoming National Youths Conference on drug abuse by VGADA, Marwa commended the centre for the good work and initiatives done so far in ensuring proper treatment and rehabilitation of drug users in Nigeria.
He said, “I want to give thumbs up to VGADA for the initiative. This is not their first in this regard, they have been working and partnering with the agency to advance the course of better or public health.
“We are happy they are doing this again to bring the youths together at a conference to teach them all they need to know concerning drug abuse and to guide them on dangers of substance abuse.
“That is why we are supporting them and as a result, we encourage all our youths to make it a date on June 28,’’he said.
Earlier, Omeiza said that the centre was committed to the wellbeing of citizens, and would do whatever it takes to eliminate or drastically reduce to the barest minimum, the use of illicit drugs and substances across the country.
He said that the forthcoming National Youths Conference was part of programmes to mark the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
He also said that World Drug Day, which was celebrated annually on June 26 was to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
“Our organisation does not castigate people who abuse drugs but we do our work creatively with distinction and honor.
“Our role is to make a positive impact in every community so that our nation will be a better place to live, work and we will not relent,’’ he said.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)
ICA/OIF/SH
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sadiya Hamza
Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Eleven governors have been selected for the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies (ISSS)’s Excellence Award.
The Registrar of the Institute, Dr Sunday Idakwoji, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, said the award would be presented to the governors on Nov. 23.
The award for Best Governor on Security and Humanitarian Services of the Year, he said, will be bestowed on Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno for his exceptional leadership and innovative strategies in improving security and providing humanitarian aid in one of Nigeria’s most challenging regions.
According to him, Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa will be honoured for his dedication to maintaining peace and security while implementing comprehensive humanitarian initiatives to support vulnerable communities.
Idakwoji said that Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State would be recognised as the Best Governor on Collective Security Advocate of the Year for his proactive stance on collective security measures and his efforts to foster collaboration among various security agencies to combat crime and ensure the safety of citizens.
Other governors to receive the award are; Governors Ahmad Aliu of Sokoto State, BabaJide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, Dapo Abiodun, of Ogun, Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Siminilaye Fubara of Rivers.
Idakwoji said the institute had in 10 years of its existence been at the forefront of providing robust academic and practical education, fostering excellence in security standards, knowledge, and cooperation within the African region and globally.
He said the mission was to prepare students for the complex challenges of today’s world through meticulous training and innovative techniques, facilitating excellence in education and research, as well as forging lasting security partnerships across nations and cultures.
The registrar said the awards were aimed at recognising, honor individuals and organisations that had made significant contributions towards building a robust security architecture and strategic development in Nigeria and beyond.
He added that some serving ministers would also be recognised for their outstanding performance among other several individuals, defense and security services and corporate entities.
“Join us in celebrating these outstanding individuals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence and commitment to enhancing security and strategic development in Nigeria.
“The awards ceremony promises to be a night of recognition, celebration, and inspiration,” the registrar said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
OYS/OIF/SH
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Sadiya Hamza
2026 WC qualifier: South Africa hold Super Eagles to 1-1 draw in Uyo
Draw
By Muhyideen Jimoh/Isaiah Eka
Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a 1-1 draw by Bafana Bafana of South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers matchday three at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Super Eagles have now drawn their three consecutive games and are in fifth place while South Africa sit in the fourth spot.
The lackluster Super Eagles had to come from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against their more adventurous opponents from South Africa.
Bafana Bafana took the lead in the 29th minute of the first half through Themba Zwane who dazzled past the Nigerian defence to send the ball beyond the hapless Stanley Nwabali in Nigerian goal.
On resumption of play in the second half,
Dele Bashiru came to the rescue in the 46th minute with an equaliser and got Nigeria back into the game.
Speaking after match, Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George said that his players approached the first half of the match in a sloppy manner that did not produce a goal.
George said the draw is not good enough for the team as they have three points from three matches.
He, however, assured fans that the team will strategise to ensure victory in the next group match.
“I think we got into the game a little bit sloppy, but we picked up in the second half.
“Overall, it was not a bad second half, but I felt we should have entered the game in the early minutes of play. It is not the result we expected.
“A draw is not too good, but we will strategise to win the next game. We will remain focused in our next match to win.
“We want to qualify and we will do everything to ensure we win,” George said.
On his part, the Bafana Bafana Coach, Hugo Broos, said he was very proud of his players for holding the Super Eagles to a draw.
Broos said his boys played good football and did not disappoint him and the country, stressing that the result was good for his team.
He, however said that the Super Eagles was a big opponent in the group as they have good players.
“For us, we are very happy with the outcome of the match. I can only be proud of my players, who played good football today.
“I think the result is correct and good,” Broos said.
The result means that the Super Eagles remain winless in three games in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign and are now in a precarious situation to qualify for the World Cup.
The Super Eagles will face third placed Benin Republic on Monday in Cote D’Ivoire, as they seek to get their campaign back on track. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FG offers Labour N62, 000 as new national minimum wage
Wage
Abuja, June 7, (NAN) The Federal Government said it has offered organised labour N62, 000 as the new national minimum wage for workers in the country.
Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo state said this while addressing journalists at at end Tripartite Committee negotiation meeting on Friday in Abuja.
Uzodimma who is also the Chairman of Governor Forum, spoke on behalf of the governors that there was progress in the negotiation of the new minimum wage.
According to him,we are almost there because are just about to sign the dot and there will be a complete closure. Every other thing will follow.
“The committee has worked so hard and the committee has reach an agreement. The tripartite committee is made up of three parties -the government, the Organised Private Sector(OPS) and the organised labour.
“In the wisdom of the committee, it has put together a recommendation that will be forwarded to Mr President for further action
“The organised private sector and the Federal Government have agreed on N62, 000 while the organised labour is asking for N250, 000.
“At the end of the day what is important is that we are talking. There is no hostility anymore. And the national anxiety is going to be relaxed as soon as this is made public,”he said.
Also, Festus Osifo, President, Trade Union Congress (TUC) noted that the OPS and Federal Government have recommended N62, 000 as the minimum wage.
“But for us we felt that with the current economic hardship and the difficulty in the land the sum of N250, 000 should be what will be okay for the minimum wage.
“We are going to sign a report and forward this position to Mr President. This committee is to make recommendation to him.
” So we will forward it to him and Mr President will forward it to the National Assembly.
“We will keep pushing to ensure that we have a wage that stands the test of time in Nigeria,”he said.
Speaking, Mr Goni Aji, Chairman of the Tripartite Committee on the National Minimum Wage, said the recommendation that they had was as a result of a deep dialogue and consensus reached at the Tripartite level.
According yo him, the situation that we are recommending to Mr President, some how, is repeating itself because it happened in the 2018 exercise.
“In 2018, it was the other way. The organised private sector and the organised labour recommended N30, 000 as minimum wage while the government side recommended N24, 000.
“Two figures were recommended to the then President for his consideration and onward transmission to the National Assembly for it to become a law. That is exactly where we are.,”he said.
He added thst the mandate of the tripartite committee is to recommend. It has no powers to approve but to recommend.
He said that the recommendation reached came as a result of deeper understanding and studies of all the economic indices and current inflation, state of the economy
He noted that the organised private sector and the government have aggressive on a figure which N62,000 while the organised law is asking for N250.000.
“At the end of the day what is important is that we are still talking ,”he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
JAN
