This came on a day the Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, General Christopher Musa, deployed a contingent of soldiers to the troubled Augie Local Government Area of Kebbi State where no fewer than 17 people at Mera village were killed by members of the terror group.

Mallam Ribadu, who spoke at the Comptroller-General of Customs conference in Abuja, vowed that the Federal Government would eliminate the group shortly for daring the President.

The NSA, who represented the president at the conference, said: “The new group, Lakurawa, or whatever they call themselves, have made a mistake. This is Nigeria of 2024, we will finish them.

“No one dares Tinubu and wins. No one fights Tinubu and wins. The terrorists that were in many parts of the country, we are killing.

“There is silence in many parts where they were operating. Go to where Boko Haram was operating, there is silence. They have fled to the Niger Republic; many are surrendering.

“Go to the Niger Delta, there is silence. That is why we can produce 1.8 million barrels per day now. Go to the South East, there is silence.

“There are so many things happening in our country today. There are things we want to call Tinubu’s gains, and reforms.

“From now going forward, Nigerians are going to see things. Already, a couple of things are happening. That is why I am happy to see our General here (referring to Gen. Christopher Musa) who also graced the occasion, leading others in the security sector.

“For the first time in the history of our country, the entire security sector leaders are working as one-armed forces, the intelligence community, civil police, and others. More than ever before, we work as a team, as one. And we are beginning to see the gains. What we call Tinubu’s gains.

“Hundreds of bandits are killed every day. You move everywhere in our country today free of fear, Tinubu’s gains. Things are changing.

“These so-called Lakurawas or whatever they are called, are making a mistake. Nobody dares Tinubu and wins, nobody. They have come at the wrong time. Nobody has ever defeated Tinubu. They are going to be defeated. We will kick you (Lakurawa) out of Nigeria.

“This is Nigeria of 2024. This is a Nigeria where I assure you, the critics will be quiet. One after the other, things will change in our country and they are already changing.

“Many parts of our country today are living in peace. Go to the Niger Delta. Today we have got to 1. 8 million barrels of crude oil per day. We have not seen this for a long time, Tinubu’s gains. South-East is getting to be at peace with itself and the rest of our country.

“The bandits are running right and left. Every day, people are surrendering. Even right now, we have places where we are receiving surrendered bandits. It is happening every day and it will happen more. Let’s wait and see. Critics, we will shut you up. We will do that.

“Boko Haram today is running out, most of them have moved to Chad and that is why the President of Chad has declared war on them. In the last one week, if you know what is going on in Chad. In spite of the difficulties encountered in Niger and a couple of other places, we are holding our guns.’’

Mallam Ribadu also said free money for the rich from foreign exchange transactions had dried up, through the unification of the FX rates.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria is clean, nobody is making one dime in Central Bank, unlike 2023, Tinubu’s gains. And the naira will be stabilized. Wait and see. It will come. And like I said, we work together as a team, all of us,’’ the NSA said.

He said President Tinubu was being sought after by many nations across the globe as more countries were eager to do business with Nigeria.

He said: ‘’Today, the whole world is looking for President Tinubu. I have just got back from India. The Prime Minister is coming on the 15th, and the President of Germany is coming. They have invited him to G20.

‘’Already we are back to the group of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, BRICS. The President of France is looking for him. There are more than 20 requests for him to visit. And many are also looking forward to coming here.’’

He congratulated the CG of Customs on collecting over N5 trillion in less than 11 months, exceeding the 2024 target.

“You have just heard what amiable Bashir (CG Adeniyi) has just told us. For the first time, we are hitting over N5 trillion, which is Tinubu’s gain. It is happening all over and we are just one year and seven months.

‘’Let them wait and see 2025. It will happen. We will secure this country. We will fix it. We are not jokers. Tinubu is a success. It has never been a failure with him. We will fix our country. Nigeria will be up again that we will be proud of.”

Ribadu also described the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taofeek Lagbaja, as a very loyal and committed officer who would be greatly missed.

He said: “You know we lost one of us, a very painful one. We lost Lagbaja, personally known to President Tinubu and also to me. An incredibly good person, very loyal, very committed, very honest. He served his country well.

“There are many like him. I don’t think we have ever had a team like this. The surprising thing people don’t know is how we have become a family. Those who are working for President Tinubu are one. We do things together. We will work and achieve results. We will change this place. It will be over soon. We are not players. And I tell you, politics will be played but soon they (critics) will not have much to talk about.”

Customs exceeds its N5.07 trillion 2024 revenue target

In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, revealed that the agency had collected over N5.079 trillion and was on its way to achieving about 10 per cent excess of the 2024 revenue target.

He also said his team increased its work by recording seizures of various prohibited items, with duty-paid value of over N28 billion.

The CG expressed concern over the massive management exit rate, revealing that in 2022, the agency saw 60 per cent of its management exiting; 36 per cent in 2023, adding that 2024 had already witnessed 40 per cent exit and could be much higher at the end of the year.

The Customs CG said he had initiated a Customs University to drive human capital development of the NCS.
CDS deploys troops to Kebbi

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has deployed a contingent of soldiers to the troubled Augie local government of Kebbi State to dislodge members of the new terror group, Lakurawa.

Recall that the terror group killed no fewer than 17 persons at Mera village in the local government area last week.

The deployment was a sequel to a Save Our Soul, SOS, message by Kebbi State governor, Dr Nasir Idris, for immediate support to stop the carnage being perpetrated by the new terror group.

The troops, equipped with armoured tanks and lethal weapons on arrival, met with the deputy governor of the state, Senator Umar Tafida, before heading to Mera where they immediately swung into action and rescued all the rustled cows abandoned by the armed group due heavy military high firepower.

According to the media aid to the governor, on communication and strategy, Abdullahi Idris Zuru, the deployment is inevitable as the new armed groups are making life unbearable for the rural populace who are citizens of Kebbi State.

‘’The governor in his oath, pledged to guarantee the security of lives and property of people of Kebbi State wherever they are, hence the reason to seek the central government’s help to stem terrorism in all parts of the state,’’ the governor’s aide said.

In a statement released to mark the United Nation’s World Diabetes Day slated for November 14, the National President, DAN, Dr. Ejiofor Ugwu, said that 30,000 to 40,000 Nigerians die annually from the condition.

According to Dr. Ugwu, “About 6-8 million Nigerians (5.7 percent) have diabetes. This figure represents the tip of the iceberg, as two-thirds of diabetes cases in Nigeria are still undiagnosed due to a lack of routine screening. Diabetes kills an estimated 30,000? 40,000 Nigerians annually. Managing diabetes in Nigeria is faced with a lot of challenges, including a high level of poverty, low diabetes awareness, shortage of manpower especially diabetes specialists, unhealthy cultural and religious beliefs, and inadequate diabetes care facilities. In the past one year, the cost of diabetes medications and consumables has gone astronomically high, beyond the reach of most patients. Insulinvial for instance, which used to cost about N4,000 now sells for about N18,000, representing over 400 percent increase. This poses a significant barrier to optimal diabetes care in Nigeria as majority of patients can no longer afford care, resulting in increased diabetes complications and premature deaths.”

On the way out, he said, “The Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, subsidize diabetes medications and consumables to make them more affordable to the teeming population of people living with diabetes in Nigeria. DAN recommends a complete tax waiver in the importation of diabetes medications and consumables Sugar sweetened beverages tax, which was stopped in June 2024, needs to be revived, and there should be legislation to channel the funds accruing from it to diabetes and related noncommunicable disease prevention.

There is a need for a well-conducted national survey on noncommunicable diseases as soon as possible. This will provide accurate data to guide health care policymaking,” he said

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, ordered the suspension of the students based on a viral video showing some students of the school engaging in acts of bullying.

Alausa reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across the country.

According to him, a recent report received by the Federal Ministry of Education highlighted the bullying incident at the FUC, Enugu, which raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment.

The report read, ”The findings of the ministry, the incident involved the gang assault of an SS1 student (a day student) by a group of students on Nov. 7.

”The incident came to light showing the circulation of a disturbing video on social media platforms.

”In response, the Federal Ministry of Education established a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.

”Based on the findings, all 13 students involved have been placed on a six-week suspension pending the report of the investigative committee.”

The minister also directed the School Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including possible affiliations with external groups.

He added that immediate measures have been implemented to enhance security at the College by engaging law enforcement agents while also reviewing existing safety protocols.

”Additionally, counseling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address all forms of problems while promoting their reintegration into a positive school environment,” he said.

IPMAN also revealed that the price of petrol from the $20 billion Lekki-based plant was N940/litre and N990/litre when purchased using ships and trucks, respectively.

Our correspondents further gathered that the independent oil marketers might not import petrol again following the deal to begin direct lifting from the Dangote refinery.

Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, IPMAN President, Abubakar Garima, said the pump prices of petrol at its retail outlets will drop following the agreement with the Dangote refinery to lift products directly from the plant

On Monday, IPMAN agreed with the Dangote refinery to directly lift petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products.

This agreement follows months after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation suspended its plan to serve as the sole off-taker of petroleum products from the 650,000 barrels per day refinery.

The IPMAN president explained that the Dangote refinery had been obliged to allow marketers to lift PMS, AGO, and DPK directly for onward supply to their depots and retail outlets but didn’t reveal the price.

Giving an update on pricing during the interview, the IPMAN national officer said the Refinery has provided two different rates for marketers based on their preferences.

He said marketers can load at the gantry at a price of N990 per litre or N940 through vessel transportation.

Garima said, “Presently, we have been given two different arrangments on how to buy fuel from the refinery. There is the one that we can load the vessels and carry to our various depots at the rate of N940 per litre. Then for the depots, it is at the rate of N990 per litre.

“The difference is because we have to load it and carry it to another part of the state. We use vessels to carry these products and there is another one to load from the gantry.

“For Port Harcourt, Warri, Calabar, we have to use vessels because there is no Dangote loading gantry there, we have to carry it to our private depot and discharge and distribute it to our members.”

Checks by our correspondent showed that the new price is lower than the N960 and N990 per litre revealed by the refinery for ships and trucks last week.

Garima noted that the collaboration aims to ensure a consistent and affordable supply of Premium Motor Spirit and other products nationwide.

He further projected that the petrol price may be reduced by N50 or more, depending on the location of purchase.

Garima explained that direct purchases from the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery will eliminate payments to intermediaries, such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and depot owners.

According to him, this reduction in costs will be reflected in the prices of petrol within the coming weeks.

“We have the overall market in the country. We go everywhere in the country. The implication goes beyond the issue of price, but still, price is the main target.

“The masses are looking for how we, Independent Petroleum Marketers, can reduce price for them. So the price too will reduce because we are not buying through the third party.

“So the profit that we have been giving to the third party like NNPC and depot owners will be reduced. That is the issue.

“For instance, the current price in Maiduguri now is N1,200 per litre. So with these current changes, it may likely reduce to N1,150, which there is a reduction of N50. So that’s N1,150. It may even be below that.

“And as we continue, you know, this thing, since it’s deregulation. Yes. As we continue. It can go down. It can go down continuously because, provided that the product is available, you may find that the market will come a little bit low, and then the naira will start appreciating. And then if the crude oil price is reduced, automatically, the same thing will be reduced.

Garima also highlighted that this arrangement will help end fuel scarcity, as products will be more readily available.

“Again, the availability is also there. If a marketer pays for a product before, these retailers hold our money before supplying us with fuel. That’s the reason why you may find sometimes these filling stations don’t have fuel.

“But now, since we are getting the product directly from the Dangote refinery, the issue of delay is eliminated. Immediately, we get the product, we discharge to our filling stations,” he added.

Furthermore, Garima revealed that the NNPC has begun settling its N4bn debt owed to marketers.

“The NNPC has been paying our money back. We have been loading. Our money with them is reducing drastically. That one is not a problem for us now.

“The only thing still is that there are some remaining balances that they have not been able to pay our marketers to load the products. I spoke with the MD retail of NNPC and he told me that our balance will soon be sorted out,” Garima said.

On how much Nigerians will purchase, he said, “With this recent development, definitely anywhere you go, you will find that at the end of the day, we have the lowest price.”

Confirming this, the IPMAN National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, has stated that the association has started the completion of the necessary documentation to begin lifting products.

Ukadike, in an exclusive interview, also confirmed that the product would be purchased in bulk on behalf of its members.

He said, “For now, we are going to be doing it comprehensively, in an off-taker manner. All independent marketers will be buying from Dangote as directed by our president.

“We are still putting together our papers on when to start loading as quickly as possible, but the gig now is that we have been granted permission to load.”Meanwhile, the IPMAN Vice President, Hammed Fashola, told one of our correspondents that if petrol is available locally, there is no need for importation any more.

Fashola recalled that IPMAN had made it clear right from the start that it would support the Dangote refinery and that the new agreement would be a win-win for all.

“We have set it from the onset that we are ready to work with Dangote. We need to encourage him. We are very conscious of that. Based on this, we believe it is going to be a win-win situation for both Dangote and IPMAN. I am sure the price will be reasonable. We are just after the price. Once the price is okay for us, we are good to go,“ he stated.

As of the end of October, 24 states had yet to start implementation, despite the Federal Government’s promise to organise labour for it.

It will be recalled that during the meeting on October 17 in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, the government promised to summon a meeting of the economic council to impress governors on implementing the new minimum wage signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in August.

However, at the end of October, only 12 of the 36 state governments were implementing the new minimum wage.

The states include Edo, Anambra, Adamawa, Ogun, Delta, Ebonyi, Abia, Kebbi, Kogi, Borno, Gombe and Jigawa.

Anambra State, which promised to implement the minimum wage in October, did not pay but the government, it was gathered, added N40,000 to staff’s October salaries, pending when the templates for implementation of the new minimum would be agreed between the government and organised labour.

While states such as Lagos, Ondo, Bayelsa, Kano, Niger and Kaduna, have promised to start implementation this month (November), Osun, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, and Imo states, have not given any date to start implementation.

Similarly, Ekiti, Sokoto, Benue, Bauchi, Plateau, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Taraba, Yobe, and Katsina, have remained silent on the N70,000 new minimum wage.

Ondo State

In Ondo State, the state government said implementation of the N73,000 it promised workers will start this month (November).

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, gave the assurance during during this year’s Public Service week celebration in Akure, this week.

Aiyedatiwa declared that the new minimum wage is a settled matter and a testament to his administration’s focus on improving the quality of life for the state’s workforce.
“Anything we have done for civil servants has never been politically driven. If workers are not happy, they won’t be encouraged to put in maximum effort into their work. That is why we have always prioritised their welfare,’’ he said.

Osun State

Osun State is yet to announce how much it would pay as new minimum wage in the state.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government is still negotiating with labour unions in the state.

He disclosed that the committee, headed by the governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr Kazeem Akinleye, and labour leaders in the state, has a mandate to recommend to the government on consequential adjustment arising from the minimum wage law.

The commissioner added that the state Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke will soon complete its assignment for necessary approval by the governor.

He said: “The committee approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke, has been working assiduously to conclude the assignment without hitch”.

Ogun State

Though, Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved N77, 000 as minimum wage for civil servants in the state, with effect from October, 2024, Vanguard reliably gathered that the governor reneged on his promise of paying it.

Some of the civil servants who spoke with Vanguard in Abeokuta, claimed government only added N42,000 to the salary they were receiving across board.

However, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, dismissed the report as a rumour, insisting that the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, the state’s Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, and all labour leaders in the state were at the meeting where the N77,000 was agreed on.

Ekiti State

Speaking with Vanguard, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Ekiti State, Kolapo Joshua, said members of the committee set up by the state government have met to fashion out modality for payment of the new minimum wage.

He assured that the state government would not pay below N70,000 but the government is yet to announce the figure it will pay.

Oyo State

Similarly, Oyo State Government approved a minimum wage of N80, 000 for the state workforce.
In a statement by Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Technical Committee set up by the state government recommended and got approval from Governor Seyi Makinde for implementation of the new salary scale.

However, no date has been set for commencement.

According to Prince Oyelade, the new minimum wage “will be implemented as soon as the consequential adjustments process is completed by the committee which comprises government and top labour officials.”

Lagos State

In Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state would commence payment of N85,000 approved minimum wage to workers effective from July 29, 2024, with the implementation to commence in November, 2024.

The chairperson, Lagos State Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, LSPSJNC, Olusegun Balogun, and Secretary, Toba Odumosu, disclosed this in a statement jointly signed last weekend.

South-South

In the South-South, workers have started receiving the new minimum wage in Edo, and Delta states, out of the six states in the region.

Edo State, which heralded the payment after former Governor Godwin Obaseki announced an increase in the previous N40,000 wage in May 2024, currently pays N70,000 to workers, while the Delta State government pays N77,500.

The Rivers State government approved N85,000 minimum wage just as Akwa Ibom State authorized N80,000, but none has commenced payment.

Bayelsa State Government announced that the N80,000 minimum wage to workers would take off on November 1.

The Cross River State government has not announced a new minimum wage for its workers, but officials said negotiations on the N70,000 minimum wage were ongoing.

Edo State

Edo State outgone Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, said the N70,000 minimum wage to workers was in fulfilment of Obaseki’s pledge when he announced the increase from N40,000 in May.

Delta State

The Chief Press Secretary to Delta State Governor, Festus Ahon, told Vanguard that the state government commenced payment of the new minimum wage in October.

He said: “We are paying N77,500. We have a high workforce of over 55,000 workers. Even at the local government level, we also have a huge workforce. When you add this together, we have over 80,000 workers.

“In line with his MORE Agenda, the governor has advised chairmen of the 25 local government councils in the state to implement the new minimum wage effective November.”

Akwa Ibom State

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State announced N80,000 as minimum wage for Akwa Ibom State workers and constituted an implementation committee with a one-month deadline to determine how the wage increase should be executed.

The committee, headed by the state’s Head of the Civil Service, included the Accountant General, state Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, state chairmen of the NLC, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, among others.

There is no word yet from the committee on commencement date.

Rivers State

In Rivers State, no date has been announced by the government for commencement of implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage promised by the government.

With just about a month to Christmas, civil servants in Rivers State are eagerly awaiting implementation of the new minimum wage of N85,000 approved by Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.

The Head of Service of the state, George Nwaeke, announced that Fubara granted the approval during a closed-door meeting with labour leaders and senior government officials.

Cross River

The Chief Press Secretary to Cross River State Governor, Gill Nsabasi, said the state government is still paying the N40,000 the governor, Senator Bassey Otu, announced on May Day this year.

He disclosed that negotiations were ongoing on the N70,000 the federal government and labour agreed,

“Once negotiations are concluded, the payment of the new minimum wage will commence,’’ Nsabasi stated.

South-East

Report from the South East, indicates that while states such as Ebonyi State is paying N75,000, Anambra promised to begin implementation in October, but failed to do so, though still paying N40,000 across board to all civil servants in the state.

Abia State started implementing in October, while Enugu State is implementing N80,000.

Imo State government agreed to pay the minimum wage, but the government said it is working out modalities for payment with labour.

Kano State

In Kano State, the implementation is expected to begin this November. Findings show that Kano State government has added N1,000 to the approved minimum wage, taking it up to N71, 000 as the least pay for the lowest worker in the state, with effect from this month.

Niger State

In the same vein, Niger State government announced N80,000 as minimum wage for all categories of its workers effective November.

The state governor, Muhammed Bago, who announced this, did not, however, state whether he would pay arrears to workers.

Kaduna State

Similarly, workers in Kaduna are to enjoy N2000 more than the national wage of N70,000, based on the approval given by Governor Uba Sani for Kaduna State civil servants, with effect from November 2024.

A statement issued by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Malam Ibraheem Musa, said the decision is in line with advancement of the interests of workers and improvement in the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable and underserved in Kaduna State.

Kebbi State

The Kebbi State government stated implementing in October. Governor Nasir Idris approved and paid N75,000 as minimum wage to workers in the state.

Workers in Kebbi state received the new minimum wage after Governor Idris signed the edict giving effect to the new pay structure in the presence of the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, and also directed the 21 local government councils in the state to pay the same to their workers.

Kogi State

Kogi State also started implementing of the new wage in October. Governor Usman Ododo announced the commencement of the payment of N72,500 minimum wage approved for workers in the state earlier in October.

Borno State

In Borno, Governor Babagana Zulum has started payment of N77,000 as minimum wage to its workers, with effect from October.

Jigawa State

In Jigawa State, jubilant workers got new salary alerts from their banks last Friday (November 1) and started praising the state governor for the payment.

Adamawa State

However, in Adamawa State, the payment started as early as August this year as the governor approved implementation as soon as the federal government sanctioned the new pay.

Nasarawa State

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa has approved the payment of N70,000 minimum wage to civil servants in the state.

However, Senior Special Assistant to Governor on Public Affairs, Peter Ahemba, said a commencement date will be finalised with labour soon.

Kwara State

Kwara State government commenced the payment of the news minimum wage of N70, 000 to its workers in October but that did not cover parastatals in the state.

While the state government attributed the lapses to the ongoing data process which did not capture workers in the parastatals before the payment, Vanguard gathered from the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress that it was due to paucity of funds.

Gombe State

In Gombe State, it was gathered that implementation started in October.

However, the fate of workers in Sokoto, Benue, Bauchi, Plateau, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Yobe and Taraba states, receiving the new minimum wage still hangs in the balance as the governments have remained silent on the matter.

Labour fumes, threaten recalcitrant states

Reacting to the development, one of the leaders of NLC said Organised Labour had given December 1 strike notice to make governance difficult for states unwilling to pay the new wage of N70,000.
An NLC official told Vanguard yesterday that “organised labour, especially the NLC, is eagerly waiting for December 1 to take on recalcitrant states.

“We want to use this medium to sound a very serious warning to states that do not want to pay. In fact, they do not have a choice. The earlier they conclude arrangements and start implementing, the better for them.

‘’It is a law and all of them are enjoying improved revenue from removal of fuel subsidy, among others.

‘’From our records, only about 12 states are implementing, while about six other states promised to pay in November. It is not about promises; it is about action by implementation. Mind you, the state must fully implement, not partial implementation.

‘’It is not about paying state public workers and not extending payment to local government employees. Once we get report of no compliance, we shall descend on such a state.

Dec 1 strike notice

Recall that NLC had directed state councils where the N70,000 new minimum wage is not being implemented in full to begin an indefinite strike from December 1, 2024.

NLC in a communiqué by its President, Joe Ajaero at the end of its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Port Harcourt Rivers State, said: “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

“This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amid rising economic hardship.

‘’It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers who are being exploited by the very leaders who swore to protect them.

“The NEC, therefore, resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will, among others, commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.

“Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria. To this end, all state councils where the national minimum wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November, 2024, have been directed to proceed on strike, beginning from the 1st day of December, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have.”

Non-implementation, a violation of human rights — Wabba

Meanwhile, immediate past President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, has described states dragging their feet on the N70,000 minimum wage as violators of human rights.

In an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, monitored by our correspondent yesterday, Wabba said it is common knowledge that since the President signed the minimum wage bill into law, the N70,000 minimum wage had become law in Nigeria.

“From the day the President signed, this shows the law becomes effective, with immediate effect and shall be applied to all categories of workers.

“Many states have implemented the new wage. In Borno State, the governor announced and implemented it, including that of teachers. But there are other states where there’s even no sign of when they would implement the new salary wage.

“Everyone knows the sorry state of the Nigerian economy. Workers have been pushed to the wall, it has even reached an extreme, “ he lamented.

The incident, which centers around allegations of preferential treatment during Bobrisky’s jail time, has sparked discussion about systemic issues within Nigeria’s institutions.

Bobrisky, who recently served jail time over naira abuse, claimed in a viral audio clip that he had paid certain officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to secure special privileges while in custody.

The audio clip, which circulated widely, prompted public outcry and raised questions about corruption and accountability within the correctional system.

Tunji-Ojo, while speaking on Tuesday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, highlighted the broader implications of the incident, calling it a “reflection of institutional issues.”

He explained the disciplinary procedures involved in addressing such allegations, stating, “There are disciplinary procedures; you have to go through the board; you don’t just take action. Of course, somebody as high as an ACG who was found culpable of giving those verbal instructions in this regard has been suspended. This is because we said we are not going to shield anybody.”

The minister confirmed that a report has been submitted to the appropriate board, and a copy has been shared with the NCoS to initiate disciplinary actions.

“The report is with the board; we have sent a copy to the service themselves because disciplinary actions must start,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo stressed that institutional reform is essential to prevent future occurrences of similar issues.

“We cannot transfer today’s problem to the future,” he remarked.

Vanguard News

He put it this way: “As we speak, we are grappling with electricity. If you see some of the investigations we are carrying out within the power sector, you will shed tears.

“People were awarded contracts to supply electricity equipment. Instead of using what they call 9.0 guage, they will go and buy 5.0.

Every time you see the thing tripping off, the thing gets burnt, and all of that, it falters and it collapses. It’s part of our problems.”

Olukoyede made the revelation during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes to the EFCC’s headquarters in Abuja, today.

Furthermore, stressed the importance of collaboration between the Commission and lawmakers to combat financial crimes effectively.

One of the key areas of concern, according to Olukoyede, is the power sector, where corrupt practices have been undermining the country’s infrastructure.

It was at this point the EFCC boss revealed that some contractors awarded contracts to supply electricity equipment were involved in cutting corners.

He said they were using substandard materials that have contributed to the frequent power outages and system failures.

This, he said, is one of the many examples of how corruption in critical sectors is holding back the country’s development.

Olukoyede also discussed the EFCC’s new strategic focus on asset tracing and recovery, which he credited for the agency’s successes over the past year.

Furthermore, he revealed that “For every 10 Naira recovered, perhaps 30 or 40 Naira may have been stolen.

“If we recover about 440 billion Naira and several billions of dollars in a year, imagine the total amount siphoned from our system. That’s the unfortunate reality.

“Thus, we are focusing on prevention. Over the last year, we have established a new directorate for risk assessment and control.

“To recover 10 Naira, you may spend between 4 and 5 Naira. But to prevent 10 Naira from being stolen, you spend less than 1 Naira, based on our research and experience.

“Prevention is, therefore, the more effective way to combat corruption.

“We need more resources to carry out our mandate effectively. Our staff are underpaid, and we need to improve their welfare.”

Reacting, Ginger Onwusibe, Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Crimes, expressed the committee’s readiness to support the EFCC through legislation and improved budget allocations.

Onwusibe also urged the Commission to enhance its operational capacity and strengthen collaborations with other agencies and development partners to improve accountability and efficiency in the fight against corruption.”

Vanguard News

Musk became a key ally to Trump during his campaign, reportedly spending over $100 million to help the Republican win and repeatedly boosting Trump’s candidacy on X, the platform he owns.

Trump said Musk and another stalwart ally, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, would lead a “Department of Government Efficiency (‘DOGE’)” a tongue-in-cheek reference to an internet meme and cryptocurrency.

“Together, these two wonderful Americans will pave the way for my Administration to dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal Agencies,” Trump said in a statement.

He said the department “will provide advice and guidance from outside of Government,” a move that could allow Musk to avoid disclosing his financial holdings.

In a post on X, Musk said the department’s actions will be published online “for maximum transparency” and will include a “leaderboard for most insanely dumb spending of your tax dollars.”

“This will be both extremely tragic and extremely entertaining,” Musk wrote.

Trump, 78, is set to make a triumphant return to Washington on Wednesday, meeting President Joe Biden in the Oval Office.

He may also visit the US Capitol where his party has won a narrow majority in the Senate and is poised to retain control of the House of Representatives.

With just over two months until he takes office, Trump is moving quickly to consolidate an extraordinary comeback.

Governments worldwide are scrutinizing Trump’s picks for signs of how closely the incoming administration will stick to his promises of an isolationist foreign policy, harsh crackdowns on illegal immigration, and persecution of people he perceives as enemies.

Chairman Presidential Committee on Fiscal and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele revealed this in an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy.

Oloyede explained that all taxes would be cut down to single digits when the ongoing reforms are concluded.

A single-digit tax system allows less than 10 taxes to be paid by citizens or businesses within a period of time.

He noted that his committee has put a framework in place to enhance cooperation between tax authorities and states in terms of data, tax intelligence and capacity building.

“Our hope is when we are done with our reforms, all the taxes will be down to single digit,” Oyedele said.

He said, “We want to be able to let the authorities trained on tax matters collect taxes while others focus on primary mandates and watch the economy grow in a way that benefits everyone,” Oyedele stated.

“The Nigerian tax administration bill is our term to try and put registration of taxpayers, filing of returns, assessment, doing tax audit, and using technology for tax administration. We are engaging with legislators and we believe that Nigerian lawmakers have concerns and we want to summarise the bill for them,” Oyedele further said.

He noted that the Nigerian tax system is one of the most backward in the world, describing the situation as ‘embarrassing.’

“We are in 2024, and anything that will stop the reforms of Nigeria’s tax system will be really sad and I think we can work out the differences for the process to continue and for the bills to be enacted.”

On his X account on Monday, Oyedele also said the federal government will reduce the overall tax burden on Nigerians while still ensuring that enough revenue is generated in the country.

“The plan is to reduce the overall tax burden, not increase it. By simplifying the tax system, harmonising taxes and addressing impediments to investments, the reforms will boost economic activities and therefore enhance revenue generation for all tiers of government,” Oyedele said.

He outlined strategies the government will be implementing to ensure that tax revenue increases without raising the tax burden. Such strategies include: the removal of disincentives to business formalisation, use of technology, data for intelligence, and tax simplification.

“This will ensure that we can raise tax revenue without raising tax burden, through various strategies including removal of disincentives to business formalisation, use of technology and data for intelligence, tax simplification and enhanced administrative capacity. Beyond raising revenue, curbing tax evasion also ensures that there is a level playing field for all rather than implicitly penalising compliant taxpayers and rewarding evaders,” he said.

He noted that the reforms by the government will benefit small and large businesses as there will be a harmonised single levy at a reduced rate.

“Some of the proposals include reduction of corporate income tax rate from 30 per cent to 25 per cent over the next 2 years and elimination of earmarked taxes on companies to be replaced with a harmonised single levy at a reduced rate,” he said.

The development comes following public outcries over multiple and increasing taxation by the President Tinubu’s administration.

The EFCC’s Chairman, Ola Olukoyede revealed this in Abuja on Monday, while the Senate Committee Chairman on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, Senator Emmanuel Udendeon was on an oversight and pre-budget presentation visit with other members of the Committee to the corporate headquarters of the EFCC.

Olukoyede described currency racketeering and dollarisation as an act of economic sabotage.

He said, “I would also like you to know that part of the economic sabotage is in the area of currency racketeering and mutilation and the dollarization of our economy. There is no country in the world that doesn’t regard its currency as a legal tender.

“We must respect the Naira. As I am talking to you now, our Special Task Force is all over the place and we have brought some sanity in the handling of the national currency. People are still committing the crime, I am aware of that. This year alone, we have procured over 50 convictions on it.”

This is as the commission said it has summoned a Nigerien national, Ibrahim Mohammad, his family, and other guests, over alleged naira abuse at his wedding to Amina Babagana Zannah, in Kano.

The invitation follows a viral video depicting individuals spraying naira notes at the event, drawing public attention and backlash as part of the agency’s ongoing campaign against currency abuse.

Worthy of note is also the ongoing ordeal of popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye popularly known as Bobrisky, who is being prosecuted for naira abuse and other offences.

Speaking further, Olukoyede said ensuring that the commission runs on the wheels of ethics and staff integrity, the EFCC would continue to be transparent in its operations.

“I take the issue of ethics very seriously and I have had cause to dismiss a number of workers on account of it, even as recently as two weeks ago.

Upon my assumption of office in the EFCC, I declared my assets and encouraged all others to do the same”.

Speaking on the records of achievements, he said “I am sure you must read the record of our modest achievements in the last year, particularly in the area of recovery. If you are fighting financial crimes, and you don’t make asset tracking and recovery one of the key issues that you have to embark on with all seriousness, you may not be able to go far.

“I say this because when the perpetrators of these crimes still have access to the proceeds of the crime, they can go to any extent to fight you.

“We are happy to report to you that in the last year, we have done close to N250 billion and several tens of millions of dollars and also quite a number of real estate across the country in asset recovery.

“Within the last year, we have secured close to 3,500 convictions. Some of these convictions are high profile, not minding what some people are saying. When you approve the annual report that we have sent to you, then we can publish it on our website”

Reacting to criticisms of the Commission in some quarters for devoting time to fight cybercrime, the EFCC boss declared that he can’t take his eyes off cybercrime because it constitutes economic sabotage and inflicts reputational damage on the country.

“You are also aware that upon my assumption of office, I identified economic sabotage as a major problem. There is no financial crime that is too small to investigate and prosecute and no one is too big.

“If you refuse to do the small one today, tomorrow they will become big. So, people should stop criticising us for investigating and prosecuting cybercrime.

“Some of these criticisms are coming from legal minds, people who should know better. A crime that has made us lose over $ 500 million in one year and somebody said we shouldn’t do it? You present your Green Passport on a global arena and they mark you out for profiling.”