ROTIMI ADEBAYO

Development Journalist

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

It’s saddening that Labour could go to this extreme. But it is not surprising to the perceptive minds. Labour is harming the Nigerian people they claim to be fighting for. Today, many sick Nigerians could not access medical care at government hospitals. Not even those with critical medical conditions. It appears labour is playing politics by other means. Many of the affiliates of the two central unions, NLC and TUC are members and supporters of the Labour Party. They logically bear ill-will and grudges against the Tinubu administration. What is clear is that the issue they claim to be fighting for cannot be resolved by blackmail or sabotage, they cannot even be resolved by the Federal Government unilaterally. The Labour leaders will still have to return to the negotiating table.

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

TUC, NLC strike action illegal:

“The call to industrial action is premature, ineffectual and illegal. The proposed strike action is also at variance with the order of the National Industrial Court and ongoing mediatory/settlement efforts over issues connected with the subject matter of the order.”__ Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi in a letter to the unions

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

Photos from N’Djamena

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at  the Inauguration of President Mahamat Deby of Chad.
Photo credit: Taiwo Okanlawon

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

Governors Forum warns that N60,000 minimum wage not sustainable

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is in agreement that a new minimum wage is due. The Forum also sympathises with labour unions in their push for higher wages.

However, the Forum urges all parties to consider the fact that the minimum wage negotiations also involve consequential adjustments across all cadres, including pensioners. The NGF cautions parties in this important discussion to look beyond just signing a document for the sake of it; any agreement to be signed should be sustainable and realistic.

All things considered, the NGF holds that the N60,000 minimum wage proposal is not sustainable and can not fly. It will simply mean that many states will spend all their FAAC allocations on just paying salaries with nothing left for development purposes. In fact, a few states will end up borrowing to pay workers every month. We do not think this will be in the collective interest of the country, including workers.

We appeal that all parties involved, especially the labour unions, consider all the socioeconomic variables and settle for an agreement that is sustainable, durable, and fair to all other segments of the society who have legitimate claim to public resources.

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

President Bola Tinubu gave an assurance to Organised Labour that his government is committed to a minimum wage above N60k. But negotiations will continue for the next one week until an agreement is reached. Labour will call a meeting of all its organs. Hopefully the strike will be called off Tuesday. Read the full resolutions of the Tripartite Committee on Monday.

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

PRESIDENT TINUBU'S STATEMENT ON THE KILLING OF SOLDIERS IN ABA

I have received yet another disheartening news of the killing of five  soldiers by suspected militants of the proscribed terrorist organization, IPOB.

The slain soldiers were on peacekeeping duty in Aba, Abia State on Thursday when they were murdered, just two months after a similar tragic incident happened in Okuama in Delta state.

These unwarranted barbaric and evil acts stand condemned and should never be condoned and tolerated in our country.

Our soldiers and the police have the onerous duty to protect all of us from aggressors and non state actors. Hundreds of them  have paid the ultimate price in fulfilment of their duty, while some have experienced the indignity of being manhandled by the people they protect.

They surely do not deserve the mindless attacks by unruly elements in our society.

The federal government will come down heavily against those who have made it a habit to needlessly attack the officers and men of our armed forces.

On no account should anyone, under any guise, have the audacity to kill agents of state.

I want to make it clear that the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the armed forces have the capacity to crush violent non-state actors, making our communities unsafe.

I urge security agencies not only to fish out the masterminds and perpetrators of the Aba attack, but also those calling on people to stay at home. Their action is nothing but a treasonable offence.

The fact that the security forces are exercising necessary restraints should not be mistaken for weakness.

We are working to build a peaceful and harmonious society, but nobody should be under any illusion that the government will not act appropriately when the lives of our officers and men are wantonly taken.

While my condolences go to the families of the five slain soldiers, their colleagues and the leadership of our armed forces, I urge other men and women on peacekeeping duty not to  be discouraged by the unfortunate incident in Aba.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria

June 1, 2024

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

LEAKED DOCUMENTS ON FISCAL POLICY PROPOSALS NOT OFFICIAL

The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to two fiscal policy documents in circulation that are being given wide coverage by the mainstream media and social media platforms.

One of the documents titled Inflation Reduction and Price Stability (Fiscal Policy Measure etc) Order 2024 is being shared as if it were an executive order signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The other is a 65-page draft document with the title "Accelerated Stabilisation and Advancement Plan (ASAP), which contains suggestions on how to improve the Nigerian economy. President Tinubu received a copy of the draft on Tuesday.

We urge the public and the media to disregard the two documents and cease further discussions on them. None is an approved official document of the Federal Government of Nigeria. They are all policy proposals that are still subject to reviews at the highest level of government. Indeed, one has ‘draft’ clearly written on it.

According to the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, “It is important to understand that policymaking is an iterative process involving multiple drafts and discussions before any document is finalised.

“We assure the public that the official position on the documents will be made available after comprehensive reviews and approvals are completed."

Emanating from the two documents have been reports second-guessing government's policy on customs tariffs, fuel subsidy and other economic matters.

"The government wants to restate that its position on fuel subsidy has not changed from what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared on 29 May 2023. The fuel subsidy regime has ended. There is no N5.4 trillion being provisioned for it in 2024, as being widely speculated and discussed,” Edun stated.

The Coordinating Minister of the Economy further clarified: “As previously stated by government officials, including myself, President Tinubu announced the end of the fuel subsidy program last year, and this policy remains firmly in place.

“The Federal Government is committed to mitigating the effects of this removal and easing the cost of living pressures on Nigerians.

“Our strategy focuses on addressing key factors such as food inflation, which is significantly impacted by transport costs. With the implementation of our CNG initiative, which aims to displace high PMS and AGO costs, we expect to further reduce these costs.

“Our commitment to ending unproductive subsidies is steadfast, as is our dedication to supporting our most vulnerable populations”.

We call on the media to always exercise necessary checks and restraints in the use of documents that do not emanate from official channels so that the members of the public are properly informed, guided and educated on government policies and programmes.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy

June 6, 2024

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

Lagos-Kano freight services begin on rail

After trial runs moving 40ft import containers from Apapa Port in Lagos to Dala Inland Dry Port in Kano, a distance of 1132 kilometers, the Federal Government will today officially launch the reopening of this corridor for freight.

Minister of Transport Sen. Saidu Ahmed Alkali made this known today in a statement.

“This significant railway route will create numerous opportunities for businesses and facilitate the movement of import and export goods between these crucial regions in the country. It is our intention that this railway service will facilitate the transportation of a substantial number of import and export containers, leading to improvements in transportation services, a decrease in road traffic accidents, lower costs of goods, and a boost to our Gross Domestic Product.

“Our dedication to the continuation and successful conclusion of current projects is guided by the principles outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The President has consistently demonstrated his commitment to providing assistance and support for any initiatives that aim to improve the transportation sector in the country.

“We are confident that if future governments adopt the same forward-thinking political dedication shown by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we can realize the Nigeria we aspire to”.

In the trial run, approximately five locomotive drivers changed stations at Ibadan, Offa, Mokwa, Minna, and Kaduna Junction.

“Through the Nigerian Railway Corporation @info_NRC , we have implemented a regular inspection mechanism to prevent potential vandalism of rail tracks, including the removal of clips and fish plates”, Alkali said.

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

Tinubu names Abuja Highway after Wole Soyinka

President Tinubu has named the Arterial Road N20 from Northern Parkway to Outer Northern Expressway (ONEX) as Professor Wole Soyinka Highway as recommended by the FCT administration. In naming the road after the distinguished playwright, poet and novelist who clocks 90 on 13 July, President Tinubu said Soyinka was the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize. He said Soyinka has brought honour and fame to Nigeria.

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

President Tinubu’s diplomatic shuttles: a programme to watch tonight.

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

I have been in a traffic gridlock on Lekki-Ajah road since 3pm. This is 10.10pm, I am not near home yet. What mess of a city!

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

Statement by the Tripartite Committee on Minimum wage

6.6 Recommendations of a New National Minimum Wage

6.6.1 The Proposed New National Minimum Wage

Having critically examined the National Minimum Wage using all necessary parameters, and having applied the social, economic and political considerations, as well as relevant ILO Conventions and international best practices, the Committee agreed that:

(i) there is need for an upward review of the present National Minimum Wage;

(ii) the advantages of the upward review of the National Minimum Wage outweigh the disadvantages; and

6.6.2 in view of the above, the Committee kindly invites Mr. President to:

i. note that the Committee adopted the motion proposing N62,000 (sixty-two thousand naira) per month as a new National Minimum Wage having considered all other factors; and

ii. note that the Organised Labour insisted on N250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand) per month

Recommendation
The Committee hereby presents (a). N62,000 (sixty-two thousand naira) per month as agreed by Government and Organised Private Sector (OPS) with policy incentives and other conditions made by States and the Organised Private Sector; and (b) N250,000.00 (two hundred and fifty thousand) per month as offered by the Organised Labour (OL) as the recommended new National Minimum Wage for consideration.

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), says Nigeria’s current account balance has experienced a surplus of $1.432 billion in 2024. 
IMF in a report, ‘World Economic Outlook Database’ noted that the increase in the Federal Government’s account for the period was an improvement from the $1.21 billion surplus recorded in 2023.

In 2024, Nigeria’s gross national savings increased to 26.32 percent of Gross Domestic Product, up from 24.61 percent in 2023. Total investment also rose to 25.75 percent of GDP in 2024, compared to 24.28 percent in 2023, according to the report.

A country’s current account balance represents the combined total of its trade balance, net income, direct transfers, and asset income, providing a comprehensive picture of its international economic transactions.

Nigeria’s Current Account Balance Above $1.432bn, Says IMF https://t.co/UDwwVxQeI0 via @FINANCIAL TRUST

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT

PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF GOVERNING BOARDS OF TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

President Bola Tinubu has directed a total and comprehensive review of the recently announced governing boards of tertiary institutions in Nigeria before the inauguration and retreat being planned for the nominees.

The Federal Ministry of Education recently released names of nominees for chairmen, Pro-Chancellors, and members of the boards and councils of universities, Polytechnics, and colleges of education. It also announced that the inauguration and retreat for the nominees will take place on 31 May.

However, public reactions showed that the nominations did not reflect the federal character of the country as some states got just one nomination, while some others got many.

The President, in directing a complete review of the list of the members of the governing councils, acknowledges the feedback across the country.

President Tinubu is committed to ensuring strict compliance with the principle of federal character as entrenched in the constitution.

The review will also take into consideration national spread and ensure every part of the country is adequately represented.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy

23 May, 2024

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, who came on a short visit on Thursday. President Faye will return to Dakar on Friday

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

STUDENTS LOAN APPLICATION PORTAL OPENS MAY 24th

The management of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) led by its Managing Director, Mr Akintunde Sawyerr are thrilled to announce 24th of May, 2024 as official date for the opening of portal for student loan applications.

This marks a significant milestone in the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) to fostering accessible and inclusive education for all Nigerian students.

Through the portal, students can now access loans to pursue their academic aspirations without financial constraints.

The portal provides a user-friendly interface for students to submit their loan applications conveniently.

We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their future and contribute to the growth and development of our nation.

Students can access the portal on https://t.co/Pcj8EAcmbX to begin application.

For more information and assistance, please contact NELFUND via email on [email protected] or contact us via our social media handles.

Signed:

Nasir Ayitogo
Media and Public Relations Lead,
Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)
16/05/2024

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

No plan to tap pension fund illegally: Finance Minister Wale Edun

The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, has responded to reactions on government’s plan to tap into the N20 trillion Pension Fund to finance infrastructure and housing.

“It has come to my notice that there are stories making rounds that the federal government plans to illegally access the hard-earned savings and pension contributions of workers. Nothing could be farther from the truth.”

“The federal government has no intention whatsoever to go beyond those limitations and go outside those bounds which are there to safeguard the pensions of workers.”

In a press statement on Thursday in Abuja, Edun said in using the funds, government will adhere to established regulations governing pension funds.

“It is an ongoing conversation, a challenge and a test for the best and brightest in the financial industry to come up with solutions that while safeguarding the long-term savings of workers, do provide an avenue that can help to boost growth in the economy,” Edun said.

[Dele Alake @AlakeDele]

I met with 32 state governors to establish a joint committee to address mining issues, emphasizing the importance of collaborative federalism.

During the meeting, hosted by the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, Kwara State Governor AbdulRasak Abdulrahman, I spoke about the federal government's commitment to partnering with states to enhance the mining sector.

It was stressed that solid minerals fall under the exclusive legislative list, and states should seek approval from the ministry before making policy decisions on mining activities within their jurisdictions.

I encouraged the state governors to apply for mining licenses to become key stakeholders in the industry, ensuring both revenue generation and environmental preservation.

I also highlighted the formation of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) with significant state representation as a step towards effective management of mining activities.

Ultimately, we agreed to enhance engagement and develop a cooperative strategy to overcome obstacles hindering progress in the mining sector.

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday received letters of Credence from three ambassadors: Ambassador Mersole Jala Mellejo from Republic of Philippines, Mr Isaak Keen Parashina, high Commissioner of Kenya and Ambassador Edourad Nduwimana from Republic of Burundi. The ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, Abuja

[Bayo Onanuga, OON, CON @aonanuga1956]

The full list of members of the governing councils of Federal tertiary institutions as approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu