Nigeria’s total fiscal budget for nine consecutive years under the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration grossed N123.45 trillion, a compilation of nine years fiscal budget by Sunday Telegraph showed. In all the nine years, the amount proposed by the executive arm for each budget, and forwarded to the National Assembly for consideration and passage was in most cases, increased above the original threshold proposed by the president. The president in all instances, ultimately signed the upgraded National Assembly’s version. Under the APC administration, the January to December budget cycle initiated by the party has been religiously adhered to, thus making budget implementation’ tracking process, a less cumbersome procedure when compared to the budget timeline under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration.

The immediate past president, Muhammadu Buhari, assumed power on May 29, 2015, ending the 16 years of PDP’s administration. The preceding administration of PDP headed by former president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, signed N4.425 trillion budget . Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s maiden fiscal budget in 2016 totaled N6.06 trillion. The Buhari administration began earnest preparation for the 2016 budget in December 2015. He assented to the 2015 Appropriation Amendment Act passed by the National Assembly, extending the 2015 financial year till March 31, 2016; and presented a proposed budget of N6.08 trillion for the 2016 fiscal year to the National Assembly. The National Assembly passed the budget on March 23, 2016, reducing it to N6.06 trillion — but the President withheld his assent and returned the document on grounds that there were “grey areas” that needed corrections. He later signed on May 6, 2016, after the lawmakers had worked on the grey areas.

The 2016 budget was his first and the only time National Assembly reduced a budget proposal presented by Buhari. The following year’s budget, 2017 was N7. 44trillion. It would be recalled that Buhari presented a budget proposal of N7.298 trillion to the National Assembly on December 14, but the Senate which passed it on May 11, jacked it up by N143 billion. However, Buhari was unavailable to sign the 2017 budget. He was in a United Kingdom Hospital, where he was recuperating from illness. The then Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, signed the 2017 budget on behalf of Buhari. Majority of budgets under the APC administration sustained an increased threshold. In 2018 for instance, the approved budget was N9.2 trillion. It was N8.9 trillion in 2019, 2020 fiscal budget was ₦10.594 trillion; N13.6 trillion budgeted for 2021 fiscal year and the 2022 fiscal year was N17. 127 trillion; the sum of N21.83 trillion was budgeted for 2023 while total budget for 2024 is N28.7 trillion .

In 2020, while Buhari proposed a budget of N10.33 trillion, the National Assembly increased it to N10.59 trillion — adding N260 billion. The lawmakers also added N3 billion to the National Assembly Budget, increasing it from N125 billion to N128 billion. Buhari signed the budget as presented to him by the legislative chambers. How- ever, the former always made his mind known whenever the National Assembly altered the original estimate sent to members of the parliament. In 2021, the former president submitted a proposed budget of N13.08 trillion on October 8 2020, but the law- makers increased it by N505 billion to N13.58 trillion. While signing the 2023 Appropriation Bill of N17.126 trillion into law, the former president took a swipe at the National Assembly for effecting changes to the budget. Buhari was displeased with some changes as well as major additions and reductions made by the National Assembly in critical projects ‘without justification’.

The former president highlighted some of the worrisome changes in the budget to include an increase in projected Federal Government independent revenue by N400 billion, reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 bil- lion, and reduction of the provisions for the Non- Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively, all without any explanation. In addition, he expressed his reservations on the inclusion of new provisions totalling N36.59 billion for National Assembly’s projects in the Service Wide Vote, which he said negated the principles of separation of powers and financial autonomy of the Legislative arm of government.

The trend, upping budget threshold by the National Assembly is a continuous process. Under the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 2024 fiscal budget is his maiden budget. On Friday, December 29, 2023, the Senate in- creased the 2024 budget by N1.2trillion, moving the budget from N27.5 trillion to N28.7 trillion. Nevertheless, President Tinubu signed the N28.7 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill into law. He assented to the 2024 Appropriation Bill at a brief ceremony at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Monday. Among those with the President while he signed the documents were the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Tajudeen Abbas. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, witnessed the signing ceremony amongst other top dignitaries of government.

In terms of budget implementation, it varies. According to Budget IT, a non – governmental organization tracking budget implementation, it noted that, a total of N4.39 trillion was spent in 2016 despite the Federal Government’s budgeting of N6.06trillion for the fiscal year — due to the late passage of the budget. “The capital expenditure component of the spending in 2016 was only N173 billion of the projected N1.58trillion. However, some of the capital expenses were carried into the new fiscal year 2017 in line with the clause attached to the Appropriation Act”. “With revenue falling behind target and expenditures significantly flat, the deficit for the year stands at N2.19trillion which is very close to the N2.2trillion projected for the entire fiscal year -meaning deficit numbers may be substantially wider if capital spending of 2017 is considered”, it said.

The administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari claimed to implement 100 percent of capital budgets (capital releases) to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), in 2020 and 2021. Speaking during the unveiling of Nigeria’s scorecard on the 2021 Open Budget Survey, Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr Ben Akabueze, said Nigeria posted its best performance in the open budget survey, improving by 24 points for transparency in the latest survey. “The total transparency score of 45 in the 2021 sur- vey is a significant leap from the 21 scored in the 2019 survey,” he said, noting that the score was the second highest improvement worldwide”.

Some foreign airlines operating in Nigeria on Saturday announced plans to begin the sales of tickets in US dollars, New Telegraph reports.

Industry insiders claim that the airlines have promised to sell dollar tickets in order to clear the backlog of monies they have stashed in Nigeria.

According to sources, the plan was accepted by the Nigerian officials as a win-win tactic to appease foreign airlines that had threatened to withdraw from Nigerian airspace due to the $792 million in funds that were stuck.

Qatar Airlines has commenced the implementation of dollar ticket sales while other foreign airlines will follow suit soonest as activities resume fully in the new year.

Turkish Airlines, Emirate Airlines, British Airways, and a host of foreign airlines recently warned of their imminent exit from Nigeria if funds trapped in the country were not released soon.

In its media briefing held on December 8, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) raised an alarm over the total amount owed by countries in Africa and the Middle East, apportioning over 70 per cent of the total debt owed by Africa to Nigeria.

Kamil Alawadhi, Regional Vice President, of Africa and Middle East, speaking at the press briefing, said, “Nigeria alone accounts for almost half of blocked or trapped funds valued at US$2.57 billion.”

Nigeria’s debt or trapped funds belonging to these foreign airlines is $792 million, just $66 million short of the total trapped funds owed by Egypt ($348 million), and Algeria ($199 million).

Brazilian football legend Mario Zagallo, who won four World Cups as a player and coach, has died aged 92. Zagallo was a winger in the Brazil team who won back-to- back World Cups in 1958 and 1962, starting in both finals. He managed the side widely regarded as the greatest international team of all time, includ- ing Pele, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto, to glory in 1970.

Zagallo’s final World Cup triumph came as Carlos Alberto Parreira’s assistant coach in 1994. He returned as Brazil manager after that tournament and led them to the final in 1998, where they were beaten by hosts France. Zagallo was the first person to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager – a feat that has since been matched by Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer and France’s Didier Deschamps.

“With enormous sadness, we inform you of the death of our eternal four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo,” a statement on his official Instagram account said. “A devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional and a great human being. Giant idol. A patriot who leaves us a legacy of great achievements.”

Africa Footballer of the Year award winner, Victor Osimhen, has said the Super Eagles’ target going to the fast-approaching Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire is for the team to win the ultimate prize. The Napoli of Italy forward during the team’s dinner in Abu Dhabi, the Super Eagles’ camp, where he was honoured by his teammates after winning the award as the best player on the continent, said they are going to do well.

“The most important thing now for us is to go to Ivory Coast and win the trophy,” he said. “I believe in this group, and we have a bunch of talented players to execute the job, fingers crossed, and we are going to do so well.” Nigeria would be seeking their fourth title after winning it in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

The Super Eagles are in Group A alongside host, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau. The Jose Peseiro side will begin their quest for the title with a game against Equatorial Guinea on January 14 before confronting the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire on January 18, before a final group phase clash with the Wild Dogs of Guinea Bissau on January 22.

Their first two matches will hold at the brand-new Stade Alassane Ouattara, while the date with the Wild Dogs will be at the Stade Houphouet-Boigny – where the Eagles tackled Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former Governor of Rivers State on Saturday said despite the ongoing crisis in the state, the people will soon figure out who is in command when it comes to politics.

It would be recalled that Wike has been at loggerheads with his successor, Governor Sim Fubara over undisclosed issues which has also taken a turn on the State House of Assembly.

While President Bola Tinubu had waded into the political crisis rocking the oil-rich state, Wike believes with time, residents of the state will know the real political giants.

Speaking at his country home in Bera, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State on Saturday, Wike in the company of Victor Giadom told the South-South Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state that when the time comes it will all be figured out.

He, however, expressed happiness to have mended fences with his estranged friend, Giadom, who was Commissioner for Works under former Governor Rotimi Amaechi.

He said, “Forget about these hungry noisemakers on the road. When the time comes, we will know who is in charge and who is not in charge. There is a time for everything.

“This is not time for politics. When the time comes, we will know who is who. If you like, abuse me as you want. If you like, employ everybody on social media. I have never bothered myself one day to know who is abusing me.

“Politics will come. We didn’t contest the election based on social media. We spoke to the people; they listened and believed in us.

“Party will come and go and friendship will remain. We have made our mistakes. We are all humans but friendship remains.”

Probes Banks Over Transfer of N44.8bn Meant for NSIP Schemes

Investigating Fraud in Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has recovered about N39.8 billion out of N44.8billion allegedly embezzled from the government account by former National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIPA), Halima Shehu, Newtelegraph report.

This came as the EFCC is currently investigating three second generation banks for their complicity in the illegal transfers of the funds meant for poverty alleviation and other intervention schemes of the current government. Shehu, the sacked National Coordinator of NSIPA in concert with a Director of Finance allegedly signed off N44billion from government account in five days between 27th and 31st December 2023.

Competent sources said the year-end transfer of the N44. 8 billion unspent funds was a regular practice in the Ministry, but discovered this time by Betta Edu, who immediately reported the incident to the EFCC. The former NSIPA boss allegedly transferred the funds to some individual accounts and companies through some commercial banks without any approval from the President or the Federal Executive Council and the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu. Recall that activities of the Ministry under former Minister, Dr. Sadiya Umar Farouq, came under serious criticism over multiple cases of fraud being investigated in respect of government’s intervention funds like School Feeding, Conditional Cash Transfer and N-Power over issues bothering on lack of accountability and transparency, thereby eroding public trust.

Last year, over N10 billion was recovered from various consultants at the resumption of Betta Edu in the Ministry. Meanwhile, as operatives of the EFCC beam searchlight and scrutinise records of funds disbursement by agencies under the Ministry, the Arewa Integrity Group ( AIG) has urged EFCC to be thorough and shun cover up in its investigation exercise.

The Group’s Convener, Al- haji Ibrahim Sambo, at a press conference in Kano yesterday, commended the government for enlisting EFCC to investigate the disappearance of billions of Naira from an agency established to reduce the suffering of the masses. However, AIG was worried that, rather than allow the Federal Government investigation to go on unhindered, there was a well-orchestrated effort to muddle the water and create chaos at the entire ministry.

“This plot is exemplified in a multitude of fake reports in the media seeking to drag the Honourable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, into the mess of the alleged diversion of N44.8 billion from the NSIPA account. As an Integrity group that aligns itself with the Federal Government’s anti-corruption stance, we support the EFCC’s investigation and we believe that anyone involved will be identified and punished according to the law.

“Be that as it may, we are constrained to add that we will not stand idle as corruption fights back and seeks to destroy the reputation of the innocent. From our monitoring of the activities of various officials of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we can confidently state that Dr Betta Edu is one of the high achievers”, AIG Convener said.

“It is common knowledge that the money spent for the national verification of the National Social Register, (NSR), quoted by some critics as evidence of Dr Edu’s collusion in the grand theft at the NSIPA, was approved by President Tinubu and the Federal Executive Council in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda to expand the NSR as well as sanitize its operations. “It is also public knowledge that all the programmes embarked on by the Ministry under the current Minister thus far, including Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, Grants for Vulnerable Groups and others all secured the approval of the President”. Similarly, another group, Northern Zero Corruption Coalition, has urged the EFCC not be intimidated in the current investigation because it touches on the needs of the poor.

The group expressed worries that there was an attempt to implicate Dr. Edu, who within a few months on the ministerial duty, proved to be so transparent and without tribal sentiments.

The National Coordinator, Barrister Shamsu Dandaji, said in a release that, it is on notice that Halima Shehu served on the position between 2017 and 2022 as National Coordinator and until last week as National Coordinator of NSIPA He said: “For over 15 times Betta Edu has visited the North with several humanitarian interventions in Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa, and so many other states, while the South has had her impact over time”.

The former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has dismissed insinuations that the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari‘s administration was a failure.

Ngige made this known on Saturday during an interview with journalists in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State while distributing palliatives to indigenes from the 21 local government areas of the state.

The former Governor of Anambra State insisted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government led by Buhari carried out several projects in the country.

Ngige listed the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, school feeding programmes, and Enugu Airport, among others, as some of the projects carried out by the last administration.

He said, “It is not true that the Buhari administration was a failure. I was part of the government,nt and the administration completed a lot of projects including the Second Niger Bridge, school feeding programme and numerous railways across the country.”

Speaking further, Ngige explained that his faction remains the authentic APC in Anambra, insisting that there was no crisis in the party.

He added, “There is APC one and two in Anambra State. I won’t deny that fact. I am the father of APC here, I am the face of APC in Anambra State and I know for certain that we have newcomers who have been coming since the year 2021 and because the party is like a church, you don’t stop people from entering a church to seek salvation, so also you can’t stop people from entering a party to support government in power.

“We allow everybody but there is a segregation already because the new members don’t want to reckon with the old members who have laboured for the party from the time we were SDP to ACD, AC to ACN and then finally liberated as APC when we collapsed with NNPP and CPC. These are facts, and I don’t like denying things are facts.”

The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Oluwatoyin Madein, has said she did not make any payment on behalf of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation into a private account.

She stated this while reacting to a letter showing a request from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, for the payment of N585 million to a private account named Oniyelu Bridget.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the OAGF spokesman, Bawa Mokwa, Madein explained that although her Office received the said request from the Ministry but it did not carry out the payment.

She stated that her Office does not make payments on behalf of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the government for projects and programmes.

Madein said allocations are released to self-accounting MDAs in line with the budget and such MDAs are responsible for the implementation of their projects and payments for such projects.

The AGF stated that she advised the minister on the appropriate steps to take in making such payments in line with the established payment procedure.

Madein noted that in such situations, payments are usually processed by the affected Ministries as self-accounting entities, and no bulk payment is supposed to be made to an individual’s account in the name of the Project Accountant.

She added that such payment should be sent to the beneficiaries through their verified bank accounts and advised MDAs to always ensure that the requisite steps are taken in carrying out financial transactions.

Madein, therefore, reiterated her determination to uphold the principles of accountability and transparency in the management of public finances.

Naomi Osaka, a globally renowned tennis champion, has not only captivated audiences with her sportsmanship on the court but also emerged as a dynamic entrepreneur. Her ventures into various business reflect her diverse interests and strategic vision. With a reported net worth of $60 million according to Forbes, Osaka has diversified her portfolio beyond tennis, venturing into skincare, talent management, media production, health food, and sports recovery technology.

Here, we explore five key ventures that encapsulate her business acumen:

• KINLÒ: Championing Skincare for Melanated Skin

In 2020, Osaka launched KINLÒ, a skincare brand focused on the needs of melanated skin, a niche often overlooked in the beauty industry. This venture stemmed from her personal experiences and understanding of the specific skincare challenges faced by people with darker skin tones.

The range of products offered by KINLÒ includes specially formulated sunscreens and moisturizers. These products are designed to offer effective protection and nourishment, addressing issues like sun damage, which are more prevalent in melanated skin.

KINLÒ’s success is rooted not just in its products but also in its mission to educate and advocate for better skincare practices for all skin types. Osaka’s involvement goes beyond business; it’s a platform for her to champion inclusivity and community health.

• Evolve: Redefining Talent Management

Osaka, along with her agent Stuart Duguid, founded Evolve in 2022. This talent agency, led by a female athlete, is a pioneering initiative in sports management, particularly focusing on nurturing and representing emerging athletes.

Evolve is more than an agency; it’s a support system for athletes. It provides a range of services, including branding, marketing, and financial management, all tailored to the unique needs of sports personalities.

With Evolve, Osaka aims to bring a change in the athlete representation industry, especially by empowering female athletes and giving them a platform to excel both in and out of their sporting arenas.

• Hana Kuma: Breaking New Ground in Media Production

In partnership with LeBron James’ SpringHill Company, Osaka launched Hana Kuma in 2022. This media venture is a bold step into the world of content creation and distribution.

Hana Kuma focuses on producing culturally relevant and impactful content. It aims to tell diverse stories that resonate with a global audience, reflecting Osaka’s commitment to inclusivity and representation.

This media company not only marks Osaka’s expansion into new business territories but also positions her as an influencer in the media industry, capable of shaping narratives and bringing untold stories to the limelight.

• Sweetgreen: Investing in Health and Wellness

In 2021, Osaka made a strategic investment in Sweetgreen, a brand valued at $3 billion. This move marked her as one of the youngest investors in the company, showcasing her foresight and belief in healthy living.

Sweetgreen’s focus on providing nutritious, sustainable food options aligns with Osaka’s lifestyle and personal values. This partnership underscores her commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle among her fans and the broader public.

As an investor, Osaka plays a significant role in guiding Sweetgreen’s branding and outreach strategies, leveraging her global influence to advocate for healthier food choices.

• Hyperice: Enhancing Sports Recovery and Performance

In 2019, Osaka acquired a stake in Hyperice, a company specializing in sports recovery technology. This decision reflects her understanding of the needs of athletes and her commitment to enhancing sports performance.

Hyperice is known for its cutting-edge recovery products, and Osaka’s involvement has not only added to her business portfolio but also allowed her to influence product development, using her insights as a professional athlete.

Her association with Hyperice is more than an investment; it’s a partnership that helps bridge the gap between athletic needs and technological solutions, reinforcing her position as an influential figure in sports technology.

Osaka’s evolution from a tennis superstar to a multifaceted entrepreneur is a narrative of ambition, insight, and versatility. Her diverse business interests, from skincare to sports technology, highlight her multifaceted persona and her ability to identify and capitalize on unique opportunities. Beyond her financial success, Osaka’s ventures are imbued with a sense of purpose, whether it’s promoting health and wellness or championing inclusivity and diversit

[billionaires.africa] 

The amount the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has disbursed to the States and Local Governments (LGs) increased by 23 per cent, from the total sum of N2.272 trillion they got between February and June 2023, to a total of N2.805 trillion both tiers of governments were allocated between July and November 2023.

Data from FAAC compiled by THISDAY showed that States and LGs received a combined amount of total of N5.078 trillion as allocation for the 10-month period which was between February and November, 2023, even as economic hardship and pressure persists at both tiers of government respectively.

Workers and labour leaders, including some Chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) that spoke with THISDAY, lamented that despite the increased allocation, some governors have not done enough to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on their citizens. They decried the cost of living crisis occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal, just as they said they said they were looking forward to a minimum wage review.

However, the National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, has expressed confidence that the negotiation of a new minimum wage between the federal government and the organised labour would be concluded before March this year.

According to the Minimum Wage law, present national minimum wage of N30,000 would expire by March, 2024.

Ajaero said, “The federal government had through a letter asked the organised labour to release our names to the new minimum wage committee to be constituted.

“Since last year, the list was submitted to the government and it is only when the committee is constituted that we now go into negotiation with the government as a union to agree on it.

“The existing minimum wage will be expiring by March this year, so it is hoped we may conclude the negotiation for a new minimum wage before March.”

Under the current revenue sharing formula, the federal government gets 52.68 per cent of the revenue shared, States get 26.72 per cent while the LG gets 20.60 per cent. The fund is to ensure development at different levels of government and also to enable States and LGs meet their obligations. Unfortunately, most of the LGs are not autonomous and the utilisation of their allocations are determined by the governors.

Beside, oil producing States also get 13 per cent derivation and there is also the revenue from Value Added Tax (VAT) that is shared among the three tiers of government.
It is also worthy to note that the aforementioned amount allocated to the States and LGs exclude intervention from the federal government through cash and other edible items that were distributed to the States to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal.

The data showed that in the 10-month period (February to November, 2023), a total of N12.731 trillion was shared among the three tiers of government. While the federal government got N3.366 trillion within the review period, the 36 States were allocated a total of N2.915.63 trillion and the LGs got a total of N2.154 trillion within same period.

Commenting on the higher revenue allocation, the organised labour under the umbrella of the TUC said Nigerians have continued to suffer economic hardship despite the expected gains in revenue from removal of fuel subsidy by the Bola Tinubu’s administration.

General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nuhu Toro, who spoke on telephone with THISDAY, yesterday, said : “The gains from the removal of fuel subsidy has not impacted positively on the economy and well-being of Nigerians. In this regard, all the promises made by government so far, we have not seen the implementation. We in the organised labour, we are tired of failed promises.”

For the states, Toro said the federal government had promised to allocate N5 billion to each state for provision of palliative to the citizens.

“As we speak, I am aware that federal government has released about N3 billion to the states. I also know that some states have added additional amounts to this fund to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy,” he added.

According to him, limited progress has been made by states in disbursement of the palliative fund through purchase and distribution of grains to the people, disclosing that so far some States have distributed rice, beans, garri, maize, among other foodstuff.

When asked to assess the economic situation especially as it affects workers in the states, the TUC scribe said:” The workers and indeed the masses has been worst of because of the removal of the fuel subsidy poor implementation of palliative by the respective governments at federal, state and local governments.”

He accused the federal government of engaging in what he called policy somersault. For instance, he said the federal government went ahead and announced 50 percent discount on road and railway transportation cost on the eve of the Christmas festivities without even paying workers the N35,000 Wage award as agreed.

“Do they think that people will travel to their villages to go and die of hunger? This is pure policy somersault”.

On what labour intends to do going forward, Toro said that:” We will expect the federal government and respective states to show understanding and put the necessary measures in motion to start negotiation of the new minimum wage.

“As soon the minimum wage committee is set up, we hope to put all the issues on the table and whatever we agree as the new minimum wage must be implemented by the states,” he said.

For his part, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Ondo State, Victor Amoko, hopes that the negotiation of a new minimum wage between the federal government and the organised labour would be finalised as soon as possible.

“Hard times don’t last forever, we believe that we are going to overcome it. For the N35,000 wage award as agreed during a meeting that was held following the removal of fuel subsidy, Ondo State government has commenced the payment in across board in the State. We appreciate the state government for that.

“In Ondo, the government is owing us only one areas of 2017 and our new governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa has promised soonest, sooner than what we expect, the money will be paid. We are looking forward to have that balance any moment from now.”, Amoko said.

In Oyo State, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kayode Martins, admitted that the economic reality has indeed had a toll on the workers.

However, Martins, while speaking with THISDAY said workers in the state have so far received the wage award of N25,000 for three months while pensioners also received N15,000 for three months.

He added that workers in the state also received 13th month salary in December.

Similarly, workers in Sokoto and Kebbi States lamented that they were facing difficult times, notwithstanding the higher FAAC allocations to the States.

Speaking with THISDAY, a member of Sokoto State Chapter of NLC accused the State executive of compromise, saying the exco failed to engage the State government on new minimum wage or award wage in view of economic reality.

“Look at neighbouring State of Zamfara, the Governor paid them 13-month salary, this will go a long way in ameliorating their plight,” the source who pleaded to remain anonymous said.
In Kebbi State, a worker who also spoke on condition of anonymity said the government abandoned them in the State.

However, in Taraba, the Chairman of the TUC, Sule Abasu, told THISDAY that the state government was doing its best to cater for the plight of workers in the state despite the meagre resources at its disposal.

Speaking in the same vein, Chairman of Judiciary Staff Union of Nigerian (JUSUN), Taraba State Chapter, Comrade Mohammed Usman commended the present administration in the state for improving the salaries of workers which according to him has gone a long way to cushion the effect of the bitting economic situation in the country.

Also speaking, Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Taraba state, Comrade Peter Jediel told THISDAY that workers in Taraba state were happy and adjusting to the cost of living crisis.