News
Labour and Federal Government Clash as N35,000 Wage Award Payments Halt
By Milcah Tanimu
A brewing conflict between organized labour and the Federal Government has emerged as the government reportedly stopped the payment of the N35,000 wage award to workers. This wage award was initially implemented in response to the removal of the fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu to alleviate the financial burden on workers.
**Background of the Wage Award**
In September 2023, the Federal Government, through a memo signed by the Chairman of the National Salaries Wages and Income Commission, Ekpo Nta, announced the initiation of the N35,000 wage award for federal workers to mitigate the impact of the subsidy removal. However, recent findings indicate that the payment was made only for September, raising concerns among workers.
**Worker Reactions and Concerns**
Several workers in the Federal Civil Service expressed confusion and frustration as they revealed that they had only received the wage award for September and had not been updated on the situation. The uncertainty surrounding the continuation of the payments has left employees grappling with financial challenges, with some lamenting that their take-home salaries are insufficient to meet their needs.
A civil servant emphasized that citizens should not endure unnecessary suffering, urging the government to address the issue promptly. Additionally, concerns were raised about the lack of official communication from the government regarding the status of the wage award.
**Government’s Response and Reassurance**
The spokesperson for the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, sought to allay fears among civil servants. Mokwa assured workers that the process of paying the wage awards was ongoing and that they would receive their payments. However, there was no specific timeline provided for the resumption of payments.
**Budget Allocation for Wage Adjustments**
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has allocated N1 trillion in the 2024 appropriation budget for minimum wage adjustments, promotion arrears, and severance benefits for civil servants. This budget allocation underscores the government’s commitment to addressing workers’ financial concerns.
**Labour’s Stand and Future Negotiations**
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has not yet initiated negotiations regarding a new minimum wage, but the head of information at NLC, Upah, emphasized that any unilateral action by any party would be presumptuous, contemptuous, and contrary to the law. While negotiations on a new minimum wage are expected to begin soon, the NLC maintains that the process should be a collective effort involving workers, employers, and the government, rather than a unilateral imposition by any stakeholder.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
photo
JUST IN: Even Tinubu moves with too many police escorts – Senator Ndume
-
Uncategorized5 years agoFG, states urged to harness flooding for ranching, others with technology – Agbaje
-
Headlines10 years agoBreaking: EFCC seals Borno House of Assembly, as Hon members take to their heels
-
News11 years agoNigeria Security Operatives Stage Manhunt For Homosexual Perpetrator
-
News9 years agoHow 21-year-old Girl fled community over accusation of lesbianism
-
News10 years agoYobe Gov Moves Against Deputy
-
Opinion7 years ago7 signs she has friend zoned you
-
Technology4 years ago
Online job placement company headhunts women
-
Headlines10 years agoBorno Dep Gov Abducts Another Church Leader