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PCCI-NCR to convene nation’s top businesses, government leaders at Metro Manila Business Conference 2026

Premier conference to drive solutions on energy, trade, security, AI and regional competitiveness toward a stronger and more resilient ASEAN.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry – National Capital Region (PCCI-NCR) will gather the country’s foremost business executives, government leaders, diplomats, policymakers, investors, and industry experts for the Metro Manila Business Conference (MMBC) 2026, to be held on August 3 to 4, 2026, at the Fiesta Pavilion, The Manila Hotel.

Carrying the theme, “Navigating Energy, Trade, and Security for Resilient Business and Stronger ASEAN,” the two-day conference will serve as the country’s premier platform for advancing policy dialogue, fostering public-private collaboration, and generating practical solutions that will strengthen business resilience, accelerate economic growth, and reinforce ASEAN competitiveness.

As the Philippines continues to navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape shaped by energy transition, geopolitical shifts, digital transformation, and changing trade dynamics, the need for stronger collaboration between government and the private sector has never been greater.

MMBC 2026 responds to this imperative by providing a high-level platform where leaders can exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships and develop forward-looking solutions that will strengthen enterprise competitiveness and position the Philippines as a key driver of growth within the ASEAN region.

Against the backdrop of an increasingly uncertain global economy, MMBC 2026 will serve as the country’s premier platform for strategic dialogue between the public and private sectors. More than a gathering of leaders, the conference is where policies are influenced, investments are catalyzed, and cross-sector partnerships are forged.

By convening the nation’s foremost decision-makers alongside regional and international stakeholders, MMBC 2026 seeks to transform today’s challenges into opportunities that will drive sustainable growth, strengthen economic resilience, and elevate the Philippines’ leadership within the ASEAN community.

The conference will feature a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers and panelists, including Cabinet officials, Metro Manila local chief executives, ASEAN ambassador, business leaders, economists, technology experts, and industry champions who will share their perspectives on today’s most pressing economic issues. Discussions will cover critical areas such as competitive cities, energy security, regional trade and investment, government services for enterprises, organizational development, economic security, artificial intelligence, workforce transformation, and CEO leadership in times of disruption.

Among the conference highlights are:

LGU Leadership Panel on building competitive and investment-ready cities;

Energy Plenary on accelerating the country’s energy transition and strengthening energy security;

ASEAN Ambassador Roundtable on regional trade, investment, and economic integration;

Government Services Forum showcasing programs that accelerate business growth;

Chamber Development Forum highlighting best practices and regional competitiveness across the five PCCI areas;

CEO Fireside Chat featuring some of the country’s most respected business leaders discussing resilience, innovation, and leadership;

Economic Security Forum addressing geopolitical risks, fiscal policy, and national competitiveness; and

AI and Future Workforce Session exploring how businesses can prepare for the rapidly evolving digital economy.

The conference will culminate in the presentation and adoption of the MMBC 2026 Resolutions, reflecting the collective recommendations of the business community to help shape policies that promote investment, innovation, sustainability, and inclusive economic growth. These resolutions will reinforce PCCI’s continuing role as the voice of Philippine business and its commitment to building a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient ASEAN.

For more than three decades, the Metro Manila Business Conference has served as PCCI-NCR’s flagship business forum, convening leaders from government, industry, academia, and the diplomatic community to address emerging challenges, influence policy and create opportunities that advance the country’s economic agenda.

As the conference marks its 34th edition, it continues its legacy of championing dialogue, innovation, and collaboration that contribute to a more competitive Philippines and a stronger ASEAN.

Passport issuance not suspended over centralisation of operations, says Immigration Service

The Nigeria Immigration Service has clarified the ongoing implementation of its Passport Centralization Reform, saying that the Service has not suspended issuance of the documents as a result of the reforms.

The Public Relations Officer of the Service, Akinsola Akinlabi said in a statement issued in Abuja that the clarification became necessary following public enquiries and misconceptions arising from the phased migration of production in passport offices across all the six geopolitical zones in the country to the Central Personalization Centre, Service Headquarters, Abuja.

Akinlabi said the NIS ‘unequivocally states that the migration of production in passport offices to the Central Personalization Centre is purely operational and does not in any way stop the processing and issuance of passport at any passport office within the country’.

He added thar operations are still ongoing at designated Nigeria’s Embassies and Consulates abroad as well.

He explained that the reforms formed part of a broader modernization Programme aimed at strengthening the security, integrity, and efficiency of Nigeria’s passport issuance system.

??’For the record, the Service adopts a five phase migration implementation plan for onboarding passport offices within the country and designated Nigeria’s Embassies and Consulates abroad aimed at minimizing operational risk, service disruption and ensuring scalability’, Akinlabi said.

He gave the breakdown of the phases as

North Central, Plateau (Jos); Benue (Makurdi); Niger (Minna); Nasarawa (Lafia); Kogi (Lokoja)

North East Borno (Maiduguri); Yobe (Damaturu)

Within Africa, Côte d’Ivoire (Abidjan); Ethiopia (Addis Ababa); Egypt (Cairo); Senegal (Dakar); South Africa (Johannesburg); Tanzania (Dar es Salaam); Cameroon (Douala); Liberia (Monrovia); Benin (Cotonou); Uganda (Kampala); Kenya (Nairobi); Sudan (Khartoum)

And the Middle East, Akinlabi said applicants can obtain the documents at UAE (Abu Dhabi); Trkiye (Ankara); Saudi Arabia (Jeddah); Israel (Tel Aviv)

In Europe, applicants can also obtain in

Ireland (Dublin); Ukraine (Kyiv); Russia (Moscow); Sweden (Stockholm), while in

Asia, Thailand (Bangkok); China (Beijing); Hong Kong; Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur); India (New Delhi); South Korea (Seoul); Japan (Tokyo), the documents can be applied for.

In Americas, it is Brazil (Brasilia); Jamaica (Kingston), Oceania it is

Australia (Canberra)

Phase two within Nigeria, which started in March in South East are Enugu; Anambra (Awka); Imo (Owerri); Abia (Umuahia); Ebonyi (Abakaliki), North Central is FCT (Gwagwalada)

In South West it is Oyo (Ibadan, Oyo); Ogun (Abeokuta, Sagamu); Kwara (Ilorin, Offa)

Europe has Italy (Rome); Greece (Athens); Spain (Madrid); Austria (Vienna); Switzerland (Berne)

Phase three started in June with South South

Edo (Benin, Auchi); Delta (Asaba, Warri) and North WestSokoto; Kebbi (Birnin Kebbi); Zamfara (Gusau); Katsina (Katsina, Daura); Jigawa (Dutse); Kaduna (Kaduna, Zaria)

And South West Osun (Osogbo, Ilesha); Ondo (Akure, Ile Oluji); Ekiti (Ado Ekiti) while Europe has France (Paris); Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt); Belgium (Brussels); Netherlands (The Hague)

Phase for started August this year with North East Gombe (Gombe); Adamawa (Yola); Taraba (Jalingo); Bauchi (Bauchi) and North West

Kano (Kano, Dawakin Kudu), while South South has Rivers (Port Harcourt); Cross River (Calabar); Akwa Ibom (Uyo); Bayelsa (Yenagoa)

Phase five is to be completed by the last quarter of this year in South- West Lagos (Ikoyi, Festac, Alausa, Alimosho, Ikorodu), America, US (New York, Atlanta, DC Washington) UK, Canada

‘Under the new operational framework, all passport booklets printing and security personalization have been consolidated into a secure, centralized, and high-capacity production hub in the Service Headquarters Abuja, ensuring passports are produced and dispatched to passport offices across the country and diaspora within a two-week timeframe.

‘Passport offices in the country and designated Nigeria’s Embassies and Consulates will continue to function as passport processing and issuance offices.

‘The reforms eliminates manual intervention in the personalization process, removes document arbitrage, enhances accountability, guarantees uniform quality standards including advanced security features embedded in every Nigerian passport. Applicants should therefore continue to access passport services at their preferred passport offices as usual,’ Akinlabi said.

?He expressed the commitment of the NIS to deploying technology-driven solutions that would improve service delivery, while safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s passport system in line with international best practices.

Lagos govt kits 3,792 with business tools

Lagos State Government has empowered 3,792 residents with business equipment under the 2026 Micro Enterprise Support Initiative (MESI).

It reaffirmed its commitment to poverty alleviation, entrepreneurship and economic inclusion.

Speaking at the empowerment programme in Ikeja, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the initiative reflected his administration’s determination to improve livelihoods by providing residents with the tools needed to establish and grow sustainable businesses.

He said the programme was in line with the state’s THEMES+ Agenda, noting that supporting artisans, traders, women, youths and other small business owners remained critical to strengthening the economy.

The governor said each empowerment package represented an opportunity for beneficiaries to create wealth, become financially independent and contribute to job creation across the state.

Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the equipment, saying the intervention should serve as a foundation for building viable businesses.

He advised them to remain committed, manage the resources responsibly and develop enterprises capable of supporting their families, while creating employment opportunities for others.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, described the initiative as an investment in the future of Lagos residents rather than a mere distribution of equipment.

She said more than 35,000 residents had graduated from the ministry’s tuition-free skills acquisition centres, while nearly 19,000 beneficiaries have received start-up equipment through the MESI programme since the inception of the Sanwo-Olu administration.

Dada added that the ministry had also reached thousands of residents through digital skills training, food support initiatives, agricultural programmes, grants for widows and interventions for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence as part of efforts to promote inclusive development.

The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, commended the state government for sustaining empowerment programmes aimed at improving the standard of living of residents.

He urged beneficiaries not to sell the equipment but to put them to productive use, stressing that the initiative was designed to nurture entrepreneurs and employers of labour.

Items distributed to beneficiaries included sewing machines, catering equipment, hairdressing and barbing kits, photography equipment, agricultural processing machines, deep freezers, popcorn machines, grinding machines and food items for traders.

Sun Life pays out P2 billion in claims as of end-May

Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) Inc. has released more than P2 billion in claims in the first five months of 2026, as well as P1.4 billion in policy maturities, keeping its commitment to its clients.

In a statement, the insurer said this followed the disbursement of more than P5.25 billion in claims in 2025, providing financial support to clients when they needed it most.

The total amount comprises claims paid across Sun Life’s individual and group insurance businesses, as well as its bancassurance operations through Sun Life Grepa Financial Inc. throughout 2025.

The firm also paid P3.17 billion in policy maturities in the past year.

‘Every claim we pay represents a promise fulfilled to a client or family who counted on us during an important moment in their lives,’ Sun Life Philippines country head and CEO JJ Moreno said.

‘It reflects our commitment to providing financial support when it matters most,’ Moreno added.

Sun Life said claims and maturity payments reflect the company’s enduring role in providing financial support and peace of mind through life’s important moments.

The insurer booked P61.81 billion premium income as of end-December 2025, according to its unaudited financial statement posted on the Insurance Commission’s website. It also reported a net income of P10.23 billion last year.

Philippines launches first Women and Children’s Crisis Center

A landmark partnership among Congress, government agencies, the city government of Muntinlupa and the private sector formally launched the country’s first Women and Children’s Crisis Center on Aug. 3 at The Haven for Women Compound in Alabang, Muntinlupa.

The pioneering initiative underscores President Marcos’ priority to strengthen mental health services, as highlighted in his State of the Nation Address, while expanding protection and holistic support for vulnerable sector members.

The center is spearheaded by Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Gina de Venecia and Bulacan 4th District Rep. Linabelle Villarica, co-presidents of the Association of Women Legislators Foundation, Inc., together with project chairperson Bukidnon 3rd District Rep. Audrey Zubiri and the Lady Legislators of the House of Representatives of the 20th Congress, in partnership with the Senate.

Joining the collaboration are the Department of Social Welfare and Development led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the Department of Health under Secretary Brix Pujalte, the Department of Public Works and Highways led by Secretary Vince Dizon, the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc. headed by Ann Dy and the local government of Muntinlupa under Mayor Ruffy Biazon.

Once operational, the center will provide integrated psychiatric and psychological care, crisis intervention, trauma-informed treatment, rehabilitation and recovery programs in a safe, healing and dignified environment.

The facility was designed by Archion Architects, led by renowned architect Dan Lichauco, whose portfolio includes major health care projects such as the Philippine General Hospital Felicidad Sy Multi-Specialty Building, the Asian Hospital and Medical Center Tower 2 Expansion, the National Children’s Hospital and the Overseas Filipino Workers’ Hospital in Pampanga.

De Venecia underscored the importance of the project, saying, ‘Mental health is a fundamental human right, and every Filipina deserves access to compassionate, dignified and world-class care during her most vulnerable moments.’

She added, ‘This Women and Children’s Crisis Center embodies our collective commitment to protect women, restore hope, strengthen families and ensure that no woman faces mental health challenges or crisis alone.’

Emphasizing the long-term impact of the initiative, Villarica stated, ‘Beyond providing immediate refuge, our goal is to offer a comprehensive sanctuary where survivors receive the full spectrum of care they need to heal and rebuild their lives.’

‘Through this multi-sectoral endeavor, we are setting a new benchmark for public care and legislative action in defense of women and children,’ she added.

Construction will proceed at The Haven for Women compound in Alabang, with targeted completion in 2027.

Beyond serving Metro Manila, the project is envisioned as a national model for similar centers to be replicated across the regions, expanding access to specialized mental health and rehabilitation services nationwide.

Global conflicts, climate crisis top agenda as Tanzania hosts IPU assembly

Global conflicts, climate change, the rising cost of living, and strategies for building inclusive economies will dominate discussions at the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), scheduled to take place in Arusha from October 5 to 9, 2026.

The gathering comes as the world continues to grapple with complex geopolitical and environmental challenges requiring stronger international cooperation, including escalating armed conflicts, severe climate impacts, rapid digital transformation, and the need to reinforce democratic governance.

Held under the theme “Strengthening good governance and empowering communities through inclusion, trust, and opportunities for all,” the assembly is expected to bring together approximately 2,000 parliamentary leaders and delegates from 183 member nations. Participants will deliberate on collective strategies to address pressing global issues through parliamentary diplomacy, structured dialogue, and multilateral cooperation.

Speaking to journalists in Arusha on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, the Tanzania National Assembly Speaker, Mr Mussa Azzan Zungu, said the country is fully prepared to host the historic gathering, to be officially opened by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on October 5, 2026.

Mr Zungu noted that the meeting will attract Speakers of Parliament, lawmakers, parliamentary staff, diplomats, heads of international and regional organisations, development partners, civil society representatives, academics, and journalists from across the globe.

In addition to discussions on democratic governance, delegates will examine key topics including international peace and security, climate action, digital governance, artificial intelligence (AI), the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities, economic resilience, and the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We believe these discussions will make a significant contribution to identifying practical solutions to the challenges facing the world today, particularly climate change, international conflicts, and the rising cost of living,” said Mr Zungu.

“The assembly will also demonstrate the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in building consensus and strengthening cooperation among nations,” he added.

Furthermore, Mr Zungu said hosting the assembly is a major honour for Tanzania and reflects the confidence the international parliamentary community reposes in the nation, recognising its enduring contribution to peace, democracy, and diplomatic engagement.

He highlighted that the assembly will be presided over by Tanzanian lawmaker Dr Tulia Ackson, who currently serves as the President of the IPU.

Beyond its political and diplomatic significance, the summit is expected to stimulate the local economy, driving revenue in tourism, aviation, transport, hospitality, and service industries.

“It will also provide Tanzania with a premier platform to showcase its top tourist attractions, rich cultural heritage, and attractive investment opportunities to visitors from around the globe,” remarked Mr Zungu.

Arusha Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Mr Toba Nguvila, assured delegates that comprehensive security arrangements have been finalized, emphasizing that the region is safe and ready to accommodate all international guests throughout the event.

EFCC froze Osun State government account over suspicious movement of funds-Spokesman

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) said it froze the accounts of Osun State Government because of alleged fraudulent handling of N11billion Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee(FAAC).

It said the state has been under probe since March with the state’s Accountant-General and some government officials already quizzed.

The EFCC said it effected Post No Debit order on the affected account because it intercepted huge transfers of funds to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.

It claimed that there were huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and it had to swiftly halt the trend.

It said the Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.

It said its action has nothing to do with Osun Governorship Election.

The EFCC made the clarifications in a statement by its Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale.

The statement said: ‘The EFCC is compelled to publicly address issues pertaining to its preventive moves in freezing the bank account of the Osun State government, without prejudice to the imminent governorship election in the state.

‘The commission has been busy investigating the Osun state government since March, 2026, regarding alleged fraudulent handling of Ecology Funds, Intervention Funds and Federal Account Allocation Committee, FAAC account to the tune of N11, 000,000, 000(Eleven Billion Naira only).

‘ To this end, some officials of the state government, especially the Accountant General of the State, have had interview sessions with investigators of the EFCC.

‘These ongoing investigations of the state government would not have warranted any placement of Post No Debit order on its account but for the precipitate and unwarranted movement of funds from the accounts to different suspicious accounts since August 2, 2026.

‘The Commission noticed huge transfers of funds into different corporate entities and had to swiftly halt the trend by freezing the accounts from which such heavy funds are being moved.’

The EFCC said it acted within its establishment mandate to prevent fraud.

It added: ‘The EFCC’s preventive mandate is a public-inclined framework of safeguarding public funds, assets and resources.

‘ The commission cannot watch idly while a state government’s account is being pillaged.

‘ While the commission is fully aware of the impending governorship election in Osun State, it has a responsibility to act in defence of the sanctity of the funds of the state. It will be uncharitable for the commission to allow an excuse of an upcoming election to fold its arms to perform its legally-assigned functions.

‘ It is equally needful to state that the commission is keeping watch over the finances of other states like Osun State. Many of these states are on the investigative radar of the Commission to ensure accountability and probity. ‘The commission has always pointed out that it is non-partisan and non-sectarian but always working in the overall interests of Nigerians.

‘ The Osun State government account was frozen to save public funds from being looted.

‘ The public is enjoined to ignore false narratives and deliberate demonization of the works of the EFCC. The interests of all Nigerians are greater and will always be protected by the commission.’

AMBO: Adeleke overwhelmed by fear, APC strong across state

The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has berated Governor Ademola Adeleke over his recent remarks against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the governor as ‘confused and overwhelmed with fear.’

The Nation reports that Adeleke had alleged that the APC was victimising his supporters and urged President Tinubu to caution party leaders in Osun State, particularly the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

Speaking in Yoruba at a campaign rally in Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area, yesterday, AMBO told a crowd of supporters:

‘Adeleke, the outgoing governor, is really confused and doesn’t know what to say anymore with his scathing remarks against President Tinubu and our leader, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola. He is overwhelmed with fear of losing the coming election, hence his blame game. I have visited 27 of the 30 local government areas in the state, and the message is clear-the people will chase the dance away from government. We are widely accepted.’

He added: ‘Dancing is enough; it is time to work and move the state forward. We are not deterred by his blackmail. He thinks 2026 will be like 2022, when he rigged our party out.’

Oyebamiji recalled that when Adeleke assumed office after the 2022 governorship election, his administration searched through APC’s records to probe expenditures and financial transactions but found nothing. ‘When we take over government after winning the August 15 poll, we will not waste time on probes. We will focus on delivering good and impactful governance to our people,’ he stated.

Earlier, during visits to monarchs in Ayedade, Irewole, and Isokan Federal Constituency, traditional rulers prayed for AMBO’s success. The Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, urged his subjects to vote for Oyebamiji, noting that the strength of their votes would be used to negotiate development when the APC candidate assumes office.

Similarly, the Akire of Ikire, Oba Olarewaju Akinola, expressed confidence that Oyebamiji would win the governorship race.

DA shelves rice cap plan, rules out ban on imports

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reversed its plan to impose another price cap on imported five percent broken rice, noting that current market prices have remained below the price ceiling.

The agency also signaled it would not implement a ban on rice imports to strengthen the country’s supply ahead of the anticipated effects of the El Niño weather event.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said there is no need to impose extraordinary measures on rice as prevailing prices remain stable.

‘It doesn’t seem necessary to impose a price cap because the price cap was set at P50 per kilo, but we are seeing prices at P47 to P50 per kilo. There is no need for extraordinary measures as of the moment,’ he told reporters during a market visit in Las Piñas City.

The agency earlier proposed another two-month extension to Executive Order 118, which imposed a P50-per-kilo cap on five percent broken imported rice.

The proposal was also endorsed by the National Price Coordinating Council to President Marcos last month.

The DA chief earlier said the price ceiling on imported rice has contributed to easing food inflation.

The order was meant to curb rising rice prices, prevent abusive market practices and ensure the availability of affordable grain while maintaining overall market stability.

Tiu Laurel added that he would also meet with local rice millers to discuss a potential fair pricing structure for grain, noting that locally produced rice should retail at around P47 to P50 per kilo.

‘We want a market where farmers receive fair compensation, millers and traders operate sustainably and consumers continue to enjoy reasonably priced rice,’ he said.

The prevailing price for imported well-milled rice was at P50 per kilo in Metro Manila markets, while premium rice was seen at P48 per kilo, according to the DA’s price monitoring as of Aug 3.

Meanwhile, Tiu Laurel noted that the government will not impose a ban on imported rice to ensure adequate supply of rice ahead of the El Niño, which is expected to last until early next year.

‘There will be no import ban because there is a big El Niño coming and we have to have buffer stocks in preparation for December to April next year,’ he added.

The mandate comes as farmer groups are seeking a 30 percent safeguard duty on imported rice, warning that the continued surge in rice imports have negatively affected the domestic rice industry.

Tiu Laurel said the National Food Authority (NFA) is prepared to purchase more palay (unhusked rice) from farmers during the upcoming harvest season in September.

He added that the NFA is ready to purchase about 500,000 metric tons (MT) of rice from farmers, at a minimum of P21 per kilo for wet palay and between P25 to P27 per kilo for dry palay.

‘Unlike last year, our warehouse was full. The NFA’s instruction is that by September, their warehouses should be almost empty,’ Tiu Laurel said.

He added that the DA has requested rice importers to stop the importation of five percent broken rice to support the local rice industry.

The Philippines has imported 3.3 million MT of rice as of Aug. 3, according to Tiu Laurel, putting the country on track to surpass the 3.39 million MT imports recorded in 2025.

FG targets mid-August to pay workers’ wage award

The Federal Government says federal public servants waiting for the payment of the outstanding wage award will begin receiving their money before the middle of August, as efforts have also been stepped up to clear outstanding promotion arrears owed to workers.

The assurance came on Wednesday after a meeting between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, and leaders of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Trade Side, in Abuja.

The meeting focused on unresolved welfare issues affecting federal workers, including unpaid wage awards, promotion arrears, salary relativity for health workers and other outstanding allowances.

Speaking during the meeting, Oyedele said the Tinubu administration remains determined to fulfil agreements reached with organised labour, explaining that work on several of the issues raised by the union had already begun before its latest formal presentation.

He said government understood the importance of meeting its obligations to workers and would continue to provide realistic timelines for implementing outstanding commitments instead of making promises it could not keep.

‘When government makes commitments, it delivers. We are not in the habit of making promises that cannot be fulfilled. Where there are outstanding issues, we will give realistic timelines and ensure they are implemented,’ the minister said.

According to him, the final administrative processes required for releasing the outstanding wage award are almost complete, paving the way for eligible workers to receive the payment before the middle of this month.

He also disclosed that the payment of promotion arrears was progressing, with the remaining batches already receiving attention under the approved government procedures.

To hasten implementation, the minister directed officials of the Ministry of Finance to work with the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to resolve every outstanding issue brought before the government by the labour representatives.

Oyedele admitted that delays in implementing some labour agreements had created concerns among workers but said the government intended to strengthen confidence through regular engagement, openness and timely action.

He added, ‘Our objective is to build a system where issues are resolved proactively. We want workers to have confidence that once government gives its word, it will honour that commitment.’

The labour delegation, led by JPSNC National President, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, welcomed the engagement with the minister but appealed for faster action on unresolved welfare matters affecting public servants.

Minjibir said workers were particularly concerned about the outstanding wage award, unpaid promotion arrears, salary relativity affecting health workers and other pending entitlements, noting that resolving them quickly would improve industrial relations and boost workers’ confidence in government.

Permanent Secretary Raymond Omachi said the ministry would continue working with organised labour and other government institutions to ensure approved workers’ benefits were processed without unnecessary delays.

The Permanent Secretary Special Duties in the ministry, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, disclosed that Batch Seven promotion arrears, which had been omitted during an earlier payment exercise, were now being processed together with Batch Nine. He said the government was equally working with the relevant agencies to resolve issues relating to the Peculiar Allowance and other pending labour matters.

Also speaking, Director of Cash Management Christiana Osho said reconciliation of the outstanding wage award had been completed and that only the final release of funds was outstanding before payments commence.

She added that work on the outstanding promotion arrears was continuing in line with the approved payment schedule.

The meeting ended with both government and organised labour agreeing to sustain consultations as part of efforts to resolve outstanding welfare issues and maintain industrial peace across the Federal Public Service.