Category: Nigerian Tribune

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has assured residents of the state that his administration will use the next four years to consolidate its achievements and intensify efforts to improve their standard of living.

Adeleke gave the assurance on Thursday while addressing the people of Osun State at Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo, during activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary and the presentation of prizes to winners of the 2026 Osun State Essay Competition.

The Governor thanked the people of the state for their participation in the just-concluded governorship election, saying their large turnout and determination contributed to the successful conduct of the poll.

He pledged that his administration would work with renewed determination to address areas requiring further attention, while consolidating gains recorded in education, healthcare, infrastructure and agriculture.

According to him, his administration’s development agenda is centred on the people, stressing that government programmes must ultimately translate into improved quality of life for citizens.

Adeleke said significant attention had been given to the education sector through the improvement of schools, provision of learning facilities and recruitment of teachers.

He also cited Osun’s fifth position nationally in the 2026 NECO Senior School Certificate Examination as evidence of progress in the sector, noting that the state moved up from seventh position in the 2025 ranking.

The Governor congratulated participants and winners of the 2026 Osun State Essay Competition, as well as their teachers and parents, saying the initiative would encourage young people to think critically and contribute ideas to the development of the state and country.

On healthcare, Adeleke said his administration had continued to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, improve health facilities and expand access to health insurance and other medical interventions.

He added that road construction and rehabilitation, bridge projects, water systems and other infrastructure interventions remained central to his administration’s development agenda.

The Governor further said the state was supporting farmers through improved agricultural inputs, mechanisation and access to markets, stressing that agriculture must serve as both a means of feeding the population and creating wealth for families and communities.

While acknowledging that challenges remained, Adeleke said the achievements recorded so far demonstrated that the state was moving in the right direction.

He described the people of Osun, particularly its youths, farmers, entrepreneurs, teachers and workers, as major assets to the state’s development, expressing confidence that a peaceful, prosperous and self-reliant Osun was achievable.

The Governor also used the Independence Anniversary to call for peace and unity among Nigerians, regardless of political, religious or social differences.

He urged citizens to resolve disagreements peacefully, noting that meaningful development could not take place without peace and stability.

However, the state Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Dr Bashir Tokunbo Salami, also quoted Adeleke as saying that the future of Nigeria depended largely on how the country treated its young people, urging government and other stakeholders to provide quality education, create opportunities, support talents and give youths reasons to build their future in the country.

He called on Nigerians to renew their hope in the country and recommit themselves to building a nation where every child would have a fair opportunity, hard work would be rewarded and citizens could live with dignity.

The Governor concluded by assuring the people of Osun that his administration would continue to listen to their concerns and pursue policies and programmes aimed at improving their lives.

The Ambassador of Nigeria to Spain, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has called for stronger economic cooperation between Nigeria and Spain, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and the creative industries.

Ikpeazu said deeper bilateral relations would create opportunities for investment, trade and business partnerships, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

The Ambassador made the call in Madrid, Spain, while addressing Nigerians and other dignitaries at an event marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He said Nigeria and Spain had continued to strengthen their relationship through mutual respect, constructive dialogue and expanding cooperation in trade, investment, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

According to him, Spanish companies, including GB Foods, have continued to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s dynamic market, while Nigerians living in Spain are making significant contributions to the country’s social and economic development.

Ikpeazu said Nigeria valued Spain’s partnership and was committed to deepening collaboration in areas of shared interest, adding that the Federal Government would continue to create opportunities for investment and business-to-business matchmaking.

Congratulating President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians, particularly those residing in Spain, on the anniversary, the Ambassador paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and nationalists whose sacrifices secured Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

He said the anniversary provided an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the ideals of freedom, unity, progress and dignity, which continue to shape the country’s national aspirations.

According to him, Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, with abundant human talent, cultural diversity and natural resources.

He also highlighted the country’s democratic institutions, youthful population and contributions to regional peace, security and development across Africa and beyond.

The Ambassador, however, acknowledged the country’s economic challenges, expressing optimism that ongoing reforms under the Tinubu administration would support economic diversification, improved governance and inclusive growth.

‘We are not satisfied with the present economic realities, but we are making progress as a people,’ he said.

Ikpeazu said the Federal Government remained committed to harnessing the potential of Nigerian youths, the creativity of its people and the country’s diversity to build a more prosperous and secure future.

He stressed that the support and partnership of countries such as Spain would remain important to achieving these objectives.

Addressing Nigerians living in Spain, including students, professionals and entrepreneurs, the Ambassador described them as valuable representatives of the country, whose conduct, achievements and contributions could strengthen relations between both nations.

He urged them to remain united, law-abiding and committed to upholding Nigeria’s image through hard work, integrity, innovation and resilience.

Ikpeazu said the contributions of Nigerians in Spain continued to reinforce the bonds of friendship between the two countries, urging them to sustain their positive engagement with their host community.

He called on Nigerians to use the Independence Anniversary to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and respected nation.

The Ambassador expressed confidence that sustained cooperation with Spain and other international partners would help Nigeria expand investment opportunities, strengthen economic ties and advance its development objectives.

He urged Nigerians to remain united in pursuing the country’s aspirations, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining friendly relations with Spain.

Plateau State Governor Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has granted absolute pardon to 130 inmates and commuted the death sentences of four others to life imprisonment as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The governor described the anniversary as an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence, honor the sacrifices of past leaders, acknowledge existing challenges, and celebrate the nation’s achievements.

In a goodwill message signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr Gyang Bere, Mutfwang urged Nigerians to preserve the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the country in honor of its founding fathers.

He stressed that nation-building was a shared responsibility passed from one generation to another, adding that every citizen had a role to play in creating a peaceful, stable, and prosperous country.

The governor said Nigeria’s strength lay in the collective determination of its people to rise above their differences and build a nation where everyone had a sense of belonging and opportunities to fulfill their aspirations.

Mutfwang also acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in sustaining the country’s unity and stability and advancing the Nigerian project.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a Plateau State where residents could pursue their aspirations in an atmosphere of peace, security, justice, and inclusive development.

The governor commended the people of Plateau State for their resilience, patience, patriotism, and contributions to the development of the state and the country.

He urged them to remain committed to the Nigerian project despite the challenges facing the nation.

As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Wednesday called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to nation-building.

It be recalled that Nigeria, a former British colony, gained independence on October 1, 1960.

In his Independence message made available to Parliamentary Correspondents in Abuja, Hon. Kalu congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at home and abroad on Nigeria’s 66th anniversary.

The Deputy Speaker, who represents Bende Federal Constituency in Abia, said the occasion should renew patriotism and faith in the country.

He said: ‘I warmly congratulate our dear President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Nigerians at home and abroad on the occasion of our nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

‘Today, we celebrate the journey of our great nation, the resilience of our people, and the enduring spirit that continues to bind us together as one indivisible country.

‘As we mark 66 years of independence, let us remain hopeful about Nigeria’s future and committed to building a nation where peace, unity, opportunity and prosperity are accessible to all.’

Hon. Kalu lauded the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration, noting that its bold reforms and transformative initiatives have continued to lay the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

He urged patience and collective responsibility, expressing confidence that current sacrifices will yield a better tomorrow.

‘The bold reforms and transformative initiatives of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda continue to lay the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

‘With patience, perseverance and collective responsibility, I am confident that the sacrifices of today will yield a better tomorrow. Our diversity is our strength. Our resilience is our identity. And our shared love for Nigeria remains the bond that unites us,’ the Abia lawmaker said.

Hon. Kalu prayed that the anniversary would inspire all citizens to play their part in building the Nigeria of their dreams.

‘May this Independence Anniversary renew our patriotism, strengthen our faith in Nigeria and inspire us all to play our part in building the Nigeria of our dreams. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,’ the Deputy Speaker said.

Nigerians have taken to social media to express their disappointment after the Super Eagles suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash on Tuesday.

The result left many fans questioning the performance of the players and the tactics of coach Eric Chelle, with some also criticising the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the playing surface in Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau took control of the Group L encounter after Franculino Dju opened the scoring before Mama Baldé doubled the hosts’ advantage.

Álvaro Djaló added a third goal in stoppage time to complete the victory.

The reactions came after Nigeria suffered their first defeat of the Group L campaign, having opened the qualifiers with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.

Guinea-Bissau had also won their opening match, beating co-hosts Tanzania 2-0.

With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar are competing for the remaining qualifying place from Group L.

Reacting on X, many fans gave their ratings of the Super Eagles’ performance.

Adika @Adikastakes

This is one of the most disgraceful Super Eagles performances I’ve had the displeasure of watching. This is the height of Embarrassment, losing 3-0 to Guinea Bissau should not even be a possibility. I’m ashamed!

The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has fixed date for the hearing of a suit challenging the nomination of Kingsley Chinda as the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 Rivers State election.

The new date for hearing of the suit is slated for November 4, 2026.

The suit, marked FHC/PH/CS/3/2026, was instituted by Samuel Amatonjie against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Chinda, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Clerk.

Amatonjie is challenging Chinda’s eligibility to participate in the APC governorship primary, arguing that his defection from the PDP to the APC was not completed in accordance with Section 68 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, before the party’s screening and primary.

When the matter came up before Justice Mohammed Turaki, the plaintiff informed the court that he was served with processes filed by some of the defendants on September 28 and required additional time to study and respond to them.

Following submissions by the parties, Justice Turaki adjourned the matter to November 4 for hearing.

Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, Amatonjie said the suit was instituted as a public interest litigation seeking an interpretation of Section 68 of the Constitution on defection by a member of the National Assembly.

He said the central issue was whether Chinda’s defection from the PDP to the APC had been completed as of May 9, 2026, when he was screened for the APC governorship primary, and May 21, 2026, when he emerged as the party’s candidate.

According to him, Chinda’s resignation and defection letter was read on the floor of the House of Representatives by the Speaker on June 2, 2026.

Amatonjie said the court would determine whether Chinda was constitutionally entitled to participate in the APC screening and primary before the formal reading of his defection and resignation letter.

He, however, clarified that the suit was not seeking a general determination of whether Chinda had the right to contest the governorship election.

‘I am not saying he does not have the right to contest the position of governor in Rivers State. What I am saying, by virtue of the said provision of the Constitution, Section 68, is whether, as at the material time he picked that ticket, his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress had crystallised,’ he said.

Among the reliefs sought, the plaintiff is asking the court to declare that constitutional requirements governing defection by a member of the National Assembly must be complied with before such a person can validly participate in a political party’s governorship primary.

He is also seeking a declaration that INEC cannot validly recognise or publish Chinda as the APC governorship candidate if the court finds that he had not validly defected from the PDP before the APC screening and primary.

The plaintiff is further asking the court to disqualify Chinda from the 2027 Rivers State governorship election if it grants the reliefs sought.

Counsel to the PDP, Paul Daudu (SAN), said the matter was adjourned because the plaintiff required time to respond to processes filed by the defendants.

‘It was slated for hearing, but the plaintiff asked for adjournment because he needed to respond to the processes filed by the first, second and third defendants. That is essentially what happened,’ Daudu said.

Counsel to Chinda, Dike Udenna, also confirmed the adjournment, saying the plaintiff had sought time to respond to the preliminary objections and counter-affidavits filed by the defendants.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has said the far-reaching reforms introduced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration since 2023 were necessary to save Nigeria from imminent economic collapse.

Akume, who stated that the reforms were beginning to yield positive results, spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at the 66th Independence Anniversary Lecture organised as part of activities marking Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary.

The lecture was held under the theme, ‘Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress’, according to a statement by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Mr Yomi Odunuga.

The SGF said Nigeria had survived the civil war, decades of military rule and several national challenges in its 66 years as an independent nation, noting that the faith and resilience of Nigerians had sustained the country.

According to him, the Tinubu administration took difficult decisions at the beginning of its tenure, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, unification of the foreign exchange market and fiscal reforms, to restore economic stability.

‘This administration took office in 2023 and immediately took bold decisions needed to save the nation from imminent collapse.

‘Such decisions include the removal of the petrol subsidy, unification of the foreign-exchange market, tax and other fiscal reforms. These were difficult decisions, but necessary to rebuild stability and we have started enjoying the results,’ he said.

Akume cited World Bank data indicating that Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, compared with 3.9 per cent recorded a year earlier.

He, however, said the challenge before the government was to ensure that economic growth translated into jobs and improved incomes for Nigerians.

The SGF also listed infrastructure development as another area where the administration had recorded progress, citing investments in major road, rail and port projects.

He mentioned the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Abuja-Kano Highway, East-West Road, rail modernisation projects and port reforms as initiatives expected to improve connectivity, trade and economic activity.

On the power sector, Akume said the government was addressing challenges through the clearance of legacy debts, increased investment, improvements in transmission and billing, as well as greater utilisation of the country’s natural gas resources.

He said more than 120,000 vehicles had been converted to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), with over 400 conversion centres and 90 fuelling stations established nationwide.

According to him, the CNG initiative was helping to reduce transportation costs, while CNG buses were providing cheaper transportation for millions of passengers.

‘We will not return to the ruinous petroleum subsidy regime of the past,’ he declared.

On agriculture and food security, Akume said the administration remained committed to increasing domestic food production through mechanisation, irrigation, improved seeds, fertiliser, storage facilities and local processing.

He disclosed that the World Bank had approved a $500 million credit for the Nigeria Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth (AGROW) project, which he said would improve smallholder productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains and enhance food and nutrition security.

The SGF also highlighted youth empowerment as a key component of the administration’s development agenda, noting that more than 60 per cent of Nigerians were below the age of 25.

He said the government had expanded the Nigeria Education Loan Fund to enable more students to access university and vocational education, while efforts were also being made to strengthen technical and vocational institutions to provide skills required by industry.

‘Our young people are not just leaders of tomorrow – they are partners in building Nigeria today,’ he said.

Akume further urged Nigerians in the diaspora to invest in the country, stressing that their contribution went beyond remittances to include ideas, investments and national pride.

On healthcare and social protection, he said the government was equipping thousands of primary healthcare centres under the IMPACT initiative and expanding social protection programmes, including NG-CARES Additional Financing, SOLID and HOPE, with support from the World Bank and the Federal Government.

According to him, the programmes were designed to provide cash transfers and essential services to vulnerable households.

On security, the SGF commended the armed forces for their sacrifices and said the government was strengthening security through improved equipment, intelligence and inter-agency coordination.

He cited the development of a new National Threat Assessment and a five-year Strategic Defence Plan as part of efforts to improve national security.

‘Security and welfare of the people is the responsibility of government. Nothing matters more than the safety of our people,’ Akume said.

He added that development and security were interconnected, stressing that communities with greater economic opportunities and confidence in justice were less vulnerable to crime and violence.

The SGF said the Independence Anniversary Lecture should serve as a renewed call to duty for leaders and citizens, expressing the vision of a Nigeria where graduates could become employers of labour, farmers could feed their families and sell their surplus, entrepreneurs could grow their businesses, and every child could access quality education and healthcare.

‘We know the path will not be easy but our goal is clear: shared prosperity for all Nigerians,’ he added.

The Federal Government on Wednesday arraigned Adeniyi Adeyemi, the man accused of creating and operating the purported Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) had filed an eight-count charge against Adeyemi, but the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, appeared for the prosecution when the case was called on Wednesday.

Oyedepo told the court that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had asked him to take over the prosecution of the case. He then told the court that the matter was slated for arraignment.

Adeyemi’s lawyer, Genesis Francis, also told the court that the defence was ready when the judge asked.

The charges were subsequently read to Adeyemi, who said he understood all the counts but pleaded not guilty to each of the eight counts.

‘In view of the not guilty plea by the defendant, he is due to have put himself for trial,’ Oyedepo said after the plea.

The prosecution prayed the court for an accelerated trial, as the case had attracted public attention.

The DPPF also asked the court to remand Adeyemi to the Correctional Centre pending the determination of the charge and in view of the production of the defendant before the court. He also prayed the court to fix a date for trial.

However, Adeyemi’s lawyer informed the court of his intention to move his motion dated and filed on 12 January 2026. He said it was an application for bail which ‘had been served on the prosecution and had responded with a counter-affidavit’.

When the judge told him that the application would be heard on the next adjourned date, Francis also told the court that the defendant was under medical care and had an ‘appointment on Friday’.

But Oyedepo immediately interjected and assured the defence that it would have access to Adeyemi in custody, adding that ‘he will be well taken care of’.

Although Francis maintained that the sickness ‘was communicable’, he did not disclose the nature of the illness.

After listening to both lawyers, the judge ordered that Adeyemi be ‘remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending’ the court’s decision on the bail application and then adjourned the case until 12 October 2026 for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial.

Adeyemi was arrested in Osun State in July after the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for his arrest over his repeated failure to appear for arraignment.

He is facing an eight-count charge bordering on alleged forgery, fraud and impersonation over his claim to be the Director-General of the PFIPC, an organisation the Presidency has disowned as ‘fake’.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Wednesday congratulated the Speaker of the 10th House, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on the occasion of his 61st birthday, describing him as an exemplary leader and nation-builder whose commitment to democratic values has continued to strengthen the institution of the National Assembly.

Hon. Kalu, in a congratulatory message, praised Speaker Tajudeen for his distinguished leadership of the House, noting that his calm disposition, wisdom, humility and commitment to institutional development have contributed significantly to the stability and effectiveness of the 10th House of Representatives.

According to him, Speaker Tajudeen has demonstrated through his leadership that effective governance is anchored on collaboration, inclusivity, accountability and an unwavering commitment to the interests of Nigerians.

He commended the Speaker for providing purposeful leadership in advancing legislative reforms, strengthening democratic institutions and supporting initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Citizens.

Hon. Kalu further acknowledged Abbas’ commitment to fostering unity among members of the House, describing his leadership style as a model of maturity, patriotism and service to the nation.

He prayed to God to grant the Speaker continued good health, wisdom and strength as he leads the House in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.

The Deputy Speaker said: ‘On behalf of my family and the good people of Bende Federal Constituency, Abia State, I warmly felicitate with my boss, big brother and friend, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

‘Your remarkable journey in public service and your stewardship of the 10th House of Representatives continue to reflect the virtues of humility, empathy, selflessness and dedication to the common good.

‘Under your leadership, the House has enjoyed an atmosphere of stability, cooperation and productivity. Your ability to build bridges, foster consensus and inspire confidence among members has contributed immensely to the progress recorded by the 10th Assembly.

‘On this special occasion, I wish you many more years of good health, wisdom, fulfilment and impactful service to our fatherland.’

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded the immediate constitution of a tripartite committee to negotiate a new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers, warning that the current N70,000 wage has already been eroded by inflation.

The demand was contained in an Independence Day message issued by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, in which the labour centre said the process for a new wage standard expected to take effect in 2027 should begin without further delay.

The NLC said the current minimum wage had lost significant value even before its implementation, against the backdrop of rising inflation, transportation costs, food prices, rent and other basic necessities.

‘The current ?70,000 minimum wage was already destroyed by inflation before it was implemented,’ the Congress said, demanding ‘the immediate establishment of a tripartite committee to ensure that a new wage standard for 2027 is formulated and legislated before the year runs out.’

According to the labour centre, delaying the constitution of the committee could further prolong the process and undermine the timely implementation of a new wage regime.

The NLC’s position comes amid continuing pressure from organised labour over the rising cost of living, particularly the impact of petrol prices on workers’ purchasing power. Public sector unions under the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council have also demanded the immediate commencement of negotiations for a new national minimum wage expected to take effect in 2027.

Beyond the minimum wage, Ajaero called on the Federal Government to immediately reduce the price of petrol, arguing that transportation costs had become a major driver of the rising cost of living.

‘Petrol now sells at ?1,430 per litre or higher in major cities and far more in remote areas,’ the NLC said, adding that the resulting increase in transportation costs was driving up the prices of food, school fees, rent and other necessities.

It therefore demanded that the government ‘seek ways to immediately reduce the price of petrol as transportation costs are the central transmission mechanism of inflation in Nigeria.’

The Congress also demanded the immediate implementation of a nationwide wage award for workers at the federal, state and local government levels, describing the measure as an emergency response to the erosion of workers’ real income.

‘A wage award is not charity. It is an emergency intervention against the collapse of real income,’ the labour centre said.

It further asked the Federal Government to implement the tax relief agreed with labour during the October 2023 dialogue, saying the tax incentives contained in the Memorandum of Understanding between both sides had yet to be implemented.

The NLC also renewed its demand for a reduction in the cost of governance, insisting that the government must demonstrate transparency and lead by example at a time when workers are being asked to make sacrifices.

‘When workers are asked to tighten their belts, the extravagance and waste of the governing class are unacceptable,’ it said.

On the broader economic situation, the labour centre said Nigeria’s Independence anniversary should provide an opportunity to reflect on whether political independence had translated into economic freedom and dignity for citizens.

It said the country was currently facing ‘a full-scale survival crisis’, with structural inflation eroding wages and increasing the cost of basic goods and services.

The Congress also called for greater investment in roads, hospitals, schools and other social infrastructure, arguing that good roads were essential to reducing transportation costs and improving economic efficiency.

It equally urged the government to create genuine economic opportunities for young Nigerians, warning that unemployment, poverty and inequality were contributing to desperation and irregular migration.

‘The government must create genuine opportunities so that young people can see hope instead of being preached to about hope,’ the NLC said.

The labour centre also linked insecurity to the country’s economic difficulties, saying farmers, teachers, doctors and other workers in some parts of the country were increasingly affected by violence.

It argued that addressing poverty, unemployment, inequality and what it described as distributive injustice was necessary for sustainable economic recovery.

The NLC said its demands were aimed at ensuring that the gains of independence were reflected in the living conditions of Nigerian workers and the wider population.

‘Hope exists, but it will not fall from the sky,’ the Congress said. ‘Hope depends on the decisions we make and the actions we take as trade unions, workers, and as a people.’

It pledged to continue pressing for decent wages, safe workplaces, accountability in governance and a life of dignity for Nigerian workers.

‘The Nigeria Labour Congress will always stand on the side of workers, fighting to the end for decent wages, safe workplaces, and a life of dignity,’ Ajaero said.

The Congress urged the government to respond to the demands, stressing that the process of negotiating a new minimum wage for 2027 could no longer be delayed.