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Kwara Warns Workers: No November Salary Without Resident Registration

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  Kwara State Government has urged public sector workers to register with the Kwara State Residents’ Registration Agency without delay. The state government noted that workers who fail to obtain a valid resident registration number will not receive their November salary or bonuses. This was stated in a release by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hauwa Nuru, and signed by the ministry’s Press Secretary, Babatunde Abdulrasheed, on Monday in Ilorin.65 Nuru reported that the registration process began in July. She noted that Bowser is legally mandated to gather data on all residents of the state and assign unique identities to each person to improve planning, resource management, service delivery, public safety, and more. “In line with the administration’s commitment to accountability and transparency in resource management, a directive has been issued mandating all state employees, including those across the 16 local government areas, to complete their registration. THE ROUNDTABLE: Again, NNPCL Hikes Petrol Price, Fixes N1,060/litre0:00 / 0:00 “From November, any worker who has not registered will not receive salary payments or bonuses,” she said. The commissioner added that the KWSRRA registration is an essential step towards creating a comprehensive and accurate database that allows Kwara to serve its residents more effectively. Ensuring that every state worker is registered strengthens our payroll system, enhances service delivery, and builds trust in our processes. “The integrity of our data affects all our financial and administrative systems. A complete database helps us make informed decisions, allocate resources efficiently, and ensure that every eligible worker is compensated fairly and accurately,” she added. She urged all state employees who have not yet registered to visit the nearest KWSRRA centre to complete their enrolment promptly. “By following this directive, the Kwara State Government is working to establish a more efficient and equitable system for both its workforce and residents,” she said.

NLC Announces Nationwide Strike Over Unfulfilled Minimum Wage Implementation

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  NLC, Nigeria Labour Congress has announced a statewide strike in states where the 2024 National Minimum Wage has yet to be implemented, effective December 1. According to a communique signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the decision was reached during the Congress’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Port Harcourt on Friday. This action, according to Ajaero, is intended to push for immediate compliance with the minimum wage law, which many state governments have yet to enforce. In preparation for the strike, the NLC has announced the creation of a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee tasked with educating workers on their rights under the new law and mobilizing support across affected states. The Congress also said that the strike action is not just about enforcing the law, but about ensuring that Nigerian workers can maintain a basic standard of living amid rising costs. The NLC called on all state councils to adhere to the December 1 deadline, vowing to intensify the strike in states that fail to meet the wage requirements. “The NEC notes with deep frustration the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act. This betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship. It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them. “The NEC therefore resolves to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization, and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights. Furthermore, the NLC shall initiate a series of industrial actions in all non-compliant states and shall not relent until the minimum wage is fully implemented across Nigeria. To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” it declared. The strike is expected to affect public sector operations in several states, as the NLC has promised to remain unrelenting in its efforts to secure fair pay for all Nigerian workers.

TCN Reports Another Vandalism On Lokoja-Gwagwalada 330kV Transmission Line

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  The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) yesterday said vandals again destroyed 330kV Lokoja – Gwagwalada transmission line 1,in the early hours of Saturday 9th November 2024. Its Public Affairs, General Manager, Ndidi Mbah broke the news in statement on Saturday, said: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby reports that vandals have again attacked its 330kV Lokoja – Gwagwalada transmission line 1, in the early hours of Saturday 9th November 2024.” The spokesperson said early on Saturday, TCN engineers attempted to re-energise the 330kV Lokoja–Gwagwalada transmission line 1, but the line tripped. According to the statement, after efforts to reclose the line failed, a patrol team of TCN linesmen was dispatched to physically trace the line for faults. The company said upon inspection, they discovered that transmission towers T306, T307, and T308 along line 1 had been vandalized, disrupting bulk power transmission along the route. The statement reads in part: “Further examination revealed that the vandals had stolen two spans of aluminium conductor from line one. “The Lokoja–Gwagwalada line is a double-circuit transmission line, and while TCN is still supplying bulk power through line two, efforts are underway to source replacement aluminium conductors for the two spans stolen from line one. “The rising trend of vandalism targeting transmission lines and towers has become a significant challenge, severely impacting the country’s power infrastructure and hindering the expansion and stability of the national grid. ” This recent incident adds to an alarming pattern of attacks on the transmission network nationwide. In the Gwagwalada area alone, recent acts of vandalism include the attack on the Gwagwalada–Kukuwaba–Apo transmission line on 10th December 2023, the Gwagwalada–Katampe line on February 26, 2024, and several others on that axis. Such acts of vandalism continue to disrupt the stability and growth of Nigeria’s national grid. “We once again appeal to members of the public, especially residents of communities hosting transmission lines and towers, to collaborate with TCN and security operatives in combating this menace. “Vandalism of power installations is a disservice to us all and undermines efforts to strengthen the nation’s transmission system.”

Stop Seeking Greener Pastures Abroad, Tinubu Urges Graduates

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  President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerian graduates to utilize their knowledge and skills to uplift society and contribute to the country’s growth and development. Tinubu made this appeal during the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremonies of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), held at the university’s main campus along Nwaniba Road on Saturday. He advised graduates against hastily seeking opportunities abroad, calling on universities to pursue innovative research that advances national development. “Education is the cornerstone of national development,” he noted, “and it must be both responsive and transformative for progress to occur.” He continued, “The government has invested significantly in your education, equipping you to make meaningful contributions to society. As you step into the world, I urge you to be agents of positive change, using your skills to uplift our society and contribute to Nigeria’s growth and global development. Resist the urge to look for greener pastures elsewhere. Together, we can make our own pastures equally green, if not greener.” Representing President Tinubu, University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Vice Chancellor, Professor Owunari Georgewill, lamented that much of Nigeria’s research ends up on shelves instead of driving impactful change. He acknowledged Nigeria’s current challenges but reassured the audience that the government is committed to addressing these issues and mitigating their impact, particularly on the most vulnerable. “I ask for the support and understanding of Nigerians toward the government’s economic reform programs, despite the challenges they bring,” he added. UNIUYO Vice Chancellor, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo, reflected on the achievements of his administration despite limited funding, security issues, and land encroachment challenges. He proudly noted that over 90% of academic programs have full accreditation, with efforts ongoing to secure 100% accreditation for all programs.  

Senator Urges Action Against Soaring Food Prices

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  The Senator representing Jigawa North West Senatorial Zone, Babangida Husaini, has called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments to address the rising cost of basic food items, which continues to escalate nationwide despite the harvest season. He made the call in a statement personally signed by him, a copy of which was made available to The Punch Online on Sunday. “I have observed that the cost of basic food items is rising sharply across rural communities in the northern states and other parts of the country. “This trend, along with its associated economic burden on the people, is quite alarming, especially at the beginning of the harvest season when food crops are expected to be more affordable,” he said. He continued, “It is most unfortunate that insecurity, banditry, and other criminal activities in many food-producing areas, among other factors, have contributed to rising food prices and food insecurity across the nation.” He stressed that this troubling trend needs to be addressed immediately before it spirals out of control, as it poses a serious threat to national food security and stability. Husaini, who chairs the Senate Committee on FERMA, called on the Federal, State, and Local Governments, as well as all relevant stakeholders, to take swift and strategic actions to avert this growing danger and mitigate the situation in the nation’s interest. He also appealed to Nigerians to support President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to steer the nation towards sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity.

Helicopter crash: Black Box recovered, Search Continues For Missing Bodies

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The search and recovery team scouring the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bonny Finima for the chopper that ditched on October 24, 2024, has recovered the Flight Data Recorder, FDR, and Cockpit Voice Recorder, CVR, from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG. Director of Public Affairs and Family Assistance, NSIB, Mrs Bimbo Oladeji, who disclosed this in a statement, said the team included the NNPC, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy and HydroDive. Oladeji stated that the black box was retrieved early Friday morning. The statement reads: “NSIB, in conjunction with the Search and Recovery partners NNPC, NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and HydroDive, has recovered the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) from the Sikorsky SK76 helicopter, registration 5N BQG, which ditched in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Bonny Finima on October 24, 2024. The helicopter, operated by Eastwind Aviation, was transporting eight passengers at the time of the accident. “Since the accident, NSIB and its Search and Recovery partners have coordinated a search and recovery effort in collaboration with local and international partners to locate and retrieve the bodies of the deceased and the critical components necessary for a comprehensive investigation. The FDR and CVR, commonly referred to as the aircraft’s “black box,” was retrieved early this morning. This device is crucial in helping investigators analyse flight performance and cockpit communications to determine the sequence of events leading up to the accident. The recovered recorder has been secured for transport to NSIB’s data analysis lab. It will undergo data extraction and analysis by NSIB’s specialists to gain insights into the operational and technical conditions preceding the accident and to help determine the cause of the accident. “As of today, three individuals remain unaccounted for, and long-term search efforts continue in coordination with local and international partners. NSIB Director General Captain Alex Badeh Jr. commended the recovery teams and stressed the importance of the investigation: “The recovery of the Flight Data Recorder and Cockpit Voice Recorder marks a monumental step in understanding what led to this tragic accident. The black box holds vital information that will provide invaluable insight into the sequence of events leading up to the accident, which will help us determine the cause and inform any necessary safety recommendations. While our thoughts are with the families of those still unaccounted for, concerted efforts are being made to find the missing individuals and provide answers to the families affected by this accident.” Vanguard  

Protesters Storm National Assembly, Demand Kyari’s Sacking

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  A group, the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, has called for immediate investigations into alleged sabotage against the plan to turn around the petroleum refineries in the country. This is just as the group demanded the immediate removal from office of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, noting that his management of the oil industry has done more to the local refineries than good. In a protest rally at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, on Friday, the coalition of Civil Society Organisations said policies formulated by the NNPCL to reposition the oil sector are merely profit-driven but “Obstructs local initiatives designed to support energy self-sufficiency and job creation.” Addressing journalists at the event, the national spokesperson of the group, Segun Adebayo, asked President Bola Tinubu to caution the NNPCL leadership to avoid policies that could lead Nigeria into further economic crises. He said, “Despite Nigeria’s potential to refine fuel locally, vested interests within the NNPCL continue to impose Premium Motor Spirit importation on Nigeria. This unnecessary import dependency costs Nigeria billions in foreign exchange every year, placing our economy under enormous strain. Meanwhile, the people bear the brunt of fluctuating global oil prices and currency devaluation, and this cabal profits from maintaining the status quo. “We must hold accountable those who prioritise personal gain over national prosperity. They are frustrating the nation’s move toward self-sufficiency, ensuring that Nigeria remains exposed to the volatility of the international oil market. This is unacceptable and unsustainable for a nation as richly endowed with natural resources as ours. “Nigerian industrialists, such as Aliko Dangote, have invested heavily in local refineries to curb Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. The Dangote Refinery represents a transformative opportunity for energy independence and economic growth. However, instead of supporting these efforts, the cabal at the NNPCL has actively hindered local refinery operations, prioritising imported PMS and discouraging local refining. This calculated sabotage deters investors, limits job creation, and keeps Nigeria locked in economic dependency.” “We know President Tinubu loves Nigeria and wants the best for Nigeria; hence, we urge him to caution the NNPCL leadership, led by Mele Kyari, to avoid policies that could lead Nigeria into further economic crises. The President should immediately authorise an investigation into this cabal’s activities within the fuel sector to uncover and expose any malicious manipulation or corruption.” Also speaking, the national coordinator of the group, Benjamin James, called on the authorities to allow the sale of crude to local refineries in naira. He said, “One critical policy shift we advocate for is mandating that Nigerian crude oil be sold to local refineries in naira rather than in dollars. This change would significantly reduce our foreign exchange losses, empower local businesses, and protect the naira. A shift to selling crude oil domestically in naira would also send a strong message that Nigeria is serious about prioritising its local industries and economic sovereignty. “Such a policy will empower local investors, encourage growth in the refinery sector, create jobs, and reduce fuel prices domestically. It will strengthen Nigeria’s economy and make us more resilient to external economic pressures. The time has come for Nigeria to take ownership of its resources and ensure that our natural wealth benefits the Nigerian people rather than a select few.” The group also called for the sack of the NNPCL’s boss, threatening to take the protest to the 36 states of the federation if their demand was not met. “We are here today at the National Assembly to demand that our representatives stand with the Nigerian people. We call for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari from his position as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL. His leadership has frustrated local refinery initiatives, maintained harmful policies, and upheld a system that harms the nation’s economy. “If the government does not act, NICOCSO here today, pledge to continue this advocacy, rallying every day across the 36 States to make our voices heard. We will not stand down until this administration addresses our demands for transparency, reform, and accountability within the NNPCL. Our economy and the well-being of the Nigerian people depend on decisive action against those who hinder our path toward energy independence,” he added.

Hon Olayinka Segelu Commiserates With Oyo State NUJ Chairman Over Mother’s Demise

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Adeleke Maria    The governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 general election in Oyo State, Hon Olayinka Segelu, has commiserated with the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State Chapter, Alhaji Ademola Babalola, over the passage of his mother, Madam Wulemot Aweni Babalola. Madam Aweni Wulemot Babalola died at the age of 76 years on Saturday November 2, 2024 and was buried on Sunday November 3, 2024, according to Islamic rites. Hon Segelu, the Germany-based, Ibadan-born businessman, politician and ICT consultant, in a statement he issued, expressed sadness over the sudden departure of Madam Aweni Babalola. Segelu in a copy of the message made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Capital City of Oyo State, extends heartfelt condolences to Comrade Ademola Babalola and other members of the family. The statement reads: “I extend my heartfelt condolences to Alhaji Ademola Babalola, Oyo NUJ Chiarman and other members of the family over the loss of their Matriarch Madam Wulemot Aweni Babalola, May God continue to be with the rest of the family and grant Mama Aljanna Firdous. “It is my prayer that God Almighty will grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable and painful loss. “Until her death, Mama was a devoted Muslim and respected Otun Iya Adeen of Palupo Muslim Community in Ona Ara Local Government area of Oyo State, and it is my belief that you’re a good testimony of the good legacies of Mama, and I pray that God will strengthen you to be able to sustain all these legacies she left behind. “Please accept my sincere condolences.” The deceased is survived by the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ekiti Chief Judge, Adeyeye, Dies At 63

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  The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, has passed away after a brief illness. The sad news was confirmed on Tuesday by the Chief Registrar of the Ekiti State Judiciary, Olanike Adegoke. In a statement released by the judiciary’s Public Relations Officer, Michael Oba, Adegoke paid tribute to the late Chief Judge, describing him as “a respected jurist who dedicated his life to upholding the principles of fairness, equity, and justice.” “The contributions of the late CJ to the judiciary and Ekiti State as a whole are immeasurable. His legacy will be deeply missed,” Adegoke stated. Born in 1960 in Araromi Ugbesi, Ekiti East Local Government Area, Justice Adeyeye was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1986. He was appointed Chief Judge of Ekiti State in October 2021, a role in which he served with distinction until his passing.  

Leave Abuja-Kano Road project, FG Orders Julius Berger

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  The Federal Ministry of Works has directed Julius Berger, the contractor handling Section One rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, to evacuate the project site. This followed a 14-day final termination notice issued to the company on Monday, dismissing any possibility of further negotiations. The ministry said the termination was based on non-compliance with the reviewed cost, scope, and terms, stoppage of work, and refusal to remobilise to the site, as directed. It noted that negotiations had been ongoing for several months without any significant progress. A statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Ahmed, disclosed this information on Monday in Abuja, stressing that the decision was reached during a management meeting of the ministry at its headquarters. Recall that the works ministry had in the last 13 months been in constant talks with the company, in order to reach an amiable position on the said alignment but to no avail. The latest development follows an earlier threat by the minister to revoke the contract that was awarded to the company in 2018 when former President Muhammadu Buhari was in power. While the Kaduna-Zaria section has been completed and the Zaria-Kano section is almost done, the Abuja-Kaduna section has recorded 27 per cent progress in six years. At an event penultimate week, Umahi accused Julius Berger of playing politics with the highway to make the current administration look bad. Despite these efforts, an agreement was not reached between both parties, with the construction company not attending the scheduled meeting on Monday. The statement read in part, “Based on non-compliance with the reviewed cost, scope, and terms, stoppage of work and refusal to remobilise to the site, as directed, the Federal Ministry of Works has issued a 14-day Notice of Termination to Messrs Julius Berger Plc for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna), today, November 4, 2024. “Nigerians may wish to know that the Contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, which was divided into three Sections was awarded to the company on December 20, 2017, and flagged off by the former Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Babatunde Fashola at an initial sum of N155.75bn on June 18, 2018. Sections II (Kaduna – Zaria) and III (Zaria – Kano) were partially completed and handed over during the twilight of the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. “Since then it has been one variation and augmentation or the other and finally, the present Minister of Works directed the redesigning and re-scoping of the Section I of the contract. The alignment was divided into two with one phase redesigned to be on continuously reinforced concrete pavement, while the remaining with asphaltic pavement. “Approval for Section I, Phase 1 for a length of 38km on the concrete pavement was given to Messrs Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd, while the remaining 127km remained with the substantive contractor. Phase 1 was flagged off on October 17, 2024, with a 14-month completion period.” Mohammed further explained that a request to rescope the project was approved by the Federal Executive Council but the contract’s terms were not agreed upon by the contractor. He added, “Due to the stalemate of the contract and, most importantly, the desire of President Bola Tinubu, as encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda infrastructure initiative, to see to the completion of this laudable project, also to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians plying the road, the ministry re-scoped it and got the approval of the Federal Executive Council. “The award for the Re-scoping and Downward Review of Contract for the Rehabilitation of Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway in FCT, Kaduna and Kano States, Contract No.6350, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) in favour of Messrs Julius Berger Plc from the sum of N797.26bn to N740.79bn was granted by FEC on September 23, 2024, and conveyed to the company on October 3, 2024.” With the latest development, this means the Works Minister, David Umahi has revoked 11 contracts in 16 months.   Punch

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