News
Labour Insists on N250,000 Minimum Wage, Awaits President Tinubu’s Verdict
Organized Labour has steadfastly maintained its demand for a new minimum wage of ₦250,000, rejecting lower offers of ₦62,000 and ₦100,000 proposed by other parties. Chris Onyeka, Assistant General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), emphasized that Labour would not settle for a “starvation wage.”
NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking at the ongoing International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, stated that they await President Bola Tinubu’s decision on Labour’s proposal. The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage recently submitted its report, which included the differing proposals of ₦62,000 from the government and private sector, and ₦250,000 from Labour.
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum expressed that any minimum wage above ₦60,000 is unsustainable. However, Onyeka reiterated Labour’s stance, highlighting the significant rise in the cost of living and essentials, which necessitates a minimum wage of ₦250,000.
The NLC issued a one-week ultimatum for the Federal Government and National Assembly to act on their demands, warning of potential nationwide industrial action if their demands are not met by the deadline. Ajaero clarified that Labour has not accepted the ₦62,000 proposal and awaits the President’s decision.
Labour leaders criticized state governors opposing the ₦62,000 proposal and called for the decentralization of their wages. They praised Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki for paying a ₦70,000 minimum wage and urged others to follow his example.
In media interviews, NLC representatives accused the government of financial mismanagement and wasteful practices, blaming these for the country’s economic challenges. They emphasized that Labour’s demands are practical and reasonable, asserting readiness for negotiations conducted in good faith.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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