Category: News - Page 3 - African News Today

Reactions as Minimum Wage Negotiations Hit a Snag

16May

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Economy, Employment, Labour, News, Nigeria

Reactions as Minimum Wage Negotiations Hit a Snag

Negotiations between the Nigerian government and organized labor have hit a roadblock, sparking concerns over fair wages and economic stability. The recent walkout by labor representatives before negotiations even began has drawn criticism and calls for reconsideration from various stakeholders. Speaking on behalf of the Organized Private Sector of Nigeria, Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of NECA, expressed disappointment at the early walkout, emphasizing the importance of all parties presenting their opening positions before negotiations commence. He urged labor leaders to return to the negotiation table in the interest of national development. Dr. Ikenna Nwosu, a facilitator with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, criticized the government's stance, citing economic i...

Labour Rejects Government’s Minimum Wage Offer

16May

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Economy, Employment, Labour, News, Nigeria

Labour Rejects Government’s Minimum Wage Offer

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have walked out of the minimum wage negotiation with the Federal Government. The negotiation, fraught with tension, hit a standstill as the government's offer of N48,000 fell drastically short of the N615,000 demanded by the unions. This rejection marks the second deadlock in as many weeks, signaling the deep-rooted disagreement between labour and the government over what constitutes a fair national minimum wage. The impasse emerged during a session convened on Wednesday, where hopes for a breakthrough were dashed as both parties failed to bridge the considerable gap between their positions. The offer presented by the government, far below the unions' expectations, drew immediate condemnation from labour leaders who descr...

Emefiele Pleads Not Guilty to Allegations of Unlawful Naira Printing

15May

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Corruption, Economy, Judiciary, News, Nigeria

Emefiele Pleads Not Guilty to Allegations of Unlawful Naira Printing

The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, found himself at the center of controversy as he appeared in court on Wednesday to face allegations of unlawfully printing Naira notes during his tenure. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused Emefiele of printing N684 million Naira notes without authorization from former President Muhammadu Buhari, amounting to a total sum of N18.96 billion. Additionally, the EFCC alleged that Emefiele unlawfully approved the withdrawal of approximately N124.8 billion from the consolidated revenue fund. Emefiele, however, vehemently denied these accusations when the four-count charge was read to him before trial Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). His lega...

Death Toll Rises to 33 in George Building Collapse Tragedy, 19 Still Missing

15May

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News, Safety, South Africa

Death Toll Rises to 33 in George Building Collapse Tragedy, 19 Still Missing

A week after the devastating building collapse in George, South Africa, the death toll has climbed to 33, with 19 individuals still unaccounted for, marking a somber escalation in the aftermath of the tragedy. Despite tireless rescue efforts, which have mobilized a vast array of resources, including cranes, heavy machinery, and sniffer dogs, no new survivors have been located. The grim reality is further underscored by the identification of only six victims thus far, highlighting the immense challenges faced by rescue teams amid the rubble. See Also: Building Collapse Leaves 23 Dead as Week-Long Rescue Efforts Continue Focused efforts are now concentrated on scouring the building's lower levels, as well as the first and second floors, in the hope of locating any remaining survivo...

Nigerian Singer Portable Attempts Daring Escape from Police Over Unsettled Debt

15May

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Law Enforcement, News, Nigeria

Nigerian Singer Portable Attempts Daring Escape from Police Over Unsettled Debt

Nigerian entertainer, Habeeb Okikiola, better known by his stage name Portable, found himself in a precarious situation on Tuesday as he attempted to evade arrest by the operatives of the Lagos State Police Command. The incident unfolded when officers arrived to apprehend him following a complaint filed by a car dealer over an unsettled debt. Portable had engaged in the purchase of a N27 million G-Wagon from the dealer, making an initial payment and promising to clear the remaining amount at a later date. However, the transaction soured when Portable allegedly failed to fulfill his payment obligations. In a widely circulated video capturing the dramatic arrest, Portable, dressed in a white and black striped shirt, was seen engaging in a seemingly convivial conversation with the offi...

Wike Left Huge Debts for Rivers State – Fubara

15May

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Economy, Finance, News, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Wike Left Huge Debts for Rivers State – Fubara

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, revealed that his administration inherited substantial debt from the previous government led by Nyesom Wike. The disclosure, made on Tuesday, highlighted the challenges faced by Fubara’s administration in settling outstanding payments to contractors who executed projects under Wike’s tenure. According to Governor Fubara, numerous contractors engaged by the previous administration have been demanding their balance payments, amounting to billions of naira. This revelation has intensified the ongoing feud between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, adding another layer to their already strained relationship. During his tenure, Nyesom Wike, often referred to as "Mr. Projects," undertook a plethora of developmental initiatives, including the...

Building Collapse Leaves 23 Dead as Week-Long Rescue Efforts Continue

13May

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News, Safety, South Africa

Building Collapse Leaves 23 Dead as Week-Long Rescue Efforts Continue

Search and rescue teams persist in their endeavors at the site of the tragic incident, a full week after disaster struck in the city of George, located in South Africa's Western Cape province. Municipal authorities revealed on Monday that the death toll has tragically risen to 23. An ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the root cause of the collapse, with the country's public works minister slated to visit the accident site on Monday, as reported by local media outlets. Amidst the somber atmosphere, a ray of hope emerged on Saturday when a man was miraculously rescued from underneath the rubble, a staggering 116 hours after the initial accident occurred. See Also: South Africa: Over 26 Rescued as Rescue Mission Continues The ill-fated building, approved for construction las...

Agbakoba, Others Head to Court Despite FG’s Suspension of Cybersecurity Levy

13May

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Finance, Judiciary, Justice, News, Nigeria

Agbakoba, Others Head to Court Despite FG’s Suspension of Cybersecurity Levy

The Federal Government has quietly withdrawn the controversial 0.5% cybersecurity levy, despite the resentment it generated. Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume praised President Bola Tinubu for listening to the people, ordering a review of the levy, and suspending its implementation. However, the withdrawal has not appeased all critics. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), BudgIT, and 136 concerned Nigerians have sued the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) at the Federal High Court in Lagos over its failure to withdraw the circular directing banks to deduct the levy from customers' accounts. Similarly, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Olisa Agbakoba said he would challenge the implementation of the levy in court. Last week, the CBN relied on the Cybercrime Act 2015 (as amended) t...

3 Police Officers and an FRSC Officer Killed by Gunmen in Enugu

13May

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Law Enforcement, News, Nigeria, Security

3 Police Officers and an FRSC Officer Killed by Gunmen in Enugu

Gunmen have killed three policemen and a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) official in Enugu State, Nigeria. The attack occurred on Monday morning along the Obeagu-Amechi Road in Enugu South Local Government Area of the state. According to the report, the gunmen ambushed the police officers and the FRSC official while they were on duty. The assailants opened fire on them, leading to their deaths. See Also: Three Police Officers killed by Suspected Gunmen in Enugu The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators and uncover their motive. This is the second attack on security personnel in Enugu State within a week. On May 8, 2023, gunmen killed two police officers in the Nkanu West Local Government...

Wike was instrumental in Obi’s PDP Exit – Paul Ibe

12May

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Elections, News, Nigeria

Wike was instrumental in Obi’s PDP Exit – Paul Ibe

Paul Ibe, the spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, has pointed fingers at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, accusing him of frustrating the Southeastern presidential zoning within the party, rather than Atiku. Speaking on Seun Okinbaloye’s Mic On podcast, Ibe clarified that Atiku had advocated for the PDP to allocate the 2023 presidential ticket to the Southeast region. However, he alleged that Wike played a pivotal role in thwarting this effort. The backdrop of this accusation stems from the departure of Peter Obi, the former vice presidential candidate of the PDP in the 2019 elections, who shifted allegiance to the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the 2023 presidential ele...