News
Private Sector Urges Government for Support to Meet New N70,000 Minimum Wage
Following the recent agreement between the Federal Government and organized labor on a new minimum wage of N70,000, the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has raised concerns about its capacity to meet this financial obligation.
The workers’ union had initially accepted the increase based on President Tinubu’s assurance of government support to facilitate the transition for private sector employers.
The OPSN is now urging the Federal Government to promptly outline the specifics of the promised support to enable businesses to plan effectively. The private sector is currently grappling with substantial production costs and other financial pressures.
Mr. Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, Director-General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), voiced these concerns on behalf of the OPSN.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts in approving the new minimum wage, he emphasized the need for additional measures to alleviate the burden on businesses.
These measures include reversing recent increases in electricity tariffs, ensuring that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) fulfills outstanding financial commitments to companies in the productive sector, imposing a moratorium on new taxes and levies for the next five years, and providing exemptions and subsidies for imported conversion kits.
Oyerinde stressed the importance of implementing reforms that will enhance the private sector’s capacity to absorb the new wage levels.
He noted that during discussions with the National Minimum Wage Committee, the OPSN had previously expressed concerns about meeting the earlier recommended minimum wage of N62,000.
This recommendation was made with the understanding that the government would take concrete steps to mitigate the existing economic challenges facing the private sector.
The NECA Director-General underscored that the ability of the private sector to comply with the new wage demands is a critical issue that needs addressing.
News
‘He Was a Giant’ — President Tinubu Mourns Veteran Actor Olu Jacobs
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid tribute to late Nigerian actor Olu Jacobs, recalling his contributions to the creative industry and his impact on Nigeria’s cultural identity.
In his tribute, Tinubu described Jacobs as a giant of the Nigerian creative industry and said “He was a giant of the Nigerian creative industry. His passing is a great loss to Nigeria, the African film industry and the global community of lovers of the performing arts. His remarkable body of work will continue to speak to generations yet unborn.
“The nation recognises the enormous contributions of Nigeria’s creative practitioners to the country’s cultural identity, global image and economic development. Olu Jacobs played a big role in creating this identity.”
News
Deji Adeyanju Demands Action From Tinubu Over Counterfeit Products
Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency over the proliferation of counterfeit and substandard drugs and consumer products in Nigeria.
Adeyanju also called for the removal of the Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, as well as the heads of other regulatory agencies, including the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
“Nigerians are being exposed to dangerous products daily, from fake and substandard medicines to unsafe consumer goods, with reports of drugs being sold wholesale in the open under the hot sun. No responsible government should expose its citizens to such risks and expect mortality rates not to rise.”
Adeyanju also called out NAFDAC over what he described as failures in regulating the circulation of counterfeit and substandard products in the country.
It can be noted that various counterfeit products continue to circulate in Nigerian markets, while NAFDAC has also reported seizures and destruction of counterfeit, expired and substandard products.
News
‘Two Hours on the Road’ — Lagosians Groan Over Kara Bridge Traffic
Lagosians have lamented heavy traffic caused by ongoing construction work at Kara Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The Federal Government announced that repairs on the damaged expansion joints at Kara Bridge would begin on September 8, 2026. The project, initially scheduled to begin in August, was delayed to allow further traffic management planning due to concerns over its impact on motorists.
Since work began, traffic around the Kara area has become heavy, with Lagosians sharing updates on social media about spending two hours or more on the road.
Some commuters say the delays have made their 9-to-5 routines difficult, with several hours spent travelling to and from work.
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