General
Workers’ Day: NLC Decries Deteriorating Standard of Living of Nigerian Workers
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has outlined demands to the federal government while expressing deep concerns over the deteriorating economic conditions of workers as the world marks the International Workers’ Day (May 1).
NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero, said Nigerian workers are groaning because of poor pay as a result of the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu as well as growing insecurity and political interference in labour affairs across the country.
Mr Ajaero described the current state of the Nigerian economy as hostile to workers, noting that the removal of fuel subsidy, Naira devaluation and rising inflation have plunged millions of households into deeper poverty.
He maintained that the current economic trajectory has eroded the value of wages, rendering workers helpless and unable to meet basic needs.
“It is clear that the policies of the government, particularly the ill-timed and unstructured removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira, have pushed Nigerian workers and their families to the brink,” he said.
The NLC president reiterated the labour union’s position on the new minimum wage, stating that N70, 000 is the barest minimum that workers can accept under the current economic conditions. He argued that the amount, though still insufficient considering the skyrocketing cost of living, could serve as a starting point for negotiation.
He lamented the increasing hunger facing workers in the country, “We are hungry,” he said, adding that, “The minimum wage cannot buy a bag of rice. If you are sincere and you go to work every day, 20 days, your salary is gone on transportation.
“We are not asking for luxury. We are simply demanding a wage that allows a worker to live a dignified life, pay rent, feed their families, send their children to school, and transport themselves to work.”
He said that even this figure would need to be adjusted periodically to keep pace with inflation and market forces.
“If the government can effectively implement some of the measures they have put in place -such as the N70, 000 minimum wage, the CNG transport system, and the students’ loan- then one can say that the renewed hope idea is working. I think the foundation has been laid, but we need the real implementation of these,” he stated.
On energy and transport, he criticised the government’s failure to deliver on the promised palliatives to cushion the effect of subsidy removal. He cited the delay in rolling out Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) infrastructure and vehicles, which was supposed to provide affordable alternatives to petrol-powered transportation.
“They promised us CNG buses. Where are they? They promised wage awards. Many states have not implemented anything. The promises made last year have remained largely on paper,” he said.
He called on the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of energy reforms, especially in the transportation sector, to alleviate the burden on workers who spend a significant portion of their income on transportation.
Mr Ajaero also raised concerns over the inconsistencies in salary payments and implementation of wage awards across various states and federal agencies.
He noted that many state governments have either failed to implement the approved wage increases or are paying workers below the agreed minimum wage, thereby violating labour agreements.
He pointed out that the disparities in the federal and state public service salary structures were unacceptable and called for immediate harmonisation, including a review of salary step progression and grade levels to ensure equity.
The NLC president further urged the government to reform the country’s tax regime, which he said unfairly targets the poor while allowing multinational corporations and political elite to evade taxes.
“It is only in Nigeria that someone earning N50, 000 a month is taxed heavily while the real billionaires are not paying their fair share. This system must change,” he said.
Additionally, the labour leader condemned the growing state of insecurity in many parts of the country, which he said not only affects productivity but, also, endangers the lives of workers, especially those in rural communities and high-risk professions.
He also criticised the decay in the health and education sectors, lamenting that many workers can no longer afford basic healthcare or quality education for their children. Turning to internal challenges within the labour movement, he decried the increasing political interference in union activities, particularly in Rivers and Edo states.
He accused state governors of undermining the autonomy of the trade unions, suppressing workers’ voices, and in some cases, promoting parallel union leadership to create division.
“In Rivers State, we are witnessing a complete breakdown of labour-government relations. Retirees are not being paid, union meetings are disrupted, and workers’ rights are trampled upon. In Edo, we are dealing with a crisis of leadership instigated by the state government,” he alleged.
He urged the federal government to call erring state governors to order and protect the rights of workers as enshrined in the Constitution to prevent the escalation of events in those states. He further stated the status of no May Day celebrations in the states still stands. He challenged the government to prioritise social services in its spending plans and cut waste in governance.
If you work in media and have been watching the industry shift around you, faster news cycles, shrinking revenues, AI in the newsroom, the MTN Media Innovation Programme may be exactly the kind of intervention your career needs right now.
Now in its fifth edition and bigger than it has ever been, MIP 2026 is calling for applications. The webinar on April 16 is your best first step.
What Is the MTN Media Innovation Programme?
The MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP) is a certificate course run by the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, with a focus on the convergence between ICT and the media. It is a fellowship for journalists and media practitioners across the entire spectrum, including social media, designed to help them build capacity at both professional and business levels, delivered over a six-month period.
The programme gives participants skills to create better content, run media businesses, and earn money in a tough industry. It mixes classroom time, international trips, and real-world visits.
This year, the programme crosses a significant milestone. The cohort has been expanded to 25 fellows, up from 20 in previous editions, as a deliberate reflection of MTN Nigeria’s 25-year anniversary.
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, explained the thinking behind it: “The expansion to 25 fellows this year is a deliberate reflection of our 25-year milestone, and a reminder that as the media industry continues to evolve, there is a continued need to invest in the people and ideas that will shape its future.”
MTN is hosting a webinar on April 16 to walk prospective applicants through everything they need to know. Here is why you should be on that call.
- You will understand exactly what MIP is built to do. MIP is designed to increase participants’ knowledge and skill base and help them understand the changing media landscape and how to effectively use technology to create impactful media content. The webinar is your clearest path to grasping that mission before you apply.
- You will learn how to apply correctly, before it is too late. With less than a week between the webinar and the closing date, attendance gives you just enough time to fix mistakes and strengthen your submission before the April 22 deadline.
- You will know for certain whether you qualify. MIP is open to media practitioners and digital content creators across the entire spectrum, including social media. But eligibility has specific requirements. The webinar helps you confirm your fit before you invest time in the application.
- You will understand what the selectors are actually looking for. Shortlisted candidates are reviewed independently based on professional merit, potential impact, and their commitment to the evolution of African media. Knowing this helps you position your application more effectively.
- You will grasp the full scope of the curriculum. Fellows build skills in three main areas: the telecom industry, media innovation, and writing and reporting. Modules cover media entrepreneurship, ethics, fintech, 5G, financial reporting, and more. The webinar will walk you through what that looks like in practice.
- You will learn about the international component. Accepted participants get a seven-day, all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa for special training in Johannesburg, including a day at MTN Nigeria Headquarters and another at MTN Group Headquarters, plus industry visits and tours at an Innovation Hub.
- You will hear what past fellows actually experienced. The alumni speak for themselves. Oloye Ayodele Samuel, CEO of Rock FM Jalingo and a past MIP fellow, described it this way: “This fellowship is a transformative experience that has completely shifted my perspective. From Nigeria to South Africa, the training and conversations have ignited a burning desire to push beyond the status quo. It’s a new future reimagined, and it’s coming soon.”
- You will see the career value of the alumni network. The programme has built a strong alumni network, with participants occupying key roles across media organisations and contributing to public discourse through impactful storytelling. The webinar will show you what that network looks like and what it can open up for growth.
- You will get your questions answered live. A few things sharpen an application like a direct answer to the question you were afraid to ask. A live session removes the guesswork that costs candidates competitive ground.
- You will leave with the momentum to apply actually. Content Strategist and MIP 2 fellow Anu Odubanjo put it plainly: “If you are in the media industry, here is a life-changing opportunity you shouldn’t miss. Being selected as one of the 20 fellows for the second cohort of the fully funded media fellowship out of over 2,500 applications was definitely the highlight of 2023 for me. Truly an unforgettable experience and one I will forever cherish.”
Applications for MIP 2026 are now open.
Application Deadline: April 22, 2026.
Apply here: mtnmip.smc.edu.ng
Have questions? Join the webinar on April 16.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has warned that the country faces a significant gap of 480,000 Data Protection Officers (DPOs), in spite of notable progress recorded in the last three years.
The National Commissioner of NDPC, Mr Vincent Olatunji, disclosed the opening of a one-week training for the second cohort of DPOs Training and Certification Programme in Abuja.
Mr Olatunji said there were still shortages even as the number of certified DPOs in Nigeria increased from fewer than 1,000 three years ago to over 10,000, while more than 27,000 professionals now operate within the broader privacy ecosystem.
However, he noted that the gap remained wide due to the increasing number of data controllers and processors in the country.
“We have identified over 500,000 data controllers and processors who require the services of data protection officers.
“At the moment, we have about 10,000 certified DPOs to work in that space.
“The gap of about 480,000 still exists, which underscores the need for sustained capacity building,” he said.
The NDPC boss said the commission was intensifying efforts to bridge the gap through continuous training programmes.
He said the initiative was aimed at positioning Nigeria as a hub for highly skilled and globally competitive data protection professionals in Africa.
“Our goal is to make Nigeria the go-to country when it comes to sourcing qualified data protection officers in Africa.
“The certification we offer meets global standards, enabling practitioners to operate not just locally but in any part of the world,” Mr Olatunji said.
He said the programme would also contribute to job creation within the digital economy, in line with the federal government’s priorities.
On her part, Mrs Tolu Fadipe, the commission’s Head of Research and Development, emphasised the critical role of data protection in the digital economy.
She said that responsible data handling was fundamental to the growth of digital systems and emerging technologies.
“As we move towards a digital economy, data becomes central and protecting that data is essential.
“This training is designed to build competence and ensure organisations comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” she said.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The processing of planning permits for property owners in Lagos State is now fully digital, discontinuing manual and semi-digital processes.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on E-GIS and Urban Development, Mr Olajide Abiodun, said the new system is the Electronic Physical Planning Process System (EPPPS).
He described it as a transformative, web-based platform designed to completely modernise the operations of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, which is transitioning from legacy, manual systems toward a highly efficient, transparent, and scalable digital framework.
“Lagos State has entered the dawn of a new era in digital processing of Planning Permissions, Authorisations to Commence Construction Works, Stage Certification, amongst other services,” he told newsmen recently.
Mr Abiodun noted that the full automation of the planning permit process commenced on April 1, 2026, stressing that anyone processing planning permits manually from the stated date is engaging in an illegal activity and that all applications must now go through the EPPPS platform exclusively.
The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s aide added that once one receives planning approvals via EPPPS, the journey is not over. The person should immediately apply for their Authorisation to Commence Construction Works and Stage Certifications through the EPPPS platform, amongst other services, adding that there will be a task force to monitor compliance with this activity.
While updating the citizens on other developments on Urban Development and Land Administration in the State, he said the state government has introduced CAP to further strengthen LASBCA’s capability in ensuring strict building development compliance.
According to him, CAP is a strategic Public-Private Partnership that allows accredited private professionals to work alongside LASBCA in monitoring building projects.
“This helps us ensure strict compliance with the state’s building codes. It will drastically reduce the risk of building collapses while accelerating project delivery. It is a win for safety, a win for the construction industry, and a win for Lagosians,” he said.
The Lagos State Government, in the journey of moving from the built environment to Land Administration, has actively decentralised its services to ease the burden on citizens, announcing that the e-GIS Regional Office in Ikeja has officially commenced operations.
“This is a dedicated, customer-facing hub designed specifically to handle your digitised land administration activities. Citizens will no longer need to travel all the way to Alausa for every land-related inquiry.
“The Ikeja office is fully equipped to serve residents efficiently at the grassroots level, as the Government is assuring that the remaining divisional offices across the state will also commence operations very soon,” he disclosed.
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