Connect with us

Jobs/Appointments

Federal, State Governments Should Not Suffocate Nigerian Workers—CNPP

Published

on

Conference of Nigeria Political Parties CNPP

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The federal and the state governments have been cautioned against frustrating Nigerian workers, who the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) said deserve a living wage.

The group, in a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Mr James Ezema, advised the workers not to settle for less as they deserve better.

There had been talks between the organised labour unions comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on a new national minimum wage.

The current value is N30,000 per month, but the workers want about N494,000 due to the current economic crisis in the country. The government last proposed N60,000 which has been rejected and talks have again resumed to conclude, possibly later today, Friday, June 7, 2024.

The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in the country in the statement said it stands resolute in its commitment to championing the rights and welfare of the Nigerian workers, irrespective of political views or other affiliations.

“In light of the prevailing economic situation, we firmly insist that our hardworking citizens deserve a national living wage that reflects their contributions to the nation’s growth and the realities of our time,” the organisation stated.

Giving a reason for a national living wage, the CNPP said, “Nigeria faces significant economic challenges, including inflation, rising costs of living, and the removal of petrol subsidies. These factors disproportionately affect workers who struggle to make ends meet.

“We believe in the resilience and dedication of Nigerian workers and, as the backbone of our nation, their well-being directly impacts our collective progress.

“A national living wage ensures that workers can afford necessities, support their families, and contribute effectively to the economy. A poorly paid worker given the high cost of living in the country will most likely be a corrupt civil servant or employee.”

The CNPP called on both parties in the ongoing negotiations to expedite action to reach a position quickly, saying “We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria and the labour unions to expedite negotiations on a new minimum wage threshold. Empty promises won’t suffice; concrete actions are needed to avoid another circle of industrial action over unpaid salaries and pensions.”

“We urge Nigerian workers to unite in their demands, trust in your collective strength, not just in the unions, to be architects of their destiny.

“While we recognize the economic challenges, we implore both parties to seek a middle ground that would be just and fair,” it added.

Speaking on strategic reforms in reducing the cost of governance in Nigeria, the CNPP observed that the “cost of governance is a very pressing issue in Nigeria that requires urgent strategic reforms.”

“The federal and state governments should not suffocate the civil service by denying it fair wage but continue to increase the pay and remunerations of federal/state executives as well as that of the parliaments, both at the state level and at the national level.

“To reduce the cost of governance and save money for the salaries of Nigeria workers, the executives at all levels prioritise development-oriented policies and investments. This ensures that government spending directly contributes to growth and well-being.

“They should implement performance-linked wages to motivate public servants and limit the number of advisers and assistants to political office holders as well as reduce the size of cabinets at both federal and state levels.

“To eliminate low-priority expenditure, the executives should conduct rigorous cost-benefit analyses for all projects, reject bills seeking to create new government agencies unless they are essential and promote digital technology like the use of e-accounting and e-auditing systems to prevent unauthorised spending and leverage technology for efficient public service delivery.

“Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) should be streamlined to eliminate duplications and redundancies and reduce bureaucracy by merging or reorganizing MDAs for more productivity.

“By implementing these measures, Nigeria can strike a balance between effective governance and prudent spending.

“The CNPP emphasises that Nigerian workers are not mere statistics; they are the heartbeat of our nation. Let us ensure they receive a living wage that reflects their worth.

“CNPP remains committed to advocating for a fairer, more prosperous Nigeria for the good of the masses. Together, we can build a nation where every worker thrives,” the group noted.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Jobs/Appointments

Makinde Picks Abimbola Akeem Owoade as New Alaafin of Oyo

Published

on

Abimbola Akeem Owoade

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Governor of Oyo State, Mr Seyi Makinde, has formally announced Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, more than two years since the throne was vacant following the death of the last Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, on April 22, 2022.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Dotun Oyelade, said Prince Owoade, after thorough consultations and divination, was recommended by the Oyomesi and approved by the Governor of Oyo State.

According to the Commissioner, a statement to this effect had been issued by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ademola Ojo, who said that the announcement put to rest all the social and legal bickerings that ensued since the demise of the previous occupier of the exalted seat in Yorubaland.

Mr Ojo called on all citizens of Oyo State to join the government in celebrating this momentous occasion and lend their support to the new Alaafin of Oyo.

The Commissioner prayed that his reign would bring peace, prosperity and unity to the historic Oyo Kingdom.

Business Post reports that insiders say there is some discontent as Prince Lukman Adelodun Gbadegesin was initially selected by the Oyo Mesi, the kingmakers, to be the next ruler.

Prince Akeem Abimbola Owoade, a member of the Owoade-Agunloye family, is 47 years old. He is a trained mechanical engineer.

He has an MSc in Mechanical Engineering from Northumbria University after he attained a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Sunderland.

Before his sojourn to the United Kingdom, he has some education in Nigeria, attaining his Higher National Diploma (HND) also in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic, Ibadan and his National Diploma from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro and his Secondary School from Baptist High School, Saki.

His coronation will happen in the coming weeks.

Continue Reading

Jobs/Appointments

Adeonipekun Succeeds Akerewusi as Registrar of Stockbrokers’ Institute

Published

on

ayo adeonipekun

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Mr Ayo Adeonipekun has been appointed as the new Registrar and chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS).

He is taking over the position from Mr Josiah Akerewusi, who retired after a decade of meritorious service, according to a statement.

“This is a critical role that requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the capital market.

“Adeonipekun possesses these qualities, and we believe he will transform the institute into a world-class certification entity,” the chairman of the Council at CIS, Mr Oluropo Dada, said.

Mr Adeonipekun is expected to guide the organisation to higher heights with his over 25 years of extensive multidisciplinary experience in leadership, finance, people and performance management, as well as corporate planning and administration.

Before now, he has served in various top management positions in leading organisations, including Marina International Bank (now Access Bank), Crossword Securities Limited, Sterling Bank, First City Monument Bank Plc, Susu Microfinance Bank, and MBL Financial Services, among others.

He was once the chief executive of a funds/portfolio manager licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Reliance Capital Limited.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Mr Adeonipekun qualified as a Chartered Stockbroker in March 2006 while working at Crossword Securities Limited.

He also became a Chartered Accountant in May 1997 and was admitted as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in 2013.

Additionally, he is a Certified Microfinance Banker (CIBN-MCP), an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), a trading license holder with the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, and a Registered Capital Market Operator/Sponsored Individual with the SEC.

The CIS chief boasts a Higher National Diploma in Accountancy from Yaba College of Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master’s in Finance, both from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, and currently a doctoral candidate (PhD Finance) at the same institution.

Continue Reading

Jobs/Appointments

Olumuyiwa Olumekun Commences Duty as NAHCO CEO

Published

on

NAHCO stocks

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (NAHCO Aviance) has announced the appointment of Mr Olumuyiwa Olumekun as its new chief executive, with effect from January 1, 2025, following the retirement of Mr Indranil Gupta.

Mr Gupta concluded his tenure as the company’s CEO on December 31, 2024, marking the end of an era that saw growth under his leadership.

The company’s announcement, delivered via a notice to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited, confirmed the board’s approval of Mr Olumekun’s appointment.

He brings over three decades of leadership experience, which will help steer NAHCO through its next phase of growth. His career at the company includes key roles such as Group Executive Director of Corporate Services, where he played an instrumental part in driving the company’s 2019–2023 strategic plan.

This plan resulted in a 300 per cent increase in profitability. He brings his experience in business development and commercial strategy to bear.

His previous tenure as Acting Managing Director and Executive Director of Corporate Services contributed to the development of NAHCO’s operational success and long-term strategic direction.

Mr Olumekun also led the company’s efforts in driving new business opportunities during his leadership of the Commercial and Business Development sectors in 2019.

Since retiring from his active role at NAHCO in 2022, he has continued his involvement in the company as a non-executive director on the boards of its subsidiaries, helping guide their growth.

Continue Reading

Trending