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No State Will Pay Less Than N30, 000 Minimum Wage – Fayemi, Chairman Govs Forum

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The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, says a review of the revenue sharing formula is still the position of the governors to enable them implement the new National Minimum Wage without hitches.

He also promised that no state would pay less than N30,000 as minimum wage.

Mr Fayemi made this position known when he fielded questions from State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday.

He stated that the agitation for the review of the revenue sharing formula by the governors’ forum dated right from the administration of the former president, Olusegun Obasanjo.

“We feel that it’s time for the revenue sharing formula to change and we have made a representation to the President and Commander-in-Chief not just under the Buhari administration.

”This has been an ongoing agitation that started way back since the time of President Olusegun Obasanjo it continued on the President Yar’Adua and President Goodluck Jonathan.

”So, it’s not just something that has been brought out under President Buhari,” he said.

The governor revealed that already the forum had presented its position on the proposed review of the revenue sharing formula to Revenue Mobilization, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) for possible consideration.

He said: ”You also know that there is a process to this. The process is that the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, which has the responsibility for this would do its own due diligence, consult widely with critical stakeholders.

”We have also made available our own representation to RMAFC.

”Every state has a representative at RMAFC as you know and only last week, RMAFC held a retreat on this and other matters and I believe they will communicate the position.

”Now that we have a full fledged RMAFC in place with a Chairman and other members appointed, it is our expectation that this would be taken up by RMAFC with Mr President in a manner that we have taken it up.

”Whether that would affect negotiation for the minimum wage, I can tell you no. Minimum wage is a law.

”But as I have always said to you, a national minimum wage act is not a general minimum wage review. They are two separate things.”

Mr Fayemi, however, maintained that governors were committed to the minimum wage act, promising that no state would pay anything less than the approved N30,000.

The governor, however, stated that the consequential adjustment may not necessarily end up being the same among the States.

”Some of us have started paying N30, 000 as you may be aware, others want negotiations on the consequential adjustment to end before they start paying the minimum wage.

”And as you may be aware, what has happened so far is that the federal government has agreed a percentage of consequential adjustment with labour.

”What is happening currently in states and majority of our states have started that negotiation, which is to agree on what that consequential adjustment would be in the state.

”I have also said to many people who have asked me, fingers are not equal at the level of the states.

”So, consequential adjustment may not necessarily end up being the same, it will be different from state to state.

”But I can assure Nigerians that no state is going to pay anything less than N30, 000,” he added.

On his membership of the committee set up to reconcile the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi, and Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, Mr Fayemi said himself and Governor Aminu Masari were selected to represent the Governors’ forum in the committee.

He disclosed that the committee had briefed President Buhari on its mission and activities so far.

”We already had preliminary discussions with both parties and we know that they are both desirous of peace in Kano. We have also briefed Mr. President on the mission of this body.

”It is not a federal government body I must say that but the federal government that is Mr President is not averse to anything that could assist in ensuring that there is peace in one or the most political states in our country.

”Anything to avoid a volatile situation that may result in an unfortunate development is not wanted and it is our expectation that given the positive response from both His Excellency the governor, Dr. Ganduje and the Emir of Kano, we would come to a resolution of the problem,” he said.

Mr Fayemi further revealed that the governors’ forum had taken steps towards addressing the political crisis involving the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole and Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo.

He said: ”I can assure you that we are fully seized of what is happening in Edo State and at the level of the party governors’ forum, we have engaged both parties, we hosted both parties, we appealed to them and their supporters.

”We have taken steps and we are still taking steps to ensure that peace reigns in Edo but that is not the matter for the Nigeria Governors Forum, its more of a (party) political issue but we are involved in that at the level of the party.”

(NAN)

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England End Norway’s World Cup Dream, Berth in Semi-finals

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Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic extra-time winner as England overcame an unfortunate Norway to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup.

Bellingham slid home the winning goal in the first half of extra time after a second Norway goal was ruled out by the VAR for an Erling Haaland foul.

Andreas Schjelderup had given Norway the lead, but Bellingham equalised with a brilliant finish — although England were fortunate the goal stood after the ball struck the Spidercam during the build-up.

England rode their luck at times but will now face either Switzerland or old rivals Argentina as they seek to reach the World Cup final for the first time since 1966.

New York Times

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Tinubu, Makinde Express Relief at Rescue of Oyo Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers

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Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed relief and joy over the release of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area.

“It is such a big relief for all of us. Right now, I am overjoyed and can hardly say much,” the governor told Channels Television.

President Bola Tinubu has also expressed delight over the successful rescue of abducted children and teachers, commending the military, the DSS, and the Nigeria Police Force for ending their 56-day captivity.

The President said the security operation led to the arrest of eight suspected abductors while several others were neutralised, describing the outcome as a major relief for the victims, their families and the nation.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised the security agencies for what he described as their tireless efforts in securing the victims’ release.

He also sympathised with the children, teachers and their families over the trauma they endured during the prolonged ordeal

The President further commended the Oyo State Government for its cooperation with the Federal Government throughout the rescue operation and urged the state to strengthen security around schools to prevent similar incidents.

President Tinubu also directed emergency response agencies to work with the Oyo State Government to provide the rescued children and teachers with all necessary medical care and relief support as they recover from the ordeal.

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Kidnapped Oyo Pupils, Teachers Rescued

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The schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped by suspected bandits in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have been rescued after about 56 days in captivity.

According to a statement by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the victims were freed through the efforts of security agencies.

“Finally, all the kidnapped pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, have been rescued by our security agencies,” Onanuga said.

He disclosed that eight members of the kidnapping gang were arrested during the rescue operation and are now in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).

Onanuga said the rescue operation did not involve any exchange or concession to the kidnappers, noting that a notorious gang leader whose release had been demanded by the abductors remains in custody and is being prosecuted for his alleged crimes.

He added that security agencies would provide a full account of the operation soon.

“In the course of the rescue operation, eight of the kidnappers were arrested and are now in DSS custody, while some of them were neutralised. There was no quid pro quo in the rescue, as one of the terrorists, a kingpin whose release was demanded by the kidnappers, is being prosecuted for his atrocities. The security agencies will give full account soon,” he added.

In a video shared alongside the statement, a woman believed to be one of the rescued teachers was seen thanking President Bola Tinubu for securing their release. The schoolchildren were also seen eating biscuits and joining the teacher in chanting, “Thank you, sir,” at the end of her remarks.

“Hello sir, our father, we are grateful. Mr President, sir, we are grateful. We understand your commitment to our safety and we appreciate all you did for us. We could see your hand in this. Thank you very much. Every security operative tried so much, and that is why we are still alive today. We are very grateful to you. Thank you very much,” the teacher said.

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