Author: Gabby

During the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Uyo Township Stadium, the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made a heartfelt plea to Governor Pastor Umo Eno. The union requested the establishment and full equipping of an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) center in the state. Comrade Sunny James, the NLC chairperson, emphasized that such a facility would enable workers unfamiliar with computers to gain essential digital skills at a low cost. He recalled that a similar appeal was made to the previous administration in 2022, expressing optimism that the renewed call would finally be addressed.

Additionally, the NLC called for increased funding for primary education. James highlighted the need to align pension and gratuity payments for retired teachers with those in other sectors. He pointed out that some teachers promoted in 2024 only recently received their promotion letters, meaning they lost out on two years of benefits. The union urged the governor to correct this anomaly.

Comrade Kingsley Akpan, chairperson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, described this year’s theme—’Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work’—as fitting. He raised concerns about labor exploitation and alleged slavery in multinational companies operating in Akwa Ibom, stating that these firms often fail to pay lawful settlements. Akpan urged the government to intervene and ensure workers’ rights are protected. He also called for the realization of the Ibom Deep Seaport and Science Park, as well as the revival of ALSCON, noting the immense job potential of these projects.

In response, Governor Eno, represented by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, congratulated the workers and reaffirmed his commitment to their welfare. He praised the constructive relationship between the government and organized labour, promising continued policies that prioritize workers’ interests.

The spiritual leader of the INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has issued a stark caution to President Bola Tinubu regarding the government’s ongoing borrowing strategy. In a communication from his media representative, Osho Oluwatosin, the cleric emphasized that excessive borrowing signals a failure to harness the nation’s existing wealth for meaningful development.

Ayodele argued that persistent loans, if not addressed, could precipitate a severe economic downturn. He highlighted that Nigeria possesses abundant natural resources across multiple states, including Taraba, Zamfara, and Kogi, which could be leveraged to achieve economic independence. “Stop borrowing money; we have resources in states like Taraba and Zamfara. Nigeria will effectively be put up for sale if Tinubu continues this borrowing trajectory. The country will sink if we are not careful,” he warned.

The prophet further asserted that Nigeria’s debt mountain is insurmountable and that the nation’s own resources should be used to stabilize the economy rather than relying on external loans. He urged the president to avoid reaching a point where global lenders refuse to extend further credit to Nigeria. “We are on a debt that can never be fully repaid, but we can use what we have to save the economy instead of these debts. The country is rich already; let us not get to a level where nobody would want to borrow from us money again,” Ayodele stated.

Concluding his admonition, Ayodele declared that continued borrowing would ultimately destroy the Nigerian economy. He reiterated the need to utilize the resources in various states to improve the nation’s condition. “Borrowing will kill the Nigerian economy; use resources in some of our states to make the country better,” he added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially labeled insecurity and poverty as national emergencies, stating that these issues pose severe risks to employment, economic output, and overall national security. He made this declaration during a May Day address at Eagle Square, where he spoke to a large gathering of workers and labor leaders.

Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Tinubu emphasized that decent work cannot exist in an environment filled with fear and financial struggle. He aligned his remarks with the International Labour Organization’s Decent Work Agenda, which served as the global theme for the day.

The president acknowledged that insecurity and poverty remain major hurdles but assured that his administration is tackling them with urgency. He introduced the Community Protection Guards Initiative, which has already enrolled 45,000 young Nigerians to enhance local security while generating jobs.

Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu highlighted expanded cash transfer programs reaching 15 million vulnerable households, lifting an estimated 7.5 million Nigerians out of poverty. Major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline have created over 600,000 jobs across the country.

Regarding workers’ welfare, the government has implemented a new national minimum wage, cleared pension arrears, and reinstated gratuity payments starting January 2026. Additionally, over 800,000 informal sector workers have enrolled in the micro-pension scheme, and small businesses have access to a N200 billion MSME support fund.

Tinubu stressed that decent work is impossible when workers fear for their lives, wages cannot support families, and insecurity disrupts economic activities. He described these challenges as hydra-headed but noted that the government is treating them as a national emergency due to their impact on productivity and confidence.

The administration reiterated its commitment to building a peaceful Nigeria where citizens can sleep with their eyes closed and achieve the Decent Work Agenda. It framed the agenda not just as an international framework but as a national necessity aligned with the vision of rewarding hard work and providing equal opportunities.

Despite persistent challenges, the government assured that it is not relenting. It is addressing the issues through deliberate, coordinated, and sustained actions backed by targeted policies and the dedication of security personnel, some of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Addressing labor unions including the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, Tinubu called for continuous dialogue and restraint in industrial disputes. He urged that strikes be a last resort, not a first option, and encouraged collaboration for lasting reforms.

The president also commended security forces for protecting economic activities, noting that improved safety directly fuels job creation and national growth. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s path to overcoming insecurity and reducing poverty, promising a future where decent work is a reality for all, not a privilege for a few.

In a series of coordinated operations, troops from the Joint Task Force North East, also known as Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have achieved significant successes against insurgents. The forces neutralized multiple terrorists, detained suspects, and facilitated the surrender of a Boko Haram member.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer for the task force, these accomplishments were made possible through collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF). The operations targeted terrorists moving from Yale toward the Sambisa Forest area, resulting in the deaths of four insurgents. Additionally, troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, and food supplies believed to be intended for terrorist logistics.

Ongoing aggressive patrols along key routes such as Dambboa–Maiduguri, Dambboa–Gwoza, and the Goniri axis have effectively restricted terrorist movements and operations. In a separate incident, soldiers stationed at Kanama apprehended two individuals suspected of aiding terrorists during a routine stop-and-search. The suspects were found with clothing and personal items that may have been used to support insurgent activities. Preliminary inquiries have also uncovered digital evidence suggesting links to terrorist networks. Both individuals remain in custody for further questioning.

Furthermore, at a checkpoint in Kukawa Local Government Area, a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighter voluntarily surrendered. The individual claimed he was abducted earlier this year and forced to join the group. He is currently being profiled and investigated.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, visited the home of late Assistant Superintendent of Police Ejeh Alfred in Abuja to offer his condolences and reaffirm the force’s commitment to the family.

ASP Ejeh, a driver with the Nigeria Police Airwing, lost his life during an operational duty on April 17, 2026. The IGP spent time with the widow, Mrs. Mercy Ejeh, her children, and other relatives, expressing deep sympathy over the tragic loss.

Describing the deceased as a devoted and hardworking officer, Disu emphasized that his sacrifice for the nation would always be remembered. He reassured the family that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to provide necessary support, highlighting that the welfare of officers and the families of those who die in active service remains a top priority.

The IGP also offered prayers for the eternal rest of the late officer’s soul and reiterated that the force would stand by the family during this difficult period.

The Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the state government to settle outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants and improve overall worker welfare. The appeal was made during the joint 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Bauchi.

NLC state chairman Dauda Shuaibu emphasized that retirees who served the state for up to 35 years deserve a dignified exit, calling for a clear framework to clear the backlog of unpaid gratuities. He also requested the allocation of houses built under the Civil Servants Housing Scheme to prevent deterioration from the approaching rainy season and windstorms.

Shuaibu further appealed for the provision of two 18-seater buses to support NLC operations as a coordinating body for over 40 affiliate unions. On welfare, the union demanded the reinstatement of the leave transport grant, describing it as a statutory right that boosts productivity and wellbeing.

The NLC also called for the revival of motorcycle and car loan schemes to improve worker mobility. It expressed concern over the non-remittance of deductions to the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, which has blocked workers’ access to housing loans, and demanded immediate refunds and resumed remittances.

Additionally, the union urged the extension of full CONHESS and CONMESS salary structures to local government workers to address disparities, as done for state health workers. It also called for resolution of outstanding issues in the Contributory Pension Scheme implementation.

Governor Bala Mohammed, represented by his deputy Muhammad Auwal Jatau, assured workers of the administration’s commitment to clearing all gratuities before the end of its tenure. He cited the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage and payroll system reforms as evidence of prioritizing worker welfare despite economic challenges.

Head of Civil Service Mohammed Sani Umar commended the governor for sustaining the N70,000 minimum wage and N32,000 minimum pension. He noted various welfare measures, including work-free days for junior officers during farming season, subsidized agricultural inputs, and distribution of palliatives during economic hardship.

Umar added that the 2025 recruitment exercise strengthened the civil service and created youth employment, while training programs improved worker skills. He urged civil servants to reciprocate through dedication and adherence to public service rules, emphasizing that efficient service delivery is key to tackling poverty and insecurity.