NEWS
Economic Collapse: NLC criticises NGF’s recommendations to FG
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has criticised the Nigerian Governors Forum recommendations to the Federal Government on how to save the country from economic collapse.
The NLC President, Mr Ayuba Wabba said this in a letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari and made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that it was alleged that the governors had proposed the elimination of PMS subsidy/under-recovery estimated at N6-7 trillion.
They had also proposed early retirement of civil servants from age 50 and above and the implementation of the reviewed Oronsaye Report which suggests ending financing of government’s budgetary expenditures.
The governors also proposed putting a final stop to fuel subsidy, eliminating NNPC’s federation-funded projects, capping Social Investment Programme (SIP) and National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy budgets at N200 billion among others
Wabba had described the governors’ recommendations to the Federal Government as insensitive, selfish and hypocritical.
“Your Excellency, while we do agree that the economy is in need of revitalisation, we are dismayed by some of the prescriptions of the governors as they smack of extreme selfishness and insensate cruelty.
According to him, the governors have canvassed for the premature termination of the appointments of public servants from age 50 and above in clear violation of their contracts of employment which is a subsisting law.
“We find this repugnant, shameful and utterly irresponsible. Aside from running contrary to your mission and principle of creating 100 million jobs.
”Aside from poverty intervention schemes,this policy is clear invitation to anarchy and damnation.
“Pursuant to this, if State Governors strongly believe that age 50 is the problem, we demand that all governors, public office holders and politicians above 50, as a mark of good faith, should immediately step aside.
”Leading by example would spur public servants to take a cue.
“Beyond this however, implementation of this policy in the public sector will give a cue to the private sector to follow suit, with all its attendant devastating consequences,’’he said.
Wabba also said that Nigerian governors were famous for ”lavish spending and wastage” and there was no assurance that money saved from stopped oil subsidy would be channeled to good use.
He also said on the issue of removal of fuel subsidy that the congress found it ” unrealistic, insensitive and hypocritical.”
”We find it distasteful that petrol subsidies in Nigeria create distortions in the economy but they do the opposite in US or Western Europe.
“Truth is that removal of the little benefit the average person in Nigeria enjoys could lead to unintended consequences which we would be better off without.’’.
He, therefore, said that the solution to subsidy and the increasing deficits laid in domestic refining, effective management of Nigerian refineries.
Wabba added,” this also to create an enabling environment for effective and efficient public sector leadership in the building and management of local refineries.”
Wabba further described as ”heartless,” the recommendation that the planned 22 per cent salary increase for workers be put on hold due to the massive devaluation of the Naira.
“At over N600 to a dollar, the minimum of N30, 000 amounts to no more than $42.8 for a family of four for 30 days.
READ ALSO: NLC Set to Speak Language of Protest to FGN – Kaduna NLC boss
“The implication of this is all too clear to see already, with the rapidly rising crime wave, and the intensifying epidemic of insecurity.
“While we commend you for your thoughtfulness for a wage increase, truth of the matter is that given the misfortune that has befallen the Nigerian populace, especially workers with fixed incomes.
“There is an urgent need for a massive intervention much deeper than the 22 per cent.
”We would recommend a 50 per cent salary review across the board given the realities on ground,’’he said.
On the recommendations for the introduction of state sales taxes at 10 per cent, Wabba said that this seeks to make the poor pay more taxes while the rich pay little or nothing.
He added that this was clear violation of the well-known norm of the rich paying taxes to cover up for the poor, adding,” It is a global norm and practice.”
Wabba therefore called for a raise in taxes across the board for the rich, including increased taxes on luxury goods and lifestyles.
“Your Excellency, instead of embracing jobs termination which will compound the existing crises in our country, we should adopt the positives of retaining our best hands as a way of motivating the public service.
“We find ludicrous the recommendation for the expedited privatisation of non-performing assets because our privatisation story has been a sad and painful one that and hath no need of re-telling here.
“ It has been replete with asset-stripping, incapacity (financial, operational and management) and total failure.
“At a time most Nigerians are calling for a reversal, especially in the power sector, it is ill-advised to privatise more entities, ’’he said.
The NLC boss also said that one of the reasons why the economy was performing below expectation was ”due to the fact that TSA and IPPIS have been compromised negatively.
”Accordingly, we call for severe sanctions that will send a clear message to all that the practice of popular democracy is not synonymous with violation of extant laws or promotion of corruption.
“Closely-linked to this, is the cost of governance which comes in the twin form of unacceptable indulgences and celebration of greed to the detriment of the greater majority.
“ This leads to the promotion of negative values with collateral consequences.
”We need not remind you that we have enough resources to go round everyone one of us but for the expensive life style, the insatiable greed and the mischief of a select few.”
”In the light of this, we urge you to go forth and recover all the money cornered by the governors and any other public office holder, to the last kobo irrespective of party affiliation, creed or sex,’’he said.
The Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious a publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, distanced himself from Tony Elumelu, describing the report as entirely baseless.
This was detailed in a statement issued by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said neither Dangote nor the Group made the claims attributed to them, stressing that the publication misrepresents both personal and corporate positions.
The Group also rejected assertions that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends, describing the claims as inaccurate and a deliberate misrepresentation of facts.
“As a matter of principle, Aliko Dangote neither finances his projects through personal borrowing from friends nor engages in lending arrangements of that nature,” the statement said, adding that any such claims must be supported by verifiable evidence.
The Dangote Group further clarified that there is no rift between Dangote and Elumelu, noting that both business leaders maintain a longstanding and cordial relationship.
ALSO READ: Dangote Refinery Recalls Redeployed Engineers
The company also raised concern over a growing pattern of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, likeness and image in AI generated advertisements and other misleading content, warning that such actions pose reputational risks and may constitute fraud.
It cautioned individuals and platforms involved in the creation and dissemination of false information to desist immediately, adding that it would pursue appropriate legal action where necessary to protect its reputation and that of its leadership.
The Dangote Group reaffirmed its commitment to the highest standards of integrity while continuing to drive industrialisation, economic self sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.
Panic has spread through Monatan community in Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State following the abduction of a 60-year-old building materials trader by suspected armed men.
The incident occurred on Saturday night along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road in Ibadan when the victim was intercepted by four masked gunmen while returning home at about 8:47 pm.
The attackers reportedly operated in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla before forcefully whisking the victim away to an unknown destination.
ALSO READ: Horror in Kogi: Gunmen Abduct 24 Pupils in Orphanage Raid, 15 Rescued
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the state police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the matter was reported on May 2, 2026, and that security operatives had already begun rescue efforts.
He stated: “I can confirm that there was a case of abduction reported on May 2, 2026, at about 2047hrs from the Monatan area of Ibadan. Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle. Upon receipt of the report, police operatives swiftly visited the scene and activated necessary operational measures aimed at rescuing the victim and apprehending the perpetrators.”
Residents of the area have expressed fear over rising insecurity, urging authorities to intensify surveillance and prevent further attacks.
Security agencies assured that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim and arrest those responsible.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly condemned the rising wave of attacks on its citizens in South Africa, summoning the country’s top diplomat in Abuja over what it described as persistent xenophobic violence.
The move follows recent incidents in which Nigerians were reportedly targeted, including the killing of one citizen and injuries sustained by others in separate attacks by unidentified gunmen.
The government said the pattern of violence has become alarming and unacceptable.
SEE ALSO: HURIWA Saddened at 131% Surge in Air Peace, United Nigeria Airfares to Southeast
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, confirmed that South Africa’s acting high commissioner has been invited for urgent discussions.
According to him, the meeting will address “documented cases of maltreatment of Nigerian citizens and attacks on their businesses.”
Nigeria’s action comes amid growing continental concern over the safety of foreign nationals in South Africa, where repeated outbreaks of xenophobic violence have been recorded over the years.
Similarly, Ghana recently summoned South Africa’s envoy in Accra following reports of harassment and intimidation of its citizens.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that a Ghanaian resident was confronted and asked to leave South Africa in a recent incident, heightening fears among migrants.
South Africa remains one of Africa’s top destinations for migrants due to its relatively advanced economy.
However, high unemployment and economic challenges have often fueled resentment against foreigners, leading to periodic violence.
Reacting to the development, South Africa’s acting police minister, Firoz Cachalia, condemned the attacks, stating that such actions are unlawful and contrary to the country’s constitutional values.
He assured that security agencies have been directed to act decisively against perpetrators, emphasizing that xenophobia, violence, and intimidation will not be tolerated.
The Nigerian government has reiterated its commitment to protecting its citizens abroad, warning that it will continue to engage diplomatically until the safety and rights of Nigerians in South Africa are fully guaranteed.
OPEC+ Hikes Oil Production Quotas, Silent on UAE Pull-out
NUPRC, NLNG Deepen Collaboration to Raise Gas Production
NMDPRA Credits Dangote’s Disclosure of Aviation Fuel Price with Potential Market Stability
Dangote Group Slams False Claims on Refinery Financing, ‘Rift’ with Elumelu
‘He Can’t Compete’ — Presidency Mocks Obi Over ADC Exit
BREAKING: Peter Obi Dumps ADC Ahead of 2027 Election
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
