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Pensioners Demand Inclusion in Minimum Wage Review

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* Proposes N100,000 as national minimum pension

…..

FOLLOWING agitations for a new minimum wage as a result of increase in prices of goods and services in the country, the Federal Government, on January 30, inaugurated a 37-man tripartite committee charged with the task of recommending a new national minimum wage for the country.

The committee, under the chairmanship of former Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Bukar Goni Aji, comprises members from the Federal Government, state government, private sector and the organised labour.

Why we want inclusion on minimum wage review committee — NUP

However, it came as a surprise that among labour unions represented on the committee, none is from the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), a union of retired workers in the country.

It was on the back of this that at a recent press briefing in Abuja, the NUP, led by its National President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi and General Secretary, Elder Actor Zal, protested the non-inclusion of its members on the committee.

Since the announcement of the constitution of the committee, the NUP has been calling on the Federation Government and issuing press statements on the need to include its leadership in the committee.

Reacting the questions on the why the union wants to be part the committee, Comrade Abumisi said, “I want to state clearly that if we have been satisfied with the carrying along of the pensioners in negotiations undertaken by the NLC, we will not be here. I want to tell you that even during May Days, you find the NLC cataloging the problems of the Nigeria workers and some time nothing will be mentioned about the problems of the Nigerian pensioners. And we have always followed this with protest, saying when you talk about workers, please also talk about pensioners.

“I want to assure you that if we do not succeed in getting the Federal Government to include us in that negotiation committee through these protests we are making, you will find out that they will go there and talk only about workers and won’t talk about pensioners.

“You cannot convince me that the NLC will be more articulate, more forthcoming about the problems of the Nigerian pensioners than the NUP. I want to say that we have stepped forward. We will do our cries by ourselves. We don’t want to do our cries through surrogates. We want to be part of that committee so that we can talk face-to-face with the federal authorities and tell them the problems of the Nigeria pensioners and how we want them to be solved.”

Abumisi added that minimum wage and pension are meant to be reviewed side-by-side according to the Nigerian Constitution.

He said, “The constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is very clear on how pensioners should be treated. The same Constitution also said that pension shall be reviewed every five years or whenever the Federal Government reviews the salaries of its workers. The constitution also said the same of the states. And it stated that the Federal Government is the sole authority on the issue of pensions across the federation.

“We have approached the Federal Government and said you are the only authority in Nigeria on the issue of pension. You have rights to order state governments to make increases when you have increased the salary or pension. But they said; yes, we are aware of this but that the state governments have the rights to do with their money the way they like, that they cannot intervene on the matter.

“I am going to lead the Nigerian pensioners on a street protest in Abuja naked. So the whole world will see how Nigeria treats its pensioners. We have gotten to a situation where we are running mad because we don’t know what do again.

“The Nigeria Union of Pensioners and her teeming members across the length and breadth of this country are using this opportunity to cry out and urge President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of necessity and urgency, include NUP in the National Minimum Wage Review Committee for workers.”

The union leader added that it was imperative to have members of the union on the committee given that they face the same economic realities as workers.

“Some may argue that the interest of the NUP as a member of the organised labour family would be sufficiently catered for by the representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the committee. But regrettably, this has not always been the case as previous experiences have shown that pensioners had always been left out in the series of wage reviews and negotiations to their fate, not until their local union (NUP) will have to struggle overtime to press for a corresponding upward review of pensions for their members.

“This shouldn’t have been the case. This oversight, or do we call it maltreatment of the senior citizens, is a flagrant contravention and disobedience to the provisions of Sections 173(3) and 210(3) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), which unambiguously stipulates that ‘Pensions shall be reviewed every five years, or together with any federal/state salary reviews, whichever is earlier.’

“The above constitutional provision has always been violated as it is hardly observed or adhered to by the same authorities that signed it into law. It is on the strength of the above and in the interest of peace and industrial harmony that we present our humble stand/demands to the Federal Government on the non-inclusion of the pensioners’ union on the tripartite committee for immediate consideration as follows:

“That as a mark of honour and respect for the senior citizens (pensioners) of this great country who had given their best during their prime age, call on President Bola Tinubu, who, in our opinion, holds the Nigerian pensioners in high esteem, to as a matter of urgency appoint the leadership of the union to serve in the committee just like we have leaderships of the NLC standing for the workers in the public service, TUC representing the interest of the private sector workers and other interest groups such as the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), etc representing various interests in the country.

“It is therefore dangerous and insensitive to exclude the pensioners from such committee that is given the mandate to decide the fate of Nigerians of different socioeconomic interest groups. As a matter of fact, in our opinion, the review of any national minimum wage should always go pari-passu with the review of the national minimum pension, as workers and pensioners belong to the same civil service family with similar characteristics and needs.

“It may sound incredible and absurd, but it is the naked fact that many of our members across the states of the federation are still earning as low as N500, N1,000 as monthly pensions, particularly, in the South-East states of Nigeria. Others are Borno State N4,000, Gombe N8,000, Jigawa N12,000, Katsina N7,000, Kogi N5,000, Kwara N3,000, Niger N4,000, Taraba N5,000, Yobe N4,500, Zamfara N3,000, Nasarawa N4,000, Osun N10,000, Ondo N3,000, Oyo N5,400, Enugu N450, Adamawa N2,000 and Kano N5,000.

“It is important to highlight here that the above pension rates are as low as shown above due to non-harmonisation of pensions which the union has always made a case for, as well as the non-implementation and payment of the previously reviewed N18,000 minimum wage in 2010 and the N30,000 minimum wage in 2019 by many states of the federation. Sadly, the non-implementation of these salary reviews in the states has affected the corresponding increases in pensions in the various states under reference.

“NUP takes exception to and disagree with the untenable excuses by the state governments that they cannot afford the implementation and payment of the previous wage reviews, even with the increase in federal allocation to states by the present administration under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu is unacceptable and unpardonable.

“Therefore, given the above records, and in the interest of fairness and justice, we wish to propose the sum of N100,000 naira as the national minimum pension to the tripartite committee in line with the proposed N200,000 national minimum wage by the NLC, as anything short of that would incur the wrath of the pensioners who are hard-hit by the prevailing economic hardship occasioned by the ever rising cost of living in a geometrical progression.”

“We have the authority of our members to call for a mass protest across the country, particularly in the capital city of Abuja if our demands are not being addressed by the Federal Government.

“Shamefully and embarrassingly too, even the palliatives and the wage award of N25,000 promised by the Federal Government to pensioners and other vulnerable groups are yet to see the light of the day, leaving the hopeless, dejected and frail pensioners who have little or no resources to take care of their needs to their fate.

“With this humble submission, we are optimistic that President Bola Tinubu would, as a matter of urgency, direct the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to liaise with the leadership of NUP to send the names of their representatives in the committee.”

(Tribune)

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Personality Profile

Who’s Dr James Aduku Odaudu?

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Dr. James Aduku Odaudu is a Nigerian professional with extensive experience in public affairs, communications, and development administration. He holds degrees in Theatre and Communications Arts from the University of Jos and a PhD in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

Throughout his career, Dr. Odaudu has played a key role in information management across various sectors, including health, communication, agriculture, security, and aviation. Following his retirement from the Federal Civil Service in April 2022, he was appointed as the Special Adviser on Public Affairs by the  Minister of Aviation.  He also served as the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), where he was responsible for transparent communication regarding aviation incidents and investigations.

Beyond his contributions to public affairs, Dr. Odaudu is a development administrator with a strong interest in public-private partnerships and rural development. His scholarly work includes published articles on development issues in major academic and research journals.

A deeply public-spirited individual, Dr. Odaudu is known for his compassion toward the less privileged, particularly orphans and widows. His commitment to social welfare and community development underscores his dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable society.

Dr James Aduku Odaudu

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Addressing Regional Infrastructure Deficits through the North Central Development Commission

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By James Aduku Odaudu, PhD

Introduction

Infrastructure development is generally recognised as a key driver of economic growth, social stability, and national progress. However, most parts of Nigeria have, over time, suffered from significant infrastructure deficits that have hindered their development potentials. The North Central region of the country, comprising states such as Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), like other regions, faces challenges in transportation, energy, water supply, healthcare, and education infrastructure. To tackle these challenges, the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) is crucial. This essay examines the role the NCDC can play in addressing infrastructure deficits in the North Central region, its potential impact, and the challenges it may face in achieving its mandate.

Current State of Infrastructure Deficits in North Central Nigeria

The North Central region of Nigeria is heavily endowed with vast natural resources and agricultural potential, which, ordinarily, should serve as catalysts for economic growth. However, it faces severe infrastructure challenges that hinder that bellies’ God-given resources. Some of the key deficits include:

1. Poor Road and Transportation Networks – Many roads in the region are in deplorable condition, making transportation of goods and people difficult. The absence of efficient rail networks further compounds the problem.

2. Insufficient Energy Supply – Despite hosting major hydroelectric dams like Kainji and Shiroro, many areas suffer from inadequate electricity supply, affecting industries and businesses.

3. Deficient Healthcare Facilities – The region has inadequate hospitals and healthcare centres, leading to poor health outcomes. Rural communities especially lack access to quality medical services.

4. Water and Sanitation Issues – Many communities face water shortages, poor sanitation, and lack of access to clean drinking water, contributing to disease outbreaks.

5. Educational Infrastructure Challenges – Schools in the region are often underfunded, with inadequate classrooms, teachers, and learning materials, limiting educational opportunities for young people.

The Role of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC)

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC), recently established by the Tinubu administration, is expected to serve as a special intervention agency aimed at addressing these pressing infrastructure needs of the region. Modelled after the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and other similar regional development commissions, the NCDC is expected to focus on the following key areas:

1. Improving Transportation and Road Networks

The commission can invest in the construction and rehabilitation of major roads, bridges, and railways to enhance connectivity within and outside the region. Prioritizing major highways and rural access roads will facilitate economic growth and boost commerce.

2. Enhancing Energy Supply

By partnering with power sector stakeholders, the NCDC can develop projects that expand electricity distribution, support renewable energy initiatives, and optimize the hydroelectric potential of the region. Special emphasis should be placed on rural electrification to support small businesses and industries.

3. Developing Healthcare Infrastructure

The commission can improve healthcare services by building and upgrading hospitals, equipping medical centres, and providing modern medical facilities. Additionally, it can facilitate the training and recruitment of healthcare professionals to bridge the gap in medical services.

4. Boosting Water Supply and Sanitation

Water projects, including borehole drilling, dam construction, and water treatment plants, can be undertaken by the NCDC to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water. Improved sanitation facilities will also help reduce the spread of waterborne diseases.

5. Investing in Education and Human Capital Development

The commission, given its mandates, can prioritize education by constructing new schools, renovating existing ones, and providing scholarships and vocational training programs. A well-educated workforce is essential for the region’s long-term development.

6. Promoting Agriculture and Industrial Development

Since agriculture is the backbone of the North Central economy, the NCDC is expected play significant roles in establishing new irrigation projects whilst simultaneously rehabilitating the very many abandoned ones, provide farm inputs, and establish agro-processing enterprises. Industrial parks and business hubs are also expected to attract the intervention of the commission in order to boost investments and create employment opportunities.

Expected Impact of the NCDC

The successful implementation of the NCDC’s programme is expected to yield numerous benefits, including:

Economic Growth: Improved infrastructure will facilitate trade, attract investors, and boost economic productivity in both urban and rural areas.

Job Creation: Construction projects, industrial development, and service sector expansion will generate employment opportunities.

Improved Quality of Life: Better healthcare, education, and basic amenities will enhance living standards across the region. The will a multiplier effect on rural-urban migration, as the presence of the hitherto unavailable facilities will make migration unattractive.

Security Enhancement: Infrastructure development can help address security challenges by reducing poverty and unemployment, which are often linked to criminal activities.

Challenges and Recommendations

As laudable as the aims and mandates of the commission are, the NCDC may face several challenges, which can hinder their realization. These include:

Corruption and Mismanagement: To prevent misappropriation of funds, transparency and accountability mechanisms must be put in place. Adequate monitoring and control of projects need to be established.

Political Interference: The commission should be, as much as humanly possible, insulated from political influence to ensure its programs are implemented effectively. This is a big call, as political office holders will be interested in projects, needed or not, to their constituencies. The same goes for appointments.

Funding Constraints: Adequate budgetary allocations and alternative funding sources, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), should be explored. The Act establishing the commission has tried to address this by properly identifying sources of funding for the NCDC and similar organisations.

Bureaucratic Bottlenecks: Streamlining administrative processes will enhance efficiency and timely execution of projects. As much as possible, technocrats with administrative capacities should be identified to run the critical departments to ensure strict adherence to rules.

Conclusion

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC), as envisaged by the Establishment Act, presents a viable solution to addressing the region’s infrastructure deficits. By focusing on roads, energy, healthcare, water, education, and agriculture, the commission can unlock the economic potential of the North Central states. However, strong corporate governance, financial accountability, and efficient project execution are essential for the NCDC to achieve its mandate. With proper implementation, the NCDC can significantly contribute to regional development and national prosperity.

• Dr James Odaudu is a development administrator and can be reached at jamesaduku@gmail.com

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Addressing Regional Infrastructure Deficits through the North Central Development Commission

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on

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By James Aduku Odaudu, PhD

Introduction

Infrastructure development is generally recognised as a key driver of economic growth, social stability, and national progress. However, most parts of Nigeria have, over time, suffered from significant infrastructure deficits that have hindered their development potentials. The North Central region of the country, comprising states such as Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), like other regions, faces challenges in transportation, energy, water supply, healthcare, and education infrastructure. To tackle these challenges, the establishment of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC) is crucial. This essay examines the role the NCDC can play in addressing infrastructure deficits in the North Central region, its potential impact, and the challenges it may face in achieving its mandate.

Current State of Infrastructure Deficits in North Central Nigeria

The North Central region of Nigeria is heavily endowed with vast natural resources and agricultural potential, which, ordinarily, should serve as catalysts for economic growth. However, it faces severe infrastructure challenges that hinder that bellies’ God-given resources. Some of the key deficits include:

1. Poor Road and Transportation Networks – Many roads in the region are in deplorable condition, making transportation of goods and people difficult. The absence of efficient rail networks further compounds the problem.

2. Insufficient Energy Supply – Despite hosting major hydroelectric dams like Kainji and Shiroro, many areas suffer from inadequate electricity supply, affecting industries and businesses.

3. Deficient Healthcare Facilities – The region has inadequate hospitals and healthcare centres, leading to poor health outcomes. Rural communities especially lack access to quality medical services.

4. Water and Sanitation Issues – Many communities face water shortages, poor sanitation, and lack of access to clean drinking water, contributing to disease outbreaks.

5. Educational Infrastructure Challenges – Schools in the region are often underfunded, with inadequate classrooms, teachers, and learning materials, limiting educational opportunities for young people.

The Role of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC)

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC), recently established by the Tinubu administration, is expected to serve as a special intervention agency aimed at addressing these pressing infrastructure needs of the region. Modelled after the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the North East Development Commission (NEDC), and other similar regional development commissions, the NCDC is expected to focus on the following key areas:

1. Improving Transportation and Road Networks

The commission can invest in the construction and rehabilitation of major roads, bridges, and railways to enhance connectivity within and outside the region. Prioritizing major highways and rural access roads will facilitate economic growth and boost commerce.

2. Enhancing Energy Supply

By partnering with power sector stakeholders, the NCDC can develop projects that expand electricity distribution, support renewable energy initiatives, and optimize the hydroelectric potential of the region. Special emphasis should be placed on rural electrification to support small businesses and industries.

3. Developing Healthcare Infrastructure

The commission can improve healthcare services by building and upgrading hospitals, equipping medical centres, and providing modern medical facilities. Additionally, it can facilitate the training and recruitment of healthcare professionals to bridge the gap in medical services.

4. Boosting Water Supply and Sanitation

Water projects, including borehole drilling, dam construction, and water treatment plants, can be undertaken by the NCDC to ensure access to clean and safe drinking water. Improved sanitation facilities will also help reduce the spread of waterborne diseases.

5. Investing in Education and Human Capital Development

The commission, given its mandates, can prioritize education by constructing new schools, renovating existing ones, and providing scholarships and vocational training programs. A well-educated workforce is essential for the region’s long-term development.

6. Promoting Agriculture and Industrial Development

Since agriculture is the backbone of the North Central economy, the NCDC is expected play significant roles in establishing new irrigation projects whilst simultaneously rehabilitating the very many abandoned ones, provide farm inputs, and establish agro-processing enterprises. Industrial parks and business hubs are also expected to attract the intervention of the commission in order to boost investments and create employment opportunities.

Expected Impact of the NCDC

The successful implementation of the NCDC’s programme is expected to yield numerous benefits, including:

Economic Growth: Improved infrastructure will facilitate trade, attract investors, and boost economic productivity in both urban and rural areas.

Job Creation: Construction projects, industrial development, and service sector expansion will generate employment opportunities.

Improved Quality of Life: Better healthcare, education, and basic amenities will enhance living standards across the region. The will a multiplier effect on rural-urban migration, as the presence of the hitherto unavailable facilities will make migration unattractive.

Security Enhancement: Infrastructure development can help address security challenges by reducing poverty and unemployment, which are often linked to criminal activities.

Challenges and Recommendations

As laudable as the aims and mandates of the commission are, the NCDC may face several challenges, which can hinder their realization. These include:

Corruption and Mismanagement: To prevent misappropriation of funds, transparency and accountability mechanisms must be put in place. Adequate monitoring and control of projects need to be established.

Political Interference: The commission should be, as much as humanly possible, insulated from political influence to ensure its programs are implemented effectively. This is a big call, as political office holders will be interested in projects, needed or not, to their constituencies. The same goes for appointments.

Funding Constraints: Adequate budgetary allocations and alternative funding sources, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs), should be explored. The Act establishing the commission has tried to address this by properly identifying sources of funding for the NCDC and similar organisations.

Bureaucratic Bottlenecks: Streamlining administrative processes will enhance efficiency and timely execution of projects. As much as possible, technocrats with administrative capacities should be identified to run the critical departments to ensure strict adherence to rules.

Conclusion

The North Central Development Commission (NCDC), as envisaged by the Establishment Act, presents a viable solution to addressing the region’s infrastructure deficits. By focusing on roads, energy, healthcare, water, education, and agriculture, the commission can unlock the economic potential of the North Central states. However, strong corporate governance, financial accountability, and efficient project execution are essential for the NCDC to achieve its mandate. With proper implementation, the NCDC can significantly contribute to regional development and national prosperity.

• Dr James Odaudu is a development administrator and can be reached at jamesaduku@gmail.com

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