Author: Platform Times Newspaper

After hours of negotiations, the Federal Government and Organized Labour have reached a significant agreement regarding the minimum wage, promising positive outcomes for Nigerian workers.  The national tripartite committee on minimum wage convened on Monday, where Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, announced that the committee would meet daily for the next week. The marathon meeting, which commenced at 5:00 pm, concluded close to 11:00 pm, indicating the intensity and dedication of both parties towards finding a resolution.  Following the discussions, an agreement was signed between the government and Organized Labour, marking a crucial milestone in the…

In a plea aimed at averting potential disruptions to the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj, the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has implored organized labor to postpone their ongoing strike until after the completion of the Hajj season.  The association expressed deep concern over the adverse impact the strike could have on the Nigerian Muslim community, especially in light of the impending Eid Kabir festival. Abdullateef Ekundayo Yusuf, the National President of AHUON, underscored the significance of Hajj in Islam and emphasized the financial implications and logistical challenges posed by the strike.  He stated that while AHUON…

Deborah Hundenu, Febe Falodun & Jelili Gbadamosi As the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) commenced their nationwide strike, patients and their families in Ogun State found themselves in a dire situation, with hospitals grappling to provide adequate care amidst the industrial action. The strike, declared indefinitely against the federal government’s failure to reach an agreement on the new minimum wage, has led to widespread disruptions across various sectors.  In Ogun State, the impact on healthcare facilities such as the Ogun State General Hospital in Sokenu and the Federal Medical Centre in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, has been particularly…

Daud Olatunji Some experts in Nigeria’s aviation sector have criticized the ongoing construction of the Gateway International Agro Cargo Airport in Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, describing it as a wasteful and poorly conceived project. The experts Captain John Okakpu, a licensed commercial pilot with over 30 years of experience and  a Group Captain John Ojikutu, former Commandant of Murtala Muhammed International Airport spoke exclusively with The Punch, extracted by PLATFORM TIMES. Okakpu argued that the airport’s location is redundant given its proximity to Lagos and Ibadan, both of which already have operational airports.  “That airport is halfway to Ibadan and…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on labour unions to persist in their negotiations with both federal and state governments.  This appeal comes amid discussions over a new, realistic minimum wage for Nigerian workers. The government’s plea was conveyed through the established tripartite committee, tasked with formulating the new minimum wage.  Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution during a press briefing on Monday in Abuja. “As a government, we are desirous of a peaceful outcome, and we will do everything to make this happen,” Idris stated.  He highlighted…

The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), located in Kwara State, has expelled a 100-level student from the Department of Information Technology within the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences.  The student, identified as Olanrewaju Abdulkabir Abdulkadri, was expelled for allegedly demanding ransom from the parents of his missing colleague in exchange for their child’s safe return. The case came to light following an official statement published in the university’s weekly bulletin, which was signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Kunle Akogun.  The bulletin detailed the severity of the allegations against Abdulkadri, who had used the crisis of his missing colleague…

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the immediate revocation of Heritage Bank Plc’s licence, citing the bank’s persistent inability to improve its financial performance.  The decision, revealed in a statement by Hakama Sidi-Ali, Acting Director of the Corporate Communications Department at the CBN, is aimed at maintaining the integrity and stability of Nigeria’s financial system. In the statement released on Monday in Abuja, Sidi-Ali emphasized that the revocation aligns with the CBN’s mandate to foster a sound financial environment in Nigeria.  This action is supported by the powers vested in the CBN under Section 12 of the Banks…

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has initiated the liquidation of Heritage Bank, promising to compensate depositors of the now-defunct financial institution with insured deposits of up to N5 million.  This follows the recent revocation of Heritage Bank’s banking license by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Bashir Nuhu, the NDIC’s Director of Communication & Public Affairs, made this announcement in a statement issued today.  He explained that the license revocation and subsequent liquidation are conducted under Section 12(2) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2020, which mandates the NDIC as the liquidator. In line with Section…

A High Court in Birnin Kebbi has sentenced Farida Abubakar to death by hanging for the murder of her ex-husband, Chief Magistrate Attahiru Muhammad-Ibrahim.  The judgment, delivered on Monday, brings to a close a high-profile case that has captured public attention since its inception. Farida Abubakar was arraigned on charges of murder on August 25, 2022, following the brutal killing of her former spouse. The prosecution filed the main charge on July 26, 2023, accusing Abubakar of fatally stabbing Muhammad-Ibrahim with a sharp object in his abdomen, neck, and left arm.  The attack led to the Chief Magistrate’s death, prompting…

In a dramatic turn of events, the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has severely disrupted the airlifting operations of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), leaving thousands of Nigerian pilgrims stranded. The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has sounded the alarm over the crisis, emphasizing the grave impact on the pilgrims’ plans and safety. Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Director of MURIC, issued a statement on Monday detailing the plight of the stranded pilgrims. He revealed that an aircraft dispatched to transport the pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia was forced to return to Jeddah empty due to the strike…