Author: Platform Times Newspaper

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…

Daud Olatunji The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has issued a strong call to organised labour to reconsider its planned nationwide strike. The police in a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer,ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stressed the need to adhere to legal procedures to prevent a breakdown of law and order.  The announcement comes in response to the organized labour’s recent declaration of their intention to strike in advocacy for the interests of all workers. The NPF acknowledged the right of organized labour to engage in strike actions but highlighted the importance of following existing laws governing such activities.…

 As the Organised Labour in Nigeria begins  a nationwide strike set to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has made a fervent appeal for reconsideration.  Through a statement released by his media team on the night of Sunday, June 2, 2024, the Sultan implored the labour leaders to reconsider their planned strike in light of its potential impact on the country’s wellbeing. Addressing the labour leaders, the Sultan emphasized the adverse effects that the strike could have on the very citizens whose interests they aim to protect.  He urged them…

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State said he inherited more than 80 per cent infrastructural deficit from the immediate past administration of the state. Adeleke disclosed this at a programme organised by the Osun Development Association in Lagos on Sunday, adding that his administration has ended half salary payment to workers. The theme of the programme was, ‘A celebration of Founding Members, Inauguration of Council of Elders, Induction of New Members and Thought Leadership’. Adeleke, represented by the Group Managing Director, Odua Investment Company Limited, Chief Lai Orilowo, said that he worked assiduously to solve the problem,…

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has  expressed his astonishment at surviving his first year in office, given the intense political turmoil that erupted shortly after his inauguration.  Fubara, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, faced immediate and severe challenges, culminating in a significant political crisis by October 30 of the same year.  The crisis began with a fire incident in the State House of Assembly, which set off a chain of destabilizing events. Speaking at a Church Thanksgiving service to mark his first anniversary in office, Governor Fubara reflected on the precarious early days of his tenure.  “Some two…

Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has  identified the lack of a liquid foreign exchange market as a significant challenge for multinationals  exiting Nigeria.  He highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance the economic and investment climate to attract and retain international businesses. Edun explained, “One of the major drawbacks, one of the major impediments for them (exiting multinationals) was they did not have a liquid foreign exchange market.” To address this, the Nigerian government has introduced a willing buyer, willing seller foreign exchange market.  Edun noted that while this market is not yet at…

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has deemed the June 3, 2024, notice of industrial action issued by Organised Labour as “premature, ineffectual, and illegal.” In a letter dated June 1, 2024, Fagbemi addressed his concerns to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero and Trade Union Congress (TUC) President Festus Osifo, emphasizing the legal shortcomings of the planned strike. The labour unions argue that the current minimum wage of ₦30,000 is insufficient for the average Nigerian worker.  They highlight that many governors are not adhering to this wage, which expired in…

 Nigerian organised labour has affirmed its resolve to initiate an indefinite nationwide strike, defying eleventh-hour interventions by the National Assembly aimed at forestalling the impending industrial action. Despite intense negotiations held at the National Assembly Complex between the leadership of the Senate, House of Representatives, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), the labour leaders remained resolute in their decision to proceed with the strike, citing unmet demands regarding the national minimum wage and electricity tariff hike. The emergency meeting, spearheaded by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas…

A  Petty Officer (PO) in the Nigerian Navy, M. Nasiru  has been sacked  for allegations of theft.  The dismissal stemmed from accusations that Nasiru pilfered various items from the residence of a retired Naval rating who had  housed him and his family in Lokoja, Kogi State. According to the military signal, Nasiru  allegedly stole ;  30 pieces of wrappers, 3 veils, a Maxi generator, and 40 empty gallons, collectively valued at approximately 600,000 Naira.  These items were reportedly taken from the home of Mrs. Jumai Idris, the retired rating who had provided accommodation to Nasiru and his family free of…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended  a 70-year-old grandfather, Muhammadu Ibrahim for alleged  involvement  in illicit drug activities. The operation, which took place in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa state, resulted in the seizure of 57.2 kilograms of cannabis from Ibrahim.  The NDLEA’s Director of Media and  Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that Ibrahim was arrested alongside three other suspects between May 29 and May 31 in various locations across the country. Babafemi said in Ekiti state, NDLEA officers conducted a raid in Ara Forest, Ara-Ekiti, leading to the arrest of two suspects, Suleiman Kazeem, 35, and Sunday…