Nigeria Raises Minimum Wage to ₦70,000 after Negotiations with Labour Unions

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Nigeria Raises Minimum Wage to ₦70,000 after Negotiations with Labour Unions - The Nigerian government has agreed with labour unions to set the new national minimum wage at ₦70,000 per month, replacing the previous ₦30,000 minimum wage that expired in April 2024. After extensive negotiations, this agreement was reached between President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).  The government will submit an executive bill to the National Assembly on Tuesday to enshrine the new minimum wage into law. President Tinubu emphasized the importance of reviewing the minimum wage every three years, rather than the previous five-year cycle, to ensure workers' salaries keep pace with the cost of living. In addition to the minimum wage increase, the government also agreed to pay the withheld salaries of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU). The government further pledged substantial investments in infrastructure and renewable energy, including acquiring more CNG buses to support the nation's transition to cleaner energy sources. The labour unions praised the government's commitment to workers' welfare and the country's economic recovery, describing the outcome as a "happy day for Nigeria."

Abuja to Host Inaugural ESRI User Conference West Africa 2024 - Abuja, the capital of Nigeria, is set to host the inaugural ESRI User Conference West Africa 2024 from September 10-11. This pivotal event will bring together GIS professionals, academics, and industry leaders from across the region, highlighting the growing significance of geographic information systems (GIS) in critical areas such as infrastructure, environment, disaster response, and urban planning.

To register for the Esri User Conference West Africa 2024, please click the link:  https://africabusinessconvention.com/event/esri-user-conference-west-africa-2024/

Attendees will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the latest ArcGIS software, learn from leading experts in the field, and network to foster partnerships and share best practices. The conference underscores the region's commitment to harnessing the power of geospatial information to drive innovation and address pressing challenges. With increased accessibility to satellite imagery, GPS devices, and open-source software like QGIS, GIS data is becoming a transformative force throughout West Africa. The event is poised to serve as a launchpad for the future, empowering participants to leverage GIS technology to create positive change and shape a better tomorrow. The conference will be held at the NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, cementing the city's role as a hub for geospatial innovation in the region. read more

Nigerian Lawmakers Take Pay Cut to Support Food Security Efforts" - The Nigerian House of Representatives has unanimously decided to reduce their salaries by half for six months as a show of solidarity with the Nigerian people facing economic challenges and food insecurity. The decision was reached during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, where lawmakers agreed to contribute half of their monthly salary of ₦600,000 to support the government's efforts in tackling rising food prices and mitigating hunger across the country.  The amendment proposed by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu was influenced by Rep. Isiaka Ayokunle's call for dialogue instead of nationwide protests. The lawmakers' pledge comes amid ongoing international efforts to support food security in Nigeria, with the United States government announcing a $200 million investment in relevant initiatives over the past five years. The lawmakers' action demonstrates a commitment to shared sacrifice and collective action during these challenging times.

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