General News
Minority Reps Seek Urgent Political, Economic Reforms
By Saint Mugaga
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has called for urgent and comprehensive reforms of Nigeria’s political and economic structures to evolve a new system that guarantees equitable distribution of resources amongst citizens regardless of their region, religion, ethnicity, and other primordial considerations.
The caucus made the call in a statement jointly signed by the caucus leaders: Rep. Kingsley Chinda, Minority Leader ; Rt. Hon. (Dr) Ali Isa J.C, Minority Whip; Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki Deputy Minority Leader and Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi Deputy Minority Whip
In a message to Nigerians on the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary, the caucus said that every Nigerian must look beyond the fanfare associated with the celebrations and “face the uncomfortable truth” that the nation is in dire need of a paradigm shift towards a more purposeful and inclusive system.
They acknowledged the vision of the founding fathers and the efforts of their successors in nation building but observed the time had come for bold reforms if Nigeria must fulfil its potentials.
According to the lawmakers, 65th Independence Anniversary presents another opportunity for sincere reflection, and objective introspection for Nigerians to look back on the journey of nationhood; the road taken and not taken.
“In doing this, we must be honest in our assessments. We must be fair, frank, and firm. It is only when we are true, and factual about our state of nationhood that the country can wriggle out of stymied development towards achieving her full potential as a prosperous country.
“Indeed, as a nation, we face issues of governance and a lack of inclusive economic growth that have left vast segments of our population trapped in poverty. The recurring problems of insecurity, hunger, youth unemployment, and infrastructure deficits are persistent obstacles to our nation’s development.
“The ideals of equity, fairness, and justice, which should bind us together, are sadly, being strained, resulting in divisions that threaten national cohesion, and development.
‘We must also face the uncomfortable truth that our political and economic structures need deliberate and timely reforms.
” More importantly, the distribution of resources must prioritize every Nigerian, regardless of region, religion, ethnicity, and any other narrow-minded considerations.
” More than ever, the realities on ground calls for our Leaders, at all levels, to demonstrate unfeigned commitment to the welfare of the people, and ensure accountability,” they wrote.
The Caucus argued that building a nation is was continuous task that required collective responsibility and it behovesd on all Nigerians to embrace inclusivity, and focus on the positives of the diversities in the country.
” As no single group, no matter how powerful can achieve meaningful progress in isolation, it is imperative for us to unite as one nation. It is only through a shared sense of purpose, understanding, and cooperation that we can overcome our difficulties and emerge stronger.
“As we move forward, let us harness the strength in our differences to build a nation that works for all its citizens. Also, we call on every Nigerian to recommit to the values of peace, unity, and development, knowing that the future, and greatness of our country rests on our ability to stay united and work together towards common goals.
“On this day, we call on all citizens to renew our hope and commitment to a greater Nigeria. May we rise from the ashes of our challenges, and build a nation that fulfills the dreams of our founding fathers, and the expectations of the present, and future generations,” the message read in parts.
By Nick Ibe, Abuja
To cushion the harsh impact of rising living costs, the Federal Government has approved a N70,000 monthly transport intervention for public service workers across all levels for six months, beginning in November 2026, .
This was one of the outcomes of the conciliation meeting between the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Abuja on Tuesday, following renewed pressure from organised labour over the rising cost of living, workers’ welfare and outstanding agreements.
The government also approved the payment of peculiar allowance arrears, effective from May 1, 2026, in three equal monthly instalments beginning in November.
The parties did not agree on the effective date for implementing the national minimum wage, but agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meetings immediately.
The resolutions were contained in a memorandum of understanding signed at the end of the meeting by the Director-General of Budget, Timi Yakubu; NLC President, Joe Ajaero; the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Garba Abdul S.U.; and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.
The document made public after the meeting was tagged: ‘Resolutions Reached at a Conciliation Meeting Held at Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment Between the Federal Government and the Leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday, 27th October, 2026’, outlined agreements on minimum wage negotiations, transport support, outstanding allowances, health workers’ remuneration, tax relief and hazard allowances for agricultural officers.
The meeting followed an earlier conciliation session held on October 22, 2026, convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to address disagreements between the government and organised labour.
On the transport intervention, the document stated, “That transport intervention of Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000) commencing from November 2026 would be paid across all levels for a period of six months.”
The agreement trails high transportation costs and the prices of other essential goods following the removal of the petrol subsidy in May 2023, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Organised labour has repeatedly demanded measures to ease the economic pressure on workers, including reductions in petrol prices, improved wages and the implementation of outstanding welfare agreements.
The memorandum also noted the NLC leadership’s concerns about the government’s handling of its demands.
Addressing the disagreement, it stated that the NLC leadership “expressed concern over the Federal Government’s attitude towards the above issues.”
It added that the Federal Government, in response, “stated that it fully respects the right of the Congress to advocate for improved working conditions for Nigerian workers, and is genuinely trying to address every aspect of it through a structured intervention.”
On the national minimum wage, the parties agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meetings immediately.
However, the effective date of implementation remained unresolved.
The document stated, “It was agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meeting immediately. It should however be noted that there is a disagreement on the effective date of implementation.”
The disagreement leaves a key issue outstanding despite the commitment to begin negotiations without delay.
The national minimum wage became a major issue in 2024 when the Federal Government and organised labour negotiated an increase in the statutory minimum monthly wage from N30,000 to N70,000. The new rate was subsequently enacted into law through the National Minimum Wage Act.
The latest agreement refers to further discussions and the implementation date of the national minimum wage but does not provide details of the specific proposal under consideration or when the parties expect to conclude the negotiations.
The agreement indicates that while the government has approved some financial interventions, other workers’ demands remain subject to further negotiations, administrative verification or decisions by relevant government bodies.
“Trump… Please bring my son back to me. I am begging you for mercy.” And what Trump did when he heard those words… may bring tears to your eyes.
Her name was Malphine. She was 95 years old. A mother who had spent years waiting. Hoping. Praying. And one day… she finally got the chance to meet Trump. And stood before him. With all the strength she had left. And spoke the only words in her heart. Please. Bring my son home.
And Trump looked at this 95-year-old mother. Held her hands. And gave her a promise. I will bring your son home.
And Malphine held on to that promise. The way only a mother of 95 can hold on to something. When hope is all she has left.
Days went by. Weeks went by. And then one morning… the news finally arrived. Her son Marc was coming home. After years away. After years inside a foreign prison. After years of a mother waking up every single day, wondering whether she would ever get to hold her child again.
He stepped off that plane. And returned home. And when Marc’s feet finally touched American soil… Trump was there. In person. To welcome him. To embrace him. To look him in the eyes and say… welcome home. America has not forgotten you.
And in that single embrace…
Trump showed the world something that no speech and no rally could ever truly express: That America cares about its people. Wholeheartedly. Unconditionally. And never gives up fighting for them.
And today… I sat thinking about that story. And remembered every harsh word I had ever spoken about this man. Every judgment. Every doubt. Every moment I chose to look away. And I felt something I can hardly describe. Deep shame.
Because Malphine trusted Trump at 95 years old. With all the hope she had left. And he helped bring her son home.
Today… this is the side of Trump that so many people may never take the time to see.
Not the Trump in the headlines. Not the Trump on the rally stage. Just a man. Who listened to a 95-year-old mother pleading for her son. Worked to help answer her prayers. And personally showed up to welcome him home.
If this story touched your heart today… let God and every American reading this feel your .
And tell me honestly, in your own words — after reading this… can you still speak badly about President Trump? Because I truly find it difficult to do so. Not anymore. Not after hearing this story.
Sons of Liberty. Maga Movement
–Calls for NSCDC reforms, compensation for victims
By Son Tertsea, Abuja
Dehydration was cause of the death of the detained miners, the panel constituted to investigate the deaths of alleged illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, has stated.
The chairman of the committee, Jonathan Kure, while presenting the report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Tuesday, , said the miners suffered acute respiratory failure.
He also corrected the earlier reports that 37 miners died in custódy, saying 33 miners were confirmed dead.
He said the miners collapsed after calling for water and were ignored by the personnel of the NSCDC.
He added that the detention room was overcrowded and poorly ventilated.
He said the miners were illegally arrested and detained, stressing that they were all detained beyond the legally allowed period.
Part of the panel’s report called for a total reform of the NSCDC as well as solicited compensation for the victims.
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