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Prepare for prolonged strike, union tells Nigerians

Published

6 years ago

October 8, 2019

…Lagos workers demand N50,000 minimum wage

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday urged the nation’s workers and the citizenry to brace up for a prolonged nationwide strike as the ultimatum it issued to the Federal Government to implement the N30,000 new minimum wage has expired.

The warning came On Monday during this year’s World Decent Work Day celebration in Lagos.

At the rally to mark the celebration, NLC President Ayuba Wabba, who was represented by the union’s Deputy General Secretary, Ismail Bello, stressed that if government failed to address the issue on or before October 31, the labour movement would take action. The union leader urged the government to agree to consequential adjustment of the salary and begin payment immediately.

The workers, as early as 7 am, gathered at “Under Bridge” in Ikeja, the state capital, from where they marched to the House of Assembly.

Bello said government’s dillydallying on the matter had strained its relations with labour, adding that this could cause a major national strike in a matter of days.

“Accordingly, we would use this opportunity to appeal to the government to do the needful by urgently commencing the implementation to what we agreed on. We also would like to use this same opportunity to urge workers to fully mobilise for a prolonged national strike and enforce their right.

“This strike action becomes the inevitable last option for us and we crave the understanding and support of all Nigerians and businesses.

“We would want to assure workers that their labour, patience and diligence will not be in vain and that this leadership remains committed to giving all that it takes to ensure that they get just and fair wages due to them in a decent work environment appropriate to their well-being,” he said.

Also, Lagos State NLC Chairman Agnes Funmi Sessi stressed that if other states pay N30,000 minimum wage, Lagos workers would not take less than N50,000.

The union leader said this is because Lagos workers faced a lot of hazard every day, while the state is also special.

“We, workers in Lagos State, will not take anything less than N50,000 as minimum wage. This is because workers face lots of hazards. There should be allowance for transportation, rail and many other things. The roads are bad. There is no electricity. The living condition is bad.”

The Nation.

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Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

7 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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