Information Minister Did Not Dismiss Governor Zulum’s Security Concerns

The Office of the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation has noted a misleading caption by an online publication suggesting that the Honourable Minister, Mohammed Idris, (fnipr), dismissed the recent concerns raised by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, regarding the security situation in the state.

This is categorically false and a gross distortion of the Minister’s remarks. At no time did the Honourable Minister say “Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram is not taking over Borno.” Such a headline is not only sensational but deliberately crafted as a deliberate act of misinformation to stoke public misunderstanding and distract from the serious work the Federal Government is doing to address security challenges.

In his response to media inquiries on Governor Zulum’s remarks, the Honourable Minister acknowledged that while the Federal Government has made significant progress in restoring peace and security across many parts of the country, some areas continue to face security challenges.

He emphasized the ongoing efforts by the military and security forces, the sustained investments in security hardware and intelligence, and the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism and banditry under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).

The Minister further called on all stakeholders, including state governments, to continue partnering with the Federal Government to bring lasting peace to affected communities.

His comments were intended to provide context on the progress made, not to dismiss or downplay legitimate concerns.

We urge media platforms to uphold the ethics of responsible journalism by avoiding sensationalism and publishing only verified and accurate information. The task of rebuilding peace and security in our nation is a collective one that must not be undermined by reckless and irresponsible reportage.

Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation.

10th April, 2025

“Broken Promises and Broken Backs: The ₦70,000 Minimum Wage Law and the Betrayal of Nigerian Workers”

By George Omagbemi Sylvester

 

In a nation where the cost of living rises faster than hope, Nigeria’s workers remain the punching bag of economic mismanagement, political indifference, and institutional hypocrisy. It is nothing short of a national disgrace that almost a year after the Federal Government passed the ₦70,000 minimum wage into law in June 2024, only 16 out of 36 states have bothered to implement it. That leaves 20 states—more than half the federation—brazenly violating a law meant to protect the most vulnerable: local government workers, primary school teachers, cleaners, and support staff who keep the wheels of governance turning.

A Law Betrayed

The passage of the ₦70,000 minimum wage law was hailed as a necessary step to cushion the blow of the floating naira, spiraling inflation, and the withdrawal of fuel subsidies. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the bill into law amidst fanfare and political grandstanding, declaring that “no worker in Nigeria should earn below a livable wage.”

Yet, in reality, those words have rung hollow. In states like Kogi, Bauchi, Zamfara, and even oil-rich Delta, the new minimum wage remains a cruel illusion. Workers still earn the outdated ₦30,000 or, in some cases, even less. Local government employees and primary school teachers in these states have become beggars in a country they serve diligently.

Economic Injustice in Broad Daylight

What exactly does ₦70,000 buy today? In 2025, ₦70,000 is barely enough to cover rent in most urban centers, let alone feed a family, pay for transportation, school fees, or basic healthcare. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the average monthly cost of living for a Nigerian family of four is now over ₦180,000. So even the ₦70,000 wage—far from generous—is the barest minimum needed to scrape by.

Yet many state governments are dragging their feet, citing “inadequate funds” and “bureaucratic delays.” These are tired excuses from administrations that continue to waste public resources on bloated convoys, foreign trips, and frivolous allowances. Economist Dr. Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company, remarked in a recent interview, “State governments crying about affordability should look inward. There is enough waste and duplication in their budgets to fund this minimum wage if fiscal priorities are restructured.”

Where is the Accountability?

It is important to ask: why are these states not being held accountable? The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued threats, organized protests, and released statements, but what has changed? Why has the federal government, which passed the law, not enforced it with the same zeal it uses to collect taxes or chase debtors?

It is yet another example of Nigeria’s selective enforcement of laws—one for the elites, another for the poor. If a citizen fails to pay taxes or utility bills, the system comes down hard. But when governments fail to obey a law passed by their own legislature, silence and complicity reign supreme.

Voices from the Ground

Workers across the 20 defaulting states are speaking up—but who’s listening? Mr. Musa, a local government clerk in Gombe State, says, “I have not been able to pay my children’s school fees since last term. They keep telling us they are ‘working on it.’ Since June last year? My salary is ₦28,000. What can I do with that today?”

Mrs. Onome, a primary school teacher in Edo State, adds, “They want us to teach with passion, but they don’t pay us enough to eat. The government talks about education reform while starving the educators.”

The Hypocrisy of Governance

This situation reveals a deeper malaise—Nigeria’s chronic hypocrisy when it comes to governance. Governors are quick to increase their own allowances, fund their re-election campaigns with public money, and host lavish state dinners, but suddenly become frugal when it concerns paying the minimum wage.

As respected economist Prof. Pat Utomi rightly put it, “A nation that fails to prioritize the welfare of its workers is a nation preparing for social implosion. Wage justice is not a luxury—it is a foundation for peace, productivity, and patriotism.”

Political Will or Political Wickedness?

Some states like Lagos, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Enugu have implemented the new wage and are adjusting their budgets accordingly. This proves that implementation is not about resources—it’s about political will. The states that have refused to comply are not necessarily the poorest; they are the most irresponsible.

The Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) reports that all 36 states received an average of ₦60 billion each in federal allocations between July 2024 and March 2025. If even 10% of that allocation were directed toward wages, most states would easily meet the minimum wage threshold.

The Role of Civil Society and Media

Civil society organizations, labor unions, and the media must do more than issue statements. There must be coordinated action, legal battles, and naming-and-shaming campaigns. Let every Nigerian know which governors are breaking the law. Let them be exposed in every forum, from town halls to social media.

In the words of Femi Falana (SAN), “Workers must rise to defend their rights. When government disobeys the law, civil disobedience becomes duty.” Falana further suggested that workers should sue non-compliant states and seek judicial enforcement of the wage law.

A Call to Action

Enough is enough. This is not the time for diplomacy or patience. The Nigerian worker has endured decades of deception, delay, and disdain. We must demand a national audit of state compliance with the minimum wage law, backed by sanctions for erring states.

Let the governors who refuse to pay their workers feel the pressure. Let every non-compliant state be exposed. Let labor unions organize strategic strikes. Let civil society file class-action lawsuits. And let the international community take note that Nigeria cannot claim to be democratic while treating its workforce like slaves.

Conclusion: Justice Delayed is Justice Denied

The refusal of 20 states to implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage is not just an administrative failure—it is a betrayal of trust, a violation of human dignity, and a ticking time bomb. The poor cannot continue to subsidize the waste and luxury of the rich.

We cannot claim to build a prosperous future on the backs of underpaid, disrespected workers. If the government is serious about peace, progress, and productivity, it must start by paying its debts—starting with the most basic one: a fair wage.

And to those governors still playing politics with the lives of workers, remember this: history never forgets. Nigerians are watching, and justice may be slow, but it always arrives.

Uniqueness, Raw Talent, Creativity distinguishes Femi Trinity among Colleagues .

One of the famous Music Act making waves in the entertainment industry with dynamisms and ability to translate Songs into creativity is no other person than the famous Falade Oluwafemi aka Femi Trinity of Trinity Rhythmic band,

He is Good,Talented, Handsome, Creative and very humble to all his fans across the globe

He has created a niche for himself, therefore His name is now a household name in the entertainment world Particularly Fans and lovers of Live Bands.

Femi Trinity Talents to sing creative songs is beyond any ones imaginations, full of Power he has the ability to transfer any one from a stage of helplessness to a full stage of hope, his songs give hope, rethink, and melodious.

Without mincing words Femi trinity is a talent full of great unique experiences, His Christian choir background page way for him in the music industry and stands him out among his colleagues in the industry, when Femi Trinity sings, he takes full charge, releasing messages to all his fans and making sure they get the best of him at all times

The jeka a baa na owo e crooner recently shake the federal capital city of Abuja with the best of his songs along side his crew members, it was really a moment where Society meets music, it was never a dull moment,a fans who witness the show remarked

This is why I said Femi Trinity remains the best, heaven is just his starting point, he has a very big hidden Talent, when well exploited will make him a popular Music Act across the Globe,

If you want the best of Music, Femi Trinity is the talent that can give you good music for your money

Watch out for Part 2, more of Femi Trinity

Packaged by
Hon Babatunde Samuel Seidu
Youths Ambassador