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Subsidy Removal: NULGE Requests 300% Minimum Wage Increment, FG Releases 10,000 Buses
FG Releases 10,000 BusesThe Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called for 300 per cent increment in the minimum wage for workers across all sectors due to the inflation caused by the removal of fuel subsidy. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); js">
NULGE National President, Mr Ambali Olatunji, said this in a communique jointly signed by Mr Isah Gambo, General Secretary of the union, at the end of its regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.
Olatunji said that the 300 per cent rise was imperative considering the inflation necessitated by the removal of fuel subsidy on local government staff.
Accordingly to him, it is the position of NULGE that there should be 300 per cent rise in the minimum wage for all Local Government workers and other public servants including private sector workers.
He also said that considering the overbearing posture of the state governors on local government which had left it prostrate in the country, there was need for state of emergency to be declared on local government administration.
This, he said would address the infrastructural decay, poverty and state of unemployment across the local governments in the country.
Olatunji also said that government as a matter of urgency should create a special intervention fund to take care of aforementioned social welfare and infrastructural decay through the Ministry of Special Duty.
NUGLE boss said that the proposed fund should be able to carter for projects and programmes in conjunction with local government.
He further called on the federal government to establish a special agency to collaborate with the local government administration in administering the fund for the development and the transformation of the rural areas.
He added that considering the state of insecurity that had affected food production in the country, the local government administration should be assisted in establishing special vigilante to protect farmers.
He, however, acknowledged the effort of federal and state governments to cushion the effect of the economic policies on citizens.
Olatunji also urged the government to utilise the 800 million dollars from World Bank to provide mass transit and other interventions especially in the auto-mobile spare parts companies, to carter for the transport need of the masses.
“This will discourage importation, alternate energy provision (CNG), vocational skill acquisition centers for youth and women,” he said.
He also advised government to give tax rebate/holiday for low income earners and small scale entrepreneurs, as a way of encouraging and sustaining their businesses.
He condemned the attacks on local government secretariats in Plateau, Anambra, Abia and Enugu states by gunmen nothing that they were unwarranted.
Olatunji while calling for urgent re-opening of the 17 local governments in Plateau shut down as a result of alledged political crisis, urged the SGF to expedite action on the scheme of service for the local government.
“It is the conviction of the union that autonomy for local governments remains the best way to return the country to the part of development and growth.
“This will translate to the direct funding of local governments without which no genuine national development can be achieved,” he said.
He also called for the establishment of Local Government Police (Community Police) to address the spate of insecurity across the country.
Olatunji further called for special rural allowances for local government staff to discourage rural-urban migration.
Meanwhile, Daily Asset Newspaper reports that the FG has Releases 10,000 Buses for Subsidy Removal Palliative.
The Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Mohammed said that the Federal Government will distribute 252 thousand metric tons of grains to states at a subsidised rate to cushion the effect or subsidy removal.
Mohammed said that the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, will also make available to the people its package.
On his side, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said that though the hardship the masses are facing as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy was not the doing of the government as the market forces determines the price, efforts were being made to cushion its effect.
Some of the packages include cash transfer to the poorest of the poor by the states, cash award policy for all public servants which should be implemented for six months in first instance, payment to public servants on outstanding liabilities such as pension, allowances among others.
He also said that the government is looking at the possibility of funding Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), which he said are the engine room of business.
He further said the government plans immediate implementation of energy transition plants, converting mass transit buses to Compressed Natural Gas, CNG, adding that the long term vision was to establish electric automobile plants.
On his part, the acting Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Folashodun Shonubi said the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, briefed the council and announced that it was ahead of the half year target.
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Insecurity: Ododo Briefs President Tinubu On Proactive Measures Put In Place
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi state on Monday, paid a working visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the State House, Abuja, briefing him on proactive measures put in place to tackle insecurity and the overall development of the state.
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Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo in a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja, indicates that Governor Ododo during the visit, highlighted the proactive measures being taken by the state government in collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
According to the commissioner, Governor Ododo expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his consistent and unwavering support, particularly in bolstering security operations across Kogi State.
He noted that the federal backing has significantly enhanced the capacity of security forces to respond swiftly and effectively to threats.
Governor Ododo also conveyed the profound gratitude of the Government and the good people of Kogi State to the President for the landmark approval of the Ajaokuta Economic City, also known as the Kogi–Hunan Free Trade Zone.
He described the project as a historic and transformative initiative that will reposition Kogi as a major industrial and investment hub, create massive employment opportunities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
In his response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, commended Governor Ododo for his effective leadership and strong collaboration with federal security agencies in tackling security challenges in the state. The President assured him of the Federal Government’s continued support in both security and development efforts.
The high-level meeting also featured fruitful discussions focused on advancing infrastructural development, expanding economic opportunities, and improving the overall well-being of the people of Kogi State.
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Kogi State Intercept Child Trafficking
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government has successful intercepted a group of underaged children trafficked into the State, in what is suspected to be a covert recruitment attempt for banditry training.
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The State’s Commissioner of Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in a statement, disclosed that at about 1500hrs on December 5, 2025, eagle-eyed security operatives of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Yagba Area Command in collaboration with other security agencies in Isanlu, acting on credible intelligence from community hunters, intercepted a truck conveying 21 children aged between 6 and 17 years into Kogi State.
According to the statement “Initial investigations revealed that the children had been moved from different northern states under suspicious circumstances by adults who could not provide legitimate justification for their movement.
“Several suspects linked to the trafficking operation have been arrested, including individuals who claimed they were transporting the children to establish an informal “Islamic school” within Yagba East.
” Further arrests were made as security operatives intensified surveillance within the area, uncovering additional persons allegedly connected to the movement of the minors. Some of the suspects were also found with items raising significant security concerns.
“The rescued children have since been transferred to the State Command of the NSCDC in Lokoja for detailed investigation and proper profiling of all persons involved.
“His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, Executive Governor of Kogi State, has directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to take full custody of the underaged victims, ensure their wellbeing, and provide the necessary psychosocial support pending the conclusion of investigations.
“Upon completion of profiling and verification, the children will be handed over to their respective State Governments for further investigation and eventual reintegration with their families. Meanwhile, all individuals found culpable in this trafficking operation will be prosecuted in line with Kogi State’s Child Trafficking and Child Rights Protection Laws.
“The Kogi State Government reiterates its uncompromising stance against child trafficking, criminal infiltration, and any form of security threat. The administration of Governor Ododo will continue to work closely with security agencies and local communities to safeguard every part of the State.
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President Tinubu Extols Late Prince Abubakar Audu’s Legacies
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described late Prince Abubakar Audu as a “friend, ally, and trailblazer of democracy declaring that his foot-print in Kogi state as former Governor remains the best since the creation of the state.
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The President gave the commendation while speaking at the 10th Memorial Anniversary and Book Presentation organised by the state government in collaboration with the immediate family in honour of the late political ICON
Tinubu who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, lauded late Prince Audu’s commitment to democratic ideals and the development of Kogi State.
President Tinubu noted that Prince Audu’s leadership was marked by courage, vision, and dedication to the prosperity and security of his people, calling his legacy “a living template for good governance” that continues to inspire leaders across the nation.
The event drew political leaders, statesmen, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, including the representation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to commemorate a decade since the passing of the iconic leader whose vision and leadership continue to influence the political and developmental trajectory of Kogi State.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, son of the late statesman, reaffirmed his commitment to advancing his father’s legacy.
He described the memorial as a solemn reminder of the enduring influence Prince Audu holds in the hearts of the people and the continued relevance of his contributions to the growth of Kogi State.
The Minister recalled his father’s visionary leadership, foundational reforms, and passion for public service, noting that successive administrations still draw from the structures and institutions he established.
Prince Shuaibu Audu highlighted his ongoing efforts to revitalize the Ajaokuta Steel Company and strengthen Nigeria’s steel sector as a continuation of his father’s dream for industrial and economic development in Kogi State.
He thanked all partners and stakeholders supporting these initiatives, reiterating that the collective aspiration for a stronger Kogi State and a more prosperous Nigeria is rooted in his father’s enduring vision.
The Minister also expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support to the Audu family.
He also thanked the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, who attended the event. He described Senator Akume as a friend and colleague of his late father from the class of 1999 governors, acknowledging his role in supporting and honouring Prince Audu’s memory.
He further commended the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and members of the State Executive Council for hosting the memorial as a state event, noting that it reflects the enduring respect Kogi State holds for Prince Audu.
He also acknowledged former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, CON, Capt. Idris Wada, and Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for their continued dedication to preserving his father’s legacy, describing their presence as a testament to the late leader’s far-reaching impact.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Chief Host of the event, described Prince Audu as a visionary leader whose transformative governance continues to shape Kogi State.
In a symbolic tribute, he announced the renaming of a major township road as Prince Abubakar Audu Boulevard, directing relevant agencies to install signage, repair roads, install streetlights, and beautify the area. The Governor emphasised that these measures are part of his administration’s ongoing commitment to uphold Prince Audu’s ideals of unity, progress, and service to the people.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume CON said that the late Prince Abubakar Audu was marked as an icon of development and great vision, noting his contribution to the development of Benue State in the time he served in Benue State.
He described him as a man who was genuinely loved by his people as one of the first Nigerians that won in a free, fair and credible elections.
The immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Adoza Bello urged everyone to reflect on the life and times of the late former governor who was a revolutionary and served with all sincerity, who while in office took bold steps that have continued to impact positively of the people of Kogi State and Nigeria even long after his demise.
The memorial also featured the inauguration of the Board of Trustees of the Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation, alongside a lecture and book review of “Prince Abubakar Audu: A Legacy of Visionary Leadership”, reviewed by former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN.
Other dignitaries present included former Governors Capt. Idris Wada and Yahaya Adoza Bello, Rt. Hon. James Faleke, and numerous political and community leaders who paid tribute to the late statesman.
The 10th memorial celebration served as both a solemn remembrance and a reaffirmation of the enduring impact of Prince Abubakar Audu’s leadership, inspiring current and future generations to continue the work of unity, progress, and transformative governance in Kogi State.
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