However, the ruling has sparked a fresh domestic debate, with labor representatives strongly criticizing the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) for attempting to downplay the judgment’s impact.

The controversy escalated following a television appearance by the Director-General of NECA, Mr. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde.

Speaking on TVC, Oyerinde argued that the right to strike is not automatic and asserted that workers must still adhere strictly to existing local labor laws, specifically citing Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act (TDA).

He also suggested that a meeting of social partners to establish complimentary conditions remains a necessary precondition before any strike action can be declared.

Labor representatives quickly fired back, labeling Oyerinde’s remarks as an “unnecessary academic exercise in futility” and a selective interpretation of international law. Critics accused the NECA boss of being economical with the historical background of the dispute, pointing out that the issue had already undergone exhaustive debate across various levels of the International Labour Organization (ILO).

The legal battle began when the global Employers’ Group challenged whether the right to strike was protected under Convention 87.

After the ILO Governing Board affirmed the right through a majority decision, the Employers’ Group appealed the matter to the ICJ. As the highest judicial body in the world, the ICJ’s subsequent ruling in favor of workers is considered definitive and legally binding.

Labor advocates emphasize that Nigeria ratified Convention 87 in 1960, signaling a long-standing commitment to its principles. They argue that following the ICJ’s conclusive verdict, both the Nigerian government and employer bodies like NECA are obligated to obey the law unconditionally rather than selectively hiding behind local statutes to weaken workers’ rights.

Reassuring the public and the business community, labor stakeholders maintained that a strike has never been the first option for workers, but rather a last resort. They cautioned that an adversarial interpretation of the ICJ ruling by employers would only harm industrial harmony, urging instead for mutual respect and total adherence to international legal frameworks to guide future industrial relations in Nigeria.

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According to the Office, the statutory responsibility for issuing and communicating such circulars lies solely with the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which issued the circular in question on April 23, 2026.

In a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Eno Olotu, the OHCSF explained that the meeting convened by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, was purely interventionist and conciliatory.

The meeting, the statement noted, was aimed at facilitating dialogue between organised labour under its jurisdiction and the NSIWC to promote mutual understanding and prevent any breakdown in labour relations within the Federal Civil Service.

The OHCSF reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful labour relations and sustained collaboration with stakeholders to ensure continued industrial harmony in the Federal Civil Service.

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Governor Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the 2026 Workers Day celebration themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work”, held on Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

He reiterated that the intervention, which will be reviewed, underscores his administration’s resolve to ensure that Lagos remains a functional city and one that works for its residents, especially the workforce that drives its growth and development.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised that the welfare of workers remains central to his administration’s agenda, adding that the government will continue to deploy sustained support measures to ease economic pressures and improve living conditions.

“Our job has always been to make sure that the city we are building is also a city that works for you. We know that prices of fuel are rising. We know we did not cause the war in Iran, but we are feeling its impact. So this government has made the decision that for this May, there will be an additional ₦50,000 for every worker in Lagos State, irrespective of grades—₦50,000 across the board,” he said.

He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing structural, policy, and moral challenges affecting the workforce, noting that the realities faced by workers require deliberate and measurable action rather than rhetoric.

According to him, the administration has spent the past seven years systematically tackling these challenges through targeted interventions aimed at improving welfare, dignity, and productivity. He cited issues such as long commuting hours, housing affordability, and delayed retirement benefits as structural and moral concerns being addressed through policy reforms.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that public servants are regarded not as a budget line or political bloc, but as the living infrastructure of Lagos State.

He also highlighted key reforms and investments across sectors, including the implementation of the highest minimum wage in the country, expansion of healthcare coverage through the Lagos State Health Management Authority, and the introduction of the “Ilera Eko Easy Pay system” to ease health insurance payments for residents.

On pensions, he said the Lagos State Pension Commission has intensified timely payments, disbursing over N1 billion to retirees while introducing free first-year post-service healthcare and pre-retirement support initiatives.

He further restated the administration’s commitment to dignifying senior civil servants through the provision of official vehicles, describing it as part of deliberate efforts to improve efficiency and living standards.

The Governor also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their constructive engagement, noting that while discussions may not always be seamless, the government remains committed to open dialogue and sustained collaboration with labour unions.

In his goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, described workers as critical partners in governance and economic development, stressing that the government will continue to implement strategic interventions to improve welfare and working conditions.

He said the Workers Day Celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on progress made and to reaffirm commitment to building a more efficient and people-centred public service, adding that the strong relationship between government and labour unions remains a key driver of industrial harmony in the State.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its consistent investment in workers’ welfare, describing it as a clear demonstration of leadership that prioritises labour harmony and productivity.

He noted that the administration has ensured seamless implementation of the minimum wage, prompt salary and pension payments, and clearance of retirement bond certificate backlogs, thereby transforming labour relations into a partnership for progress.

In their remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Council, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sessi, and her Trade Union of Nigeria (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Aladetan Abiodun, stressed the importance of the event as one that presents an opportunity to appreciate the invaluable contributions of workers to national development, reevaluate the collective progress and advance policies that guarantee industrial harmony, decent work and social justice for all.

They added that continued government participation in the May Day celebration, particularly the presence of the Governor and his cabinet members and other top government officials, demonstrates a commendable commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.

While commending the approval of the current minimum wage, she argued that it is no longer sufficient to meet basic needs as inflationary pressures, worsened by global geopolitical tensions, have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power.

They therefore appealed for a review of the minimum wage from ₦85,000 to ₦250,000, stressing that Lagos remains Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, where the cost of transportation, housing, and feeding remains exceptionally high.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved an additional ₦50,000 to State workers’ salaries for the month of May as part of efforts to cushion the prevailing economic hardship, particularly the impact of rising fuel prices.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at the 2026 Workers Day celebration themed “Insecurity, Poverty: Bane of Decent Work”, held on Friday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

He reiterated that the intervention, which will be reviewed, underscores his administration’s resolve to ensure that Lagos remains a functional city and one that works for its residents, especially the workforce that drives its growth and development.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, emphasised that the welfare of workers remains central to his administration’s agenda, adding that the government will continue to deploy sustained support measures to ease economic pressures and improve living conditions.

“Our job has always been to make sure that the city we are building is also a city that works for you. We know that prices of fuel are rising. We know we did not cause the war in Iran, but we are feeling its impact. So this government has made the decision that for this May, there will be an additional ₦50,000 for every worker in Lagos State, irrespective of grades—₦50,000 across the board,” he said.

He further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing structural, policy, and moral challenges affecting the workforce, noting that the realities faced by workers require deliberate and measurable action rather than rhetoric.

According to him, the administration has spent the past seven years systematically tackling these challenges through targeted interventions aimed at improving welfare, dignity, and productivity. He cited issues such as long commuting hours, housing affordability, and delayed retirement benefits as structural and moral concerns being addressed through policy reforms.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed that public servants are regarded not as a budget line or political bloc, but as the living infrastructure of Lagos State.

He also highlighted key reforms and investments across sectors, including the implementation of the highest minimum wage in the country, expansion of healthcare coverage through the Lagos State Health Management Authority, and the introduction of the “Ilera Eko Easy Pay system” to ease health insurance payments for residents.

On pensions, he said the Lagos State Pension Commission has intensified timely payments, disbursing over N1 billion to retirees while introducing free first-year post-service healthcare and pre-retirement support initiatives.

He further restated the administration’s commitment to dignifying senior civil servants through the provision of official vehicles, describing it as part of deliberate efforts to improve efficiency and living standards.

The Governor also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their constructive engagement, noting that while discussions may not always be seamless, the government remains committed to open dialogue and sustained collaboration with labour unions.

In his goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Olabode Agoro, described workers as critical partners in governance and economic development, stressing that the government will continue to implement strategic interventions to improve welfare and working conditions.

He said the Workers Day Celebration offered an opportunity to reflect on progress made and to reaffirm commitment to building a more efficient and people-centred public service, adding that the strong relationship between government and labour unions remains a key driver of industrial harmony in the State.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Mr. Afolabi Ayantayo, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration for its consistent investment in workers’ welfare, describing it as a clear demonstration of leadership that prioritises labour harmony and productivity.

He noted that the administration has ensured seamless implementation of the minimum wage, prompt salary and pension payments, and clearance of retirement bond certificate backlogs, thereby transforming labour relations into a partnership for progress.

In their remarks, the Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Council, Comrade Agnes Funmi Sessi, and her Trade Union of Nigeria (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Aladetan Abiodun, stressed the importance of the event as one that presents an opportunity to appreciate the invaluable contributions of workers to national development, reevaluate the collective progress and advance policies that guarantee industrial harmony, decent work and social justice for all.

They added that continued government participation in the May Day celebration, particularly the presence of the Governor and his cabinet members and other top government officials, demonstrates a commendable commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.

While commending the approval of the current minimum wage, she argued that it is no longer sufficient to meet basic needs as inflationary pressures, worsened by global geopolitical tensions, have significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power.

They therefore appealed for a review of the minimum wage from ₦85,000 to ₦250,000, stressing that Lagos remains Nigeria’s economic nerve centre, where the cost of transportation, housing, and feeding remains exceptionally high.

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The decision to shelve the action follows an appeal by the Federal Government, urging stakeholders to suspend the move ahead of a meeting slated for Wednesday.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) had earlier indicated it would ground operations from Monday, April 20, citing the sharp rise in jet fuel prices as a major threat to the viability of their businesses.

In a statement, the group said it agreed to put the plan on hold after Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), intervened and called for dialogue.

The operators noted that the suspension of the strike action is temporary and subject to the outcome of a stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for April 22, convened by the aviation minister.

Rising aviation fuel costs have continued to disrupt the global airline industry, largely driven by tensions linked to the Iran conflict, prompting carriers to increase ticket prices, scale back expansion plans, and revise projections.

In Nigeria, operators say the situation is worsened by limited fuel supply and foreign exchange challenges, which have significantly driven up operating expenses.

Industry data shows that fuel expenses account for over one-third of total airline operating costs in the country.

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The decision was taken after an emergency meeting of the association’s National Executive Council, where members reviewed assurances from government representatives and resolved to give dialogue another chance.

“The NEC, in recognition of the ongoing high-level interventions and as a  demonstration of goodwill, hereby suspends the previously declared Total, Indefinite, and Comprehensive Strike action,” the communique read.

NARD said the suspension was informed by “progress made” in negotiations, particularly commitments on the prompt payment of salary arrears, hazard allowances, and steps toward resolving issues surrounding the Medical Residency Training Fund.

Though association did not declare a full resolution of the dispute, it noted that the government had shown “renewed willingness” to address the concerns that triggered the strike threat.

“The NEC grants the Federal Government a two (2)-week ultimatum within which concrete, measurable, and verifiable steps must be taken to address all outstanding demands of the Association.

“The NEC reiterates its demands as follows:  Immediate reversal of the decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT);  Immediate payment of all outstanding promotion arrears and salary arrears owed to resident doctors in affected institutions; Prompt conclusion and disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF); Immediate processing and full payment of the outstanding nineteen (19) months’ arrears of the Professional Allowance.

“The NEC shall reconvene immediately upon expiration of the ultimatum to review the level of compliance and determine further appropriate actions in the best interest of its members.  In the event of failure by the Federal Government to meet these demands within the stipulated timeframe, the NEC shall not hesitate to resume the suspended Total, Indefinite, and Comprehensive Strike action without further notice.”

Resident doctors in Nigeria have repeatedly clashed with the Federal Government over welfare issues, including irregular payment of salaries, inadequate hazard allowances and poor hospital infrastructure.

The recurring disputes have contributed to the brain drain in the health sector, with many Nigerian doctors seeking better opportunities abroad.

Channels Television

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The call was made during the Youth Leadership, Emergency Action and Development (YOU-LEAD) programme organised by the Lateef Jakande Leadership Academy in collaboration with the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head of the Adolescent and Youth Health Division at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayeni Olasumbo, said the initiative was designed to equip young people with practical leadership and communication skills that will enable them to make positive impacts in their communities.

According to her, effective communication is a vital quality for every leader, noting that the training sessions were structured to help participants develop the ability to communicate clearly and confidently in different situations.

She added that the programme will also expose participants to emergency response training, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which will help prepare them to respond appropriately during crisis situations.

Dr. Ayeni noted that the knowledge gained during the training is expected to create a ripple effect as participants apply what they have learnt and pass it on to others in their communities.

Also speaking, Vice President Membership of Eagle Toastmasters Club, Feigne Suinner, stressed the role of communication in mobilising communities and driving collective action.

She explained that effective communication helps leaders clearly convey their messages and encourage community members to support development initiatives.

Suinner noted that communication is a skill that requires practice and patience, urging young participants to be intentional about their words, tone and listening abilities.

A medical practitioner with over a decade of experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Femi Ogunmoku, said the training had equipped participants with the knowledge needed to handle emergency situations such as accidents, injuries and sudden medical collapse.

Dr. Ogunmoku also emphasised the importance of contacting emergency services when necessary, reminding participants to make use of Lagos State emergency numbers such as 112 and 767.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ibeju Lekki, Hon. Sesan Olowa, said the programme forms part of efforts to prepare young people for leadership roles in society.

According to him, youth currently play significant roles across different sectors in Nigeria, making it necessary to invest in their development and capacity building.

Olowa, who was represented by the Supervisor for Youth and Sports in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Balogun Hakeem Oluwole, said the local government remains committed to organising more programmes aimed at empowering young people and preparing them to contribute positively to their communities.

He expressed optimism that the knowledge gained from the training would enable participants to become proactive leaders capable of driving development and responding effectively to challenges within their communities.

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The 1,659 whose appointments were confirmed were among the 2,281, who sat for the confirmation examination conducted by the FCT Civil Service Commission on February 28, 2026.

In a statement on Sunday, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, quoted Chairman of the FCT Civil Service Commission, Emeka Ezeh, as saying that some of the workers who sat for the confirmation were employed as far back as 2016 and 2019.

“2, 512 candidates were invited to present themselves for confirmation examination but only 2,281 turned up for the examination.

“A total of 224 officers were absent, fueling suspiction that they could be ghost workers.

“Some of the workers, who sat for the confirmation were employed as far back as 2016 and 2019, while others were
employed shortly before Wike assumed office in August 2023,” he said.

The FCT Civil Service Commission has also concluded plans to conduct both the 2025 and 2026 promotions as approved by the Minister and in line with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to renewing the Hope of FCTA workforce.

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In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the bank said the videos urged unsuspecting individuals to enter into a business relationship with the entity, falsely claiming that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had approved or endorsed the scheme.

The bank described the videos and accompanying promotional materials as fraudulent, stressing that they have no connection whatsoever with Zenith Bank, its Group Chairman, or any of its affiliates.

According to the statement, the videos, circulated via a Facebook account named “Greece Island,” promised up to ₦2 million in weekly returns on a ₦380,000 investment contribution.

“The video redirects unsuspecting members of the public to an alleged Arise News webpage containing details of the scheme and an embedded registration portal for sign-ups.

“This claim is entirely false and has no connection whatsoever to the Group Chairman, the Bank, or any of its affiliate companies,” the bank stated.

Zenith Bank urged the general public to disregard the fraudulent communications.

It further warned that anyone who engages with the “Greece Island” handle, Wealth Bridge, Delicious site, AfriQuantumX, Stock Market Analyst 1, or any other entity based on the fake videos and images circulated by impostors, does so strictly at his or her own risk.

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The intervention programme is in line with the role of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems in the THEMES+ Developmental Agenda of the State Government, which includes capacity building, employment generation, and promotion of food security, among others.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the four-week training of the 26th cohort of Lagos Agripreneurship Programme (LAP) held at the Agricultural Training Institute, Araga, Epe, Lagos, the Director of the Institute, Ms Folake Ogunlana-Lawal, said LAP emerges as a cornerstone, focusing on youth training and capacity building in modern agricultural practices.

The Director of the Agricultural Training Institute said the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme has trained over 5,000 people, with each trainee or beneficiary empowering and creating jobs for an average of an additional two to three people.

She disclosed that the next batch of trainees for LAP will resume on February 22, 2026.

Speaking further, Ogunlana-Lawal said the objective of the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme is to build a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in Lagos State by equipping youths with modern agripreneurial skills, fostering food security, reducing unemployment, promoting climate-smart agricultural practices, and positioning Lagos as a proactive leader in addressing global economic and food system challenges.

“LAP, which is modelled after Israel’s Arava International Center for Agriculture Training (AICAT) programme, with the fundamental principle of learning by doing, was conceptualised in the year 2020. The programme has trained over 5,000 youths in a four-month period that involved one month of intensive on-site demonstration training phase at the Lagos State Agricultural Training and Entrepreneurial Centre in Araga–Epe and three-month internship/mentorship phase.

“During the programme, the participants were trained, accommodated, fed and provided with training materials and safety kits for free by the Lagos State Government followed by a three-month internship phase with reputable agro-allied companies/farms with the final phase at the enterprise activation, where successful participants undergo an incubation period at Lagos Food Production and Entrepreneurial Centre, Songhai, Badagry,” she said.

Ogunlana-Lawal, while speaking on the success of the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, which has empowered and produced thousands of entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector, appreciated the steadfast commitment of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to LAP and other development programmes in the State.

She also commended stakeholders and other partners for their support, saying their involvement is crucial to the success of the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme.

“I want to extend my gratitude to our esteemed principals and leaders of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Systems, particularly the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya; the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Audu; and the Directors of the Ministry for their unwavering support to Lagos Agripreneurship Programme. Their commitment to transforming agriculture in Lagos is truly inspiring,” she said.

The Director of the Agricultural Training Institute also commended the dedication and enthusiasm of the trainees, saying they have shown great potential in embracing the world of agribusiness. She implored them to keep pushing boundaries and stay committed to transforming agriculture in Lagos, Nigeria, and even the world at large.

She said: “Over the past month, you have learnt about the fundamentals of agripreneurship, innovative farming practices, and the importance of market linkages. Now, it is time to put theory into practice. We are excited to see your progress and innovations in the months to come. As you start your own businesses, consider joining the Lagos Agrinnovation Club – it is a great platform to connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and drive innovation in the agricultural space.”

Speaking at the event, two beneficiaries, Ayodeji Oyindamola John and Balogun Saheed Ololade, appreciated the Lagos State Government and the leadership of the Agricultural Training Institute for the opportunity given to them and promised to be good ambassadors of the Institute.

Ayodeji, who is a graduate of Agriculture Extension and Rural Development from the University of Ilorin, said the programme has exposed him more to the practical aspects of agriculture.

He praised Governor Sanwo-Olu and other Lagos State Government officials for the opportunity they presented to the youths in Lagos State and for investing in the agricultural sector of the State for food security.

Balogun said he obtained a lot of experience and knowledge in aquaculture and pig production through the Lagos Agripreneurship Programme, thereby making him a professional in the agricultural sector.

He praised the Lagos State Government for the programme, promising that he will set up an agribusiness after the training to empower himself and also contribute to meat production in the country.

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The decision was reached after discussions convened by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the FCT, Senator Mohammed Bomoi, leading to an agreement that guarantees no victimisation of workers and an immediate return to work.

According to statement was jointly signed by Nuru Toro, TUC secretary-general, and Benson Upah, acting NLC general secretary, that “the Honourable Minister assured Organised Labour of mutual respect and sustained engagement going forward,” the statement reads.”It was agreed that, arising from the strike action, no worker shall be victimised in any manner.

“All outstanding cases at the National Industrial Court (NIC) shall be withdrawn immediately.

“Consequently, all JUAC members and all affiliates of the TUC and NLC working in the Ministry of the FCT (MFCT) are hereby directed to resume work immediately.

“All affiliates are enjoined to comply strictly with this directive in the interest of industrial peace and harmony in good faith.”

It would be recalled that January 19, FCTA workers began an indefinite strike over “authorities’ failure to address long-standing labour and welfare demands”

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