The Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached far-reaching resolutions at the conciliation meetings convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The meetings, held on 22nd and 27th October, 2026 at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja, were sequel to the communique issued at the end of the Joint meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) and National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC.

The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, CON, with representatives of the Federal Government in attendance, while the NLC delegation was led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.

After extensive deliberations on the issues raised, the meeting resolved as follows:

1. National Minimum Wage: It was agreed that the Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee would be constituted and commence meeting immediately. However, there is a disagreement on the effective date of implementation.

2. Reduction in Petroleum Pump Price and Palliatives:

i. Federal Government will pay a transport intervention of Seventy Thousand Naira (N70,000) across all levels for a period of six (6) months, commencing from November 2026.

ii. Peculiar Allowance has been approved by the Federal Government with effect from 1st May, 2026. Payment of arrears will commence in November 2026 in three equal monthly instalments.

iii. Nineteen (19) months arrears of allowances for health workers will be redeemed within three (3) months with effect from December 2026.

3. Tax Relief for Workers: As tax is a statutory matter, the issue of tax relief for workers will be taken to the National Executive Council (NEC).

4. Hazard Allowance for Agricultural Workers: The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has submitted the list of beneficiaries and cost implications to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) for verification. Verification is expected to be completed within two weeks, after which the template for implementation will be issued by NSIWC.

5. CONHESS Adjustment: The NSIWC promised to complete the update of the cost implication within three (3) weeks to enable the Presidential Committee on Salaries to take a decision on the CONHESS adjustment.

The meeting also urged State and Local Governments to key into the intervention process, while unions were enjoined to push for its implementation at their respective levels.

Both parties agreed to reconvene after one month to appraise the level of implementation of the resolutions.

The meeting had in attendance the DG Budget, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu; Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, OHCSF, Dr. Garba Abdul S.U.; Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, CON; NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero; and National Secretary, JNPSNC, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga.

Nigerian federal workers are awaiting their salary payments following a social media post claiming that state government workers have received their salaries, with federal workers expected to be paid from Monday.

The update was shared by Naija Updates in the IPPIS Salary Discussion Group on Facebook, where the post announced that state workers had been paid and urged federal workers to anticipate their own payments.

The post generated engagement among Facebook users, attracting reactions and comments from members of the group interested in salary updates and workers’ welfare.

However, the claim that state workers have been paid and that federal salary payments will begin on Monday has not been independently confirmed. The post did not identify the specific states whose workers had received their salaries or provide an official statement from the Federal Government.

Federal workers are therefore advised to rely on official communications from their respective ministries, departments and agencies, as well as relevant government payroll authorities, for accurate information regarding salary disbursements.

The development comes amid continued public interest in salary payment schedules and the welfare of Nigerian workers.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the immediate past Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Lower Usuma Dam, Abuja.

Bichi’s appointment was approved by President Tinubu based on the recommendation of the current Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

Daily Voice reports that his appointment, according to a statement on Thursday by the Director of Coordination and Liaison of the NISS, Lilian Omo-Odigwe, is for an initial four-year term, effective 22nd October, 2026.

The statement noted that Bichi’s appointment is in accordance with Section 4 of the National Institute for Security Studies (Establishment) Act, 2019.

Bichi, who will succeed A.A. Gadzama, on the Governing Board, handed over leadership of the DSS to the incumbent Director-General in August 2024.

The former DG began his career in the Security Division of the Kano State Cabinet Office before his transfer of service in 1984.

“Bichi’s appointment to Chair the NISS Board brings an extensive experience in intelligence, security administration, operational leadership and institutional training to the governance of the National Institute,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has defended her continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying her political stance is the reason some people criticize her.

Naija News reports that the actress made this known during an interview with Nigerian comedian and content creator Isbae U on his podcast, Curiosity Made Me Ask.

Badmus explained that the criticism she receives is largely connected to her decision to support Tinubu, adding that she remains committed to the president despite the negative reactions from some Nigerians.

The actress maintained that she would continue to stand by her political choice, regardless of public opinion.

She also noted that democracy allows people to support political candidates and parties of their choice without being attacked for their decisions.

According to Badmus, she does not condemn people for supporting politicians different from the ones she believes in, stressing that everyone should be free to make their own political decisions.