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Improving Minimum Wage: A Call For Holistic Change – Tajudeen
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
In the pursuit of equitable economic practices, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has vowed to champion a vital change.
This transformation aims to ensure Nigerians receive a substantial minimum wage that genuinely sustains them.
The commitment was articulated during a noteworthy event in Abuja, the National Policy Dialogue on Corruption, Social Norms, and Behavioral Shifts in Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of Speaker Abbas, Hon. Busayo Oluwole-Oke, representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, articulated the Speaker’s earnest dedication to this noble cause.
It’s evident that a fair minimum wage holds the potential to alter the course of societal norms and reduce the inclination towards corruption.
The Speaker’s vow resonated within the corridors of power, highlighting the urgency of the ongoing review of the country’s minimum wage structure.
Abbas delved into the core of the issue, identifying a significant link between a survival wage and the prevalence of corruption.
A populace struggling to make ends meet is susceptible to engaging in corrupt practices.
He affirmed that the House of Representatives is committed to ensuring Nigerians receive a minimum wage that can truly sustain them, thereby reducing the temptation towards illicit activities.
Drawing insights from societies with minimal corruption rates, Abbas emphasized the importance of social safety nets in shielding citizens from dire economic circumstances.
The model suggested that Nigeria, with its inherent capabilities, can embrace similar measures.
He acknowledged the societal pressures faced by legislators, stemming from the high poverty rates in the country.
These pressures underscore the need for holistic change to uplift citizens and steer them away from corruption.
While advocating a shift in societal norms is pivotal, Abbas affirmed the need to address the factors that give rise to undesirable behaviors.
He proposed behavior change interventions, encompassing diverse strategies like awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and legal reforms.
By fostering ethical behavior and challenging existing norms, a more resilient anti-corruption environment can be established.
Abbas emphasized the indispensable role of governmental policies in combating corruption through behavior change.
He stressed the need for policies that advocate for living wages and bridge the gaps created by governance failures.
The vision of curbing corruption necessitates a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, integrating social norms, awareness campaigns, strong institutions, ethical leadership, and effective legal measures.
Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, echoed the complexity of the corruption challenge.
He highlighted transparency, accountability, and strengthening legal frameworks as critical components of the fight against corruption.
Akpabio underlined the importance of comprehensive anti-corruption laws enforced by institutions like the ICPC.
Furthermore, he emphasized fostering a culture of ethics and integrity through education, media engagement, and the involvement of civil society organizations.
To win the war on corruption, Akpabio stressed the significance of promoting responsible business practices, enhancing financial transparency, and ensuring strict enforcement of anti-corruption protocols in both public and private sectors.
The path to a corruption-free society demands a concerted effort from all quarters government, institutions, civil society, and the media.
The collective pledge to improve minimum wage is a pivotal step towards curbing corruption in Nigeria said Akpabio.
Through a symbiotic blend of policy changes, ethical shifts, and comprehensive legal frameworks, the nation can pave the way for a brighter, more transparent future.
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested popular businessman E-Money over allegations of naira abuse and defacement of foreign currencies.
The socialite, born Emeka Okonkwo Daniel, was arrested at his Omole, Lagos residence in the late hours of Monday.
E-Money’s arrest was said to have stemmed from a viral video showing him spraying American dollars at a social event, an act that violates the Foreign Exchange Act.
An EFCC insider revealed that preliminary investigations are ongoing, and he will be charged to court as soon as the probe is concluded.
When contacted, Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, declined to comment on the matter.
However, sources within the commission disclosed that the socialite is being flown to Abuja to face further interrogation.
The socialite’s arrest comes a few days after Terry Apala, the singer, was remanded at the Ikoyi correctional centre over alleged abuse of naira notes.
Nollywood star Annie Idibia opens up about life after her separation from music legend 2Baba. The actress reveals her daughters, Isabella and Olivia, are her strongest source of strength and emotional support.
She expressed her feelings during a red carpet interview at the Headies Awards, the actress spoke openly about how her daughters, Isabella and Olivia, have become her greatest pillar of strength during this emotional transition.
Her candid conversation sparked widespread admiration from fans, especially for the way she continues to prioritise her family and remain grounded amid personal turmoil.
During the emotional exchange at the prestigious awards show, Annie made it clear that her daughters are not just her children but the centre of her universe. She described Isabella and Olivia as her “only family” and her “backbone”, highlighting the deep bond she shares with them.
Annie shared her message in Pidgin English: “My children dey Kampe. The first one dey Yankee, she dey go school. No play with that girl o. I don’t play with my kids. Na them be my backbone.”
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced plans to establish a centralised system for the authentication and verification of all travel documents in Nigeria.
He made this known during a meeting in Abuja on Tuesday with the United Kingdom’s Minister of State, David Hanson.
In the company of Hanson were delegates from the UK Home Office, National Crime Agency, and the British High Commission.
According to Tunji-Ojo, the initiative aims to tackle immigration and document fraud, particularly those associated with border control.
“We discovered that one of the key drivers of rising document fraud is the absence of a centralised, real-time verification system,” he said.
“Currently, if someone submits 20 documents, you may need to contact 20 different issuing agencies to verify them. That breeds inefficiency.”
He explained that the proposed system would allow real-time verification of all documents—such as bank statements, passports, and certificates—at a single centre.
The minister also said Nigeria was ready to take the lead in formulating a regional strategy for border control, noting that regional differences required customised approaches.
“To tackle a heterogeneous problem with a homogeneous approach will not work,” Tunji-Ojo stated.
“That’s why we’re planning a regional border conference to allow for the development of unified yet adaptable strategies to combat migration and border-related challenges.”
He further disclosed that Nigeria’s EU visa solution platform would go live on May 1.
According to him, this will allow for more efficient processing and international cooperation while safeguarding national security and promoting investment.
“We now have a policy that ensures a response—approval or rejection—within 24 to 48 hours of applying for an EU visa,” he said.
Speaking on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the administration’s commitment to preventing corruption rather than merely reacting to it.
“Our performance will be judged not by the number of convictions or recoveries but by how many crimes or frauds we prevent,” he said.
In his remarks, Hanson expressed the UK’s readiness to continue collaborating with Nigeria to improve criminal justice outcomes.
Hanson noted that the UK was reviewing its e-visa system and migration policies while exploring ways to expand trade, business, and skills development opportunities with Nigeria.
“My colleagues at the High Commission are eager to maintain strong engagement with the Nigerian government,” he said
According to him, the UK looks forward to enhancing cooperation in tackling crime and fraud.
“You can rest assured that the National Crime Agency, the High Commission, and the Home Office are ready to extend a hand of partnership,” he said.