Nigeria: Press spotlights deadlock in Govt, Organized Labour meeting on palliatives, others

APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
The report that the meeting between the Nigerian Government and the Organised Labour on post-subsidy removal palliatives for workers on Monday was deadlocked dominates the headlines of Nigerian newspapers on Tuesday.
The punch reports that in a race to beat the deadline for the planned commencement of an indefinite strike that may lead to the shutdown of the economy, the Federal Government on Monday held a meeting with organised labour on post-subsidy removal palliatives for workers.
The parley, hosted by the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, in Abuja, however, failed to reach a consensus as the Nigerian Labour Congress insisted that the Federal Government must meet its demands ahead of the 21-day ultimatum issued on September 1 by the congress.
The union had on September 1 handed down the 21-day ultimatum to the FG over the delay in sharing of palliatives, saying it might be compelled to declare an indefinite labour action if its demands were not met.
In furtherance of its demands, the NLC mobilised workers for a two-day warning strike on September 5 and 6, partially grounding social and economic activities in several states with banks, ministries, agencies and departments closed to the public in some states.
The NLC leadership had said the action was in preparation for a total shutdown of the economy which would start at the expiration of the ultimatum on Friday.
Among other demands, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress were asking for wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to the public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.
Though the FG made a commitment to restructure the framework for engagement with organised Labour on palliatives, the eight-week timeframe set for the conclusion of the process expired in August with no action whatsoever.
The newspaper says that the United States Government has said that there is no quick and easy solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The US Deputy Secretary of Treasury, Wally Adeyemo, who stated this at a forum with business leaders in Lagos, said the country lacks a macroeconomic framework to attract more dollar-denominated foreign direct investments into its economy.
He spoke at the Lagos Business School on the US–Nigeria Economic Relationship.
“There is no quick easy solution to those challenges, I want to be honest about that. That is what true partners are,” Adeyemo told his audience.
“But ultimately, we know that by helping to make investments in Nigeria economy in your businesses, especially, SMEs, we can help build a type of ecosystem that can help Nigeria be successful over time,” he added.
The US Deputy Secretary, who arrived in Nigeria on Sunday, is on a visit to the country as part of the President Joe Biden administration’s commitment to deepening the US – Africa economic and trade relationship.
According to him, while the early steps of the new administration will help the country attract investors, there are still concerns from the investors as regards the repatriation of their funds.
Adeyemo, who was responding to a question about investments and the Nigerian economy from the audience, said, “Nigeria lacks a macroeconomic framework that is going to help to bring more foreign direct investments including dollar-based foreign investments into the country.
The Guardian reports that the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has stated that Nigeria can build a robust and inclusive digital payment ecosystem with active collaboration among key stakeholders.
Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, while speaking at the 2023 yearly conference of the Finance Correspondent Association of Nigeria (FICAN) with the theme “Strengthening Digital Infrastructure for Efficient Innovative Payment System in Nigeria, held on Saturday in Lagos, said for Nigeria to advance its payment system, there is need for stakeholders to adopt a multidimensional collaboration in the system.
According to the NCC boss, who was represented by a Deputy Director at the commission, Mr. Anthony Ikemefuna, to strenghten digital infrastructure for efficient payment system is a long-term exercise that requires active involvement of key stakeholders in attracting huge investment needed to achieve the desired result.
He categorically stressed the need to improve collaboration between the NCC and financial regulators such as the CBN, to facilitate proper coordination of policies and regulations related to digital payments and telecommunications.
According to Danbatta, this will ensure that the regulatory environment is conducive for innovation and growth.
He further stressed the need to encourage partnerships between financial institutions, telecom operators, and fintech companies to develop and deliver innovative digital payment solutions.
He added that the country needed to leverage the expertise and resources of the private sector to expand and improve digital infrastructure.
“The government should take a leading role in promoting digital payments by setting a clear vision and providing support. Implement e-government initiatives to promote digital payments for public services and benefits distribution,” Danbatta said.
He called on telecom operators to support financial inclusion initiatives by partnering with banks and fintech companies to offer mobile banking and payment services to unbanked and under-banked populations.
The newspaper says that President Bola Tinubu will today address world leaders in his debut at the 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held under the Presidency of Dennis Francis of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, at the UN headquarters in New York, United States.
As Heads of States take turns to deliver their addresses during the general assembly, Tinubu is expected to “highlight Nigeria’s efforts towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), tackling climate change and ensuring international peace and security, among others.
“The important issue of illicit financial flows and asset return will also be re-echoed, to encourage stronger international cooperation,” according to a statement signed by the spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisa Omayuli, yesterday.
Tinubu’s attendance at UNGA marks his first since assuming the presidency in May this year. Addressing world leaders Tuesday evening, at about 6p.m. local time, the President will be the fifth African leader to speak on day one of the gathering and 14th speaker out of 20 leaders slated to speak today.
On Wednesday, the President is slated to participate in the high-level dialogue on financing for development. He will attend a high-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response.
On Thursday, he will be participating in the UN Secretary General’s Climate Ambition Summit and attend a high-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage. He is also expected to join another high-level panel on reform of the global financial architecture.
On Friday, he will be attending the high-level meeting on the fight against tuberculosis. During the week, President Tinubu is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings with world leaders, including the presidents of the United States, European Union Commission, Brazil, and South Africa, among others.
He will also advance his economic development agenda for aggressive investments attraction in meetings with the global leadership of transnational firms. Among such firms are Microsoft, Meta, Exxon Mobil, General Electric, and a few others.
GIK/APA