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Minimum wage: FG pleads for time as indefinite strike begins Monday
The Federal Government has pleaded with Organised Labour to reconsider its decision to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday, June 3, 2024, in protest against the government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.
The interest of the masses should be the top priority of Organised Labour, the Federal Government stressed.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH.
While describing the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress as partners in Project Nigeria, Mohammed noted that industrial action was not the solution to the ongoing negotiation for a new minimum wage for workers.
This came hours after Organised Labour declared a nationwide strike, which would begin on Monday, June 3, 2024, over the Federal Government’s refusal to raise the proposed minimum wage from N60,000.The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, stated that the indefinite strike would begin by midnight on Monday.
The NLC leader, who read from a jointly prepared speech alongside his TUC counterpart, Festus Osifo, expressed what he described as “grave concern and disappointment” over the Federal Government’s failure to conclude and pass into law a new National Minimum Wage Act, and reverse the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kWh.
Ajaero noted that the Friday meeting between the government and Labour further demonstrated the lack of seriousness and apparent contempt with which the Nigerian state held the demands of Nigerian workers and people.
“No governor was present and ministers were absent, except the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, who doubles as a conciliator.
“There was none present on the side of the government with appropriate authority to commit them to any outcome. In essence, the government abandoned the meeting.
“We consider this disdainful and shows a lack of commitment to a successful National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise.”
Ajaero further noted that during the last May Day celebration, Organised Labour issued an ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the conclusion of the minimum wage negotiation exercise by the end of the month.
“However, there has been no significant progress or commitment from the government towards meeting this demand.
“We also demanded a reversal of the last hike in electricity tariff from N225/kWh back to N65/kWh, and stoppage of the apartheid categorisation of consumers into bands.
“We carried out a nationwide one-day protest on May 13, 2024, giving the government until the last day of this month to take action; but the government has not entirely shown any positive response, despite the national outrage at the insensitive hike.
“Nigerian workers, who are the backbone of our nation’s economy, deserve fair and decent wages that reflect the current economic realities,” Ajaero added.
The labour leader further stated that it was disheartening that despite the repeated calls and the clear ultimatum issued, the government continued to neglect its responsibility to its workforce.
He noted that the government, rather than engage in a dialogue, persistently raised its attack dogs to seek to denigrate and intimidate trade union leaders.
“It continues to remain our belief that the people ought to be the only reason for governance and nothing else. The government must therefore seek the welfare of the people at all times. The refusal to put the people first compels all patriots to take the right step in assisting the government to govern well.
“The hike in electricity tariff further impoverishes the already suffering people, and denies them the right to decent living. Instead of taking remedial action or engaging in meaningful dialogue, Nigerians were visited with a barrage of the usual propaganda.”
On the next step, Ajaero said, “In light of this persistent inaction, we— the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress— hereby issue a notice of commencement of an indefinite nationwide strike to the Federal Government.
“We reiterate that since the National Minimum Wage negotiation exercise has not been concluded and the agreed wage passed into law; the hike in electricity tariff not reversed and categorisation of consumers into bands not stopped as demanded; Nigerian workers are compelled by these failures to embark on an indefinite nationwide industrial action, beginning on Monday, June 3, 2024, to press home our demands.
“The NLC and TUC are united in this cause, and we call on all our affiliates and state councils, civil society organisations, market men and women and the general populace to prepare for decisive action. We cannot and will not accept any further delays or excuses. The welfare of Nigerian workers and people is non-negotiable, and we are ready to take all necessary steps to ensure that their rights are protected and their voices heard.”
Back-and-forths
Friday’s talks on the minimum wage between the Federal Government and Organised Labour hit a brick wall when the government failed to shift grounds on the N60,000 it proposed during the last meeting.
This is not the first time this has happened.
On Tuesday, talks between the Federal Government and organised Labour broke down after the government and Organised Private Sector raised their offer to N60,000.
The government added N3,000 to its initial offer of N57,000 proposed last week, taking the total figure to N60,000.
However, it was dismissed by labour at the meeting.
At the meeting, labour again lowered its demand by removing N3,000 from the N497,000 it proposed last week, pegging the new proposal at N494,000.
To fast-track the negotiation process, the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria on May Day gave the committee till the end of the month to wrap up talks on a new national minimum wage.
That ultimatum expired on Friday night.
In a similar vein, Osifo stated that the ultimatum issued by labour remained, following the breakdown of talks on Tuesday.
“We gave an ultimatum on May Day that if by the end of May, we did not have a new minimum wage that would take a worker home, we would not be able to guarantee industrial peace.
“We are sticking to that ultimatum,” Osifo said.
President Tinubu had, on January 30, 2024, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, inaugurated a 37-member tripartite committee to come up with a new minimum wage.
With its membership cutting across the Federal, and state governments, the private sector, and Organised Labour, the panel is to recommend a new national minimum wage for the country.
Shettima, during the committee’s inauguration, urged the members to “speedily” arrive at a resolution and submit their reports early.
“This timely submission is crucial to ensure the emergence of a new minimum wage,” Shettima said.
He also urged collective bargaining in good faith, emphasising contract adherence and encouraging consultations outside the committee.
The 37-man committee is chaired by the former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Goni Aji.
FG begs Labour
Speaking, the Minister of Information, on behalf of the Federal Government, pleaded with Organised Labour to shelf its planned strike.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, he said, “The government is pleading with Labour to reconsider its position. The FG has already made an offer of N60,000, and whatever the government does is in the interest of Nigerians.
“We won’t like to do something that will throw the country into another problem.
“Even as we do that, we are pleading with Labour. They are partners in this project called ‘Nigeria’ and we expect them to join hands with the FG as it strives to look for solutions that will take Nigeria to the desired prosperity.”
Speaking further, the minister explained that the need to find common ground was the reason for setting up the tripartite committee in the first place.
He also pleaded that the unions should not allow the progress they had made so far to be eroded, adding that he was optimistic an agreement could still be reached with them.
“Our message is that of an appeal and the need for Labour to see reason with the government. That was even the basis for setting up the tripartite committee that was made up of Organised Labour, the sub-nationals and the FG. This was because the government just didn’t want to make unilateral decisions. In any case, the position on the wage regime is not a one-sided thing.
“We expect that they will see reason with the government. That is why we are calling on them to show understanding by not embarking on the strike because we don’t want that at this point. A strike is not the solution to our problem. We are continuing our negotiation with them. The minister and other stakeholders are still talking to them and we believe that we will find a common ground,” he stated.
Meanwhile, efforts to get the reactions of the Presidential Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale; and Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, were unsuccessful.
NUPENG, others vow to join strike
The power, oil and gas sectors are to be shut down from Monday, as all key unions in the sectors have vowed to join the strike action.
Officials of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, and National Union of Electricity Employers declared that they would join the strike.
NUPENG’s members largely control activities in the midstream and downstream arms of the oil sector, while those in PENGASSAN handle the bulk of the upstream activities in the oil and gas sector. Members of NUEE operate in the power sector.
Joining the strike on Monday may mean Nigeria would face another round of fuel scarcity and nationwide blackout.
The President of NUPENG, William Akporeha, said the union would fully participate in the strike, being an affiliate of the NLC.
“NUPENG is part of NLC and shall be fully involved,” he told our correspondent.
Similarly, the National Public Relations Officer, PENGASSAN, Kingsley Udoidua, said the petroleum union would join the strike.
“PENGASSAN is an affiliate of TUC. We are obligated to participate,” he stated.
Also, the acting Secretary-General, NUEE, Ogochukwu Igwebike, said electricity workers would begin strike from Monday.
Responding to a question on whether electricity workers would join the strike declared by Labour, he simply said, “Yes.”
Airport workers await letter
The National President of the Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association, Ilitrus Ahmd, stated that the association had yet to receive a strike action communication from its mother union, the Trade Union Congress.
The president, in a terse response, refused to give further details as he consistently said, “We are yet to receive strike action communication which means we are not on strike. We are affiliated to the Trade Union Congress.
“If you check our trajectory, you will understand that TUC will always see every dialogue to its logical conclusion. When we receive any directive to join, we shall.”
Electricity workers yet to decide
The National Union of Electricity Employees said it was yet to decide on whether or not it would join the strike on Monday.
The National President of the union, Adebiyi Adeyeye, told our correspondent on Friday evening that he was at a crucial meeting.
“I won’t be able to tell you that now, I’m in a crucial meeting,” Adeyeye stated.
He, however, promised to revert to our correspondent, saying, “I will talk to you later.”
No plans to join strike – Customs agents
Also speaking, a former National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Kayode Farinto, said there were no plans by licensed customs agents to join the nationwide strike.
“We won’t join the strike. Labour does not go on strike like that. Besides, the country does not need the strike at this point, considering the economy. The government should try and listen to the demands of Labour and find a way out,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Ugochumwu Nnadi, said, “We don’t have plans to join them.”
N60,000 offer by FG reasonable – OPS
Following the third walkout by Organised Labour during the National Minimum Wage Negotiation Committee meeting, the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria, has expressed its concern as the National Minimum Wage Committee, after its seventh meeting, could not achieve a consensus.
A statement issued on Friday by Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, the Director General of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, stated, “The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria had approached the Minimum Wage negotiation committee hoping that current economic realities as it concerned the need to protect jobs and ensure sustained growth would play a paramount role.”
However, Oyerinde stated this was not the case.
“The Committee was set up to negotiate a new national minimum wage and not a living wage. Neither was it inaugurated to adjust salaries. The minimum wage is what no employer should pay below, either in the private or public sector,” he added.
He also stated that the association’s position was informed by the need to arrest the ongoing job losses and continuous shut-down of businesses in Nigeria, adding that jobs could only be guaranteed when businesses were alive and sustainable.
Speaking further on the walkout and declaration of a strike by organised labour, the NECA Director-General noted that, while it was within the right of Organised Labour to embark on any action it deemed fit to achieve its objectives, organised businesses will also, within extant legislation do all that is necessary to protect enterprise sustainability and jobs.
Meanwhile, the NECA boss stated that it was no secret that businesses were currently faced with multidimensional challenges ranging from multiple taxes, levies and fees, recent astronomical power costs, rising interest rates, and exchange rates, among many others.
He further explained that the offer of N60,000, which was a 100 per cent increase in the National Minimum Wage, was sacrificial on the part of the Organised Private Sector.
“While it is important to note that socio-economic conditions over the years have rendered the N30,000 minimum wage inadequate, the same conditions have incapacitated many businesses, fatally affecting their sustainability and ability to pay,” Oyerinde noted.
He mentioned that the demand of organised labour at this period had the potential to cripple small and medium enterprises, and push many other businesses into comatose.
The NECA DG added, “It is important to strike a balance between workers’ needs, the current economic situation, ability to pay, and productivity. At N30,000 per month, many State Governments and Local Government Areas are unable to pay.
“An astronomical increase as being demanded will make compliance practically impossible. We urge the Government to fast-track the implementation of its interventions to make life more bearable for workers, businesses, and Nigerians in general.”
“Any disruption of rganized businesses’ activities could have serious consequences on job security and the sustainability of businesses.
FG defends minimum wage
Meanwhile, the tripartite committee on minimum wage has defended the proposal of N60,000 by the Federal Government.
The committee in a statement made available to our correspondent on Friday night said the offer of N60,000 was a 100 per cent increase in the existing national minimum wage of 2019.
Defending the government’s stand, the committee said, “At the meeting, when Organised Labour was called upon to make their concession, or new offers outside of the last N494,000 per month when requested, they insisted on the employers to first shift grounds.
“Both sides stated that their offers of N60,000.00 per month, which is a 100 per cent increase in the existing National Minimum Wage of 2019, were based on prevailing economic considerations and government non-monetary incentives.
“Thereafter, members of Organised Labour walked out of the meeting. As the meeting continued, the government further defended its offer of N60,000 per month, which was based on economic considerations and non-monetary incentives, which include N35,000 wage award for all treasury-paid Federal workers.
“One hundred billion naira for the procurement of CNG-fuelled busses and CNG conversion kits. 125-billion-naira conditional grant and financial inclusion to MSMEs; N25,000 each to be shared with 15 million households for three months. 185 billion palliatives (loans to States) to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. 200 billion naira to support the cultivation of hectares of land to boost food production. 75 billion naira to strengthen the manufacturing sector.
“One trillion naira for student loans for higher education. Release of 42,000 metric tons of grains from strategic reserves. Purchase and onward distribution of 60,000 metric tons of Rice from the rice millers association.
Recent salary increase of 25-35 per cent on all consolidated Salary structures for federal workers.
“Ninety per cent subsidy on health costs for Federal Civil Servants registered on NHIS. Light rail was commissioned in Abuja to relieve transportation costs till the end of the year. Lagos State had already commenced the same initiative with their Blue and Red lines.
In addition to the freedom of civil servants to engage in agriculture, the Federal Government has approved the inclusion of ICT services for alternate sources of income.
“The meeting agreed that even where major and small businesses are closing down with a consequent loss of jobs, the outcome of a new National Minimum Wage should be such that it will not trigger further massive job losses.
“It further noted that linking the strike to electricity hikes with the NMW determination was unfair to the negotiating parties.”
Source: The Punch
New reports have emerged regarding individuals and groups allegedly inciting President Donald Trump of the United States to enforce a military invasion in Nigeria.
Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has directed the Defense Department to prepare for potential military action in Nigeria if the government continues to allow the killing of Christians.
This situation has generated a wide range of reactions within Nigerian communities, and some individuals have been accused of inciting the U.S. government against the Nigerian government.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has revealed what it described as betrayal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This statement is coming on the heels of the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
US President Donald Trump recently reinstated Nigeria on the religious freedom watchlist, alleging targeted attacks against Christians. MURIC says the move stemmed from petitions submitted by some Christian leaders to US authorities, a development it strongly condemned, Vanguard reported.
In a statement issued by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, MURIC expressed disappointment with CAN, saying the association failed to defend the country and the President.
“Despite vehement denial of Christian genocide by the Nigerian government, former US President Donald Trump redesigned Nigeria as a country of particular concern,” Akintola said. According to him, Christian leaders had lobbied US lawmakers with what he called “frivolous claims” that only Christians were victims of insecurity in Nigeria.
“Instead of debunking this false and misleading narrative, CAN simply amplified it. CAN’s action is a stab in the back in view of President Tinubu’s preference of Christians in appointments, favours and privileges over and above his Muslim brethren,” he added.
MURIC insisted that the CPC label does not reflect Nigeria’s realities, describing the designation as based on exaggerated claims.
“This redesignation is blurred, misplaced and distorted. It is a complete misrepresentation of the true picture on ground in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The group argued that both Muslims and Christians have suffered attacks from terrorists and criminal gangs, warning against what it called “fifth columnists” fueling sectarian narratives, Daily Trust reported.
MURIC stressed that President Tinubu has given Christians significant representation in government appointments, citing his own public figures.
“The president himself confirmed that 62% of all appointments went to the Christians. The First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu, was even more generous to them than Father Christmas,” the group stated.
It further argued that CAN’s support for petitions to foreign governments amounted to disloyalty. “President Tinubu does not deserve this. It is the Mother of all Betrayals, and we denounce those behind the report in the strongest terms,” Akintola said.
While acknowledging US foreign policy priorities, MURIC said Nigerians must avoid giving foreign nations grounds to interfere in internal affairs.
“We are nonplussed by the actions of these Christian leaders, most especially that of CAN, which is expected to know better,” it noted.
The group called on religious leaders to prioritise national unity and avoid narratives it believes could damage the country’s global standing.
Meanwhile, social media platforms have witnessed significant discourse surrounding the notable silence of prominent Nigerian politicians, such as Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.
As these political figures begin to prepare for their campaigns for the upcoming 2027 elections, their lack of commentary regarding the U.S. government’s statement on potential military intervention in Nigeria has drawn attention.
Users on various social media sites have expressed concern over this reticence, prompting questions about whether these leaders are prioritizing their political aspirations over urgent national matters.
FULL LIST: 15 States Likely To Be Targeted If US Carries Out Strike In Nigeria; Reason Emerges
Former US President Barack Obama has launched a spirited defence of Democratic values while sharply criticising what he described as the “lawlessness and recklessness” of Donald Trump’s administration, as he campaigned for Democratic gubernatorial candidates in Virginia and New Jersey.
At a packed rally at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, Obama urged voters to turn out for Abigail Spanberger, calling the upcoming election “a chance to restore decency and sanity” in American politics.
“Let’s face it, our country and our policy are in a pretty dark place right now,” Obama said to cheers. “Every day, this White House offers people a fresh batch of lawlessness and recklessness and mean-spiritedness and just plain craziness.”
The two-term president, still a unifying figure among Democrats, accused the Trump administration of pursuing “shambolic” economic and security policies. He condemned Trump’s tariff measures and the deployment of National Guard troops to US cities, while faulting Republicans in Congress for failing to check Trump “even when they know he’s out of line.”
“I was surprised,” Obama said, “at how quickly business leaders, law firms, and universities bent the knee to appease Trump, even when they knew he was out of line.”
Later in the day, at another rally in Newark, New Jersey, Obama delivered similar remarks in support of Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate. Employing his trademark wit, Obama quipped: “It’s like every day is Halloween, except it’s all tricks and no treats.”
He also took a sarcastic jab at Trump’s reported White House renovations during a government shutdown, saying, “In fairness, he has been focused on some critical issues, like paving over the Rose Garden so folks don’t get mud on their shoes, and building a $300 million ballroom.”
According to recent polls, Spanberger, 46, a former CIA officer and six-year congresswoman, holds a comfortable lead over Republican Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, 61. In New Jersey, Sherrill maintains a single-digit advantage over Jack Ciatterelli, 63, a former state assemblyman making his third consecutive bid for governor.
Despite the Democratic edge, Republicans remain optimistic about narrowing margins. Ciatterelli lost the 2021 gubernatorial race by just three points, while Trump trailed Joe Biden by only six points in New Jersey in last year’s presidential election.
With early voting underway, Obama’s appearances underscore the Democrats’ effort to energise their base and frame next week’s elections as a referendum on Trump-era politics.
Arise News
The Federal Government has reiterated its strong commitment to safeguarding religious freedom and fostering a spirit of tolerance among its citizens.
This affirmation comes in the wake of a recent statement issued by the United States of America regarding the situation of religious freedoms in Nigeria.
In a comprehensive press release dated Saturday and signed by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government emphasized its unwavering resolve to combat the scourge of violent extremism that has affected various regions of the country. Mr. Ebienfa emphasized that this commitment is not only about enforcing laws but also about fostering an environment where diverse religious practices can coexist peacefully alongside one another.
Additionally, the statement expressed deep condolences for all individuals who have fallen victim to acts of violent extremism. The Federal Government underscored its ongoing support for the armed forces, reinforcing its commitment to collaborate closely with them in their endeavors to restore peace and security throughout Nigeria. The government remains dedicated to ensuring that all citizens can live without fear of violence or persecution based on their religious beliefs.
Mr. Ebienfa noted that like the United States, Nigeria values its diversity, which he described as the nation’s greatest strength.
The Foreign Affairs spokesperson also emphasised the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United States, expressing confidence that both nations will continue to work together in promoting peace, democracy, and global stability.
The statement reads, “The Federal Government has noted the recent statement by the United States of America on religious freedom in Nigeria. We remain committed in our resolve to tackle the violent extremism that is fuelled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across the intersecting West African and Sahel regions.
“We mourn all the victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes. The Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.
“Like America, Nigeria has no option but to celebrate the diversity that is our greatest strength. Nigeria is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity and inclusion, in concurrence with the rules-based international order.
“The US has been – and we trust will always remain – a close ally, because the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the Government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will maintain our laser focus and steadfast commitment to all partners who believe in genuine peace, stability, freedom and democracy,” the statement concluded.
Military investigators probing the alleged attempted coup are working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Financial Intelligence Unit to unravel the financial flows linked to individuals accused of bankrolling the plot, according to The PUNCH.
This was as indications emerge that the bank accounts of some of the suspects might have been frozen by the authorities, as part of the probe procedures.
The PUNCH could not immediately confirm the development, as no one was willing to comment on it. But a security official described this as standard procedure in such cases.
However, multiple security sources familiar with the probe confirmed that the EFCC and NFIU are carrying out a forensic investigation on the bank accounts of the soldiers and the civilians involved in the plot to overthrow the Federal Government.
The forensic investigation will cover transaction analysis, including reviewing deposits, withdrawals, and transfers to identify suspicious patterns; tracking of account activity over time; identifying the origin of funds and determining the true owners of the accounts under probe.
The investigation is also said to have been widened to cover the associates and business partners of the key suspects.
The development is coming on the heels of the discovery of the alleged transfer of N45 billion from the Niger Delta Development Commission to those involved in the plot.
Sahara Reporters had reported that 16 Nigerian Army officers were arrested for allegedly planning a coup to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. The online platform linked the purported plot to the Federal Government’s cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied that the detention of the officers was tied to a coup attempt.
Nevertheless, security operatives raided the Abuja home of former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva, taking away his younger brother, Paga and driver, as the investigation gained momentum.
The former minister and All Progressives Congress chieftain was reportedly outside the country at the time.
On Wednesday, Sylva’s spokesman, Chief Julius Bokoru, confirmed that his principal’s residence was raided, adding that the ex-minister and his wife were out of the country at the time.
He denied the former governor’s involvement in the rumoured coup plot, accusing his political adversaries of trying to frame him.
Providing an update on Thursday, military insiders explained that the investigators are relying on the EFCC and NFIU to uncover the money trail and flow of funds deployed for the execution of the alleged coup.
Sources in the anti-graft agencies confirmed their involvement in the probe.
“This is discreet intelligence work. Until the entire exercise is concluded, we cannot provide a list of all those involved, how much was deployed for the plot or the amount recovered. The investigators are relying on the EFCC and NFIU for this,” a security source who is privy to the investigation disclosed.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, could not be reached for comment on Thursday. His NFIU counterpart, Aishatu Bantam, did not respond to phone calls.
Meanwhile, the names of the 16 alleged coup plotters have surfaced.
The army officers include a brigadier general, a colonel, four lieutenant colonels, five majors, two captains, and a lieutenant.
The remaining two are a lieutenant commander from the Navy, the naval equivalent of a major, and a squadron leader from the Air Force, which holds the exact rank equivalence.
Premium Times reported that 12 of the 14 army officers belonged to the Infantry Corps, the army’s frontline combat unit whose troops primarily engage in ground battles.
One officer is reportedly from the Signals Corps, which manages military communications, while another serves in the Ordnance Corps, responsible for procuring, storing, and maintaining weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and other essential hardware.
They were reportedly led by Brig. Gen Musa Abubakar Sadiq. Others include Col M.A. Ma’aji, Lt. Colonel S. Bappah, Lt Col A.A. Hayatu, P. Dangnap, Lt. Col M. Almakura, Major A. J Ibrahim, Major M.M. Jiddah, Major M.A. Usman, Major D. Yusuf, Major I. Dauda, Capt Ibrahim Bello, Capt A.A Yusuf, Lt S.S Felix, Lt . Commander D. B. Abdullahi and Squandron Leader S. B Adamu.
Meanwhile, The Cable reported that an air force officer recently posted to the Office of the National Security Adviser was detailed to kill the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
Accoring to The Cable, Squadron Leader SB Adamu (Service No. NAF/3481) from Jigawa State was posted to the National Counter Terrorism Centre — an agency under ONSA — about four weeks before the coup attempt was uncovered.
Contrary to claims that several suspects worked directly with ONSA, investigators said Adamu was the only one connected to the office through the NCTC.
Military insiders said when the National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj-Gen. Adamu Laka,requested the posting of a specific officer to the centre in August 2025, the request was surprisingly turned down. Instead, Adamu was deployed — a move now fuelling suspicions that the alleged coup plotters may have penetrated the military hierarchy.
Adamu is a member of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s Regular Course 59.
Recent investigations have uncovered additional information regarding a coup plot, shedding light on various troubling details.
This alarming revelation raises serious concerns about the integrity of national security. It highlights the extent to which the plotters may have been willing to go in their efforts to destabilize the government.
According to sources knowledgeable about the ongoing inquiry into this alleged conspiracy, an air force officer who has recently been assigned to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) was allegedly tasked with the assassination of Nuhu Ribadu, the current National Security Adviser, according to TheCable.
The implications of these findings could be profound, potentially affecting both national security operations and the very fabric of governance in the country.
SB Adamu, a squadron leader with service no NAF/3481 from Jigawa state, was posted to the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) — a programme coordinated by ONSA — four weeks before the alleged coup plot was botched.
Contrary to reports that many of the suspects were working with the ONSA, Adamu was the only one linked to the office through the NCTC.
The NCTC is one of the programmes coordinated by the ONSA.
Military sources told TheCable that when Adamu Garba Laka, a major general and national coordinator of NCTC, requested for a specific officer to be posted to the centre in August 2025, he was surprised that his request was not approved.
Instead, Adamu was posted to the office — and this is now fuelling speculation that the alleged coup plotters had infiltrated the military hierarchy.
Adamu was a member of regular course 59 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
President Bola Tinubu recently did a clear-out, sacking two of his services chiefs, including Hasan Abubakar, an air marshal.
The detailed squadron leader was allegedly detailed to “take out” Ribadu just as some other officers were tasked with killing other senior government officials, TheCable was informed.
He is said to be cooperating with investigators.
Military authorities are yet to officially confirm the coup plot.
Defence Headquarters (DHQ) insisted, in a press statement after Sahara Reporters broke the story, that the ongoing investigation of 16 officers is a “routine internal process aimed at ensuring [that] discipline and professionalism is maintained within the ranks”.
Tukur Gusau, a brigadier and director of defence information, said the findings of the investigation will be made public.
Media reports have continued to reveal the identities of those in detention after the story of the alleged coup plot.
Source: TheCable
The Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, says the Presidency will stand by the Nigerian Military’s position that there was never a coup attempt in Nigeria.
According to Naija News, on October 18, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had released a statement describing as false and misleading the reports online that alleged that activities to mark the 65th independence anniversary of Nigeria were cancelled over an attempted coup plot.
The rumours of a coup intensified further after President Tinubu sacked the Service Chiefs.
In an interview with TVC on Tuesday, Dare said the Presidency will stick to the narrative of the Nigerian Military that there was no coup attempt in Nigeria.
According to him, the presidency will only change its position when the military says otherwise, because the military is constitutionally empowered to secure the country.
He said, “We are going to stick to the narrative of the military because they are the ones constitutionally empowered to secure this country. They are given the power, arms and ammunition as the intelligence power.
“So when the military says these are the reasons why we have this development, we are going to stay with that narrative because that is the brief that is out there. Until the military comes with a different narrative, we are going to stay with that narrative. On some military being retained, there is a need to have institutional memory and maintain a balance and this decision was not taken on a flip for the person that was retained.”
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