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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
Political anxiety is mounting in Bayelsa State amid strong indications that Governor Douye Diri is in advanced discussions to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), according to Politics Nigeria.
Governor Diri’s potential switch is expected to further weaken the PDP’s standing in the South-South geopolitical zone, following recent defections of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom to the APC.
Investigations reveal that Diri has opened talks with senior officials in the Presidency and has been holding consultations with key political stakeholders in Bayelsa regarding the proposed defection.
A reliable source disclosed that Diri had informed several National Assembly members representing the state of his plans and sought their views on the matter. However, not all lawmakers are reportedly on board.
“Governor Diri has spoken to members of the National Assembly about his intention to leave the PDP.
“While some are supportive, others, like Mitema Obordor (Ogbia), Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), and Maria Ebikake (Brass/Nembe), have expressed reservations.
“They believe there is no urgent need for such a political shift,” the source told Daily Sun.
The source also noted that Oboku Oforji (Yenagoa Federal Constituency) is expected to follow the lead of former governor and current Senator representing Bayelsa West, Henry Seriake Dickson.
Senator Dickson is reportedly not in support of the defection but has chosen not to interfere in Diri’s decision.
Meanwhile, Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) are said to be indifferent but likely to move with the governor if the defection occurs.
Governor Diri has also reportedly instructed the Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ngobere, to gauge the opinions of lawmakers on the defection.
A senior member of the Assembly confirmed that the Speaker had begun informal consultations and was expected to formally brief the House upon his return from an overseas trip.
“The chances of the governor defecting are very high. Many of us in the Assembly are ready to follow him.
“Bayelsa cannot be the only South-South state still in the PDP, especially given the internal uncertainties.
“The constant risk of our candidacies being voided by court rulings makes the APC a more stable option,” the lawmaker said.
Former Minister of Petroleum and ex-governor of Bayelsa, Chief Timipre Sylva, speaking in a telephone interview, said he was unaware of the reported plans but welcomed the idea.
“If Governor Diri is coming to the APC, I will be happy to receive him.
“When I first introduced the APC in Bayelsa, many dismissed it as not being an Ijaw party. But today, it’s gaining acceptance, and his defection would be a significant boost,” Sylva said.
However, Governor Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, denied knowledge of any such move.
His words: “I’m not aware of any discussions the governor has had with anyone about defecting.
“Governor Diri is a transparent leader. If he makes such a decision, he will communicate it clearly. For now, I cannot confirm anything because I simply don’t have that information.”
A 43-year-old man simply identified as Kazeem of Edun area, Ilorin, Kwara State, has died after jumping into a domestic well under the influence of a hard substance known as ‘Colo’ (Colorado)
According to LEADERSHIP, the incident happened shortly after Kazeem returned from Eid prayer on Friday.
It was gathered that men of the Kwara State Fire Service have recovered the lifeless body of Kazeem from the domestic well.
The spokesman of the State Fire Service, Hassan Adekunle, confirmed the incident on Saturday.
He said that the firemen promptly responded to a distress call they received at about 10:29am on Friday that a man has jumped into a well at Alapo compound, Edun, Ilorin.
“The distress call was received by the Fire Service control room at about 10:29 hours, reporting that a man had fallen into a well. Firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene, where they successfully recovered the body from the well.
“The victim, identified as Kazeem, reportedly jumped into the well under the influence of a hard substance known as Colo (Colorado) shortly after returning from Eid prayers.
“The body was handed over to Inspector Babatunde Amos of the ‘C ‘ Division Police Station, Ilorin. The Ministry awaits formal identification and claim of the body by the victim’s family.
“The director of the Kwara State Fire Service, Prince Falade Olumuyiwa, admonish residents of the state to stay away from drug abuse, warning that such acts often lead to tragic outcomes,” Adekunle stated.
When Sharadindu Ghosh* was young, he was taught not to speak about his father’s leprosy. He, like many others, grew up in the lanes of Jamuria Leprosy Colony, in West Bengal, facing stigma and discrimination.
Today, years after his father’s passing and an endless struggle through poverty, Ghosh is an electrical supervisor and a mentor to local children.
“Among the uneducated population in India, people believe that this disease is given by God,” said Mervyn Basil, communications specialist at NGO Until No Leprosy Remains-India (NLR-India).
Leprosy was eliminated as a public health problem in India as per the World Health Organization’s criteria of less than 1 case per 10,000 population, at the national level, in 2005.
However now, experts say, it is quietly resurfacing, particularly in climate stressed States including West Bengal and Bihar.
Floods, displacement and overcrowding have become frequent, leading to these States seeing the disease re-emerge in pockets.
India is hailed for eliminating leprosy two decades ago, but modern effects of climate stress and poverty may lead to its reappearance.
Climate change impacts leprosy through various mechanisms, primarily by exacerbating poverty, disrupting livelihoods, and altering environmental conditions. This can lead to increased vulnerability for people with leprosy-related disabilities, particularly in areas already struggling with malnutrition and food shortages. Additionally, climate change can indirectly influence leprosy transmission by impacting mosquito and tick populations, potentially increasing the spread of other diseases in affected areas.
Here’s a more detailed look at the connections:
- Exacerbated Poverty and Vulnerability:
Disrupted Livelihoods:
Climate change events like floods, droughts, and cyclones can destroy homes, livelihoods (e.g., farming, fishing), and support systems, leaving people more vulnerable to malnutrition, disease, and disability.
Increased Displacement:
Climate-induced migration can lead to overcrowding and increased risk of disease transmission, especially for communities already facing challenges with leprosy.
Reduced Access to Healthcare:
Climate change can disrupt healthcare systems, making it harder for people with leprosy to access timely treatment and care.
- Indirect Impacts on Leprosy Transmission:
Environmental Changes:
Climate change can alter natural cycles and processes that impact the spread of leprosy and other infectious diseases. For example, weakening monsoon winds can affect fishing communities and their livelihoods, potentially leading to increased poverty and disease outbreaks.
Vector-Borne Diseases:
While leprosy isn’t directly transmitted by insects like malaria or dengue, climate change can impact mosquito and tick populations, increasing the risk of other infectious diseases that can further burden already vulnerable communities.
- Specific Examples and Case Studies:
India:
While India has been successful in eliminating leprosy, climate stress and poverty may lead to its resurgence in pockets.
Sri Lanka:
A coastal community in Sri Lanka experienced a rise in leprosy cases after a fishing industry crash due to climate change, leading to migration and exposure to the disease.
Mozambique:
The coastal province of Cabo Delgado, which is both poor and has a high prevalence of leprosy, is increasingly drought-prone and was hit by Cyclone Idai, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
Bangladesh:
River flooding in Northwest Bangladesh affected 4,000 leprosy-affected farmers, destroying crops and livestock.
- The Need for Integrated Action:
Climate Change Adaptation:
Addressing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities, including those affected by leprosy, requires a holistic approach that considers their specific needs and vulnerabilities.
Social and Economic Support:
Providing social protection, livelihood support, and healthcare services to these communities can help them cope with the effects of climate change and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks.
Community Empowerment:
Empowering communities to adapt to climate change and manage their health resources is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Sapphire Egemasi, a 28-year-old Nigerian software developer once known for showcasing a life of affluence and global travel, is currently in federal custody in the United States, facing charges connected to a wide-reaching internet fraud and money laundering scheme, as reported by The Guardian Nigeria.
U.S. prosecutors allege that she was part of a syndicate that defrauded several American government institutions of millions of dollars.
Egemasi was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in April 2025 in the Bronx, New York. Her arrest followed a federal grand jury indictment issued in 2024, which accused her and multiple co-conspirators, led by Ghanaian national Samuel Kwadwo Osei, of conducting a coordinated cyber operation that targeted U.S. city governments through phishing attacks and spoofed websites.
According to Peoples Gazette, Court filings reveal that between September 2021 and February 2023, the syndicate designed and deployed fake websites mimicking official domains of American government agencies. The goal was to deceive municipal employees into entering secure login credentials, which were then used to divert funds into fraudulent accounts controlled by the group.
Egemasi’s alleged role in the scheme was central to its technical execution. Investigators claim she developed the spoofed websites used in the phishing operations and also helped route stolen funds through a series of wire transfers across various banks.
In one instance, prosecutors say the group successfully diverted $965,000 from the government of Kentucky into an account with PNC Bank. In another case, $330,000 was moved into a Bank of America account. Authorities described the transfers as highly sophisticated, masked with false documentation to resemble legitimate government disbursements.
According to investigators, Egemasi had lived in Cambridge, United Kingdom, before her arrest and had spent time in Ghana, where she is believed to have first connected with the other members of the fraud ring. She was allegedly recruited for her software programming skills and soon became the syndicate’s primary tech specialist.
To conceal the source of her income, Egemasi publicly claimed on social media that she had interned at firms such as British Petroleum, H\&M, and Zara—assertions that U.S. prosecutors say are not supported by any employment records. On platforms such as LinkedIn and Instagram, she maintained the image of a young African woman thriving in tech. Her posts frequently featured designer fashion, luxury gadgets, and travel across countries, including France, Greece, and the United Arab Emirates.
Federal authorities contend that the lifestyle she advertised online was financed by proceeds of fraud. They argue that her public persona was carefully curated to deflect suspicion while she remained actively involved in the illegal operation.
Egemasi and her co-defendants are now awaiting trial in Lexington, Kentucky. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison, financial restitution, and potential deportation after serving her sentence.
The case is part of a broader crackdown by U.S. federal agencies on transnational cybercrime, especially fraud schemes that exploit public institutions. While the investigation remains ongoing, prosecutors have indicated that more individuals connected to the case may face charges.
In 2025, countries like Canada, Australia, Portugal, and Paraguay are offering faster permanent residency options in just 6 months to 2 years, whether you’re a skilled worker, investor, or remote professional, according to Nairametrics.
Obtaining permanent residency unlocks life-changing benefits such as greater freedom, easier family reunification, access to healthcare and public services, and a clear path to citizenship.
Securing PR in 2025 also provides long-term stability by ending visa renewals and granting access to education, legal work, and a solid foundation abroad.
Here’s a breakdown of 14 countries providing some of the quickest and most accessible PR routes in 2025, based on different applicant profiles:
1. Canada 🇨🇦
Canada continues to be a top choice for skilled workers due to its Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).
Pathway: Express Entry or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Timeline: 12–24 months
Requirements: Skilled work experience, strong English or French proficiency (IELTS), recognized degree, and potentially a Canadian job offer or provincial nomination.
2. Australia 🇦🇺
Australia’s points-based immigration system allows skilled professionals to gain permanent residency in less than two years, especially if their occupation is listed on the Skilled Occupation List, which is a key factor that significantly boosts eligibility.
Pathway: Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189/190)
Timeline: 12–18 months
Requirements: High points score based on age, education, work experience, English test (IELTS/PTE), and listed occupation.
3. New Zealand 🇳🇿
New Zealand offers a clear path to permanent residency for skilled workers in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, and construction. Meeting the required point and having a job offer in a shortage area strengthens your application.
Pathway: Skilled Migrant Category
Timeline: 12–18 months
Requirements: Job offer in a skill shortage area, minimum points threshold, plus health and character checks.
4. Portugal 🇵🇹
With updated Golden Visa rules, Portugal still provides a two-year path to permanent residency. The D7 Visa remains a popular option for remote workers, retirees, and those with steady income or investments.
Pathway: Golden Visa or D7 Visa
Timeline: 2 years
Requirements: Real estate or fund investment, or proof of passive income. Minimum stay is required.
5. Uruguay 🇺🇾
Another top option is Uruguay, which provides a simple PR process for those with stable income and established local residence.
Pathway: Direct Residency Application
Timeline: 1–2 years
Requirements: Proof of consistent income and physical residence in Uruguay.
6. Paraguay 🇵🇾
Paraguay offers one of the world’s simplest PR programs, requiring just a $5,000 bank deposit or proof of income, with residency granted in as little as 6 to 12 months.
Pathway: Investment Residency
Timeline: 6–12 months
Requirements: Bank deposit of around $5,000 or proof of sufficient income.
7. Mexico 🇲🇽
After maintaining temporary residency for two years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Pathway: Temporary to Permanent Residency
Timeline: 2 years
Requirements: Proof of economic solvency or job contract, clean criminal record, and continuous residency.
8. Dominican Republic 🇩🇴
The Dominican Republic offers a fast and affordable path to permanent residency through investment or retirement income. Mostly for retirees and for those seeking a warm climate.
Pathway: Investor Residency
Timeline: 6–12 months
Requirements: Investment or proof of retirement income.
9. Panama 🇵🇦
Panama makes it easy for people from over 50 friendly countries to get permanent residency for remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Pathway: Friendly Nations Visa
Timeline: 6–12 months
Requirements: Business incorporation, job contract, or proof of financial self-sufficiency.
10. Argentina 🇦🇷
Low cost of living, no language requirement, and PR in two years make Argentina ideal for job seekers.
Pathway: Rentista or Employment Residency
Timeline: 2 years
Requirements: Proof of income, job contract, or local ties. Health insurance is required.
11. Turkey 🇹🇷
Real estate and business investments can fast-track PR and even citizenship over time.
Pathway: Investment Route
Timeline: 2 years
Requirements: Real estate purchase ($400,000+ USD) or major capital investment.
12. Malaysia 🇲🇾
Malaysia’s MM2H program offers a long-term visa that can lead to permanent residency through fixed deposits and passive income. It’s perfect for retirees and remote workers, and is also family-friendly.
Pathway: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H)
Timeline: 1 year
Requirements: Fixed deposit and proof of passive income.
13. Brazil 🇧🇷
One of the most inclusive PR programs, Brazil offers residency based on family ties, jobs, or investment.
Pathway: Family, Employment, or Investment
Timeline: 1–2 years
Requirements: Marriage to a Brazilian citizen, local job, or business investment.
14. Germany 🇩🇪
For skilled foreign workers, Germany’s EU Blue Card offers a fast track to permanent residency in just 21 months with B1-level German proficiency.
Pathway: EU Blue Card to Permanent Residency
Timeline: 21 months (with B1 German)
Requirements: Skilled job offer, minimum salary, and language proficiency.
Find Your Ideal PR Destination
Here’s a quick guide to match your profile with the right countries in 2025:
Skilled Workers: Canada, Australia, Germany: These countries offer points-based systems, high-demand job markets, and well-defined PR pathways.
Investors & Entrepreneurs: Portugal, Turkey, Paraguay: Ideal for those seeking flexible investment options, property-based PR, and accelerated timelines.
Remote Workers & Digital Nomads: Panama, Uruguay, Malaysia: Perfect for those with passive income or remote jobs, offering tax-friendly policies and simple income-based PR.
Family-Based Applicant: Brazil, Dominican Republic, Mexico: Great for applicants with family ties or retirement income, offering easy and inclusive routes to residency.
Tips to speed up PR process
Start language tests early (IELTS, PTE, or B1 German), as many countries require proof of language skills.
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Nairametrics
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara at his private residence in Lagos.
The meeting marks the first official engagement between the embattled governor and the president since Fubara was suspended from office following the declaration of Emergency Rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025.
During the declaration, President Tinubu dissolved the elected government of Rivers State, removing Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the entire state House of Assembly, citing escalating insecurity and governance breakdown. A former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (rtd), was immediately appointed as Sole Administrator for an initial period of six months.
Fubara, who had remained largely silent in the aftermath of the declaration, recently expressed support for Tinubu’s action, describing it as “the right call at the right time” to bring peace to the restive state. In a public address last week, he assured the people of Rivers that the Emergency Rule “will soon be lifted,” and that he would “return to office.”
The suspended governor also pledged that all government officials previously working under his administration would “come back to your offices,” while revealing that he had reconciled with his political mentor and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
However, Wike stated on Monday that President Tinubu did not consult him before deciding to impose an Emergency Rule on the state.
Speaking at a regular media parley, the former Rivers governor revealed that he was not consulted. According to him, if he had been informed, he would not have supported that move
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