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N70,000 minimum wage: FG begins payment, salaries rise to N4tn
Seven months after it began negotiations that ended with N70,000 as the new minimum wage, the Federal Government on Thursday began payment of the new salary and its consequential adjustments to public servants across all levels of the federal civil service.
This means over 1.2 million civil servants on the payroll of the Federal Government will be paid the newly approved minimum wage in September.
A warrant for this month’s salary signed by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, and addressed to the Budget Office of the Federation directed the commencement of the new payment.
This was as documents obtained by The PUNCH from the National Income, Salaries and Wages Commission revealed the amount civil servants under the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure would earn per cadre.
The amount was calculated per annum.
A breakdown showed that level one officers would now earn N930,000 per annum, level two N934,160. The salary figure increased to N937,713 for level three officers while grade level four officers now earn N950,243.
Grade Level five officers will earn N973,123, level six N1,041,786 per annum and level seven (N1,277,667).
Similarly, grade level eight public servants will now earn N1, 479,276, level nine officers will get N1, 641,226 per annum and level 10 will earn N1, 806,041.
For senior level officers, the document showed that Grade level 12 officers will now earn N2,007,152 per annum following the approval of the consequential adjustments.
While grade level 13 officials get N2,182,637, level 15 officials will get N2,358,936, and public servants on level 16 will receive N3,611,689 per annum.
Grade Level 17 officers, a position reserved for permanent secretary and the highest office in the civil service, will now earn N6,918,560.
One of our correspondents further observed that under every level, an amount was allocated for civil servants as salary, subject to change every year before their next promotion to the next level.
For instance, grade one level on step two public servant will earn N935,585, (N941,173) for step three, N946,859 for step four, N952,345 for step five, N957,931 for step six, N963,518 for step seven, N969,104 for step eight, N974,690 for step nine, N980,270 for step 10, N985,863 for step 11, N991,449 for step 12, N997,035 for step 13, N1,002,621 for step 14 and N1,008,209 for step 15.
Confirming this, the Director of Press, OAGF, Bawa Mokwa, in an interview said, “The new minimum wage payment will begin from today (Thursday) for this month.
“You can ask civil servants when they start getting alerts. You can confirm that. There is nothing on arrears payment yet. I don’t know anything about that. But payment is starting this month.”
A civil servant, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, also confirmed the information, saying, “Yes, some people have started seeing it.”
According to the warrant, which contained a breakdown of all workers across various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Armed Forces, Paramilitary, Federal Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, a total of 1,236,824 workers are included.
Recall that the Committee on Consequential Adjustments in Salaries for civil servants met on Friday as regards the new minimum wage template and agreed that the effective date for its implementation would be set at July 29, 2024.
President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage into law July 29 after meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria.
The National Salaries and Wages Commission noted that the reason for setting the date of implementation to July 2024 was due to the fact that the President signed the bill into law in July.
The letter by the Accountant-General, which was dated September 24, 2024, read, “We hereby forward the September 2024 warrants requests for MDAs, retired heads of service and permanent secretaries, Nigeria Police, Military, Para-Military as well as tertiary institutions for your consideration and funding.
“Note that: The New National Minimum Wage as approved by Mr. President is implemented this September 2024. The 35 per cent and 25 per cent salary adjustment for staff on CONPSS, CONRAISS and CONPASS as approved by Mr. President is implemented this September 2024.
“One new MDA – FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL WUKARI was created and payrolled this September 2024 with 239 staff count and gross amount of N52,322,098.82.”
“Attached are the hard and soft copies of the warrants for your approval and funding. Please accept the assurances of the warm regards of the Accountant-General of the Federation.”
In the breakdown attached, it was noted that the sum of N334,925,372,928.14 will be used to bear the cost for the over 1.2 million workers per month.
This means the government is expected to spend N4.019tn annually as its new wage bill.
Recall that the government had commenced additional revenue for the payment of the new minimum wage.
This development, which affected revenue distribution to states, was received with opposing views when an update on statutory allocation showed that the government transferred a sum of N200bn into the non-savings account at the August FAAC meeting, making a total of N595bn.
Reacting to the commencement of the new payment, the Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress called on organisations and others to follow suit by starting payment of the new wage.
Benson Upah, spokesperson of the NLC and Tommy Etim, deputy president of the TUC, made these statements in separate interviews with one of our correspondents in Abuja.
Commenting on the matter, NLC’s Upah when asked if the development is a good move said, “Yes, I think so. We ask other entities to emulate this example.”
TUC’s Etim said, “FG’s committee on consequential adjustments already released a template, so, no one has any moral ground to delay the payment of the minimum wage. We now advise that all other parties follow suit and commence the payment of the new minimum wage.”
Another civil servant, who spoke to one of our correspondents on the consequential adjustment, said the increase was insufficient given the economic hardships caused by government policies.
The grade-level 12 officer said, “This salary increase I am seeing is too small compared to what we have faced in the last one year and the current economic hardship in the country. I think we have been deceived. Is this what we waited months for?”
Meanwhile, pensioners in the Southwest have insisted on its stand that organised labour should renegotiate the new minimum wage and renew its demand for a N250, 000 monthly salary in light of the current economic realities.
The General Secretary, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ekiti State Branch, Azeez Agbaje, told The PUNCH in Ado Ekiti that the collective decision of the pensioners in the Southwest at their zonal meeting last week had not changed.
Agbaje said, “No, the decision taken remains, especially since there has not been another meeting where the stand was reviewed or to say we are not more interested in the issue.
“If you want to look at it critically, at the time of the negotiation, the fuel price was below the present price and the decision or conclusion of the negotiation then was based on the fuel price.
“Therefore, now that the fuel price has changed, then there must be a change in the table. That was what we said and it remains,” he said.
NUP Southwest Publicity Secretary, Dr Olusegun Abatan, who read the communique at the end of the zonal meeting to journalists last week, had said, “We found out that before the N70,000 was even implemented, the Federal Government had gone ahead to further increase the price of petrol. We concluded that the two labour centres that went into that negotiation were blindfolded and naïve.
“The Federal Government took advantage of the naivety and inexperience of Comrade Joe Ajaero and Festus Usifo by tricking them into accepting N70,000 with the promise that fuel prices would not increase. However, no sooner had they agreed to the N70,000, the Federal Government went ahead and increased the fuel price.
“To that extent, the South-West NUP is rejecting the N70,000 minimum wage that labour negotiated and advises that labour should return to the negotiating table and insist on the N250,000 they initially wanted.
“Before you know it, the N2,000 that the Federal Government said it was going to increase the fuel price to will eventually emerge. Labour should go back to negotiate a N250,000 minimum wage. They have our backing on whatever it involves, even strike action, to achieve a realistic minimum wage.”
Amid the issues, the organised private sector bemoaned a threat by the government to jail private companies who don’t comply with the new salary structure.
Reacting to the possibility of jailing private sector operators that failed to pay the N70,000 minimum wage, a facilitator with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Dr Ikenna Nwosu, said nobody would go to jail unless there was a law to that.
“Whether they say it or not, nobody would go to prison unless there was a law that says so because a judge can only convict or sentence someone if there is a law that says so,” he said.
He argued that the Federal Government lacked the power to legislate minimum wage for everyone.
“In my opinion, the Federal Government can’t legislate minimum wage for everyone; they can only do it for their work. To promote voluntary compliance you have to present the parameters for calculating the minimum wage, they have to present it to everyone, especially the private sector, to make them know it is important to comply.
“Are you telling me that a mechanic makes enough money to pay his workers N70,000 every month? A petty trader, how sure are you that they can pay? When you talk of the private sector, it is not only people with offices but petty traders.
“People will contest that, and if they don’t win in the Nigerian court, they will go to the ECOWAS court. With those economic parameters you can’t force the private sector to comply, rather you encourage them.”
Despite commending the FG for commencing the payment of the new wage, President, Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Dele Oye, expressed concerns over the threat of imprisonment for defaulters.
“We urge the government to engage with stakeholders, including the labour unions, in a collaborative manner to address their complaints regarding the alleged breach of contract on the increase in the price of fuel and the economic challenges facing businesses and workers.”
The National President of the Association of Small Business Owners of Nigeria, Dr Femi Egbesola, noted that the association strongly supported that workers should be paid well.
He said, “The bulk of the employers of labour are the MSMEs who account for 84 per cent of employment. However, as much as we would love to improve the livelihood of our workers by paying them N70,000 or more, with the current economic realities, the majority of SMEs may not be able to pay this minimum wage.
“This may force SMEs to reduce staff strength while some may eventually close business. We are struggling to survive this time. Our profitability and productivity have reduced sharply. We are contending with many challenges and at this point, small businesses need government support and interventions to remain afloat in business and become healthy. It is after this we can financially be able to pay.
“While workers must get decent and good wages, the reality is that most SMEs just cannot afford to pay at this point. If the penalty would be imprisonment, then all our correction centres will soon overflow.”
The Director-General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said manufacturers were paying salaries above N70,000 before the arrival of the new minimum wage policy.
Ajayi-Kadir said manufacturers had no challenge with compliance with the policy, but noted that some smaller businesses needed aid to pay or be forced to make business-informed decisions, including downsizing.
He said, “Even before the enactment of minimum wage at N70,000, most of the private sector have always paid even above that. The President told us that they were going to support the private sector to make the payment.
“However, there are some that are very small scale, that if they were to pay the N70,000, their businesses would not be able to sustain. So, I thought that they were the ones that the Federal Government intended to support.
“So, it’s not a question of compliance. It’s a question of survival. If you don’t pay, somebody can close your business,” Ajayi-Kadir added
The MAN official reasoned that manufacturers, who were eligible to pay, would not be willing to go against the new minimum wage and risk prosecution.
“They will make business-informed decisions, maybe to rationalise the staff because nobody wants to go to jail or maybe to close shop or in a way, look at their processes to see how they can minimise the cost in other areas to enable them to be able to comply.
Ajayi-Kadir added that business owners were hopeful of government support
“We are looking forward to that kind of support for those who might be in the category of not being able to pay, even though the law requires them to pay. So, that support will be needed.
“Maybe it’s going to be in the form of some relief or some incentives. We don’t know what the government had in mind when they promised to support, but I believe that the government meant well.”
Ajayi-Kadir added that manufacturers were fully in support of the minimum wage, saying it would lead to customers having a higher disposable income.
He stated, “Don’t forget that we said that even in the first half of the year, the unplanned inventory of manufacturers was in excess of N1tn. So, who is going to buy it if not people that have money?
“So, we are interested that people should earn more. I would have loved that even the minimum wage is much higher so that people can have more money in their hands to buy. But whatever the minimum wage is, it must be matched with the ability to pay.”
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the release of ₦8.4 billion to the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) for the settlement of long-standing contract liabilities dating from 2010 to 2023.
The intervention is aimed at restoring contractor confidence, revitalizing grassroots development, and stimulating economic activity across the state’s oil-producing communities.
The Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Communication, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at Government House, Asaba, after a meeting between the Governor and the Management of DESOPADEC.
Aniagwu explained that the funds would be used to pay contractors who executed verified projects for the Commission but had remained unpaid for years.
He noted that contractors owed ₦20 million and below would receive 100 per cent payment, while those owed above ₦20 million would receive 50 per cent as first installment.
He stated that the approval reinforces the Governor’s resolve to confront inherited financial burdens rather than ignore them, in line with the administration’s MORE Agenda of Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.
“You will recall that not long ago, His Excellency directed the release of ₦10 billion to the State Pension Bureau to clear a substantial portion of outstanding pension liabilities.
“This is consistent with his earlier intervention on the settlement of promotion arrears. Despite the fact that many of these challenges predated his administration, he has continued to address them with courage and compassion,” Aniagwu said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of DESOPADEC, Chief Festus Ochonogor, commended the Governor for the financial intervention, describing it as a major step towards restoring trust and ensuring continuity in project delivery across oil-producing communities.
Ochonogor added that since the Oborevwori assumed office, the current DESOPADEC Management has sustained regular payments to contractors for projects executed under its watch, stressing that the newly approved funds are specifically to settle inherited contractual obligations from previous years.
He said the debts covered a range of projects including road construction, school rehabilitation, water supply schemes, jetties, and other community development initiatives.
He noted that the Governor had earlier directed the Commission to conduct an extensive audit to verify claims and ensure transparency before approving the payments.
The approval has been well received across the oil-producing areas, where communities have awaited progress on essential infrastructure and development projects.
The Chairman of the Memorialisation Committee, ‘Ogun Pepe,’ Dr James Ojebode, has released the programme of activities for the festival.
He disclosed this during a press conference at Atiba Hall, Oyo, Oyo State, Nigeria. Oyo, where he briefed the media and the general public on the forthcoming festival to be held between 5-15 November 2025.
According to Ojebode, the week-long activities include fasting and prayer on Tuesday, 11th November, 2025 by all the religious groups to seek the face of God for continued peace and harmony in the town.
This will be followed on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, there will be tree-planting and Fitila Night that will witness a procession from Owode to Aafin, the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo.
On Thursday, 13th November 2025, there will be a public lecture to be delivered at the Federal School of Surveying, Oyo. It will be delivered by Prof Akin Alao, a Professor of Legal History at the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State.
He will be delivering the keynote speech on: Ogun Pepe @ 130: Memory as a call to renewal, Prof.
The don will be engaged in academic discourse by discussants, including Prof. Sekinat Kola-Aderoju, a distinguished historian, a proud daughter of Oyo, and a true Nigerian icon.
Others in the brainstorming session are: Prof. Niyi Gbadegesin, a prolific, prodigious and dizzyingly peripatetic scholar.
Prof. Ladun Oloruntoba, of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, will also join Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo to be part of the discussants at the lecture.
The father of the day for all the Ogun Pepe events is the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1; while the Chairman of the Committee is James Adesokan Ojebode, PhD, JP, ALA (CSN), Founder and President, Atiba University, Oyo.
The programme will also feature a command performance of ‘Ogun Pepe’ (a stage play written and produced by Gbemi Faleti and directed by Yomi Duro-Ladipo, a filmmaker, actor, theatre and movie director, musician, mechanical engineer, dance instructor/choreographer).
The grand finale of the week-long memorable programme will be the Cultural/Exhibition/Fundraising to be held at the Old Oyo National Park on Saturday, 15th November. The cultural aspect will be handled by Funmi Ajofeebo, while the exhibition will be coordinated by Folasade Adeyemi (a.k.a. Arewa).
According to Ojebode, the festival memorialises the face-off between one of the past rulers of Oyo, Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu 1 and the British colonial forces.
Going down the memory lane, Ojebode, disclosed that the the conflict began when the Alaafin’s traditional punishment of an Ilari from Iseyin provoked Captain Robert Lister Bower, the British Resident in Ibadan then.
Bower’s demand for submission of the ilari and kudefu was vehemently refused by the Alaafin, leading to a British invasion of Oyo on November 12, 1895. The People of Oyo, loyal to their king, resisted bravely but were eventually overpowered by superior British firepower. Alaafin, who was wounded, miraculously relocated to Oke-Owinni, later returned triumphantly after a peace treaty mediated by the Catholic Bishop of Oyo.
The war, named after the sharp sound of British gunfire—“pepe pepe pepe”—the war became a symbol of Yoruba pride and resistance. Though it ended in British indirect rule, Ogun Pepe remains a lasting testament to Oyo’s courage, unity, and unbroken spirit of sovereignty.
The Ogun Pepe Memorialisation Ceremony is therefore a cultural, historical, and spiritual commemoration dedicated to the enduring legacy of Ogun Pepe, a war that speaks volumes on the British invasion of Oyo land on 12th of November 1895, 130 years ago. This invasion, which demonstrates courage, loyalty, and sense of duty stand as timeless virtues in the annals of Oyo history.
“Today’s engagement offers us a valuable opportunity to share the history, vision, objectives, and significance of this landmark event and to invite the full participation of our people at home and abroad, ” Ojebode said.
Ojebode said the 1895 war between the people of Oyo and the British exemplified the noblest ideals of service and sacrifice — qualities that embody the strength, dignity, and resilience of the Yoruba spirit.
“This memorialisation therefore seeks to reawaken public consciousness to these enduring virtues and to ensure that the lessons of Ogun Pepe’s invasion are preserved for future generations. It is both a celebration of history and a call to cultural renewal.”
Explaining the objectives of the Memorialisation, the Committee Chairman said, these include,
Honouring and celebrating the life, heroism, and moral legacy of Ogun Pepe within the broader history of Oyo and Yoruba land.
” To revive and promote cultural awareness through scholarship, dialogue, and artistic expression.
” To foster intergenerational learning, connecting elders and youth in a shared understanding of heritage and values.
” To promote unity, community pride, and cultural tourism, thereby contributing to the social and economic vitality of Oyo.”
According to Ojebode,
The ten-day celebration promises a rich and dynamic series of events, combining reverence, reflection, and rejoicing. Highlights will include:
Traditional rites and libations at designated heritage sites in Oyo;
Academic lectures and symposiums featuring renowned scholars and historians on the theme “Heroism,
Heritage, and the Oyo Identity;
Cultural performances and artistic exhibitions, including fitila/candle night, Tree planting at designated places, drumming, dance, drama, masquerade displays, igba titi, and theatrical representations of Ogun
Pepe invasion;
The Cultural Day, shall engage old and younger generations in heritage learning and artistic creativity;
Royal tributes and homages by traditional rulers and community elders; and
A Grand Finale and Thanksgiving Ceremony, featuring prayers, reflections, and reaffirmation of our collective commitment to preserving Yoruba culture and values.
China said on Wednesday it would extend a suspension of additional tariffs on US goods for one year, making official an agreement reached in talks between presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump last week.
The two leaders held talks in South Korea at the end of October that effectively extended a delicate truce for a year, after several rounds of trade negotiations in recent months.
A statement published Wednesday on the Ministry of Finance website, citing Beijing’s State Council, said that “for one year the 24 percent tariff on US goods will continue to be suspended, (and) a 10 percent tariff on US goods will remain”.
The statement said the pause follows “the consensus reached in the China–US economic and trade consultations” and would be effective from November 10.
Trump on Tuesday formalised an agreement that Washington would cut its additional tariffs on Chinese imports from 20 percent to 10 percent, also effective from November 10.
Temperatures have spiked between the world’s two biggest economies this year as Washington and Beijing imposed escalating tariffs on each other’s products.
At one point, duties on both sides reached prohibitive triple-digit levels, hampering trade.
The two have been engaged in an uneasy truce since, as top economic leaders met several times for talks in recent months, with tensions surging over export controls and other issues.
In a separate statement, China said it would “cease implementing the additional tariff measures” imposed in a March order hitting a list of American farm products.
That move was a response to Trump doubling additional tariffs on Chinese goods over Beijing’s handling of fentanyl — now back to 10 percent starting next week.
Beijing had placed an additional 15 percent levy on chicken, wheat, corn and cotton imported from the US and an additional 10 percent tariff on American soybeans, pork, beef, dairy and other farm products.
That had hurt a key source of Trump’s political support: farmers.
More than half of US soybean exports went to China last year, but Beijing halted all orders as the trade dispute deepened.
Also following talks, Beijing agreed to suspend for one year restrictions on the export of rare earths technology.
Rare earths are a strategic field dominated by China and are essential for manufacturing in defence, automobiles and consumer electronics.
Washington in turn agreed to suspend for one year a move imposing “Entity List” export restrictions on affiliates of blacklisted foreign companies in which they had at least a 50 percent stake, the Chinese commerce ministry said.
The United States also said it would halt for a year measures targeting China’s shipbuilding industry that led to both sides applying port fees against each other’s ships, it said.
China would suspend its “countermeasures” after the US action, they added, for one year too.
PUNCH
Following its designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’, the United States has said it will work with the Federal Government to take decisive actions aimed at arresting perpetrators of religious violence, protecting Christians, and rescuing those held hostage, as reported by The PUNCH.
The Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, Vicky Hartzler — whose recommendation led President Donald Trump to blacklist Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom — disclosed this while welcoming the US leader’s decision.
Hartzler, in a statement, commended Trump for taking steps to address what she described as the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
China, however, voiced strong support for Nigeria and criticised what it called foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.
Trump had announced Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern in a post on his Truth Social platform on Friday, alleging that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat” and claiming that thousands of Christians have been killed by radical Islamists.
He warned that the United States could take decisive measures — including possible military intervention — if the Bola Tinubu administration failed to act.
In its reaction, the Federal Government rejected the US claim, describing it as inconsistent with facts, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to combating violent extremism, protecting citizens, and promoting religious freedom and inclusiveness.
As part of its response to Nigeria’s alleged violations, the United States Congress is considering a bill that would impose severe sanctions on state governors, public officials, and non-state actors involved in enforcing the Sharia Penal Code.
The bill, sponsored by Republican Senator Ted Cruz, has passed second reading and been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations for further consideration.
The draft legislation, S. 2747, dated September 9, 2025, is titled ‘Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025.’ It directs the US Secretary of State to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, impose specific sanctions, and take other related measures.
The proposed legislation also targets terrorist groups and individuals implementing or supporting Islamic laws in the country.
Under the draft law, penalties would extend to judges, magistrates, prison officials, and other judicial or law enforcement officers found complicit in terrorism, corruption, or the enforcement of blasphemy laws.
It specifically includes anyone responsible for prosecuting, convicting, imprisoning, or otherwise depriving individuals of their liberty on charges of blasphemy.
Reacting to the executive action, the USCIRF chair, Vicky Hartzler, said, “USCIRF applauds President Trump for speaking out on the religious freedom crisis in Nigeria and making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.”
“The US Government can now develop a tough plan with Nigeria to ensure that perpetrators of violence are held to account, people of faith are protected, and those held hostage are rescued,” she added in a statement published on the commission’s website on Monday.
The USCIRF vice chair, Asif Mahmood, also told The PUNCH in an emailed response on Tuesday that the commission would ensure the Trump administration implements a series of executive actions against Nigeria, which it described as a serial violator of religious freedom since 2009.
During Trump’s first administration, the US State Department had placed Nigeria on its Special Watch List in 2019 and designated it as a Country of Particular Concern in 2020, citing recurring violent attacks against religious communities.
“The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom welcomes President Trump’s making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern,” the statement read. “USCIRF has recommended this designation since 2009 because of the government’s engagement in and tolerance of systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.”
The statement cited several recent incidents, including the killing of at least 200 people — among them internally displaced persons — at a Catholic mission in Benue State in June, and the murder of at least 27 worshippers during an early-morning mosque attack in Katsina State in August.
“These and other violent incidents targeting religious communities are escalating tensions and threatening Nigerians’ ability to freely express their faith,” it added.
Mahmood noted that, in addition to violence by non-state actors, the Nigerian government must also be held accountable for allowing the enforcement of blasphemy laws in 12 states.
“Enforcing these laws and tolerating violence targeting Christians, Muslims, and other communities justify the CPC designation,” he said. “Now the administration can use this opportunity to impose Presidential Actions under the International Religious Freedom Act to incentivise needed change in the country.”
In his email to The PUNCH, Mahmood reiterated that Nigerian authorities had “repeatedly failed to address ongoing violence targeting religious communities.”
“In our 2025 Annual Report, which covered the calendar year 2024, we reported on violence targeting religious communities where Nigerian authorities far too often fail to adequately respond,” he wrote.
He explained that USCIRF uses international human rights standards, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, under the International Religious Freedom Act, to determine when to recommend a Country of Particular Concern designation for any government that “engages in or tolerates particularly severe violations of religious freedom.”
“Nigeria has met that standard since 2009,” Mahmood said, noting that 12 state governments continue to enforce strict blasphemy laws used to prosecute Christians, Muslims, and humanists for alleged insults to religion.
He added that the USCIRF, in its annual reports, had repeatedly recommended policy actions the US government and Congress could adopt to improve religious freedom conditions in Nigeria.
“Now that President Trump has named Nigeria a CPC, the International Religious Freedom Act empowers the US government to execute multiple Presidential Actions,” Mahmood said. “We encourage the administration to do so and not to waive these actions.”
On steps Nigeria could take to secure a reprieve, Mahmood explained that ending or significantly reducing “systematic, ongoing, and egregious” violations of religious freedom, as outlined in USCIRF’s Annual Report, was the key condition for removal from its list of Countries of Particular Concern.
“Our recommendation is based on international human rights law, facts on the ground, and our statutory mandate,” he stated. “USCIRF’s monitoring and reporting efforts are ongoing, and our next CPC recommendations will be included in our 2026 Annual Report, which is due to Congress no later than May 1 of each year.”
Beijing backs Tinubu
However, the People’s Republic of China has strongly criticised the US action against Nigeria, describing it as a flagrant interference in the country’s internal affairs.
At a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China stood firmly with Nigeria in pursuing its own development path and opposed the use of religion or human rights as tools for political pressure.
Her remarks, circulated by the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, read, “As a comprehensive strategic partner of Nigeria, China firmly supports the Nigerian government in leading its people on a development path that aligns with its national realities.
“We oppose any country’s interference in other nations’ internal affairs under the pretext of religion or human rights. We also oppose the wanton threat of sanctions or the use of force.”
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Bola Tinubu was taking concrete steps to ensure the safety of lives and property across the country.
Speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, Idris said his discussions with Tinubu included the recent US comments on Nigeria.
He noted that the President had called for calm, assuring Nigerians that his administration remains focused on strengthening national security and promoting unity amid growing international scrutiny.
“It’s a routine meeting that we always have with Mr President,” Idris said. “Of course, the issue of the US also came up, and we discussed that extensively.”
According to him, the President is “calm and taking a holistic view of the situation,” while working to ensure the international community better understands Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.
“Only last week, Mr President, in his desire to reinvigorate the country’s security architecture, appointed a new Chief of Defence Staff and other service chiefs. That tells you he’s been working seriously to ensure Nigeria remains safe for all,” Idris added.
He explained that the government was deliberately keeping its diplomatic tone measured while expanding engagement with international partners to clarify Nigeria’s position.
“We are opening channels of communication so that the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing and intends to do to address any domestic or international concerns,” he said.
Responding to calls for broader engagement with religious and community leaders, Idris said Tinubu had adopted a multi-pronged approach.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Dr. Jim Ovia, CFR, on the occasion of his 74th birth anniversary, describing him as a visionary leader and trailblazer in Nigeria’s banking industry.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor lauded the Agbor-born banking czar for his exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s financial sector and for pioneering innovations that have redefined modern banking in the country.
Governor Oborevwori commended Ovia’s unwavering commitment to excellence, corporate governance, and youth empowerment through his numerous philanthropic interventions, particularly in education, entrepreneurship and security.
He said Ovia’s life and career remain a source of inspiration to millions of Nigerians, noting that his achievements have placed Delta State and Nigeria on the global financial map.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, I congratulate our dear elder statesman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, on the occasion of his 74th birth anniversary on November 4.
“Dr. Jim Ovia is a quintessential entrepreneur whose foresight and leadership have not only transformed Nigeria’s banking sector, but also empowered countless individuals and institutions,” Oborevwori stated.
The Governor joined family, friends, and associates in celebrating the renowned banker, praying God to grant him long life, good health, and greater wisdom to continue contributing to national development.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has been honoured with the prestigious Herbert Wigwe Award for Excellence at the ongoing Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Lagos.
The award, which also recognised Vice President Kashim Shettima, celebrates outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.
Governor Oborevwori, who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, expressed gratitude to the organisers of AFRIFF for the recognition, reaffirming Delta State Government’s unwavering commitment to the growth of the creative sector.
Onyeme said: “On behalf of the Governor and the people of Delta State, I want to thank the organisers of the Africa International Film Festival for this honour. We do not take it for granted; we truly appreciate.
“Delta is one of the states most renowned for its contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Many of the talented people in this sector hail from Delta State, and we will continue to do everything necessary to sustain our support for the film industry in Nigeria and across Africa.”
The Deputy Governor further highlighted the state’s initiatives to boost the creative economy, noting that Delta has remained peaceful and conducive for investments in entertainment, film production and other businesses.
Speaking further, he said; “rhe last administration built a massive entertainment complex housing film studios, cinemas, and children’s recreational facilities.
“The current administration is planning to go even further by establishing a full-fledged film village, a mini-Hollywood, where actors, musicians, and other professionals can live and work.
“Delta State has always been at the forefront of entertainment development, and we will continue to improve the welfare of creative professionals and provide the resources they need to thrive.”
In his remarks, Pastor Shingle Wigwe, father of the late Herbert Wigwe, commended AFRIFF for instituting the award in his son’s honour, describing the festival as a vital platform for Africa’s creative advancement.
“Seeing this event today brings me great joy. When I retired from the Nigerian Television Authority, there were no film festivals in Nigeria. What I see here is a true marketplace of ideas and creativity, a hub for Africa.
“This festival is a force that will contribute greatly to Nigeria’s economy and enhance our global recognition. It is truly gratifying to witness such progress in our creative landscape”, he said.
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