News August 19, 2026 NLC urges FG to resolve health workers’ pay dispute, to avert strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address lingering salary and welfare issues affecting health workers, warning that continued delays could trigger another round of industrial action in the nation’s health sector.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made the appeal in a letter dated August 6 and addressed to the Minister of Labour and Employment. The letter was made available to journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ajaero expressed concern over what he described as the prolonged delay in the adjustment of the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), as well as the unresolved demands of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU).

According to him, members of JOHESU have continued to wait for the implementation of agreements reached with the Federal Government, despite several Memoranda of Understanding, terms of agreement and Collective Bargaining Agreements signed by both parties.

“Years after signing MoUs, terms of agreement and CBAs, in addition to promises and assurances from appropriate authorities, members of JOHESU have been ignored or abandoned,” Ajaero said.

The NLC president urged the Minister of Labour and Employment to facilitate the immediate resumption of collective bargaining negotiations between the government and JOHESU.

He also called for the intervention of the Presidential Committee on Salaries to ensure that all outstanding issues, particularly those relating to the health workers’ salary structure, are addressed without further delay.

Ajaero said the labour movement was deeply concerned about alleged discriminatory practices and the impact prolonged industrial disputes continue to have on health workers and Nigerians who depend on public healthcare services.

He warned that the collapse of ongoing efforts to resolve the dispute could have serious consequences for the already fragile health sector.

“It needs no telling that the consequences of a complete breakdown in negotiations are quite grave,” he said.

While stressing that the NLC’s intervention should not be seen as a threat, Ajaero maintained that the Congress would stand firmly with JOHESU should the union be forced to embark on further industrial action.

“We strongly urge that you do all that is within your power to ensure immediate resumption of the collective agreement negotiation,” he added.

The NLC, therefore, called on the Federal Government to demonstrate stronger commitment to honouring agreements with health workers, resolve all outstanding issues and avert what could become another major industrial crisis in the country’s health sector.

(NAN)

News Politics August 19, 2026 2027: Tinubu, Obi, others sign peace accord as campaigns begin

Presidential, governorship and National Assembly candidates contesting the 2027 general elections have signed a Peace Accord, pledging to pursue peaceful, issue-based campaigns and shun violence, hate speech and disinformation before, during and after the polls.

The accord was signed on Tuesday in Abuja by presidential candidates and leaders of political parties, alongside candidates seeking governorship and National Assembly seats.

Among the presidential candidates who signed the agreement were President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress; and Adewale Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

The agreement was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC), chaired by former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd.), as part of efforts to reduce political tension, promote social cohesion and ensure that the outcome of the elections reflects the will of Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, Abubakar urged political parties, candidates, campaign councils and their spokespersons to focus their campaigns on issues affecting Nigerians rather than personal attacks and inflammatory rhetoric.

Represented by a member of the committee, Martin Agwai, the former Head of State said the NPC had facilitated 30 peace accords since 2015, including five national accords ahead of the 2015, 2019 and 2023 general elections and 25 others during sub-national and off-cycle polls.

He said the introduction of an issue-based peace accord in 2019 was aimed at shifting political campaigns away from sentiments, name-calling and character assassination towards debates on policies and programmes.

According to him, political campaigns over the years had increasingly lost “dignity and decency,” creating a toxic atmosphere capable of inciting citizens against the government, political parties and opposing candidates.

With the 2027 general elections five months away and official campaigns set to commence on Wednesday, Abubakar appealed to political actors to uphold the commitments contained in the accord.

“Campaign based on issues that are of significant concern to Nigerians. Avoid the spread of false and fake news, personal attacks and insults,” he said.

He also urged politicians and their supporters to promote tolerance, respect opposing views, maintain civility in public discourse and comply fully with both the spirit and provisions of the agreement.

Meanwhile, the Programme Officer of the Kukah Centre, Asabe Ndahi, said findings from previous election cycles showed widespread violations of the Peace Accord, particularly provisions requiring political parties to conduct issue-based campaigns.

Presenting findings on emerging national issues, Ndahi said Clause One of the accord, which commits parties to issue-based campaigns, recorded a 43 per cent breach.

She added that clauses prohibiting fake news and disinformation were violated by as much as 90 per cent, while provisions against insults and violence were also breached.

According to her, spokespersons accounted for 58 per cent of violations relating to the conduct of issue-based campaigns.

She said 32 of Nigeria’s 36 states recorded violations, with Kaduna, Plateau, Kano, Lagos, Rivers and Benue identified among the most affected.

Ndahi called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to ensure that the 2027 campaigns were conducted peacefully.

She urged candidates to debate policies and ideas, while calling on campaign teams and supporters to mobilise responsibly without intimidation or violence.

Ndahi particularly charged party and candidate spokespersons to exercise restraint, provide timely and verified information and avoid inflammatory statements.

She also called on the media and civil society organisations to verify information before publication or amplification and pursue evidence-based advocacy.

Security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission were equally urged to maintain neutrality, impartiality, transparency and consistency in enforcing electoral laws.

The signing of the accord comes as political parties prepare to formally begin campaigns on Wednesday, with stakeholders hoping the commitments made in Abuja will translate into a more peaceful and issue-driven electoral process.

(NAN)

News Politics August 19, 2026 2027 Elections: INEC plans deployment of 1.4m Ad-hoc staff to 176,000 polling units

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is preparing to deploy about 1.4 million ad-hoc personnel across more than 176,000 polling units nationwide for the 2027 General Election.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with a Pre-Election Assessment Mission from the International Republican Institute (IRI), led by former United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Ambassador Jendayi Frazier.

Amupitan said the commission has begun intensifying preparations for what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s biggest electoral exercises, with attention focused on voter registration, logistics, security, accessibility and technology.

He said recent off-cycle elections, including the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections and legislative by-elections, had provided INEC with opportunities to test its operational capacity.

According to him, the elections served as “live operational stress tests” for the commission’s technology, logistics arrangements and coordination with security agencies.

With the focus now shifting fully to 2027, the INEC chairman said the commission would build on the lessons from those elections to strengthen its preparations.

Amupitan also highlighted what he described as significant improvements in the use of technology, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

He said the real-time upload of Polling Unit Result Sheets, known as Form EC8A, exceeded 98 per cent during recent off-cycle elections.

“Technology has permanently closed the door on legacy voting vulnerabilities, ensuring that the ballot box alone determines electoral outcomes,” Amupitan said.

However, he cautioned that technology alone could not guarantee a credible election.

He identified insecurity, electoral violence, vote-buying, hate speech, disinformation and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference as some of the major threats capable of undermining voter confidence.

To tackle the challenges, he said INEC was strengthening collaboration with security agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security.

The commission, he added, was also working with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to enforce electoral laws, monitor campaign finance and prosecute offenders.

On voter registration, Amupitan said INEC was conducting a comprehensive audit of the national register through the Continuous Voter Registration exercise and the Automated Biometric Identification System to identify and eliminate duplicate registrations.

He also said the commission was expanding its early deployment strategy and strengthening partnerships with transport unions to ensure that personnel and election materials arrive at polling units early enough for voting to commence by 8:30 a.m.

INEC, he added, was placing greater emphasis on inclusive elections by providing assistive devices and priority access for Persons With Disabilities, pregnant women, nursing mothers and elderly voters.

Amupitan assured the IRI delegation of the commission’s open-door policy, describing international observers as important institutional partners whose recommendations could help improve the electoral process and strengthen public confidence.

He also maintained that INEC would remain neutral in the conduct of the 2027 elections.

“As an electoral management body, INEC holds no preference for any political party or candidate. Our sole responsibility is to act as an uncompromising, impartial umpire,” he said.

The IRI assessment mission arrived in Nigeria on August 11 and is expected to conclude its visit on August 21.

The visit comes at a crucial period in Nigeria’s electoral calendar, following the August 15 Osun governorship election and as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.

News August 19, 2026 Kano launches N27.8bn ICT, CBT project to take digital exams to grassroots

The Kano State Government has awarded contracts worth ₦27.8 billion for the construction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres across its 44 Local Government Areas.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Mohammed Tajo-Othman, disclosed this during the contract award ceremony held at the ministry on Tuesday in Kano.

This is contained in a statement by the ministry’s Public Relations Officer, Aminu Bello-Sani, on Tuesday in Kano.

He quoted the commissioner as saying that the initiative was aimed at expanding access to digital learning, e-examinations, and technology skills for the teeming youth at the grassroots.

The commissioner described the project as another historic milestone in the history of Kano State.

“This historic achievement would not have been possible without the vision and foresight of Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf.

“By bringing ICT/CBT centres to every local government area, we are taking digital opportunities closer to our people and preparing our youth for the future,” the commissioner stated.

Tajo-Othman explained that each centre would be equipped with modern facilities, including a high-capacity internet server network, 300 computers, and an uninterrupted power supply system powered by the national grid, solar energy, and standby generators.

According to him, a project of this magnitude is the first of its kind across all local government areas in the country, and is expected to be completed within 16 to 18 weeks.

He listed the awarded companies as Odaleg Properties and Constructions Limited, Aytaam Construction Limited, Trusted Development, KODAK PRIME, VIND R&D PARTNERSHIP Limited, and CORNERSTONE CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING Limited.

The commissioner further disclosed that the overall supervision and quality assurance would be handled by Vivid R&D Partnership Limited as Project Consultant.

In their response, the awarded contractors appreciated the Kano State Government for finding them worthy to handle the project.

They pledged to execute the work according to the required standards and within the stipulated timeframe.

The commissioner further explained that teams from the local government areas and the ministry would conduct regular site inspections to ensure quality delivery.

He noted that the centres were expected to create jobs and support examination bodies such as the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), West African Examinations Council (WAEC), and National Examination Council (NECO).

The centre, Tajo-Othman said, would also provide platforms for digital skills training across the state. (NAN)

News August 19, 2026 Revenue allocation: FG, states, LGs share N3.007trn for July

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shared N3.007 trillion among the Federal Government, 36 state governments and 774 Local Government Councils (LGCs) as revenue for July.

The Director, Press and Public Relations Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), Mr Bawa Mokwa, said this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mokwa said the allocation was approved by FAAC at its regular monthly meeting in Owerri, Imo.

He said the meeting was convened on the margins of the ongoing National Council of Federation and Economic Development (NACOFED).

He said the July figures indicated an improvement in statutory revenue, with gross statutory revenue rising to N4.359 trillion.

Mokwa said it represented an increase of N658.087 billion, or 17.8 per cent, compared with the N3.700 trillion recorded in June.

According to Mokwa, the gross Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue stood at N793.968 billion, a marginal decline of N5.778 billion, or 0.7 per cent, from the N799.746 billion recorded in June.

He quoted the FAAC communiqué as saying that the increase in statutory revenue was driven by significant growth in several revenue streams, including Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT).

“Others are Hydrocarbon Tax (HT), Companies Income Tax (CIT), Capital Gains Tax (CGT), Stamp Duty Tax (SDT), petroleum royalties, mineral royalties, excise duty and gas-flaring penalties.

“The gains were partly offset by declines in VAT, import duty, CET levies, rental of gas-flaring fees and miscellaneous oil revenue,” he said.

He said that the committee would continue to work with revenue-generating agencies to address collection gaps and strengthen remittance discipline.

Mokwa also reaffirmed FAAC’s commitment to the full, transparent and timely remittance of collectable revenues into the Federation Account, ahead of the planned accounts reconciliation exercise.

He stressed the need to diversify the federation’s revenue base beyond oil, in line with ongoing tax administration and non-oil revenue mobilisation reforms.

“FAAC also highlighted the importance of continued coordination between the Federal Government and state governments.

“The coordination is through NACOFED on fiscal policy, revenue sharing and broader economic development priorities,” he said.

He said that solid minerals and other non-oil royalty streams remained areas with significant potential for expanding federation revenue.

Mokwa also said that improvement in statutory revenue recorded in July would require continued discipline in revenue collection and remittance by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

He reiterated support for reforms aimed at improving the predictability, sustainability and growth of allocations to the three tiers of government. (NAN)

News Politics August 18, 2026 Jonathan warns governors, politicians against ‘Invading’ states during off-cycle elections

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned governors, senior political office holders and party leaders against the growing practice of converging on states during off-cycle elections, saying the trend could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic stability.

Jonathan raised the concern on Tuesday in a statement shared on his X handle while reflecting on the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

His comments came amid the massive mobilisation of political figures into the state ahead of and during the election, with several governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives and ministers reportedly involved in efforts to secure victory for their respective parties.

Despite concerns over heavy political mobilisation and allegations of intimidation, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, declared Governor Ademola Adeleke winner of the election, securing his re-election.

Jonathan, however, commended INEC, security agencies, political parties and the people of Osun State for their roles in ensuring a peaceful election.

He said the political conduct witnessed during recent off-cycle elections, particularly in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo states, should not be allowed to become an established feature of Nigeria’s democracy.

“The growing practice whereby serving governors, senior political office holders, party leaders and other influential government functionaries, accompanied by large numbers of aides and heavy security details from outside a state, converge on states where elections are being conducted raises an issue that demands national attention.

“The conduct witnessed around the recent elections in Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States was, in my view, unusual. It is not a practice that should become normal in a democratic society,” Jonathan said.

The former president recalled that similar situations occurred during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections while he was in office.

According to him, he ordered senior government officials and party leaders to leave the states after being briefed about the large influx of political leaders.

“I recall that, as President, similar situations arose during the 2013 Anambra and 2014 Ekiti governorship elections. On those occasions, senior political leaders mobilised and descended upon the states. Upon being briefed, I ordered party leaders and senior government officials to leave the states immediately,” he said.

Jonathan warned that allowing such practices to continue unchecked could create an atmosphere of fear, intimidation and undue pressure around elections.

“This trend is unwholesome. If left unchecked, it could threaten our fragile democracy and have serious long-term implications for democratic stability,” he warned.

While acknowledging the right of political parties to campaign and mobilise supporters, Jonathan said there must be limits to the deployment of political power, especially on election day.

He expressed concern that the overwhelming presence of serving governors and other influential public officials could undermine the spirit of free, fair and peaceful elections.

“However, there is a point at which political mobilisation, particularly when it involves the overwhelming presence of serving governors, senior public officials and powerful political actors from across the country on election day, can create an atmosphere of apprehension, intimidation, bullying and undue pressure,” he said.

Jonathan questioned whether the increasing mobilisation of powerful political actors into states holding elections was compatible with genuine democratic competition.

“We must ask ourselves whether the increasing deployment of political power and large-scale mobilisation by senior office holders on election day in states holding elections is consistent with the spirit of free, fair and peaceful democratic competition.

“This hardly happens in other democratic countries,” he added.

The former president also cautioned against turning elections into desperate battles where political actors believe victory must be achieved at all costs.

He warned that the situation could worsen if governors and political leaders from rival parties begin to deploy their influence and governmental machinery to every state holding a competitive election.

“What happens when governors from opposing political parties begin to descend on every state holding a competitive election?

“What happens when each party seeks to match political power with political power, governmental influence with governmental influence, and mobilisation with counter-mobilisation?” Jonathan asked.

According to him, such a development could further heighten political tension and transform elections into battles for political survival rather than peaceful contests for the people’s mandate.

Jonathan urged Nigerians and political leaders not to view the issue solely through the lens of the Osun election, insisting that it was a broader concern about the future of Nigeria’s electoral democracy.

“I therefore believe that this matter should not be treated as a partisan dispute concerning the Osun election. It is a broader national issue concerning the future of our electoral democracy,” he said.

He further reminded serving and former public officials that the power and influence attached to their positions came with greater responsibility.

“Those of us who have occupied public office must recognise that our conduct carries a greater responsibility. The power and influence attached to public office should be used to strengthen democratic institutions, not to create apprehension among political opponents or citizens,” Jonathan said.

News Politics August 18, 2026 Osun Election: Oyebamiji breaks silence after defeat, backs APC review

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the just-concluded Osun election, Bola Oyebamiji, has broken his silence following his defeat, saying he and his party had hoped for a different outcome.

Oyebamiji, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Osogbo, said while the result was not what the APC had anticipated, he respected the position of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He also threw his weight behind the party’s decision to review the outcome of the election.

“Although we had hoped for a different outcome in the election, in the meantime, we respect the position of the electoral umpire and I totally support the decision of our party in its ongoing review,” Oyebamiji said.

The APC candidate expressed gratitude to voters who supported his ambition and to party leaders, members, volunteers and supporters who worked for his campaign across the state.

“I appreciate the many people who believed in and supported the alternative vision we articulated. I am deeply grateful to every voter who placed his or her trust in our vision,” he said.

He particularly praised the volunteers who committed their time and energy to the campaign, saying their contributions would remain memorable to him.

“To the volunteers who gave their time and energy, and to our committed party members and leaders across the state who turned out to energise our campaign, I appreciate you all,” he stated.

Oyebamiji said although the election had ended, the ideals and vision promoted during his campaign should not be abandoned.

According to him, his supporters should remain committed to contributing to the development of Osun State.

“The campaign has come to an end, and the election is over, but the values and causes we championed are alive.

“I urge my supporters to continue to contribute to the development of the state. We will continue to work for effective, inclusive and rapid development of our dear Osun,” he said.

However, Oyebamiji raised concerns over what he described as increasing hostility and violence against APC members and supporters since the election.

He alleged that attacks recorded before the poll had taken a new dimension in the last 24 hours and called on the Osun State Government and security agencies to intervene.

“At the same time, I wish to alert the State Government and security agents to the growing trend of hostility and violence against our members and supporters.

“The violent attacks on our members witnessed in the build-up to the election have taken another dimension in the last 24 hours,” he said.

He urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further escalation.

Oyebamiji again thanked voters, party members, leaders and supporters for their commitment and sacrifices throughout the campaign.

“I remain proud of the campaign we ran and grateful for the confidence you reposed in me,” he added.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had, in the early hours of Sunday, declared Governor Ademola Adeleke the winner of the governorship election.

Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.

The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Najeem Salaam, came a distant third with 17,180 votes.

The INEC Returning Officer, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, said the total valid votes cast were 985,079, while 20,721 votes were rejected, bringing the total number of votes cast to 1,005,800.