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Civil servants in the country may soon have an increase in their take home pay, if agitations by their leadership is honoured by the government.
This is as the National Public Service Negotiating Council of the Organised Labour has written to the government to demand a new minimum wage of N154,000 given the prevailing economic situation in the country.
This is an upward review of 120 per cent from the current salaries and allowances for public workers in Nigeria, which the union said will mitigate the “life of servitude” currently being experienced in the country.
The demand was contained in a letter addressed to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, and dated March 12, 2026, with reference number JNPSNC/Gen/Cor/Vol 1/163.
The demand titled “Urgent need for the upward review of salaries and allowances of workers in the Nigerian public service and commendation for the approval of gratuity payment to retiring workers”, is jointly signed by the National Chairman of JNPSNC, Benjamin Anthony, and the National Secretary, Olowoyo Gbenga.
It reads, “The National leadership of Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council writes to respectfully but firmly call the attention of your esteemed office to the urgent necessity for an upward review of salaries and allowances of all serving Public Servants in the Nigerian Public Service.
“Despite their immense contributions, public service workers continue to face severe economic hardship due to the rising cost of living and the declining purchasing power of their earnings.”
The council noted that over the years, Nigeria has experienced unprecedented economic pressures characterised by high inflation, increased fuel prices, rising transportation costs, and escalating prices of food items, housing, healthcare, and education.
“The above realities have significantly eroded the real value of workers’ salaries and have made it increasingly difficult for many public servants to maintain a decent standard of living.
“It is important to note that the last major adjustments in workers’ remuneration have not sufficiently kept pace with the current economic realities.
“Many workers are now struggling to meet basic financial obligations, which has inevitably affected the morale, motivation, and overall productivity within the Public Service.”
The council stated that the national leadership of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, therefore, strongly advocates “An upward review of workers’ salaries and allowances is a desideratum”.
It further noted that workers in the Nigerian Public Service had continued to demonstrate remarkable patience, professionalism, and commitment to their duties despite the prevailing economic difficulties.
However, it stressed that concrete steps must now be taken to safeguard their welfare and dignity.
In light of the foregoing, the council called on the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation to urgently initiate immediate negotiations and direct the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission and relevant committees to begin immediate discussions with the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council to negotiate for an upward review of salaries and allowances.
“Consequently, new salary templates should be developed such that the minimum salary payable to an officer on Grade Level 01 Step 1 shall be N154,000 per month for Federal Public Servants (120% increase in Salaries and allowances).
“Harmonise Wages: ensure that the upward review is applied across all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and strongly encourage implementation at sub-national levels to ensure equity;
“Implement Cost-of-Living Adjustments: Introduce automatic, periodic salary and allowance adjustments that align with inflation rates to prevent the recurring lag between wage review cycles; and prioritise welfare components: in addition to basic salary, implement non-monetary incentives such as subsidised transportation and affordable housing for civil servants,” the letter noted.
The council emphasised that a timely upward review of public servants’ salaries and allowances is not merely an economic imperative but a social necessity to ensure the sustenance of the workforce, maintain industrial harmony, and improve the efficiency of public service delivery.
“We trust that this request will receive the prompt attention and action it deserves in the interest of workers, the Public Service as an institution and the nation at large; so as to nip in the bud possible escalation that may nosedive into spontaneous social unrest,” it added.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has unveiled a landmark £746m financing agreement with the United Kingdom that will deliver the modernisation of Nigeria’s seaport infrastructure, transforming the country’s principal maritime gateways and repositioning its port system for global competitiveness.
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This was contained in a Tuesday statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr Bolaji Akinola. According to the statement, the historic financing arrangement, secured with the backing of UK Export Finance, will fund the comprehensive modernisation and upgrade of the Lagos Port Complex Apapa, popularly known as Apapa Port, and the Tincan Island Port Complex in Lagos.
“Together, the two ports handle more than 70 per cent of Nigeria’s imports and exports and serve as the central arteries of the nation’s maritime trade.
The landmark financing agreement will be formally signed during the high-profile state visit of President Bola Tinubu to London on March 18 and 19, 2026, signalling a deepening of strategic economic cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom while opening a new chapter in Nigeria’s maritime development,” the statement read in part.
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Oyetola described the financing package as a transformative milestone for the country’s port system.
He noted that the scale and scope of the modernisation project mark the first comprehensive overhaul of the facilities since their establishment.
The minister explained that the project forms a central pillar of the Federal Government’s broader agenda to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy while restoring efficiency and global competitiveness to the country’s maritime infrastructure.
“This financing agreement represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s maritime sector,” the minister said.
He added that for decades, Apapa Port and Tincan Island Port have borne the weight of national trade, “yet their infrastructure has not kept pace with the scale and complexity of modern global shipping. What we are set to do is not merely an upgrade, but a comprehensive transformation that will bring our ports into alignment with international best practice.”
Oyetola emphasised that the partnership with the United Kingdom reflects a shared commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and advancing sustainable maritime development.
“Through this historic collaboration with the United Kingdom, we are laying the groundwork for a new era in the management and operation of Nigerian ports,” he said.
“Modern infrastructure supported by digitalised and automated processes will significantly enhance efficiency, transparency, and operational reliability. Our objective is clear: to create a port system that is modern, competitive, and capable of serving as a strategic maritime hub for West and Central Africa.”
The minister said the modernisation programme will introduce advanced cargo-handling infrastructure, expanded port capacity, and integrated digital systems designed to eliminate many of the operational bottlenecks that have historically slowed cargo movement through Nigeria’s busiest ports.
Oyetola highlighted that, once completed, the reforms will fundamentally reshape the operational landscape of Nigeria’s maritime gateways. He mentioned that vessel turnaround times are expected to decline significantly, while cargo dwell times within the ports will be sharply reduced as automated systems replace paper-based procedures and outdated manual processes.
“Efficiency at the ports is central to the health of the national economy. By modernising our infrastructure and embracing digital technologies, we will enable faster clearance of imports and exports, reduce demurrage and logistics costs for businesses, and ensure a more predictable and transparent cargo movement system.
“These improvements will not only ease trade but will also stimulate economic growth and generate increased revenue for national development,” Oyetola said.
The Osun State former governor stressed that the transformation of the two port complexes will strengthen Nigeria’s strategic position within regional and global maritime networks, attracting greater shipping traffic and reinforcing the country as a vital gateway for trade across West and Central Africa.
“Our vision is to build a port system that reflects the aspirations of a modern and globally competitive Nigeria. The modernisation of Apapa and Tincan Island ports is a bold and necessary step in that direction. It will enhance the efficiency of our logistics chain, deepen investor confidence, and ensure that Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure is capable of supporting the nation’s long-term economic ambitions,” Oyetola added.
The Lagos Port Complex Apapa, established in 1913, has for more than a century remained Nigeria’s oldest and busiest seaport, serving as the gateway for a vast proportion of the nation’s imports and exports. The Tincan Island Port Complex was later developed to complement Apapa and was officially commissioned on 14 October 1977.
Despite their strategic importance, neither facility has experienced a modernisation programme of this magnitude, making the initiative the most significant port upgrade undertaken by the Federal Government in almost fifty years.
Bryan Mbeumo has overtaken Victor Osimhen to emerge as Africa’s joint most valuable player alongside Achraf Hakimi in the latest market value rankings, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Cameroonian forward now holds a valuation of €80m, matching that of Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco defender Hakimi, while Osimhen drops to joint-third place at €75m alongside Ghana’s Antoine Semenyo.
The updated Transfermarkt figures underscore a significant shift at the top of African football’s valuation hierarchy, with Mbeumo’s rise reflecting both his club performances and growing influence at Manchester United, while Osimhen’s value has remained stagnant since his move to Galatasaray in 2025.
Osimhen, who reached a career-high valuation of €120m during his time at Napoli in June 2023, now sits at €75m, the same figure he carried into his transfer to Turkey.
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Despite remaining the most valuable player in the Süper Lig and at Galatasaray, as well as Nigeria’s highest-valued player, the 27-year-old’s position has been affected by a combination of market factors.
At 27, Osimhen is also the oldest player among the top 10 most valuable African players, a factor that often influences long-term valuation compared to younger talents such as Carlos Baleba, 22, and Amad Diallo, 23.
Data shows a strong concentration of attacking players in the list, with six of the top 10 operating primarily as forwards or wingers, including Mbeumo, Semenyo, Omar Marmoush, Mohammed Kudus and Iliman Ndiaye.
Defensively, only Hakimi breaks into the elite bracket, which underlines the premium placed on attacking output in modern valuations.
Osimhen now ranks 41st globally and eighth among centre-forwards, which is in contrast to his rating as one of the elite players with the drop in continental ranking.
According to Transfermarkt area manager for Turkey Lara Karacan, Osimhen’s valuation reflects not only his performances but also his commercial and global appeal.
“Osimhen is a brand. He is not only a player, he is a figure in football,” she said on the Market Values podcast, explaining why his valuation has remained stagnant despite uncertainties over a potential transfer.
Restrictions linked to his move from Napoli to Galatasaray have further narrowed his options, with Italian clubs effectively ruled out due to contractual clauses, leaving the Premier League as the most realistic destination for any future move.
“I think the only league that can afford that is the Premier League, and there were literally no rumours,” Karacan added.
Despite scoring 11 goals in 18 league matches and impressing in the early stages of the Champions League, questions remain about his impact in decisive high-level fixtures, which analysts believe is crucial to attracting top-tier interest.
Osimhen has shown brightly this season at the biggest stage, being among the Champions League’s top scorers in the early phase of the competition and leading the Turkish champions to their first round of 16 appearance in the tournament since 2014.
