The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the enforcement of a minimum age of 12 years for individuals engaging in apprenticeship schemes.

The enforcement commenced with sensitization programs across the six geo-political zones in the country.

At a rally held at Kugbo Furniture Market in Abuja, the Ministry of Labour and Employment emphasized that engaging an apprentice below the age of 12 constitutes child labor, violating United Nations and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions and standards. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, represented by Mohammed Tolani Suraj, the Director of the Skills Development and Certification Department, highlighted that the policy is clearly outlined in the Labour law cap 198 section 49-53 LFN.

The sensitization programs were conducted in various regions, including South-East (Umuahia, Abia State), South-West (Ondo State), South-South (Rivers State), North-Central (Makurdi, Benue State), North-East (Gombe State), and North-West (Katsina State).

In addition to sensitization, the Ministry is exploring ways to enhance employment generation by issuing Trade Test Certificates of Competence to deserving beneficiaries. To qualify for the training scheme, apprentices must be accredited by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Department of Skills Development and Certification.

The Minister emphasized that safety regulations are strictly enforced during apprenticeship training to prevent accidents and ensure that apprentices work under good, safe, and satisfactory conditions.

The Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on several federal government agencies, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, the National Security Adviser, and others, to review the current disaster policy framework for national development. This move is in response to the hardship faced by Nigerians due to natural and man-made disasters.

The motion, titled “Call for national disaster insurance scheme,” was moved by Mr. Francis Omoleye, representing Ijero/DEkiti West/Efon Federal Constituency in Ekiti State. He highlighted the insufficiency of resources allocated to the National Emergency Management Agency, leading to ineffective disaster management and insufficient relief for affected victims.

The House expressed concern about the destruction of private and public infrastructure annually by floods, fire, and storms, emphasizing the gaps in disaster mitigation management in Nigeria. It noted that affected victims often face frustration and contemplate suicide due to dashed hopes and expectations after mitigation exercises.

Recognizing the rise in unwholesome practices by criminals, possibly linked to the frustrations of victims who lose their livelihoods, the House urged relevant agencies to re-examine the disaster policy framework. The proposed action includes implementing a new national disaster insurance scheme to instill public confidence and address disasters affecting citizens regardless of class, creed, or gender.

The House also called for public enlightenment and sensitization programs nationwide in all Nigerian languages to educate people on early warning signals, especially regarding fire during the upcoming harmattan season. Committees on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness, Appropriations, Environment, National Security and Intelligence, Finance, Water Resources, Human Rights, and Legislative Compliance were mandated to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

There is tension within the National Assembly as the Senate considers a bill to extend the retirement age of National Assembly Service staff from 60 to 65 years and from 35 to 40 years of service. The staff of the National Assembly has expressed dissatisfaction with this development, describing it as counterproductive.

The current Clerk to the National Assembly, Sani Tambawal Magaji, who joined the National Assembly Service in April 1990, stands to benefit from this extension, remaining in office until the age of 65 and completing 40 years in service if the bill passes.

This move by the Senate follows several attempts since 2017 to extend the retirement age for National Assembly staff. Previous attempts faced opposition from the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), which rejected the bill, emphasizing the need for the full implementation of welfare and allowance packages as outlined in the service’s Conditions of Service.

The rejection was based on concerns that extending the tenure would stagnate career progression, mainly benefiting management staff due for retirement. PASAN argued that the bill contravenes the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and runs counter to the Federal Government’s policy on youth development and empowerment. They highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for Nigerian youths instead of perpetuating individuals who have served for 35 years or attained 60 years.

In a letter to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, PASAN denounced the bill and threatened industrial action if it were passed. The bill, previously sponsored by Sunday Akon in the House and Senator Stella Odua in the Senate during the 9th Assembly, faced opposition from the union, leading to its discontinuation.

Despite past rejections, the current management, led by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Magaji Sani Tambawal, is pushing for the extension. The bill has already passed in the House of Representatives and is now before the Senate for concurrence. Some staff members have rejected this move, questioning the urgency and motivations behind the bill.

However, a top management staff member defended the extension, suggesting that it is a collective decision by staff under the parliament and not solely driven by the Clerk of the National Assembly. The argument presented is that the National Assembly risks losing valuable knowledge and expertise with the retirement of experienced hands, justifying the need for an extended tenure.

In a significant development, the Federal Government has withdrawn the charge it filed against rights activist Omoyele Sowore and Adebayo Olawale, also known as Mandate. The withdrawal of the charge was indicated by a notice of discontinuance filed at the Federal High Court Abuja, where Sowore and his co-defendant were being prosecuted.

The Notice of Discontinuance, dated February 15, 2023, was signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN. The notice cited the powers conferred on the Attorney General under Section 174(1)(c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and other relevant powers.

This development signals a shift in the legal proceedings against Sowore and Olawale. It marks a decision by the Attorney General to discontinue Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/235/2019, indicating a shift in the government’s stance.

In response to this development, Abuja-based legal practitioner Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq. commended the decision of the Attorney General to discontinue the trial. Olajengbesi expressed that this decision reflects a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness within Nigeria’s legal system.

In his statement, Olajengbesi praised the Attorney General for demonstrating a willingness to objectively review cases and prioritize the protection of citizens’ rights. He emphasized that discontinuing the trial reinforces the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and preventing undue persecution for exercising rights.

The legal practitioner applauded the Attorney General’s discernment and proactive steps in promoting a legal environment that respects fundamental human rights. He noted that this decision sets a positive precedent for the administration of justice in Nigeria and reaffirms the government’s dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Olajengbesi, advocating for justice and equality, expressed support for such principled actions and called for continued adherence to the principles of fairness and accountability within Nigeria’s legal system.