The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, has faulted the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) over its handling of negotiations with the Federal Government, insisting that the TUC must be involved in discussions on salaries and allowances affecting Nigerian workers.

Osifo described the agreement on the N70,000 transport allowance recently approved by President Bola Tinubu as an aberration, arguing that the NLC lacked the authority to negotiate on behalf of the TUC without its participation or consultation.

The TUC president made the position known on Monday while appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, amid the disagreement between the two labour centres over negotiations with the Federal Government.

He criticised the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, questioning his understanding of the labour movement’s responsibilities and the relationship between the two unions.

“I went to his office and told him that, ‘Ajaero, this is wrong!’ What you used JNC to do is fundamentally wrong!” he said.

The disagreement comes amid tensions between the two labour centres over the N70,000 transport allowance approved by the Federal Government for public servants, further highlighting differences over representation and collective bargaining within Nigeria’s organised labour movement.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced plans to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital intelligence tools to tackle fake news, online scams and misleading information targeting the organisation.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja by the service’s spokesperson, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada.

Adeniyi spoke at the 2026 Nigerian Council of the Institute of Public Relations Roundtable, themed “Algorithm Influence and Public Relations.”

He explained that the initiative would enable the service to monitor online information, verify claims and counter misleading narratives capable of damaging its reputation.

According to him, the technology would also support collaboration with relevant government agencies to identify and apprehend individuals responsible for spreading false information and fraudulent content.

The Customs boss emphasised the need for effective communication between the service and the public, noting that Nigerians should understand the reasons behind the actions and operations of Customs officers.

He said Artificial Intelligence had become increasingly important to the service, not only in its operational activities but also in strategic communication and public engagement.

“The role of AI cannot be overemphasised, especially within our operations. Over the years, AI has been deployed in our core operational duties as well as strategic communication,” Adeniyi said.

He explained that AI-assisted risk management systems were already being used to assess imported goods and classify them according to different risk levels, enabling officers to determine appropriate interventions.

Beyond its operational applications, Adeniyi said the technology could also help the service analyse public sentiment and understand how Nigerians perceive its activities.

He added that the NCS was leveraging digital platforms to verify information, address misleading reports and strengthen cooperation with other agencies in tackling individuals involved in spreading fraudulent claims.

The initiative forms part of efforts to improve the service’s communication strategy and respond more effectively to the growing influence of digital platforms.

The 2026 roundtable examined the increasing impact of digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence on public relations, particularly how algorithms shape information dissemination, public perception and institutional reputation.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Olumuyiwa Enitan, has said the Federal Civil Service is undergoing comprehensive reforms aimed at tackling corruption and inefficiency while improving productivity and service delivery.

Enitan disclosed this on Saturday during the valedictory ceremony organised in honour of the outgoing 13th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The ceremony, held at the university’s Trenchard Hall, brought together government officials, academics, labour leaders, religious representatives, security personnel, community leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate Adebowale’s tenure.

Enitan, who chaired the occasion, commended the outgoing vice-chancellor for preserving the university’s heritage while strengthening its institutional capacity to respond to emerging challenges.

He said the Federal Civil Service was implementing targeted reforms to make the system more efficient, productive, transparent and citizen-centred, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, the reforms are designed to ensure effective implementation of government policies and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

“The Federal Civil Service is undergoing holistic and focused reforms to become more efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred,” Enitan said.

He added that the reforms would receive greater attention under his leadership as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Enitan also expressed confidence that the university system would benefit from the positive outcomes of the government’s reform initiatives, particularly efforts to strengthen institutions and promote a knowledge-driven economy.

He described Adebowale’s leadership at the University of Ibadan as consistent with the administration’s development agenda, which he said places strong institutions at the centre of national progress.

In his valedictory address, Adebowale said organisations could not achieve their objectives without prioritising the welfare of their workforce.

He maintained that his administration was leaving behind a stronger institution, although he acknowledged that more work was needed to address the university’s challenges.

“Any organisation that does not care for its people cannot fulfil its mission,” he said.

The outgoing vice-chancellor also identified funding as a critical factor in the university’s ambition to become a world-class institution, particularly in the provision of quality infrastructure.

Adebowale stressed that despite the achievements recorded during his tenure, the institution still had significant areas requiring attention.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities at the University of Ibadan, Dr Adefemi Afolabi, commended Adebowale for his disposition towards the welfare of academic staff.

Afolabi, who was represented by his vice-chairman, Dr Tayo Ajibade, urged the incoming 14th Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Peter Olapegba, to sustain attention to staff welfare.

He noted that Olapegba, having previously served as an ASUU executive in the university, was familiar with the concerns of academic staff and the importance of maintaining a cordial relationship with the union.
The ceremony was themed, “Celebrating Leadership, Legacy and Service.”