Evening recap: TUC rejects N70,000 allowance, UK hikes student visa funds, other top stories

As Wednesday winds down, PUNCH Online brings you some of the major stories making headlines in Nigeria and beyond.

The Trade Union Congress rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 allowance, demanding permanent salary increases, while the United Kingdom raised the amount international students must show as proof of funds for visa applications.

The All Progressives Congress also released a supplementary list of appointments to President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council, as the United States moved towards revising employment-based green card sponsorship rules.

Elsewhere, billionaire businessman Abdulsamad Rabiu spoke warmly about his former wife, Hannatu Musawa, following her surprise visit to his Abuja office, while a Federal High Court dismissed Nollywood actor Emeka Ike’s N10bn suit against an aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

Here are some of the day’s top stories:

1. ‘Times change, friendship remains,’ Rabiu hails ex-wife Musawa

Billionaire businessman Abdulsamad Rabiu has praised Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Hannatu Musawa after she paid a surprise visit to his Abuja office. In a message shared on social media, the BUA Group chairman said their friendship and mutual respect had endured despite the end of their marriage.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/times-change-friendship-remains-abdulsamad-rabiu-hails-ex-wife-musawa/

2. APC releases supplementary list for Tinubu’s 2027 campaign council

The All Progressives Congress has expanded the membership of President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 Presidential Campaign Council with new appointments across directorates, mobilisation structures and operational units.

The latest additions build on earlier revisions as the party strengthens its campaign organisation ahead of the general election.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/apc-releases-supplementary-list-for-tinubus-2027-campaign-council/

3. UK raises student visa financial requirements for international students

Nigerians planning to study in the United Kingdom will need to demonstrate access to more money for living expenses under revised student visa requirements taking effect on November 30, 2026. Students in London will need to show at least £1,570 monthly, while those studying outside London must demonstrate £1,203 per month, excluding tuition fees and other visa-related costs.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/uk-increases-student-visa-financial-requirements-for-international-students/

4. TUC rejects FG’s N70,000 allowance, demands salary increase

The Trade Union Congress has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed N70,000 wage award, insisting that workers need permanent salary increases rather than temporary relief.

The union has proposed raising the lowest-paid federal worker’s salary to N300,000 and demanded that outstanding wage agreements and adjustments for health workers be implemented.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/tuc-rejects-fgs-proposed-n70000-transport-allowance-demands-salary-increase/

5. US moves to revise green card sponsorship rules

The United States is preparing changes to employment-based green card sponsorship requirements after a proposed regulation cleared review by the Office of Management and Budget.

The planned reforms could tighten recruitment standards, strengthen protections for American workers affected by layoffs and introduce additional compliance obligations for employers. The proposals will not take effect until the formal rulemaking process is completed.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/us-moves-to-revise-green-card-sponsorship-rules/

6. Justify pay rise with dedication, Army commander urges soldiers

The General Officer Commanding, 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Abubakar Wase, has urged soldiers to demonstrate greater professionalism and commitment following the Federal Government’s salary increase for military personnel.

Addressing troops in Daura, Katsina State, he said improved remuneration came with greater responsibilities, particularly in tackling security threats and protecting civilians.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/justify-pay-rise-with-dedication-army-commander-urges-soldiers/

7. Court dismisses Emeka Ike’s N10bn suit against Wike’s aide

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed Nollywood actor Emeka Ike’s N10bn fundamental rights suit against Lere Olayinka, a senior aide to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, and the Independent National Electoral Commission. Justice Salim Ibrahim ruled against the suit after upholding objections to its competence and finding that the substantive claims had not been proved.

Ike had alleged that the publication of his voter registration details violated his right to privacy.

Read full story: https://punchng.com/court-dismisses-emeka-ikes-n10bn-suit-against-wikes-aide/