Nigerians React As President Promises-Approval Of Affordable Minimum-Wage

Nigerians React As President Promises-Approval Of Affordable Minimum-Wage

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hinted last night that only a sustainable minimum wage will be recommended for legislative action by the National Assembly.

Following the conclusion of negotiations, the Tripartite Committee recommended a minimum wage of N62,000, as agreed upon by the federal and state governments and the Organised Private Sector (OPS). However, Labour has insisted on a minimum wage of N250,000. This recommendation has been submitted to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

The President is now expected to send his approved recommendation as a Bill to the National Assembly.

At the dinner to mark Democracy Day, President Tinubu stated: “Senate President, Deputy Senate President, you’ll get a notice if I’ve changed my mind on minimum wage. We’re going to do it; what Nigeria can afford, what you can afford, what I can afford. They ask you to cut your coat according to your size if you have size at all.”

Pro-democracy activists and top government officials from the three branches of government attended the event, including Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, Senator Shehu Sani, and George Mba.

Adding color to the evening, Vice President Kashim Shettima and pro-democracy icons such as Prof. Bolaji Akiyemi, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Sani, and Minister of Solid Minerals Mr. Dele Alake took the stage to recall President Tinubu’s role in the struggle that eventually crystallized into democratic rule.

Notable attendees included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume.

Others present were National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, along with Babagana Kingibe, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chief Bisi Akande, and Senator Abu Ibrahim.

Several governors were also in attendance, including Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Alex Otti (Abia), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).

Ministers present included Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation; Wale Edun, Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation; Bayo Adelabu, Minister of Power; Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning; and Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.