By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
A NEW minimum wage aligned with the government’s financial capabilities has been promised by President Bola Tinubu, who has pledged his commitment to its implementation.
This announcement was made during a celebratory dinner held at the State House in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
During the event, the President acknowledged the unwavering support he has received over the years and reassured Nigerians of his dedication to maintaining democratic principles.
He announced that an executive bill proposing the new minimum wage would soon be presented to the National Assembly.
Addressing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Tinubu stated, “A bill for the new minimum wage is coming your way soon.
The wage will reflect what the government and the nation can sustainably afford. We must cut our coat according to our size, if we have a size at all.”
President Tinubu also tackled the pressing issue of escalating food prices, attributing the problem partly to banditry, which has driven many farmers away from their lands.
He pledged to address security concerns to facilitate a reduction in food costs.
Moreover, Tinubu called on Nigerians to support the government’s initiatives aimed at economic recovery and stability. He highlighted the ongoing negotiations between the federal government and labor unions regarding the new minimum wage.
Despite the lack of consensus in recent talks, where labor reduced its demand from ₦494,000 to ₦250,000 and the government raised its offer from ₦60,000 to ₦62,000, the President remains optimistic about reaching a feasible agreement.
In his Democracy Day speech earlier that day, President Tinubu paid tribute to MKO Abiola and other champions of democracy. He also emphasized the need for national unity and collective effort to address the country’s challenges.
Acknowledging the significant contributions of various governors present at the dinner, Tinubu expressed his gratitude for their commitment to public service. He specifically mentioned Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, AbdulRahmanAbdulRazaq of Kwara, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Alex Otti of Abia, and Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, commending their efforts to improve the welfare of their states’ citizens.
“Thank you all for standing by me,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria is a great country, and our national anthem embodies the essence of service. Many of you have demonstrated this through your dedication to your people.”
The President also addressed the importance of instilling a robust value system in the nation’s youth, urging them to eschew violence and crime. He lauded customs officers who recently refused bribes from individuals attempting to vandalize railway tracks, citing their actions as exemplary.
“Distinguished leaders, we have much work to do for our country and our citizens. Citizenship goes beyond its dictionary definition; it is about our character and actions,” Tinubu remarked, underscoring the collective responsibility in fostering a better Nigeria.
In conclusion, President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to economic reforms, improved security, and the welfare of all Nigerians, reaffirming that the forthcoming minimum wage bill would be a critical step in these ongoing efforts.
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