By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
THE NIGERIAN Senate has passed the new minimum wage bill, raising the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
The bill, introduced at the request of President Bola Tinubu, completed all three readings in just one hour on Tuesday.
Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele led the debate.
He stated that the N70,000 figure was unanimously agreed upon by all parties after negotiations.
This increase is part of the federal government’s measures to address the country’s economic challenges.
Chief Whip Tahir Monguno emphasized the need for regular reviews of the minimum wage.
He noted that the review cycle has shifted from five years to three years to better align with economic realities.
After the debate, the Senate approved the bill’s clauses in a “committee of the whole.”
This legislative move follows President Tinubu’s request to increase the 2024 appropriation act by N6.2 trillion, with N3 trillion allocated for recurrent expenditure, including the new minimum wage.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu explained to the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations that the N3 trillion will cover the increased minimum wage.
Sincerely, nothing to applaud. Wage increases are applaudable but a 70k or 100k increase for a few civil servants _no balance._ That’s why promoters of the coming protest didn’t even add it on their demand list. Even those earning 200k can barely survive this harsh reality.
✓ We need massive food production. We need a discipline, empathetic, accountable, proactive, and competent leadership. Do those there now have the above? Tick off and confirm yourself.
✓ Our farmers need to be PROTECTED and MOTIVATED.
✓ Producers of goods and services must be encouraged. The government must also lead the campaign for local quality products as against imported goods. Massive production as against consumption.
✓ Terrorists and criminals need to be flushed out from our forests, farms and communities.
✓ The opening of borders and shipments of rice and grains was A GRAVE ERROR! Killing your own farmers and discouraging investment in those sectors is RETROGRESSIVE.
✓ More competent (less politically and sectionally biased) individuals should replace most of those parading themselves as ministers and aides.
Finally, I wrote months ago that INTEGRITY & TRUST are indispensable. The present leaders (as individuals and government) presently lack both. Nations hustle to deal with a nation they respect and trust.
Since the present leadership lack the two qualities above, THEY MUST Resolve within themselves to rebuild from the inside. Let’s build our economy with our rich resources and human resources. As one people. A nation where bigoted entities are legally prohibited from holding any public office in the country.
#DanIkwuagwu
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this crucial issue. But you know that rebuilding our economy and nation requires a collective effort.
I always believed that we must all leverage our rich resources and human capital, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of background, can contribute to and benefit from national growth.
That said, on wage increases, I agree with you that the upping for a few civil servants does not address the broader economic challenges.
It’s a step, but not a solution. The gap between the cost of living and earnings must be closed more effectively. Sadly, we don’t have sincere persons in government.
As for massive food production, absolutely, that is essential. Nigeria needs policies that support and protect our farmers, ensuring they have the resources and security to increase output.
You mentioned leadership qualities, but this requires discipline, empathy, accountability, proactive measures, and competence which all, in leadership cannot be overstated. So, it is up to us, as witnessed in Kenya, without being destructive, to demand these qualities from those in power. Do we have those that’d listen?
Yes, our farmers, as the backbone of food security, must be protected from security threats and motivated through subsidies, access to technology, and fair market prices. You’d agree that government is trying to an extent on access to technology so far. As for security, we can only keep praying for GOD’s mercy.
You’re on point, supporting local producers is vital. The government should incentivize local production, reduce reliance on imports, and promote high-quality local products. But, will they? Or, are they?
From the look of things in the country, the presence of terrorists and criminals in our forests, farms, and communities is a grave threat. We don’t even know the drift of our security agencies. Yet, robust security strategy is essential to ensure the safety and productivity of our agricultural sectors.
The decision to open borders for rice and grains has indeed impacted local farmers negatively. We need a balanced approach that protects local agriculture while managing trade relations is necessary.
You know Nigeria lacks leaders with competence and unbiased. Do they get or give merit-based appointments in place of politically motivated placements to ensure efficient governance? Questions begging for answers.
Above all, integrity and trust are foundational to effective leadership and governance. The current administration needs to rebuild these values to regain public confidence and international respect.
I hope my points resonate? Thank you so much for your comments.