Tinubu to workers: My govt’ll implement new minimum, living wages

President Bola Tinubu has assured civil servants of his administration’s commitment to implement the new minimum wage and the living wage demanded by the workers.

Tinubu said the Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage constituted by the Federal Government has since been working on the new minimum wage for workers in the country, adding that his administration is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage.

The president said this in his speech to mark the Workers’ Day on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.

He stated: “You would recall that on January 30th, 2024, the Federal Government convened a 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage.

“The committee’s mandate was to provide counsel and suggest a national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic conditions. Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new National Minimum Wage.

“Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting. This shall be resolved soon and I assure you that your days of worrying are over.

“Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage.”

NLC rejects FG’s 35% pay increase, demands N615,000 living wage

President Tinubu further described Nigerian workers as the backbone of the nation, saying: “I do not take for granted the understanding, patience, commitment, and support you have shown throughout the implementation of this government’s policies and programmes aimed at positively transforming our great nation.

“Your contributions have played a significant role in our efforts to rescue the economy since we came on board.”

Speaking on his readiness to tackle the various challenges bewildering the country, Tinubu said: “We took office at the time many nations, including ours, were experiencing daunting socio-political and developmental challenges. Yet, we are resolute in confronting these obstacles head-on.

“The scourge of criminality, from banditry to kidnapping and the farmer-herder crises, alongside terrorism, continues to afflict our nation despite the tireless efforts of our armed forces.

“We are aware of the toll this takes on our economy. I assure you: we are fully committed to tackling these security challenges.”

He, therefore, urged workers and all Nigerians to place their trust in his administration, noting that the seeds of greatness planted in the nation are beginning to bear fruit, and they promise a future filled with hope and bound by prosperity.

“Let me assure you, with the utmost sincerity, that every initiative undertaken by this administration is geared towards transforming Nigeria into a nation that can truly provide for its people,” Tinubu added.

The Star