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Minimum wage needs review to reflect realities, Tinubu admits

By Terhemba Daka, Abuja
03 June 2023   |   4:00 am
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday in Abuja said improved livelihood for Nigerians remains a top priority of his administration, admitting that the national minimum wage needs a review to reflect current realities.

President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Says Welfare Of Nigerians Top Priority 
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday in Abuja said improved livelihood for Nigerians remains a top priority of his administration, admitting that the national minimum wage needs a review to reflect current realities.

The President, who received members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) led by the Chairman, Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, at the State House, said the national and sub-national governments would work together on the minimum wage, which already requires “soul searching.”

“We need to do some arithmetic and soul searching on the minimum wage,” he said. “We will have to take a look at that together, and the revenue. We must strengthen the source and application of our revenue.”

Tinubu urged the governors to seize the opportunity of being chosen among millions of citizens in their states to make a difference in the lives of their people, adding that he would work for the benefit of Nigerians. 

“This meeting is not strange to me, and the content of the meeting is so valuable. The camaraderie is very stimulating. This is about the Nigerian project, not Bola Tinubu,” he said.

The President reiterated that the multiple exchange rates would be streamlined, noting that governance was a continuum.

“I have inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. This is the first time you entered the Council Chambers, and it is my first time too for a meeting.

“As progressives and thinkers under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC), you have a role to play in educating our people and making sure we manage ourselves,” the President told the governors.

He said it was a good and encouraging sign that the APC has a majority in the National Assembly and some Houses of Assembly, adding that the development would make it easier to develop policies that would directly impact the economy and the people.

“If we work together, the Nigeria of our dreams is not far away. Rest assured that we would not have multiple exchange rates anymore.  You asked for this meeting, and I had to set aside time to be here.

“We have a political party that we will need to manage, whichever way, we have inherited assets and liabilities, and we cannot complain,” he stated.

The President said he would maintain an open-door policy, willing to entertain issues, deliberate and collectively find solutions to the challenges facing the country, including security.

“It is in our hands, and I am ready to work and listen at any time,” he added.

In his remarks, the Vice President Kashim Shettima called on the governors to rally around the President as he tackles the challenges that stagnate the economy, like the oil subsidy and multiple exchange rates.

“Let us rally around the President and not budge. There are vested interests that may want to resist the subsidy removal. Its removal will free resources for the development of your states,” he added.

Earlier, Uzodinma pledged the support of the Progressive Governors to the President, noting that the initial decisions already foretell good intentions for the economy.

“We are here today as members of the APC to fraternise with you as our leader, and congratulate you on your election as President, and Commander-in-Chief.

“We are using this opportunity to express our support for you at this trying time in our history,” he said.

Uzodinma noted that the President had started well by placing the economy and welfare of the people on a priority list, with honesty of purpose.

“We are aware of your capacity and excellent track record,” the PGF Chairman stated.

The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, said the development of the national and sub-national economies remains interwoven, assuring that the President would receive their support to succeed.

Other governors present at the meeting were Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe and Dikko Radda of Katsina State.

Governors Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Umar Bago of Niger, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Nwifuru Francis Ogbonna of Ebonyi, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and Bassey Otu of Cross-River were also present.

 

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