Military, security agencies to benefit from new minimum wage – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu on Friday announced that staff of the Armed Forces and other security agencies will benefit from the new ₦70,000 minimum wage.

The president also indicated that, despite the economic challenges facing the country, his administration has been attentive to the needs of the citizens.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of Course 32 of the National Defence College in Abuja, Tinubu said that his administration has made significant progress in addressing some of the challenges faced by citizens.

President Tinubu was represented by Vice President Alhaji Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu specifically listed the ₦70,000 new minimum wage for workers as one of the steps taken to address economic challenges.

He said, “Our dear country faces many socio-economic challenges. As a government, we are sensitive to our people’s needs. We will continue to actively intervene in matters that benefit our citizens.

“Recently, we have made significant strides in addressing some of these challenges. We have implemented a new national minimum wage, which will benefit not only civilian workers but also personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies.”

He also noted that his administration is working diligently to combat crude oil theft to achieve economic stability.

Tinubu said, “We are also working tirelessly to counter the menace of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta region.

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“Our border-local dependent forces and other security agencies will combat the crude oil theft menace as soon as possible. This will help achieve our desired economic stability.”

To address the hardship experienced by Nigerians, Tinubu stated that his administration is committed to creating an innovative business model in the mining sector.

He said, “We are committed to creating an innovative business model that encourages value addition in our mining sector.

“We are working with international partners to develop strategies that will harness the sector’s potential for national security and development.”

While commending the military’s efforts under his administration, Tinubu assured that he would ensure they are well-funded and prepared for battle.

He said, “Under my watch, members of the Nigerian Armed Forces have made remarkable sacrifices and achieved significant milestones in protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and securing the lives and properties of our citizens. I will continue to do everything within my constitutional powers to ensure that the Nigerian military is well-resourced and ready for battle.”

He called for vigilance and the promotion of democratic values on the continent.

Tinubu said, “We must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing regional and global threats. We must also continue to promote democratic values and uphold democratic principles in our country and across the continent.”

Tinubu also urged participants to use the skills they have acquired to address their countries’ security challenges.

He said, “I urge you to apply your newfound knowledge and skills to address our nation’s complex challenges. You have been given this opportunity at this college, and I therefore charge you to rise to the occasion.”

The Commandant of the institution, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, said a total of 111 participants completed the course.

Giving a breakdown, he said 35 are from the Nigerian Army, 19 Navy, 12 Air Force, five police officers, and the Department of State Services three.

The Nigeria Customs Service, National Judicial Council, Ministry of Defence, and Defence Intelligence Agency each had two participants.

The Federal Road Safety Corps, National Intelligence Agency, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, National Correctional Service, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Public Service Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs each had one participant.

Olotu added that there were 19 international participants from South Africa, Mali, Senegal, Ghana, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Congo, India, Germany, and Nepal, among others.