Tinubu Directs State Governors to Implement Pending Wage Awards Amid Minimum Wage Deliberations
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governors to begin paying pending wage awards to alleviate economic hardships faced by the people, pending the determination of the new minimum wage. Speaking at the launch of the agricultural mechanization revolution for food security and the commissioning of the remodeled domestic terminal of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna, Niger State, the President emphasized the importance of this action in providing immediate relief without causing inflationary pressures.
Tinubu stressed that if states had implemented the wage awards, it would have eased the burden on the public. He urged all states to adopt the wage award, indicating that the National Executive Council (NEC) would also adopt it. He clarified that this appeal was not an order but a plea for states to consider implementing the wage awards to provide relief to their citizens.
The President assured that the adoption of the wage awards would not lead to inflation if the new salary wage was announced in a few weeks or months, as people would have already adjusted to the basic wages plus the wage awards. He urged sub-national governments to cooperate and for NEC to formally adopt this approach.
Additionally, Tinubu revealed plans for various economic measures to alleviate hardship, including the commencement of student loans and unemployment benefits for graduates. He also mentioned a forthcoming social security programme for the elderly and vulnerable, all aimed at relieving hunger and improving living conditions for Nigerians.
In addressing security challenges, Tinubu outlined plans for a Livestock Change programme in Nigeria to transform issues related to violent attacks and cattle rustling into economic opportunities. He pledged to inaugurate this programme within the next few weeks and called on governors to provide land for cattle rearing as part of the initiative.
Despite challenges, Tinubu commended the efforts of the Niger state governor in agricultural development and infrastructure, promising federal support for the state’s initiatives. He emphasized the need for leadership to act decisively and expressed his commitment to reengineering the country’s finances.
The President’s remarks come at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges and insecurity, highlighting the importance of immediate action and comprehensive programmes to address these issues and improve the livelihoods of Nigerians.
PM News
