On Wednesday night, President Bola Tinubu announced that he would approve a new minimum wage that is affordable for the country, hinting at an imminent memorandum to the National Assembly.
Speaking at the 25th Democracy Day Anniversary Dinner held at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized that the proposed amount would be sustainable for Nigerians.
The recent negotiations between the Federal Government, the Organised Private Sector (OPS), and organized labor had resulted in a slight increase in the government’s offer from N60,000 to N62,000, while labor reduced its demand from N494,000 to N250,000.
These proposals are now before President Tinubu for final harmonization and approval, after which a bill will be sent to the National Assembly for enactment into law.
Addressing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and other officials at the dinner, President Tinubu stated, “Senate President, Deputy Senate President, you’ll get a notice from me. If I’ve changed my mind on minimum wage, we’re going to do it, what Nigeria can afford, what you can afford, what I can afford. They ask you to cut your coat according to your size, if you have size at all.”
President Tinubu also commented on an earlier incident at Eagle Square where he stumbled while entering the parade inspection vehicle. He clarified that he was performing “dobale,” a traditional Yoruba gesture of respect, indicating that democracy is worth making sacrifices for.
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He remarked, “June 12 represents the heart and soul of our democratic struggle in the country. Early this morning, I had a swagger and it’s on social media. They are confused about whether I was doing buga or doing babaringa, but it is a day to celebrate democracy while doing ‘dobalee’ for today. I am additionally Yoruba boy, I did my dobale. Democracy is a day that is worthy of falling for.”
The dinner was attended by pro-democracy icons such as Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Shehu Sani, George Mbah, and the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, who all recounted President Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle.
Other dignitaries present included the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola; and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Also in attendance were NSA Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima.
