President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday night committed to approving an affordable new minimum wage, informing the National Assembly to expect his proposal soon.
During the 25th Democracy Day Anniversary Dinner at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, President Tinubu assured that the proposed amount would be within the nation’s financial capabilities.
Following the conclusion of minimum wage negotiations last Friday, the Federal Government and the Organised Private Sector (OPS) slightly raised their offer to N62,000 from N60,000, while organized labour reduced its demand from N494,000 to N250,000.
The current offers of N62,000 by the government and private sector and N250,000 by labour are now before the President for a final decision and subsequent bill submission to the National Assembly.
Addressing the Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other dignitaries, President Tinubu emphasized that the government would meet expectations while staying within its financial limits.
He said: “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 explained an earlier incident at Eagle Square where he tripped while approaching the parade inspection vehicle.
He clarified that as a traditional Yoruba man, he was performing dobale (prostrating to greet elders) at Eagle Square, symbolizing that democracy is worth such an act.
“June 12 represents the heart and soul of our democratic struggle in the country. This morning, I had a swagger and it’s on social media. They are confused about whether I was doing buga or babaringa, but today is about celebrating democracy while doing ‘dobale’,” he said.
The dinner was attended by pro-democracy icons including Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Shehu Sani, George Mbah, and Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, who all reflected on President Tinubu’s role in the democratic struggle.
Notable attendees included Senate President 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 SGF Senator George Akume. Also present were NSA Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima.
