President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted a meeting with members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) at the State House in Abuja on Friday, with discussions centred on economic policies for the improvement of Nigerian livelihoods and the revision of the national minimum wage.
The PGF, led by its chairman, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, discussed with President Tinubu the necessity for both national and sub-national governments to collaborate on the minimum wage. President Tinubu stressed that the issue necessitates both careful calculations and earnest contemplation.
“We need to do some arithmetic and soul searching on the minimum wage. We will have to take a look at that together, and the revenue. We must strengthen the source and application of our revenue,” the President said.
Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information at the State House, conveyed in a statement that President Tinubu urged the governors to utilise their positions to make a tangible impact in the lives of their constituents. He asserted that his focus is the Nigerian project and not personal interest.
In the meeting, President Tinubu acknowledged the need to consolidate multiple exchange rates and spoke of governance as a continuous process. He mentioned that he has inherited both the assets and liabilities of his predecessor.
“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,” he told the governors.
The President acknowledged the majority held by the APC in the National Assembly and some state Houses of Assembly, expressing that this would facilitate the development of policies that could positively affect the economy and populace.
President Tinubu also declared that he will adopt an open-door policy, eager to address, discuss, and collaboratively resolve the challenges confronting the nation, including security.
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, in his address, called on the governors to rally around President Tinubu, particularly in handling critical economic issues such as the oil subsidy and multiple exchange rates.
Governor Hope Uzodinma, on behalf of the Progressive Governors, conveyed their support for the President and commended his initial decisions that appear to bode well for the economy. “We are aware of your capacity and excellent track record,” said the PGF Chairman.
Furthermore, President Tinubu announced the appointment of Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia as Deputy Chief of Staff, and George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
In the wake of the meeting and the removal of the fuel subsidy by the government, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has demanded an increase in the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000.
In a statement released on Monday, signed by TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo and Secretary General Comrade Nuhu Abba Toro, the labour union outlined a list of demands as conditions to avert a potential strike.
In addition to wage augmentation, the TUC wants the government to revert to the former fuel pump prices of N195 per litre as negotiations continue.
This pivotal meeting and the subsequent demands from the TUC highlight the economic challenges facing Nigeria and the government’s endeavor to address them through dialogue and policy reforms.
