President Bola Tinubu has announced that the new minimum wage will be determined based on what the government can afford, assuring that a memorandum detailing the final settlement will be forwarded to the National Assembly soon. This statement was made during the 25th Democracy Day Anniversary Dinner at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Ongoing Negotiations
Recent negotiations between the Federal Government, the Organised Private Sector (OPS), and organized labour have resulted in varying proposals. The government and OPS increased their offer from N60,000 to N62,000, while labour reduced its demand from N494,000 to N250,000. The final decision now rests with President Tinubu, who must harmonize these figures and submit a bill to the National Assembly.
Tinubu’s Commitment
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of setting a minimum wage that reflects the country’s financial realities. He addressed the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and other attendees at the dinner, stating:
“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.”
Incident at Eagle Square
Earlier in the day, President Tinubu experienced a minor incident at Eagle Square where he tripped while entering a parade inspection vehicle. Clarifying the situation, he explained it as a traditional Yoruba gesture of respect, known as “dobale.” He humorously remarked:
“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.”
Attendees and Reflections
The dinner was attended by various pro-democracy icons, including Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Shehu Sani, George Mbah, and the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake. They reflected on President Tinubu’s significant contributions to the democratic struggle in Nigeria.
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 the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. Also present were the National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Wife of the Vice President Nana Shettima.
