President Bola Tinubu has called upon the governors of the 36 states in Nigeria to start paying the wage awards to workers, aiming to provide immediate relief amidst economic challenges.
Speaking in Minna, Niger State, during the launch of the agricultural mechanization revolution and the commissioning of the renovated domestic terminal of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport on Monday, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of implementing wage awards at the state level.
Tinubu highlighted that if the states swiftly adopted the wage awards, it would alleviate the economic hardship faced by the people without causing inflationary pressures. He encouraged the states to act independently in this matter, expressing that the Federal Executive Council would also adopt a similar approach.
In his address, President Tinubu stated, “Let all the states start paying the wages award. Whatever they are taking now plus the wage award would relieve the public. Please, I am not giving an order, I am appealing to you states, start paying the wages awards, let everyone start paying it. It is a relief to the people.”
He further explained the mechanism behind this appeal, indicating that announcing a new salary wage in the coming weeks or months would allow people to get accustomed to the basic wages of N30,000 plus the wage award, minimizing its impact on the market.
President Tinubu assured that the government is actively working on measures to address economic challenges, including the initiation of student loans and other support programs. He emphasized the government’s commitment to relieving the citizens of hunger through these comprehensive measures.
Additionally, Tinubu outlined plans for a Livestock Change program in Nigeria, aimed at transforming challenges related to violent attacks, cattle rustling, and other issues into economic opportunities. He pledged to organize the inauguration of this program within the next few weeks and called for the cooperation of governors in providing lands for cattle rearing.
Tinubu commended the efforts of Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, in driving agricultural revolution for food security. He pledged federal support and expressed confidence in the state’s potential to become one of the leading food producers in the country.
President Tinubu concluded, “We appreciate your efforts in the infrastructure development of the state, and I guarantee you federal support. We flag off the hope, you deliver the hope, and you reassure Nigerians.”
