‘I’m ready to consider national living wage’ - Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has stated that he is prepared to consider a national living wage for Nigerian workers.

During a ceremony held on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at the Eagles Square in Abuja to mark the 2024 May Day celebration at the Eagle Square, Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that a national living wage rather than a minimum wage would better address their living conditions.

The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, who stated that said the days of worry are over.

"The 37-member tripartite committee on minimum wage’s mandate was to provide counsel and suggest a national minimum wage that aligns with our current economic conditions. Since then, the committee, in collaboration with labour leaders, has been diligently working towards proposing a new national minimum wage.

"Unfortunately, despite concerted efforts, the committee was unable to reach a consensus at its last meeting.

“This shall be resolved soon and I assure you that your days of worrying are over.

"Indeed, this government is open to the committee’s suggestion of not just a minimum wage but a living wage."

In a post shared on Vice President Kashim Shettima's X page, he said;

“PRESIDENT TINUBU TO NIGERIAN WORKERS:

I do not take your understanding, patience, support for granted

* Says their days of worrying are over

* Pledges to consider national living wage over minimum wage

President @officialABAT has assured the Organised Labour that their understanding, patience, commitment and support in the course of implementing his administration's policies and programmes are not taken for granted.

He applauded the Nigerian workers for their contributions to ongoing efforts by the government to save the nation's economy, describing them as "an indispensable component of the nation’s engine," in the bid to build a just and progressive society.

The President who gave the assurance on Wednesday during a colourful ceremony to mark the 2024 May Day celebration at the Eagle Square, Abuja, said it is a fundamental truth that the workers are Nigeria's backbone, even as he acknowledged and appreciated their hard work, sacrifices, and contributions to the nation's stability and prosperity.

Speaking through Vice President @KashimSM who represented him at the event, President @officialABAT commended the choice of the theme for this year’s May Day celebration, "People First," saying it did not only resonate with his administration’s agenda, but also demonstrates that "the working class holds a central position in the affairs of this nation."