The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, announced that the Federal Government is set to initiate discussions on the new minimum wage with labor unions in March.
This statement was made during the 21st Daily Trust Dialogue and the presentation of the 2023 African Award of the Year in Abuja. The event, organized by the Media Trust Group, focused on the theme ‘Tinubu’s Economic Reforms: Gainers and Losers.’
Idris highlighted that during the removal of the fuel subsidy, President Bola Tinubu initially pledged to implement a N25,000 wage award to workers to alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal.
“But Labour was not comfortable. We entered into negotiation with Labour and after a long discussion with them and President Tinubu, we arrived and agreed at N35,000 which was accepted.
“The President said the N35,000 will be paid for six months to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy. That would be from September 2023 to February 2024.
“So after the payment of the wage award for six months; in March, the government and Labour will come together again to deliberate on a new minimum wage for workers.
“However, it is important for Nigerians to understand the intention of Tinubu to address the welfare and well-being of all Nigerians. I know it is not easy but Nigerians will be better for it.
“I want to call on Nigerians to give President Tinubu the time to make things right for the country,” Idris stressed.