Voice Air Media, VAM News Update

President Bola Tinubu has stated that his administration is ready to consider a national living wage that will address the living condition of workers, instead of a minimum wage.

Tinubu stated that his government is ready to consider the national living wage if suggested by the 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage set up on January 30, 2024, by the federal government.

The President said this in an address titled “Solidarity in Action: Collaborative Governance, Empowered Workers”.

The address which was delivered by the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the 2024 May Day celebration at the Eagle Square, Abuja, partly reads: “Great Nigerian workers, your role as an indispensable component of the nation’s engine cannot be overstated by any government if the quest for a just and progressive society is to be realised.

“Therefore, I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to you on this very important celebration.

“I do not take for granted the understanding, patience, commitment, and support you have shown throughout the implementation of this government’s policies and programmes aimed at positively transforming our great nation.

“Your contributions have played a significant role in our efforts to rescue the economy since we came on board.

“The 2024 Workers Day was marked with high hopes, as President Tinubu told the workers that their days of worrying were over, just as he hinted at his administration’s readiness to consider a national living wage that will address their living condition, instead of a minimum wage, if suggested by the 37-member Tripartite Committee on Minimum Wage set up on January 30, 2024, by the federal government.

“He said, ‘The committee’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.”