Tinubu Announces 6-Month N35,000 Wage Increase for Federal Workers

On Sunday, President Bola Tinubu approved an additional N35,000 wage for all federal government workers for the next six months to cushion the effect felt by the removal of fuel subsidy. 

The President was represented by the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, amongst other ministers who attended the meeting in State House, Abuja.

In the meeting, the Federal Government announced that it would fast-track the implementation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to reduce the hike in transportation fares caused by the removal of fuel subsidy.

The Federal Government also said it is committed to providing funding for micro and small-scale enterprises and a six-month waiver on VAT on diesel.

Additionally, the Federal Government also announced the payment of N75,000 to 15 million households at N25,000 per month for the next three months, beginning from October to December 2023.

MEETING HIGHLIGHTS REPORTED BY NEWS:

In light of the discussions held during the meeting between the Federal Government and Labour representatives, the following were the major highlights:

i) The Federal Government urged the Labour unions not to embark on strike action as the issues in dispute can only be resolved when workers are at work.

ii) Labour Unions made case for higher wage award.

iii) A sub-committee to be constituted to work out the details of implementation of all items regarding government interventions to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal.

iv) The lingering matter of Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State needs to be addressed urgently.

v.) NLC and TUC will consider the offers by the Federal Government with a view to suspending the planned strike to allow for further consultations on the implementation of the resolutions above.

THOSE IN ATTENDANCE 

Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, participated virtually in the meeting, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, the Minister of State, Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan and the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

The labour delegation was led by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, Dr Tommy Etim Okon, Deputy President, TUC, NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, among others.