President Bola Tinubu has declared that he will approve a minimum wage based solely on what Nigeria can afford.
Addressing guests at a dinner marking the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s uninterrupted democratic rule in Abuja, the President stated, “The minimum wage is going to be what Nigerians can afford, what you can afford and what I can afford.”
The President also addressed the issue of food inflation, noting that banditry has significantly hindered agricultural productivity.
He stated, “The promises I can make are to strive to bring down food prices, but those bandits must leave the farmers alone to bring Nigeria back to its glory of production and harvesting.”
Despite Tinubu’s stance, Organised Labour remains adamant, rejecting what they term a “starvation minimum wage.”
In response to the President’s Democracy Day address, they urged him to consider a figure higher than the N62,000 proposed by the federal government, insisting that their proposed N250,000 minimum wage remains non-negotiable.
Tinubu also humorously addressed his slip earlier that day during the Democracy Day parade, stating, “Democracy is worth falling for.”
He joked about the incident, saying, “Early this morning, I had a swagger, and on social media, they are confused whether I was doing Buga or Babariga, but it is a day to celebrate democracy while doing dobale (prostrating) for the day.”
Emphasizing his cultural roots, Tinubu added, “I am traditionally a Yoruba boy, I did my dobale (prostrating).
Democracy is a day worthy of falling for. It is a joy to see all of you here. I have heard excellent comments and very touching remarks about myself and about the past; thank you.”
The President affirmed his commitment to the nation’s democratic principles, stating, “It is a great honor for me to represent the heart and soul of the democratic struggle in the country.”
He assured Nigerians that he would not falter, saying, “I promise you all, it won’t fall. Nigeria is a great country, and we include in our National Anthem the essence of service.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s unity, Tinubu said, “I thank you, Governor of Akwa Ibom, thank you, Governor of Kwara, my Comrade from Kaduna, thank you very much, and Abia, thank you. Ododo, I see you.
I have forgotten the partisanship color and embraced the Green-White-Green color that depicts Nigeria, the value we hold dear to ourselves, the reason we say we will hand over a banner without stain to our children and grandchildren.
Is it not true that Nigeria is greater than any one of us, and that the unity of this country cannot be traded?”
Commenting on the reactions to reverting to the old National Anthem, Tinubu remarked, “If you cannot change the name Nigeria, are you the creator of Nigeria’s name? Nigeria is blessed. Our complexity, yes, our diversity unending, but it is the best road to success.”
He continued, “I stand before you promising you, I did my broadcast in the morning, but as a price for the dinner you cost me tonight, I am still making some remarks to offset the dinner price, even though I described the day as low-key. But I have to celebrate with you, my dear brother, Senate President, Deputy Senate President.”
Tinubu reassured that his administration aims to make Nigeria tremendously successful with the necessary support from Nigerians. “We can do it; we can produce our way out of the history of complaints.
We will make Nigeria a tremendously successful country if we gather as we gather here tonight, encourage our children about the charter of our value system as they look up to me as a leader to make the changes.”
The President urged a collective effort in national orientation and commended customs officers in Kebbi and Ondo for rejecting bribes, emphasizing the importance of integrity and citizenship.
The dinner was attended by notable personalities, including Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Segun Osoba, Bisi Akande, Pius Akinyelure, Lawal Shuaibu, among others.
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