NGF ASSURES NIGERIANS AND ORGANIZED LABOUR THAT THE ONGOING NEGOTIATIONS WILL RESULT IN A BETTER NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE 27-06-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigeria Governors Forum has assured both Nigerians and organized labour of that the ongoing negotiations will result in a better national minimum wage.
The stated this in an emergency meeting convened after the Federal Executive Council meeting postponed discussions on the minimum wage to allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu engage in wider consultations.
In a communique released by the Acting Head of Media and Public Affairs of the forum, Hajiya Halima Ahmed Salihu says various issues impacting the nation were discussed including the new national minimum wage.
The communique stated ” The meeting discussed the new national minimum wage and agreed to engage with key stakeholders to reach an agreeable solution. We remained dedicated to the process and assure that better wages will result in the ongoing negotiations. ”
Additionally the forum received presentation from the Minister of Women Affairs on the World Bank–Nigeria for Women Project Scale-Up, along with other activities of the Ministry. The Governors noted the importance of the project and emphasized the need to implement it at the State level as initially conceived, as the States are the primary obligors of the project.
The governors acknowledged the work and contributions of the Ministry of Women Affairs in promoting gender equality, empowering women, and advancing social development across Nigeria.
The Acting Country Director of the World Bank, Mr. Taimur Samad and his team discussed the Bank’s various programmes currently being implemented in the States, including HOPE – Series of Projects. Nigeria Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equality, Food and Nutrition Security, NFWP-SU: Nigeria For Women Project Scale Up, NG-CARES: Nigeria Community Action (for) Resilience and Economic Stimulus Program, SABER: State Action on Business Enabling Reforms Program, SPIN: Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project. Members expressed willingness to continue to provide the much-needed support to ensure programme effectiveness across the country.
The Governors also received a briefing from Mr. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy & Tax Reforms Committee. He highlighted the progress made regarding the ongoing Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms. He sought the input and support of their excellencies on a number of proposals which would directly impact the subnational level of government. The Governors pledged their support for the Committee to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms and to collaborate closely to address any challenges that may arise.
Earlier in an interview with newsmen, Gov. Dauda Lawal of Zamfara said that the governors would continue the discussion on minimum wage and local government autonomy.
Lawal also speaking on security, said that his administration was put on place strategies to ensure that lives and property in the state were safe and secure.
He also said that his administration was put in place measures to promote invest in agriculture in Zamfara.
“Generally, the northern Nigeria is an agrarian economy. All the governors are making conscious efforts to make sure there are changes in agriculture.
“One of which is making adequate provisions for fertilizers, seedlings as well as new technologies in agriculture, rather than the subsistence farming that we are used to,” he said.