Abuja, July 31, 2023 – President Bola Tinubu on Monday evening promised increased salaries and other welfare programmes to assuage the harsh effects of his economic policies.
Tinubu, in a nationwide broadcast, said talks had reached advance stage with the organised labour on the upwards review of salaries.
He said once the terms were agreed on a new minimum wage, budget provisions would be made to cover the review.
Tinubu commended some private sector organisations that had already taken the initiative to increase the general remunerations of their employees.
“In the same vein, we are also working in collaboration with the labour unions to introduce a new national minimum wage for workers. I want to tell our workers this: your salary review is coming.
“Once we agree on the new minimum wage and general upward review, we will make budget provisions for it for immediate implementation.
“I want to use this opportunity to salute many private employers in the Organised Private Sector who have already implemented general salary review for employees,” the President said.
He appealed to Nigerians to bear with the administration a little longer to get the current harsh seasons out of the way.
Tinubu said the current experience was needed to set the nation on a sound economic and structural footing.
Tinubu acknowledged the lag between when subsidy was removed and the coming of the relief plans, assuring the time lag would be covered soon.
“Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there is no doubt about it that it is tough on us.
“But I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All of our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work.
“Sadly, there was an unavoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully on line. However, we are swiftly closing the time gap.
“I plead with you to please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your well-being.
“We will get out of this turbulence. And, due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her,” he assured. (GBN)
