President Tinubu to discuss new minimum wage with governors

President Bola Tinubu will discuss the new national minimum wage with state governors at the 142nd National Economic Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja.

Femi Gbajabiamila, the President’s Chief of Staff, announced this during a condolence visit to Vice President Kashim Shettima in Kano. Gbajabiamila noted that President Tinubu’s attendance at the NEC meeting is rare and underscores the significance of the discussion.

“He wished he was here with you,” Gbajabiamila conveyed, “but he needs to be at the seat of power. He will join you tomorrow at the NEC meeting, which he rarely attends. This might even be his first.”

This meeting comes after the Federal Executive Council postponed action on the Tripartite Committee’s report on the new national minimum wage. The delay allows President Tinubu to consult further with state governors, local authorities, and the private sector.

“The new national minimum wage affects state and local governments, as well as the private sector,” explained Idris. “Mr. President will consult further before making a submission to the National Assembly.”

Previous discussions on the new minimum wage involved the Federal Government, the Organised Private Sector, and Labour groups. While the NLC and Trade Union Congress leaders are pushing for N250,000, the Federal Government and others countered with N62,000. State governors argued they could not support a minimum wage higher than N60,000.

The NEC, established by the 1999 Constitution, includes the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank, and other officials. Chaired by the Vice President, the council meets monthly to advise the President on economic affairs and coordinate economic planning across the Federation.