Former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu has come out boldly to appreciate the President of Nigeria, President Tinubu, for agreeing to increase the New Minimum Wage to 70,000 Naira.
Kalu made this statement known to the public via a statement made available to IGBERE TV where he congratulated President Tinubu for taking the welfare of Nigerian workers as his top most priority.
You will recall, the Federal Government previously negotiated for 62,000 new minimum wage, but the Labour unions stuck to their guns , insisting a new living wage of 250,000.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Privatization, Kalu, also used the opportunity to thank the leaders of the NLC/TUC, Comrade Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo respectively, for accepting the offer, pending further reviews.
Kalu extended greetings to the Minister of Labour, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, former Governor George Akume and Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and all other stakeholders who intentionally played a pivotal role in making sure the issue of workers welfare is nipped in the board.
Aware that Kalu proposed a minimum wage of 90,000 previously, however, he said is impressed with 70,000, because it is a decent wage and the president has promised to review the minimum wage every three (3) years. This will be sent to the National Assembly to make it law.
In addition, as a way of ameliorating the high cost of living by workers, President Bola Tinubu has promised to give 36 CNG powered buses with a sitting capacity of 100 persons each to the TUC and NLC.
Kalu encouraged Nigerians to be patient with the Tinubu led government, as the reviewed minimum wage is an indicator that APC led administration is ready to listen and make changes where necessary to assuage the sufferings of our people.
“I congratulate the Labour unions for accepting the minimum wage of N70,000 as approved by Mr president.
I specially congratulate the President for thinking right about the welfare of the Nigerian workers
I also congratulate the Minister of Labour, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Chief of Staff to the President and all other stakeholders that played significant roles in the negotiations.
Even though I had suggested N90,000 as the minimum wage, I am impressed because N70,000 is a decent minimum wage and Mr President has also promised to review the national minimum wage law every three years interval.
I also urge Nigerians to be patient with Mr President as this action is a pointer that his administration would bring relief to Nigerians in the current hard situation” Kalu submitted.
