The Federal Government has disclosed preparations for President Bola Tinubu to announce a new minimum wage for civil servants, as revealed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, in Abuja on Thursday.
Akume made this announcement while inaugurating a new presidential initiative for women’s empowerment, representing President Tinubu at the event.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Akume highlighted the impending changes expected as more Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses are introduced into the country. He emphasized the potential for collaboration across the three tiers of government to enhance development outcomes for citizens.
“Ours is a complex federation, where the three tiers of government all have access to federation accounts, and so if we work together, we can do more for our people. Things will begin to change as more compressed natural gas (CNG) buses make their way to the country and as we prepare for a new minimum wage,” Akume stated.
The announcement follows agreements reached between the Tinubu administration and organized labor in 2023, leading to the suspension of a nationwide strike. These agreements included provisions for the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicles as substitutes for petrol-powered vehicles, the implementation of a cash transfer program, and an increment in the minimum wage.
In August 2023, the federal government committed to investing N100 billion between then and March 2024 to acquire 3,000 CNG-powered 20-seater buses. Additionally, in December, another N130 billion was allocated for CNG conversion and the procurement of electric vehicles.
Notably, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has proposed a new national minimum wage of N794,000 for workers in the South-West zone, while proposing minimum wage adjustments of N540,000 for workers in the South East. These developments signal the government’s commitment to addressing the welfare needs of workers across the country.
