APA – Lagos (Nigeria)
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has announced that low-grade workers will be paid N25,000 extra for six months to cushion the effects of harsh economic situation in the country following the removal of petrol subsidy by the government in May this year.
In his nationwide address on the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary on Sunday in Abuja, Tinubu said that the gesture to the workers was based on the talks between the government and the organized labour, business and other stakeholders,
“We are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation,” he said.
He said that the government would set up an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas and that the states had already received funds to provide relief packages against the impact of rising food and other prices.
“We have embarked on several public sector reforms to stabilize the economy, direct fiscal and monetary policy to fight inflation, encourage production, ensure the security of lives and property and lend more support to the poor and the vulnerable.
“Making the economy more robust by lowering transport costs will be key. In this regard, we have opened a new chapter in public transportation through the deployment of cheaper, safer Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses across the nation. These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares,” he said.
According to him, the new CNG conversions kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process and also setting up training facilities and workshops across the nation to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs.
He also pledged a thorough housecleaning of the den of malfeasance the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had become. “That housecleaning is well underway,” he said.
And to boost employment and urban incomes, he said that the government would be providing investment funding for enterprises with great potential and that the government would be increasing investment in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. “Commencing this month, the social safety net is being extended through the expansion of cash transfer programs to an additional 15 million vulnerable households,” he said.
On security, Tinubu said: “My administration shall always accord the highest priority to the safety of the people. Inter-Service collaboration and intelligence sharing have been enhanced. Our Service Chiefs have been tasked with the vital responsibility of rebuilding the capacities of our security services.”
Apart from the nationwide broadcast, the anniversary, which is low-keyed, witnessed a colourful parade by the police, the military and match pass by some selected school children in Abuja.
GIK/APA
President Tinubu promises N25,000 extra pay to low-grade workers for 6 months
