Even as the nation awaits the agreed national minimum wage agreement between the government and the organised labour, President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that all arrangements have been concluded to send an executive bill to the National Assembly (NASS) to pass a law for a wage to be paid workers in the country.
President Tinubu made this known in his 2024 Democracy Day national broadcast to Nigerians on Wednesday.
“We shall soon send our executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less,” President Tinubu said.
The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, on Monday, submitted its report to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation following the conclusion of its assignment.
This was disclosed in statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations in office of the SGF, Segun Imohiosen.
He said that a formal presentation of the Report will be made to President Bola Tinubu for appropriate action, when the leadership of the Organised Labour as well as representatives of Government and Organised Private Sector, who are presently in Geneva, Switzerland for the ongoing International Labour Organisation (ILO) Conference, return to the country
Consequently, labour had announced the resumption of strike following the expiration of the one+week ultimatum to president Tinubu to shift ground upwards from the N62,000 and possibly consideration of labour’s N250,000 position.
With the proposed action by FG, both parties are expected to meet soonest for the final agreement on the issue.
However, President Tinubu’s national broadcast on the 25th anniversary of unbroken democracy in Nigeria, Democracy Day, June 12, 2024 highlights other issues :
Celebration of 25 Years of Democracy:
Acknowledgment of the 25th anniversary of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.
” This year also marks our nation’s 25 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.”
Tribute to Heroes:
Honoring key figures who sacrificed their lives for democracy, including Chief MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Pa Alfred Rewane, and others.
”We lost great heroes and heroines along the way. In this struggle, the winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, Chief MKO Abiola, the most significant symbol of our democratic struggle, his wife, Kudirat, General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Pa Alfred Rewane, among others sacrificed their very lives”
Media’s Role:
Celebrating Nigerian journalists and media houses that supported the pro-democracy movement, despite oppression from the military government, acknowledging Tribune, The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines
”We celebrate them today, along with their media establishments such as The Punch, Guardian, National Concord, Tribune, The News/Tempo, and TELL Magazines. Military authorities proscribed these media establishments and jailed their journalists for standing for free speech and civil liberties
Despite the lethal might of the military government, what appeared to be high and unyielding walls of dictatorship came tumbling down. The dismal fortress exists no longer.”
Economic Reforms:
Acknowledging economic challenges and the need for reforms, aimed at creating a strong foundation for future growth and ensuring fair economic opportunities for all citizens.
”The reforms we have initiated are intended to create a stronger, better foundation for future growth. There is no doubt the reforms have occasioned hardship. Yet, they are necessary repairs required to fix the economy over the long run so that everyone has access to economic opportunity, fair pay and compensation for his endeavour and labour.”
Minimum Wage Negotiation:
Announcement of ongoing negotiations with organized labor for a new national minimum wage, highlighting a cooperative approach over conflict.
”In this spirit, we have negotiated in good faith and with open arms with organized labour on a new national minimum wage. We shall soon send an executive bill to the National Assembly to enshrine what has been agreed upon as part of our law for the next five years or less.”
Call to Action:
Encouragement for Nigerians to continue working towards a better future, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance in the face of challenges.
Recognition of Sacrifices:
Acknowledging the sacrifices of various pro-democracy activists and exiled individuals, such as Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Abraham Adesanya, Professor Wole Soyinka, and others.
Vision for the Future:
Expressing hope and determination for Nigeria’s future with a call to keep the fire of democracy burning in collective effort in achieving national greatness and prosperity.
ALSO READ:Tripartite Committee On Minimum Wage Submit s Report To FG
Nature of Democracy:
Emphasizing that democracy is more than elections; it includes freedom, liberty, and the peaceful resolution of differences without force or repression.
”Fellow Nigerians, true democracy shines its light into the daily lives of the people who live under its nurturing wings. It affords us the freedom and liberty to think as we want, live where we want and pursue whatever legitimate endeavour that suits us.”
Commitment to Democratic Values:
Commitment to preserving and strengthening democracy, ensuring it remains a guiding principle in governance, protecting citizens’ rights, and promoting economic democracy
Inspiration and Resolve:
Invoking the spirit of progress and determination, urging the nation to keep the flame of democracy burning and move forward together towards a brighter future.
”Let’s continue to keep the fire of democracy burning. Let’s keep the torch lit for generations to come.”
Closing Remarks:
A prayer for the continued blessing and preservation of Nigeria’s democracy.
”May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and preserve our democracy.”
