Finally, President Buhari Breaks Silence On New Minimum Wage, Says No Figure Has Been Adopted

The president of the federal republic MUHAMADU BUHARI has responded to the controversy produced by the news that he does not support the N30,000 as new the lowest pay permitted by law (minimum wage).

Since the news broke, Nigerians from various strolls of life have been responding and making entries on the President's position.

However, the presidency in a statement made available to us on Thursday by Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity), said there is no cause for alarm as Buhari remains committed to having a new minimum wage regime in no distant future.

The statement, while seeking the patience and understanding of Nigerians, also warned against politicizing the issue.

“The Presidency is concerned over recurring reports alleging that President Muhammadu Buhari has reneged on earlier acceptance of the N30,000 recommended as the new National Minimum Wage by the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee,” the statement reads.

“These reports are contrary to what transpired on Tuesday when the committee presented its Report to the President. Responding, President Buhari, while acknowledging the concerns raised by government on affordability and labour’s focus on meaningful increase, stated clearly in a speech, which was made available to the media.”

“In a way, both arguments are valid. I want to assure you all that we will immediately put in place the necessary machinery that will close out these open areas.”

“Our plan is to transmit an Executive Bill to the National Assembly for passage within the shortest possible time. I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.

“As the Executive Arm commences its review of your submission, we will continue to engage you all in closing any open areas presented in this report. I, therefore, would like to ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks.”

“From the above, and throughout the report-submission ceremony, the President never mentioned any figure. What he committed himself to was a new minimum wage, and only after the Report of the committee has been reviewed by the executive and legislative processes of government and an appropriate bill presented to him for assent.”

“Until the proposed minimum wage has gone through the whole gamut of law-making, President Buhari, who is a stickler for due process, will not be caught in this unnecessary web of controversy, which amounts to putting the cart before the horse and hair-splitting.”