### Proposed National Minimum Wage Announcement Expected Today
There are strong indications that the long-awaited national minimum wage may be announced today, Thursday, during the resumed meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and organized labor, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
President Tinubu had previously summoned leaders of both unions to the Villa, where all parties involved in the minimum wage negotiations presented their positions. The Federal Government proposed an increase to N62,000, aiming to avoid further inflationary pressures, while organized labor has demanded N250,000, citing prevailing economic conditions.
Last week’s meeting, which was adjourned to today, allowed Tinubu to hear labor’s views and appeal to workers’ understanding of the available resources for wage payments. Tinubu also suggested that the minimum wage review should occur every two or three years instead of the current five-year interval to reduce controversies.
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, described the previous meeting as a fruitful family discussion. NLC President Joe Ajaero mentioned that although the specific amounts of N250,000 and N62,000 were not finalized, the conversation would continue today.
### Tinubu Requests Senate to Increase 2024 Budget by N6.2 Trillion
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has asked the Senate to amend the 2024 Appropriation Act to increase capital expenditure by N3.2 trillion and recurrent expenditure by N3 trillion. This request aims to address the new minimum wage and the implementation of critical projects not included in the original 2024 budget.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC: Ekiti Central) presented the bill, which passed second reading. The proposed amendments also include a one-time windfall tax on banks’ foreign exchange gains to fund capital infrastructure, education, healthcare, and public welfare initiatives.
Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP: Kebbi Central) supported the bill, noting its importance for addressing the minimum wage and critical infrastructure projects. Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP: Bayelsa West) argued for separate treatment of the two bills, highlighting their distinct purposes.
### Tinubu Appoints New Head of Service
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack as the new Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, effective August 14, 2024. Mrs. Walson-Jack, appointed as Federal Permanent Secretary in 2017, will succeed Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, who is set to retire on August 13, 2024.
Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, announced the appointment, emphasizing Tinubu’s gratitude for Yemi-Esan’s service and urging Walson-Jack to perform her duties with innovation, integrity, and strict adherence to civil service regulations.
Dailyindependent