President Bola Tinubu is set to engage in discussions regarding the new national minimum wage with the state governors during the 142nd session of the National Economic Council (NEC), scheduled to take place at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja this Thursday.
The President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, announced the President’s anticipated participation at the NEC meeting—a rare occurrence—during a visit to Kano, where he led a delegation to offer condolences to Vice President Kashim Shettima on the passing of his mother-in-law.
Gbajabiamila conveyed President Tinubu’s sympathies to Vice President Shettima, noting the President’s unique ability to be present in multiple places simultaneously. However, he emphasized the necessity of President Tinubu’s presence in Abuja, particularly for the upcoming NEC meeting, which he seldom attends.
This meeting is particularly significant as it follows the Federal Executive Council’s recent postponement of the Tripartite Committee’s report on the new National Minimum Wage.
The deferment was made to allow President Tinubu to conduct further consultations with various stakeholders, including state governors, local government officials, and representatives from the private sector.
The council’s decision to delay action on the proposal underscores the collaborative nature of the national minimum wage issue, which extends beyond the federal government to encompass state and local governments, as well as the private sector.
The President has reviewed the committee’s report and plans to engage in broader consultations before presenting a finalized proposal to the National Assembly.
The debate over the new minimum wage has seen the Federal Government, Organised Private Sector, and Labour holding multiple discussions, with labour leaders advocating for a minimum wage of N250,000, while the government and private sector have proposed N62,000. State governors have expressed concerns, stating that they cannot support a minimum wage exceeding N60,000.
The NEC, established under the 1999 Constitution (as amended), includes the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank, and other appointed government officials. Chaired by the Vice President, the council convenes monthly to advise the President on the Federation’s economic affairs and coordinate economic planning and programs across various government levels.
