Victor EzejaA copy of a memo circulating on social media, signed by the Secretary to the government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, and addressed to President Bola Tinubu, shows that the sum of N1 billion was requested for the inauguration of a tripartite committee on new National minimum wage.
The memo dated 18 January 2024, with file number 58957/S.I/T6/419 was sent to President Tinubu to seek his approval for the sum of N1 billion only for the inauguration of the committee.
Part of the memo titled “Request For the Approval of Funds and Inauguration of The Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage”, read: “This memorandum Seeks your approval of the following in respect of the subject matter:
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“i. The release of the sum of N1 billion naira (N1,000,0000,000) only for the above exercise. This has been scaled down from N1.88 billion.
“ii. The 26th January 2024 inauguration of the Committee. All relevant documents are hereby attached.”
The memo also indicated that the new minimum wage is expected to be ready by 1 April 2024 according to law.
According to an AIT report, the Office of the SGF is yet to confirm the document.
However, sources said N1 billion was requested for the committee but President Bola Tinubu approved N500 million.
The part written with green ink shows that the presidency approved N500 million for a start with an approval date of 22 January 2024.
The federal government had on 26 January 2024 inaugurated a 37-member tripartite committee to look into issues about the proposed new minimum wage.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who inaugurated the committee at the Presidential Villa Abuja’s Council Chamber, directed them to make sure their proposals were submitted on time,
Members of organized labor, the business sector, and the federal and state governments make up the Committee, which is presided over by Goni Bukar Aji, the former Head of Service of the Federation.
According to Shettima, the committee’s formation was necessary to provide a respectable living income and to comply with the National Minimum Income Act of 2019, which is about to expire in a few months.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
