In a strong move to alleviate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal policy, President Bola Tinubu has announced a N25,000 monthly wage increase for low-grade workers in the civil service. This announcement came as part of his Independence Day Broadcast to the nation on Sunday, October 1.
Tinubu, addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians and the impending indefinite strike by organized labor, expressed his empathy towards the hardships that citizens are enduring. He stated, “I wish to explain to you why we must endure this trying moment. Those who sought to perpetuate the fuel subsidy and broken foreign exchange policies are people who would build their family mansion in the middle of a swamp. I am different. I am not a man to erect our national home on a foundation of mud. To endure, our home must be constructed on safe and pleasant ground.”
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He emphasized that reform, although painful, is imperative for the greatness and future of Nigeria. Tinubu highlighted the necessity of fairly sharing the nation’s abundance and resources among all citizens rather than allowing them to be hoarded by a select few. He envisioned a Nigeria where hunger, poverty, and hardship are relegated to the past.
Tinubu assured the public that his government is taking measures to ease the burden on families and households. He outlined several public sector reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy, curbing inflation, promoting production, enhancing security, and providing support to the poor and vulnerable.
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As part of these efforts, Tinubu revealed a provisional wage increment designed to improve the federal minimum wage without triggering undue inflation. For the next six months, low-grade workers can expect an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month in their salaries.
To promote grassroots development, the President established an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas. States have already received funds to mitigate the impact of rising food and commodity prices.
Tinubu also addressed the issue of transport costs, unveiling a new chapter in public transportation with the introduction of cheaper and safer Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses across the nation. These CNG buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively impacting transport fares.
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Furthermore, the government is expediting the procurement process for new CNG conversion kits, setting up training facilities, and workshops nationwide to empower transport operators and entrepreneurs.
In concluding his Independence Day Broadcast, Tinubu hailed this transformative moment, where Nigeria embraces more efficient means to power its economy, making history in the process.
This wage increment and comprehensive approach to economic reform demonstrate the government’s commitment to alleviating the immediate challenges faced by Nigerian citizens while working towards a more prosperous and equitable future.
