In an exclusive interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, on Thursday, August 3, 2023, Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, revealed that workers can expect a substantial increase in their minimum wage to ₦60,000 as part of the government’s efforts to ease the burden of fuel subsidy removal.
During the interview, Ajuri Ngelale stated that the President is determined to see nothing less than a doubling of the current minimum wage. He emphasized that state governments have unanimously agreed to support this new initiative as discussed during the last National Executive Council meeting.
“The President will want nothing less than a doubling of the current minimum wage,” Ajuri said. He also highlighted the increased financial support given to states in recent months, stating that as of June, 36 states have received N300 billion more than any previous month in the last two years.
To further alleviate the economic strain on citizens, the government is also taking steps to reduce the cost of food and energy. This includes supporting transport companies and implementing interventions in agriculture and SMEs capitalization.
President Tinubu had previously assured Nigerians that his administration would introduce a new minimum wage to alleviate the impact of fuel subsidy removal. In his nationwide broadcast on Monday, July 31, 2023, he urged citizens to trust in his palliative measures and assured them that his programs would work for their benefit.