We must carefully review minimum wage, strengthen revenue, Tinubu tells APC governors

President Bola Tinubu says it is imperative to review the present N30,000 minimum wage for civil servants as well as improve the country’s revenue.

Tinubu spoke during a meeting with members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) led by Hope Uzodinma, chairman of the forum and governor of Imo, in Abuja, on Friday. 

Tinubu said the federal and state governments need to take a look at the minimum wage together and also strengthen the source and application of the country’s revenue.

“We need to do some arithmetic and soul-searching on the minimum wage. We will have to take a look at that together, and the revenue. We must strengthen the source and application of our revenue,” he said. 

“This meeting is not strange to me, and the content of the meeting is so valuable. The camaraderie is very stimulating. This is about the Nigerian project, not Bola Tinubu.”

The president further said multiple exchange rates would be streamlined, adding that governance was a continuum.

“I have inherited the assets and liabilities of my predecessor. This is the first time you entered the council chambers, and it is my first time too for a meeting,” Tinubu said. 

“As progressives and thinkers under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC), you have a role to play in educating our people and making sure we manage ourselves,’’ Tinubu told the governors.

“If we work together, the Nigeria of our dreams is not far away. Rest assured that we will not have multiple exchange rates anymore.  You asked for this meeting, and I had to set aside time to be here.

“We have a political party that we will need to manage, whichever way, we have inherited assets and liabilities, and we cannot complain.”

He also said his administration would maintain an open-door policy, willing to entertain issues, deliberate, and collectively find solutions to the challenges facing the country, including security.

“It is in our hands, and I am ready to work and listen at any time,” he added.

Responding, Uzodinma, promised the support of the PGF to the president, noting that the initial decisions taken have already shown good intentions for the economy.

“We are here today as members of the APC to fraternise with you as our leader, and congratulate you on your election as president, and commander-in-chief, ” he said. 

“We are using this opportunity to express our support for you at this trying time in our history. “

According to Uzodinma, Tinubu had started well by placing the economy and welfare of the people on a priority list, with honesty of purpose.

“We are aware of your capacity and excellent track record,” Uzodinma said.