President Bola Tinubu has called upon governors across various states to prioritize the timely payment of wage awards to workers, emphasizing its role in alleviating economic hardship and curbing inflationary pressures.

Addressing attendees during the commissioning of projects in Minna, Niger State, President Tinubu underscored the significance of promptly disbursing wage awards to workers as a means of mitigating financial strains amid ongoing economic challenges. He highlighted the importance of this action as a temporary measure until the implementation of a new minimum wage.

President Tinubu clarified that his appeal to governors was not a directive but rather a heartfelt plea, recognizing the autonomy of state administrations in managing their fiscal affairs. He emphasized the voluntary nature of his request, urging governors to consider its potential benefits for their constituents.

The president’s call comes amidst growing concerns over the financial well-being of workers and the need for proactive measures to mitigate the adverse effects of inflation and economic volatility.

He said: “If all of you, the sub-nationals have been paying the wages award, pending the determination of the new salary wage. Let all the states start paying the wages award. Whatever they are taking now plus the wage award would relieve the public.

“Please, I am not giving an order, I am appealing to you states, start paying the wages awards, let everyone start paying it. It is a relief to the people. The mechanism is the fact that it won’t be inflationary if we announce the new salary wage in a few weeks or months, they would have gotten used to the basic wages of N30,000 plus the wages award, and it will have a dampening effect on the market. Please get sub-nationals together and NEC should adopt this.”

Tinubu also outlined plans for a comprehensive programme to address the challenges of violent attacks, cattle rustling, and other security-related issues.

“Give me two to three weeks. You will be part of the inauguration of the livestock change in Nigeria. I know what it means to economic sabotage for roaming cows to eat up the crops and vegetation of our lands, it could be painful but when we reorient the herders and make provision for cattle rearing. The Governors should provide the lands and as the President, I am committed to giving you a comprehensive programme that will solve this problem,” he added.