The Presidency has frowned at misinterpretation of President
Muhammadu Buhari’s remarks when he received the report of the Tripartite
Committee on the Review of National Minimum Wage on Tuesday.
A presidential source told NAN that the president did not endorse N30,000 as proposed by the committee as being reported.
He, however, stated that President Buhari had expressed his
commitment to ensuring the implementation of a new National Minimum
Wage.
“But the president’s speech at the event was immediately made
available to the media and nowhere indicated that the president endorsed
N30,000 Minimum wage.
“It is not the duty of the president only to endorse a new national
minimum wage. The process involves the Federal Executive Council (FEC),
the National Economic Council (NEC) and the National Assembly.
“It is imperative for us to always avoid misinterpreting a written speech,’’ he added.
It would be recalled that President Buhari had pledged that the
Federal Government would soon transmit an Executive bill (on National
Minimum Wage) to the National Assembly for its passage within the
shortest possible time.
He said: “Our plan is to transmit the Executive bill to the National Assembly for its passage within the shortest possible time.
“I am fully committed to having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.’’
Buhari also expressed delight that the committee had successfully
completed its assignment in a peaceful and non-controversial manner.
“Let me use this opportunity to recognise the leadership of the
organised labour and private sector as well as representatives of State
and Federal Governments for all your hard work.
“The fact that we are here today, is a notable achievement.
“As the Executive Arm commences its review of your submission, we
will continue to engage you all in closing any open areas presented in
this report.
“I, therefore, would like to ask for your patience and understanding in the coming weeks.”