By Kamsi Anayo
The Federal Government has announced a N25,000 salary increase for low grade workers for the next six months.
President Bola Tinubu announced this on Sunday in his national broadcast on the occasion of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.
He said the package would be a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation.
“For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional N25,000 per month
“We have embarked on several public sector reforms to stabilise the economy, direct fiscal and monetary policy to fight inflation, encourage production, ensure the security of lives and property and lend more support to the poor and the vulnerable.”
The president also said the social safety net was being extended through the expansion of cash transfer programmes to additional 15 million vulnerable households from October.
He said that government had set up an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas to ensure better grassroots development.
Tinubu said the states had also received funds to provide relief packages against the impact of rising food and other prices.
He promised that government would introduce a new public transportation system through the deployment of cheaper, safer Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses across the country.
“These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares.
“New CNG conversion kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process.
“We are also setting up training facilities and workshops across the country to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs.
“This is a groundbreaking moment where, as a country, we embrace more efficient means to power our economy. In making this change, we also make history.”
Tinubu said government was providing investment funds for enterprises with great potential to boost employment and urban incomes, adding that government was equally increasing investment in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
He appealed for understanding from Nigerians on the current hardships caused by removal of petrol subsidy.
