President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he needs more time to consult widely on the appropriate amount to be paid as new minimum wage for workers in the public sector.
The President gave the explanation at the Federal Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, when the matter was put forward for deliberations.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris revealed this on Tuesday, while briefing State House Correspondents.
He said the memo was stepped down because the Federal Government thought it wise to consult with other stakeholders, especially as the new wage proposals affects the local government areas, states and the Federal Government.
The minister said, “A lot of people have been asking me questions pertaining to whether the New Minimum Wage would come up for deliberations today at FEC, especially whether government was going to have a position on the new wage.
“Recall that there was a report from the tripartite committee, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, the Organised Private Sector and the government representatives, these three make up the tripartite committee that discussed on the new minimum wage. They have forwarded a report to the President which he has gone through.
“But consistent with the way it should be done, I want to inform Nigerians that FEC deliberated on that because the new national minimum wage is not just the decision of the Federal government.
“That memo was stepped down to enable Mr President consult further so that he can have an informed position on what to do. This decision was taken because it affects the States, LG and the Federal Government.”