President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration will only approve a minimum wage that is sustainable and affordable for the country.

Speaking at a dinner to mark Democracy Day, the President hinted that the recommended minimum wage will be sent to the National Assembly as a bill after due consideration.

In his remarks, President Tinubu stressed the need for a minimum wage that is affordable for both the government and the private sector.

He said, “Senate President, Deputy Senate President, you’ll get a notice if I’ve changed my mind on minimum wage.

“We’ll do it, what Nigeria can afford, what you can afford, what I can afford. They ask you to cut your coat according to your size, if you have size at all.”

The event was attended by top government officials, pro-democracy activists, and dignitaries, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau; House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas; and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola.

It should be recalled that the Tripartite Committee, comprising representatives from the federal and state governments, as well as the Organised Private Sector (OPS), has unanimously recommended a minimum wage of N62,000, which has been formally submitted to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, for further consideration and implementation.

However, organized labour insists on a new minimum wage of N250,000.