President Bola Tinubu has urged state governors to continue paying workers the wage award until negotiations on the new minimum wage are concluded.
He emphasized that Nigerians should not suffer from hunger, as the country has the capability to feed its population and even have surplus for export.
Speaking at the launch of the Food Security and Agricultural Mechanization Programme in Niger State, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring food sufficiency and protecting local industries for sustainable economic growth.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Niger State government, aims to deploy advanced agricultural machinery and technology for large-scale agro-value chain development in the state.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of taking timely action to address challenges and transform Nigeria into an economy of opportunities. He underscored the need to care for the people and reorient them towards sustainable agriculture practices.
Addressing concerns about herders encroaching on farmlands, Tinubu highlighted the importance of reorienting herders and providing adequate facilities for cattle rearing to mitigate conflicts with farmers.
He called on sub-national governments to implement wage awards as an immediate intervention measure to alleviate the burden on citizens, pending the increase in the minimum wage.
Tinubu also outlined plans for various social welfare programs, including student loans, unemployment benefits, and social security benefits for the elderly and vulnerable.
Appreciating the President’s presence at the event, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago highlighted the significance of agriculture in addressing economic challenges and promoting growth and prosperity in Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, disclosed the federal government’s partnership with the Brazilian government and German Deutsch Bank Group to finance the Green Imperative Programme, aimed at providing mechanization hubs across all local government areas in Nigeria.
