President Bola Tinubu says an improved livelihood for Nigerians remains the top priority of his administration, with more people-focused economic policies, including a national minimum wage that reflects current realities.
The President said this on Friday during a meeting with members of the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) led by its Chairman, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma
He said the national and sub-national governments will work together on the minimum wage, which already requires “soul searching.’’
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President Tinubu urged the governors to seize the opportunity of being chosen among millions of citizens in their states to make a difference in the lives of people, adding that he will work for the benefit of Nigerians.
The President said that the multiple exchange rates will be streamlined, noting that governance is a continuum.
President Tinubu said it was a good and encouraging sign that the APC has a majority in the National Assembly and some Houses of Assembly, which will make it easier to develop policies that will directly impact the economy and the people.
President Tinubu said he would maintain an open-door policy, willing to entertain issues, deliberate, and collectively find solutions to the challenges facing the country, including security.
In his remarks, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, called on the governors to rally around the President as he tackles the challenges stagnating the economy, such as fuel subsidy and multiple exchange rates.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma pledged the support of the Progressive Governors to the President, noting that the initial decisions already foretell good intentions for the economy.
Uzodinma noted that the President had started well, by placing the economy and welfare of the people on a priority list, with honesty of purpose
The Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, said the development of the national and sub-national economies remains interwoven, assuring that President Tinubu would receive their support to succeed.
Other governors present at the meeting were Chairman of Nigerian Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Mai Mala Buni of Yobe, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, and Dikko Radda of Katsina State.
Governors Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Hyacinth Alia of Benue, Umar Bago of Niger, Nasir Idris of Kebbi, Uba Sani of Kaduna, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Nwifuru Francis Ogbonna of Ebonyi , Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, and Bassey Otu of Cross-River State were also present.
At the meeting, the President announced the appointment of Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff, Sen. Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia as Deputy Chief of Staff, and George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
(Editor: Oloyede Oworu)
