FG Announces N25,000 Grant a Monthly Support to 15 Million Families

In a recent and unexpected development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled its plan to provide a monthly financial assistance of N25,000 to 15 million households. This initiative is scheduled to be in effect for a three-month period, spanning from October to December 2023.

The announcement was made through an official statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris. It was revealed that this decision emerged as a significant outcome of a high-level meeting involving representatives from organized labor.

Notably, the government has also decided to institute a provisional wage increment of N25,000 for all federal government employees who are compensated through the national treasury. This wage increment will be distributed over a duration of six months.

Addressing Transportation and Economic Challenges

In a bid to tackle the public transportation challenges arising from the removal of the PMS subsidy, the government has adopted proactive measures. Plans are underway to expedite the introduction of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses as a means to mitigate these challenges.

Furthermore, the government is demonstrating its commitment to supporting micro and small-scale enterprises by ensuring the provision of necessary financial resources. As an additional relief measure, Value Added Tax (VAT) on diesel will be waived for a forthcoming period of six months.

Crucial Resolutions from the Meeting

The meeting between government representatives and labor unions yielded several significant resolutions:

1. The government emphasized the importance of addressing issues through productive dialogue rather than resorting to strikes.
2. The demand for a higher wage by Labor Unions will be presented to President Bola Tinubu for consideration.
3. A dedicated sub-committee will be established to delve into the specifics of the government’s intervention initiatives, particularly concerning the removal of fuel subsidies.
4. Immediate attention was directed towards resolving ongoing issues between the Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Lagos State. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged to address this matter.
5. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are expected to evaluate the government’s proposals with the possibility of deferring an impending strike. This would allow for further discussions on the resolutions put forth.

Participation and Attendance

The meeting, presided over by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, featured virtual participation from Governor Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara State, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State.

Key government officials in attendance included Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labour and Employment, along with other distinguished ministers and officials.

The labor delegation was led by NLC President Joe Ajaero, accompanied by other esteemed members of the NLC and TUC.

This significant initiative by the Nigerian government underscores its commitment to supporting its citizens, particularly during challenging economic circumstances. The collaborative approach between the government and labor unions highlights the importance of unity in the decision-making process.