Tinubu, Shettima, Governors Hold Closed-Door Meeting Amidst Economic Talks

In a surprising turn of events, President Bola Tinubu, accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, convened a private meeting with several state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting, which took place behind closed doors, followed President Tinubu’s recent discussions with leaders of the organized labor, indicating a potential link between the two events.

Although the exact agenda of the meeting remains undisclosed, sources suggest that the primary focus was likely on addressing the pressing issues of rising food prices and insecurity, as well as the delayed or non-payment of salaries, gratuities, and pensions to workers, retirees, and pensioners. This speculation is supported by a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who confirmed that the meeting aimed to tackle the economic challenges facing the country.

The meeting comes at a crucial time, as Nigeria grapples with economic pressures and seeks to implement a new minimum wage. The National Economic Council (NEC) recently held its 141th meeting, where Tinubu and Shettima discussed the minimum wage issue with governors and ministers. The expired Minimum Wage Act of 2019, which set the minimum wage at ₦30,000, has been a topic of contention, with organized labor demanding a new minimum wage of ₦250,000, while the government has proposed ₦62,000.

The Supreme Court’s recent landmark judgement granting financial autonomy to local government councils may have also been a topic of discussion during the meeting. The judgement mandates that the Federal Government pay any money standing to the credit of the Local Governments directly to the Local Government Areas managed by democratically elected officials.

As the nation awaits further updates on the outcome of this significant meeting, Nigerians remain hopeful that the government will take decisive actions to address the economic challenges facing the country and ensure a better future for all.