Concerns Arise Over Akume’s Request for N1bn Committee Budget

• Senator George Akume’s request for N1 billion for a national minimum wage committee raises concerns among the public
• President Tinubu approves N500 million, half of Akume’s request, for the workings of the 37-man minimum wage committee

Senator George Akume’s request for N1 billion for the workings of a 37-man national minimum wage committee has sparked concerns among the public.

It was reported that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved half of the requested budget, allocating N500 million for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), as revealed in leaked memos.

Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage on January 30, 2024, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

In a letter dated January 18, 2024, addressed to President Tinubu, titled ‘Request for Approval of Funds and Inauguration of the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage,’ Akume sought approval for the release of N1 billion for the committee’s operations, down from the initial request of N1.8 billion.

The letter stated, “…The release of the sum of One Billion Naira only for the above exercise. This has been scaled down from N1.8 billion. The 26th of January 2024 for the inauguration of the Committee. All relevant documents are hereby attached. The New Minimum Wage is expected to be ready by 1st April 2024 according to Law.”

However, a handwritten response from President Tinubu instructed the committee to reduce its budget by 50 percent, starting with the approved sum of N500 million.

Despite attempts to reach the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) for comment, no response has been received as of the reporting time.

Nevertheless, top officials in the OSGF and some committee members have confirmed the authenticity of the leaked memos.

Former federal lawmaker from Kaduna State, Senator Shehu Sani, expressed his reaction on social media, stating, “The Minimum Wage Committee just allocated the maximum wage for themselves.”

President Tinubu had approved the inauguration of the 37-man Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage, tasked with recommending and implementing a new National Minimum Wage for the country.