President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, has revealed that the President plans to make an unusual appearance at the 142nd meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.
He emphasized that Tinubu will be personally discussing the new national minimum wage with state governors during the meeting.
It has been reported that NEC, consists of the 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank, and other co-opted government officials.
Chaired by the Vice President, the council convenes monthly to fulfill its mandate of advising the President on economic affairs of the Federation, particularly measures necessary for the coordination of economic planning efforts or programs of the various Governments of the Federation.
However, Gbajabiamila has disclosed that the President plans to attend the meeting due to the significance of the minimum wage bill.
Speaking in Kano, he described the President’s attendance as unusual, as the President rarely participates in NEC meetings.
“He is indeed saddened and he wished he was here with you. You know our President is very ubiquitous, he can be in a million places at the same time, but unfortunately, this bill, as you well know, calls for him to be at the seat of power.”
“Indeed, he will be joining you tomorrow and that’s how important his presence in Abuja is right now. He will be joining you tomorrow at the NEC meeting, which he ever hardly attends, this might even be his first meeting,” Gbajabiamila said.
The meeting takes place after the Federal Executive Council, on Tuesday, postponed the report of the Tripartite Committee on New National Minimum Wage, citing the need for President Tinubu to further consult with other stakeholders on the matter.
