President Muhammadu Buhari on May Day addressed Nigerians on issues bothering security challenges in the country, workers renumerations as well as ethnic diversities which, according to him, are the nation’s strength.
Represented by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo on Workers Day celebration in Abuja, Buhari revealed steps taken by the Security Council aimed at reviving the nation’s security architecture to meet the “challenges of the mindless killings in some parts of the country, including the threats of marauding herdsmen, cattle rustlers and bandits.
“It is our duty to secure the rights of farmers, and all citizens and to ensure that herders also can rear their cattle, especially as were proposed in well-resourced ranches.”, he said.
“We recognise that while the protection of lives and property is a primary responsibility of the government, it is incumbent on us as citizens to share in this responsibility.
“It is at the end of the day a collective responsibility. This country belongs to us all,” he said,
“Nigeria is great because of the talents of our people from every tribe, tongue and religion. Our diversities are our strength.
“Our focus must be on developing our economy, providing opportunities in industry, in manufacturing, in technology for our young people.’’
“While we do recognize that the payment of salaries and pensions is essential, we are also conscious of the fact that the increasing cost of living and the recognition to ensure a fair and decent living wage have rendered the minimum wage instrument which is currently in force obsolete.
“Although there are arguments regarding fixing minimum wage in a federation such as ours.
“It is the responsibility of government to establish the necessary social protection for all Nigerian workers based on the ability of each tier of government to pay.
“We believe that those who can pay above the social protection floor are free to do so as many have been doing in many states and sectors of the economy,” the President added.