JIGAWA: Tinubu orders approval of ₦150, 000 grant to each business owner

This announcement was made through a press release by the State House in Abuja, and shared by Vice President Kashim Shettima on his official X handle yesterday.

During the launch of the AI Expertise Blockchain and Technology Training and Outsourcing Initiative in Dutse, Shettima explained that the grant is part of Nigeria’s strategy for digital transformation and leadership in Africa.

He emphasized that Nigeria is not just keeping up with global trends but is poised to surpass them in terms of economic and technological advancements.

Shettima also launched the 4th edition of the Expanded National Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic, where he reiterated that President Tinubu has directed a ₦150,000 grant to support MSMEs in Jigawa State.

He clarified that this grant does not need to be repaid by the beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, both the Senate and the House of Representatives swiftly passed the National Minimum Wage Act 2019 (Amendment Bill) yesterday.

The bill, which was quickly passed by both chambers after being transmitted by President Tinubu, seeks to increase the National Minimum Wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 and reduce the review period from five years to three years.

The President is expected to sign the bill into law.

This development follows an agreement between Tinubu and Organized Labour on a new minimum wage of ₦70,000, reached after extensive negotiations.

Labour accepted the offer despite initially demanding ₦250,000, citing the economic challenges posed by inflation and the removal of the petrol subsidy. The agreement includes more frequent reviews of the minimum wage, now set to occur every three years.