The Ministry of Labour has denied a report that President Tinubu will announce a new wage increase for workers in his October 1 Independence Day speech. The ministry has described the report as false and misleading.
The Ministry of Labour’s Director of Press and Public Relations made this statement on Wednesday in Abuja.
“The attention of the Ministry of Labour and Employment has been drawn to reports circulating online that the President will announce wage awards and palliatives to workers during his October 1st Independence Day speech.”
“The report which is said to have emanated from a purported “interview” with the Director of Information at the Ministry also claimed that a last-minute meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday between Federal Government and Labour to avert the proposed strike.”
“We wish to categorically state that the report is false and misleading as at no time did the Director of Information make such disclosure,” he said.
The Director urged the public to ignore the report, as it was completely made up by the reporter to support a story that was likely to benefit the newspaper’s interests.
”For the benefit of doubt, it is important to stress that the Director of Information at the Ministry of Labour does not speak for the President nor is he involved in writing his speech to warrant him making any categorical statement on its content”, he added.
“If and when the Minister schedules a meeting with Labour, the public will be adequately notified through verified channels.”
“The said newspaper is advised to retract the story and maintain professionalism in its reportage to avoid misleading the public.”