By Erasmus Ikhide
President Tinubu’s double standard on the economic burden on Nigerians is the tragic underpinning of the nation’s current woes. His recent complaint about the federal government’s inability to pay the organized labour unions members the minimum wage of N494,000 (Four Hundred And Ninety Four Naira) is a stark contrast to his earlier decision to increase fuel prices from N197 to N1000 without considering the economic burden on Nigerians. When he implemented the fuel price hike, he didn’t ask Nigerians how they would afford the attendant increased cost. However, now he is concerned about the government’s ability to pay the minimum wage, which is a fundamental right of workers. This double standard raises questions about the government’s priorities and empathy for the citizens. If the president was willing to impose a harsh economic burden on Nigerians through fuel price increases, why is he now hesitant to pay the minimum wage? We urge the president to reconsider his stance and prioritize the welfare of Nigerian workers, who are already struggling with the consequences of his economic policies.
The Nigerian Government’s claim that the organized labour unions failed to issue a 15-day strike notice is baseless and hypocritical. The government consistently fails to practice what it preaches, ignoring due process and transparency when it suits their interests.
While they accuse the organized labour unions of not following procedure, they forget that a few months ago they increased legislators’ salaries without notice; approved constituency allowances for themselves, bought SUVs worth N160 million each, while workers suffer.
Not only that, they subsequently approved N10 billion for a car park project without consultation, as well as spending N90 billion on a hall project without transparency.
Unlike in the past, Nigerians will not be deterred by President Bola Amhed Tinubu and APC’s attempts to shift the focus from their own failures. The organized labour unions’ strike action is a response to the government’s persistent disregard for workers’ welfare and the country’s economic woes.
Nigerian working class deserves fair treatment, better working conditions, and a living wage for all workers. In the face of President Tinubu’s repressive underhand tactics NLC/TUC and other allied unions can ill-afford not to continue to stand strong and united until their demands are met.
A thorough review of President Tinubu’s one year in office economic policies have remained grimed, startled, debasing and dehumanizing. As he marks his first year in office, it’s essential to acknowledge the economic realities Nigerians have faced during his tenure. While celebrations are in order, we must also address the stark realities of the economy.
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, prices have skyrocketed, and the purchasing power of Nigerians has significantly decreased. Some examples include: mineral water (1 bottle): N100 to N400; US Dollar: N450 to N1,600, Fuel from N197 to N1000, basket of tomatoes from N15,000 to N150,000, sack of pepper from N10,500 to N135,000, sack of beans from N28,000/N30,000 to N68,000/N75,000, sack of flour from N18,000 to N68,000/N70,000, sack of sugar from N16,500/N17,000 to N78,000, bag of rice from N17,000/18,000 to N83,000/N85,000.
In the same token, A cartoon of noodles has moved astronomically from N4,500/N5,500 to N17,500/N18,500, a kilo of Titus fish from N1,500 to N5,500, a pot of soup from N3,000/N5,000 to N15,000/N20,000, a kilo of semo from N350 to N1,500, while derica cup of Gari: N200 to N700/N800, milo sachet from N30 to N150, carton of vegetable oil (6nos): N34,000 to N69,000, pack of maggi knorr chicken seasoning from N600 to N1,400, toothpaste and margarine butter from N280 and N350 to N1,050 and N1,600, flight from Lagos to Abuja from N65,000 to N180,000, as well as car transport from Abuja to neighbouring states has increased from N6,000 to N22,000.
This is the stack reality President Bola Amhed Tinubu, APC and their layback protagonists don’t want Nigerians and the global community to talk about. Nigerians acknowledge the self-imposed afflictions President Tinubu visited on the nation by the ill-fated “fuel subsidy gone” blunder with the attendant crises.
President Tinubu’s double standard on the economic burden on Nigerians is the tragic underpinning of the nation’s current woes. His recent complaint about the federal government’s inability to pay the organized labour unions minimum wage of N494,000 (Four Hundred And Ninety Four Naira) is a stark contrast to his earlier decision to increase fuel prices from N197 to N1000 without considering the economic burden on Nigerians.
When he implemented the fuel price hike, he didn’t ask Nigerians how they would afford the increased cost. However, now he is concerned about the government’s ability to pay the minimum wage, which is a fundamental right of workers.
This double standard raises questions about the government’s priorities and empathy for the citizens. If the president was willing to impose a harsh economic burden on Nigerians through fuel price increases, why is he now hesitant to pay the minimum wage?
We urge the president to reconsider his stance and prioritize the welfare of Nigerian workers, who are already struggling with the consequences of his economic policies. We can’t but urge PBAT/APC administration to address the rising costs of living, inflation, and economic hardship, at the same time commend Nigerian masses for their resilience and hope for a better future.
Ikhide Erasmus contributed this piece via: ikhideluckyerasmus@gmail.com.
