On the occasion of International Workers’ Day, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) expressed their concerns about the difficult conditions faced by Nigerians and workers under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In separate statements, the Head of Information and Public Affairs of NLC, Benson Upah, and TUC President Festus Osifo highlighted the economic hardships caused by high inflation, foreign exchange crisis, food inflation, and energy crisis.
Upah specifically pointed out that life has significantly worsened under Tinubu’s government.
According to Upah, the removal of fuel subsidy, the continuous crisis of the Naira in the foreign exchange market, and the increase in electricity tariffs are policies implemented by the Tinubu government that have further exacerbated the economic hardships faced by Nigerians and workers.
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The NLC spokesperson urged President Tinubu to reconsider these policies in order to improve the lives of Nigerian workers.
Upah emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that life has been extremely difficult for workers in the past year, with no signs of improvement.
The government’s decision to impose a new energy tariff of 250 percent has added to the burden faced by workers, while their overall situation remains unchanged.
The devaluation of the Naira, as a result of the aforementioned policies, has led to a significant decrease in its value by approximately 200 percent.
Inflation currently stands at 33.2 percent, with food inflation reaching a minimum of 40 percent. These policies, which Upah suspects may be influenced by external forces, are detrimental to the well-being of the country.
