Labour Unions Reject Tinubu’s Midterm Claims
NLC: Tinubu’s Reforms Have Only Deepened Suffering
Organised labour has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s two years in office, describing his economic reforms as a source of mass suffering rather than renewed hope.
In a statement on Thursday, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero said Tinubu’s policies have plunged over 150 million Nigerians into multidimensional poverty, contradicting the President’s assertion that “the worst days are over.”
“Two years later, the only thing bolder than his rhetoric is the magnitude of suffering and hardship his policies have inflicted on workers and ordinary Nigerians,” Ajaero said.
The union leader accused Tinubu of recycling failed neoliberal policies from the past, stating that these experiments have historically benefited only a few while impoverishing the masses.
Key Policies Under Fire
Fuel Subsidy Removal: A Catalyst for Inflation
The removal of fuel subsidies in May 2023 was among Tinubu’s first major economic moves. Petrol prices surged from ₦187 to over ₦600 per litre, triggering widespread inflation.
Although the government claimed the savings would fund development, the NLC argued that Nigerians have seen no tangible benefits, only rising costs, shuttered businesses, and hunger.
“Instead of reinvestment, Nigerians got inflation so vicious that families now skip meals, businesses shutter daily, and transport costs consume workers’ wages,” the NLC stated.
Exchange Rate Unification and Naira Collapse
The administration’s push to unify exchange rates to attract foreign investors has also drawn heavy criticism. Ajaero noted that the naira’s devaluation has worsened inflation and crippled local industries.
“The naira, left to so-called ‘market forces,’ has collapsed in value, turning Nigeria into a bargain basement while local industries suffocate.”
Tinubu Defends Reforms, APC Pushes Back
Presidential Broadcast: “We Are On Course”
In a national address marking his second year in office, Tinubu defended his reforms, citing macroeconomic improvements such as an increase in net external reserves from $4 billion in 2023 to $23 billion in 2024.
He acknowledged the hardship but maintained that Nigeria was on the right path to economic stability under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Today, I proudly affirm that our economic reforms are working. We are building a greater, more economically stable nation.”
APC Labels NLC’s Statement “Superficial and Sponsored”
Reacting to the NLC’s critique, the APC National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, dismissed the union’s statement as biased and lacking substance.
“The NLC failed to engage with real issues. Their evaluation was shallow and politically motivated,” Arodiogbu said.
He maintained that Tinubu’s administration is taking tough, necessary decisions, and history will eventually vindicate him.
Nationwide Labour Leaders Speak Out
Labour leaders from various states echoed the national union’s criticisms, expressing frustration over continued economic hardship, insecurity, and what they see as governmental insensitivity.
Insecurity, Inflation, and Wage Concerns
Gbenga Ekundayo (TUC Lagos): Slammed the subsidy removal and called for support for domestic production. “We need to subsidise production, not consumption.”
Saheed Olayinka (NLC Kwara): Argued the government is “chasing shadows,” with food insecurity and a weakening naira worsening.
Sabiu Barau (TUC Bauchi): Highlighted poor power supply and rising cost of living. “The new ₦70,000 minimum wage is not enough.”
Sunny James (NLC Akwa Ibom): Demanded “practical evidence” of Tinubu’s impact, questioning employment and security progress.
Gideon Akaa (TUC Benue): Dismissed claims of improvement. “Inflation, insecurity, and high electricity tariffs persist.”
Suleiman Ayuba (NLC Kaduna): Criticised the lack of action, stating, “We want to see results, not just promises.”
Sanusi Maigatari (NLC Jigawa): Rejected the notion that “the worst days are over” due to rising hunger and inflation.
Chigaemezu Nwigwe (NLC Imo): Pointed to poor implementation of the new wage structure.
Laye Julius (TUC Bayelsa): Questioned rising debt, insecurity, and unemployment.
Tinubu’s Palliatives and Policy Gaps
Government Responses and Labour’s Counterpoints
The administration has introduced several measures to ease hardship, including:
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses to reduce transportation costs.
Direct cash transfers and food distribution to vulnerable citizens.
However, labour leaders argue these efforts are inadequate and poorly implemented.
“The CNG initiative is hampered by severe gas infrastructure deficits,” the NLC noted.
Additionally, union officials highlighted unpaid wage awards, intimidation of union leaders, and disregard for court rulings, branding the government’s approach as increasingly authoritarian.
Labour Demands Shift in Policy Focus
Calls for Production-Based Economy and Inclusive Governance
Labour leaders have called for a shift toward a production-driven economy and improved government transparency. They urged a renewed focus on:
Strengthening local manufacturing and agriculture.
Improving research and development links between academia and industry.
Ensuring equitable burden-sharing by the political class.
Enhancing worker welfare through fair minimum wage structures.
“The government must stop asking citizens to tighten belts while politicians live in luxury,” one official said.
Conclusion: A Divided Nation on Tinubu’s Midterm Record
As Tinubu marks two years in office, Nigerians remain deeply divided over his administration’s performance. While the government highlights macroeconomic gains and infrastructure projects, labour unions and ordinary citizens point to deepening poverty, worsening insecurity, and rising living costs as proof that Nigeria’s worst days may not yet be over.
