The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies, accusing him of further plunging Nigerians into hardship since assuming office. NLC President Joe Ajaero, in a statement on Tuesday, specifically criticized Tinubu’s administration over the proposed N8,000 monthly cash palliative for the poorest households in Nigeria.

Ajaero described the proposed N8,000 palliative for poor households as insulting and a mockery to Nigerians. He stated that it undermined the collective intelligence of the citizens and mocked their patience and faith in social dialogue. Tinubu had sought $800 million in loans to provide N8,000 per registered home in the National Social Register as palliatives for fuel subsidy removal.

The NLC chair also condemned the federal government’s attempt to pay N70 billion to National Assembly members, calling it a diversion of public funds and an insensitive act. He accused the government of rewarding the rich in public office at the expense of the poor.

In a separate statement, the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) criticized the recent hike in petrol pump prices, which reached N617 per litre in Abuja and N568 in Lagos. The NUJ highlighted the consequent increases in transportation costs and food prices, expressing concern over the hasty implementation of the subsidy removal without adequate measures to cushion its effects.

While the NUJ applauded the decision to remove costly fuel subsidies, they stressed the importance of implementing mitigating measures to alleviate the severe impact on the populace. The union expressed sadness over the current difficulties faced by people in commuting to work and conducting their daily activities due to the sudden surge in petrol prices.

source: Peoples Gazette