Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, saying Nigerian workers have faced worsening economic conditions despite promises of improved welfare.
In a statement on Friday to mark Workers’ Day, Atiku said the “renewed hope” agenda of the government has translated into hardship for many Nigerians.
“I write not with celebration in my heart, but with grief for the Nigerian worker who was promised renewed hope and received instead renewed hardship,” he said.
Atiku said workers across sectors continue to struggle with rising living costs and declining purchasing power.
He accused the government of prioritising revenue generation over the welfare of citizens.
“The Nigerian worker… has been the primary victim of an administration that is far more interested in increasing revenue than improving lives,” he said.
He also criticised the implementation of the fuel subsidy removal policy.
While acknowledging that subsidy removal was necessary, Atiku said the government failed to put measures in place to cushion its impact.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy was a necessary step, but it was recklessly executed,” he said.
He said the decision, announced at inauguration without preparation, triggered a sharp rise in fuel prices, transportation costs, and food prices.
“At no point were safety nets or transition plans put in place to protect ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
Atiku added that although the policy freed up significant funds, there is little evidence that the savings have improved the lives of citizens.
“Trillions were saved, but nothing was felt by the people,” he said.
He questioned how the funds have been utilised, alleging that a large portion is being channelled into projects that do not directly benefit the public.
Atiku said the situation has deepened hardship for workers and called for a more people-centred approach to governance.
