MILLIONS of Nigerian civil servants in African most populous nation who depend on less than $20 (N35,000) monthly salaries have sent save-our-souls cry to President Bola AhmedTinubu’s administration to fulfill his minimum wage increase promise.
After the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration at his inauguration in 2023, Mr. Tinubu made a promise to increase federal workers’ wages from N35,000 to N70,000 that is yet to be implemented two years after.
Mr. Yusuf Alhasan, a level 7 officer in the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, said he has been struggling to cope with the soaring cost of living.
The Human Cost of Economic Reforms
Alhasan’s 10-year marriage to Mrs. Alhasan Amina has reportedly crashed due to the economic strain. “We used to buy a bag of rice for N35,000 before Tinubu came to power.
“The president promised to increase our minimum wage to N70,000 naira that wouldn’t even buy a bag of rice presently because the naira purchasing power has crashed, coupled with the fact that the N35,000 minimum wage is not regular,” Alhasan lamented.
A Cry from the Ranks
Other federal civil servants in the Ministry of Works and Education, Mr. Abiodun Ojodu and Mrs. Voke Churchill, share similar sentiments. They believe President Tinubu’s administration policies are anti-people, leaving millions of Nigerians struggling to make ends meet, many federal government members of staff told Standarddailypress.com in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration has implemented significant economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and unification of foreign exchange rates, aimed at stabilizing the Nigerian economy. However, these policies have led to a sharp increase in the cost of living, causing hardship for many Nigerians, particularly civil servants.
Fuel Subsidy Removal
The removal of fuel subsidies has led to a significant increase in fuel prices, from N187 to over N920 per liter, triggering widespread inflation.
Inflation and Purchasing Power
Inflation has soared to 33.69%, eroding incomes and making it difficult for Nigerians to afford basic necessities. The naira’s depreciation has further reduced purchasing power.
Unemployment and Poverty
The unemployment rate remains high, with many Nigerians struggling to make ends meet. The World Bank estimates that over 24 million Nigerians fell into poverty between May 2023 and May 2024.
Government’s Response
The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration has emphasized has been struggling at stimulating economic growth, improving fiscal management, and fostering investment.
Conditional Cash Transfers
The government has introduced conditional cash transfers to vulnerable populations, but critics argue that these measures have been insufficient and ineffective.
New Minimum Wage
The government has proposed a new minimum wage of N70,000, but labour unions have rejected this offer, demanding N250,000.
Criticism and Concerns:
The labour unions have strongly criticized President Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as a source of mass suffering rather than renewed hope.
Many Nigerians are struggling to cope with the economic hardship, with some even experiencing marital strain due to financial difficulties. Critics argue that the government’s policies have neglected social welfare and exacerbated insecurity, further worsening the economic situation.
The Economic Reality
The removal of fuel subsidies has led to sharp increase in fuel prices. Petrol prices jumped from N198 to N540 per liter and are now sold between N875 and N920 per liter.
The policy has ignites inflation and public unrest as many Nigerians are grappling with the high cost of living, and the promised benefits of subsidy removal remain elusive.
The development has sparked skepticism about President Tinubu’s intentions, while the citizens are questioning the government’s ability to manage funds effectively, redirecting savings toward infrastructure and social programs.
The Future of Tinubu’s Policies
The success of these reforms hinges on effective execution, transparency, and support for vulnerable populations. If well-implemented, they could lead to a more stable economy, better infrastructure, and increased foreign investments. However, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether these policies will lead to prosperity or deepen economic struggles.
