Tinubu’s Two Years Brought Only Hardship, Not Hope — NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s administration, stating that two years into his tenure, Nigerian workers and the general public are experiencing greater suffering, not progress.

In a statement evaluating the administration’s performance since it assumed office, NLC President Joe Ajaero said there has been little to cheer about. 

He noted that instead of the promised economic revival, citizens have been met with worsening poverty and instability.

“When President Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023, he spoke of bold reforms that would reposition Nigeria for growth,” Ajaero said. 

“But two years later, the reality is that his policies have caused unprecedented hardship. Rather than offering fresh hope, his government has merely revived discredited economic strategies that continue to fail the country.”

He highlighted the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy as one of the most damaging decisions so far, which caused fuel prices to surge from N187 to over N600 per litre. 

Though the government argued it would redirect resources toward national development, the NLC said Nigerians have seen no such benefit.

“Instead of improved infrastructure or public welfare, citizens have been hit by soaring inflation, businesses are shutting down, and transportation costs have crippled household incomes,” Ajaero said. 

“The naira’s collapse has further worsened the situation, as local producers face imported inflation while neighbouring countries benefit from Nigeria’s economic chaos.”

He also criticized the administration’s reliance on economic measures backed by institutions like the IMF, saying previous experiences have shown that such policies only deepen inequality and leave millions worse off.

“Once again, we’re seeing the same playbook: subsidy removals, currency devaluation, and austerity—all presented as necessary steps for progress. But history shows these only serve the interests of a few while plunging the majority into deeper poverty. This administration’s version has been especially brutal, with increased repression and rising public outrage.”

According to the NLC, the nation’s workers have seen their earnings lose value, while pensioners and small business owners are struggling under immense pressure from rising costs. 

Over 150 million Nigerians are now considered multi-dimensionally poor, it added.

The Congress further accused the government of failing to honour wage commitments and of using intimidation tactics against union leaders. 

Promises of dialogue, it said, have been replaced with threats and attacks on peaceful protests.

“The only government effort worth mentioning is the introduction of CNG buses, intended to ease transportation difficulties. But that project remains insufficient due to poor gas infrastructure,” Ajaero noted.

He also condemned what he described as the government’s hypocrisy—calling for sacrifices from citizens while leaders live in excess.

“Public officials continue to enjoy lavish perks, travel in long convoys, and misuse state funds, even as hunger spreads and factories shut their doors. While workers demand a fair wage, they’re met with violence and suppression.”

The NLC questioned who truly benefits from the current economic direction. “It’s certainly not the average Nigerian who struggles to feed or move around,” the union said. 

“The real beneficiaries are the oil magnates, currency traders, political elites with foreign accounts, and global financial institutions pushing flawed policies.”

On the state of the economy, Ajaero argued that real performance should be measured by how citizens feel—not by manipulated statistics. 

He added that rising insecurity across the country makes discussions about economic reform seem irrelevant in the face of widespread violence and kidnappings.

“In a country where safety is no longer guaranteed, talking about economic growth is like debating home décor while the house is burning,” he said. 

“The fear of abductions and violence looms over everything, making the already harsh economic reality even worse.”