Atiku slams Tinubu reforms, says Nigerian workers bear hardship

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has delivered a scathing critique of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, declaring that Nigerian workers are grappling with “renewed hardship” rather than the promised economic relief nearly three years into the current government.

In a strongly worded Labour Day message, Atiku said he marked the occasion “not with celebration, but with grief,” describing the condition of workers as a direct consequence of policy choices by the administration.

“‘Renewed Hope’ promised a departure from suffering,” he said. “Today, what was renewed was not hope, but hardship.”

Subsidy removal “necessary but recklessly executed”
Atiku acknowledged that fuel subsidy removal was long overdue but faulted its implementation.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy was necessary,” he said. “But the manner was irresponsible and callous.”

He argued that the abrupt decision triggered immediate economic shocks.

“Transportation costs doubled and tripled overnight. The cost of food and basic goods hit the roof,” he said, adding that the government failed to provide “safety nets” or a transition plan for citizens.

“Trillions were ostensibly saved, but nothing gained by the people,” he stated.

Questions over spending and transparency
The former vice president raised concerns over how savings from subsidy removal have been utilised, alleging that funds have not translated into tangible benefits for citizens.

“Nigerians were right to ask: Where has this saved money gone?” he said, pointing to what he described as “opaque mega-projects” and warning that public resources risk being diverted from critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Naira float worsened workers’ hardship
On exchange rate reforms, Atiku said the floating of the naira further eroded workers’ purchasing power.

“For the Nigerian worker, this collapse was devastating,” he said. “Imported goods became unaffordable, businesses shut down leading to job losses.”

He maintained that reforms were introduced “without a credible foreign exchange supply strategy,” resulting in what he described as a “catastrophic free fall” of the currency.

Tax reforms “burdening the poor”
Atiku also criticised ongoing tax reforms, arguing that they disproportionately affect struggling Nigerians.

“Increasing taxes during an economic crisis is not fiscal responsibility. It is an act of cruelty masquerading as policy,” he said.

According to him, government should focus on expanding economic productivity rather than “squeezing the people harder.”

Rising debt, limited impact
He further faulted the administration’s borrowing strategy, noting that increased revenues have not translated into improved living conditions.

“Increased revenues plus increased borrowing should translate into increased development,” he said. “Instead, we see a population sinking deeper into poverty. The arithmetic simply does not add up.”

Call for alternative economic path
Atiku reiterated his campaign proposal for a large-scale economic stimulus, arguing that targeted investments could have created jobs and softened the impact of reforms.

“A stimulus would have lifted millions out of poverty and ignited economic activity,” he said.

“Workers deserve better”
Addressing Nigerian workers directly, he said: “You are not invisible. Your suffering is not a statistic.”

He added that workers “did not vote for impoverishment” but for improved living standards, urging a shift toward people-centred governance.

“The Nigerian worker deserves genuine renewal not as a slogan, but as a lived reality,” Atiku said.