Holes in Tinubu’s Independence Day Speech

President Bola Tinubu has again failed to provide specifics on his administration’s response to the hardship Nigerians are facing following the removal of fuel subsidy.

Development Diaries reports that in his first Independence Day anniversary speech, Tinubu urged Nigerians to put up with the hardships brought on by the removal of the fuel subsidy.

‘Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation’, he said.

‘For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional N25,000 per month’.

Though the air has been cleared on the N25,000 which is now applicable to workers across board, the president has left Nigerians asking this question: what happens after six months?

Part of the demands of the organised labour included a 200 percent wage award to workers to cushion the subsidy removal effect.

The organised labour is demanding an impactful set of palliatives that could truly alleviate the suffering of workers.

However, based on Tinubu’s speech, it appears the government cannot afford a 100 percent increase in minimum wage, as the presidency announced new palliative measures that are far from what labour unions are demanding.

What is yet to be understood is, at what point will it start? Would there be a new appropriation to cater to this? Where will the money come from?

The president also made mention of the provision of compressed natural gas (CNG) buses across the nation which will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares.

However, he did not state specifically when these buses would arrive. No date was given – just blank promises as usual.

In his first Democracy Day speech, Tinubu urged Nigerians to bear the effects of the subsidy removal in order to save the country from going under. The speech followed loads of promises with little implementation.

The same has been observed in his first independence anniversary speech.

Development Diaries calls on President Tinubu to match promises with immediate action as millions of Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable citizens, continue to lose purchasing power.

Photo source: Bola Tinubu

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
WhatsApp

About the Author