2023-10-01 17:03:37
Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced on Sunday a temporary increase in the minimum wage for the lowest paid workers and cheaper public transport, to offset the impact of his recent economic reforms. These announcements come just two days before the country’s two main unions plan to launch a strike announced as “indefinite” to protest once morest the rising costs of living, particularly transport.
End of fuel subsidies
These costs increased following what Tinubu, who came to power in May, ended old subsidies on fuel, and due to the liberalization of the naira, the national currency, which led to a sharp devaluation.
Reform may be painful, but it is what greatness and the future demand
The government says the reforms are necessary to revive Africa’s largest economy, and investors have applauded them, but Nigerians are enduring a tripling of gasoline prices and inflation now at 25 percent.
“Reform can be painful, but it is what greatness and the future demand,” the president said on Saturday, during a broadcast marking the 63rd anniversary of the country’s independence. “There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shouldering burdens that should have been abandoned years ago. I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure them if we want a better future,” he added.
No reaction from the unions
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT today restated his administration’s commitment to eliminating poverty, terrorism and all forms of criminality in Nigeria.
Already, the Nigerian leader who is also Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said… pic.twitter.com/xUFhBKveXE
— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) September 30, 2023
Bola Tinubu announced that following discussions with the unions et employers, the federal minimum wage for the least skilled workers would increase by 25,000 naira per month ($32) over the next six months.
The government will also accelerate the introduction of gas-powered buses for public transport, which might reduce prices. And social security cash transfers for the poor will be expanded.
The two major unions, the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which represent the professions of teaching, banking, aviation and even nurses, called for an indefinite strike on Tuesday from October 3, judging their demands not taken into account. They did not immediately react to the president’s announcements.
A former Lagos governor elected in February in a disputed election, Tinubu has promised to attract more investment to Nigeria and tackle the country’s security challenges. He also seeks to influence the central bank, whose ex-governor was arrested et replaced.
With AFP
1696188714
#Faced #galloping #inflation #Nigeria #Bola #Tinubu #calm #anger #Jeune #Afrique
