In a bid to prevent an impending nationwide strike, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu announced a series of measures on Sunday, coinciding with the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary. These measures include a temporary wage increase for government workers, an income subsidy for 15 million impoverished households, and the suspension of a value-added tax on diesel.
President Tinubu addressed the nation, acknowledging the significance of the day and praising Nigeria’s founding fathers for their resilience and determination to achieve independence. He emphasised that their efforts had given rise to the sovereign and independent nation that Nigeria is today.
“I commend our founding fathers and mothers,” President Tinubu stated. “Without them, there would be no modern Nigeria. Their activism, dedication, and leadership breathed life into the belief in Nigeria as a sovereign and independent nation.”
Tinubu went on to highlight the diversity of Nigeria, with its various ethnic groups, religions, traditions, and cultures, while emphasising the unifying ideals of tolerance and justice that bind the nation together.
However, the recent economic reforms implemented by President Tinubu’s administration, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and foreign exchange restrictions, have led to soaring living costs and sparked anger among labour unions. In response to these concerns and the looming strike threat, President Tinubu unveiled several measures:
- Government workers will receive an additional 25,000 naira ($32) per month for the next six months, though this falls short of the 200,000 naira demanded by unions. The move aims to prevent double-digit inflation, bringing the lowest-paid government worker’s monthly wage to 55,000 naira, up from 30,000 naira.
- Poor households will receive a three-month subsidy of 25,000 naira per month to alleviate their financial burdens.
- A temporary pause in the value-added tax on diesel for the same three-month period.
- The introduction of mass transit buses running on compressed natural gas to address environmental and transportation concerns
President Tinubu defended these reforms as essential steps to put Africa’s largest economy on a path to recovery, despite the hardships they have caused. He urged Nigerians to endure these difficulties for the sake of a brighter future.
Furthermore, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and the safety and security of Nigerian citizens. He praised the security forces, the legislature, and the judiciary for their roles in upholding these principles since independence.
President Tinubu pledged to continue promoting inclusivity in national appointments, emphasising the involvement of women, youth, and the physically challenged. He called upon all Nigerians to work together to honour the legacy of the nation’s founding fathers and ensure the prosperity and well-being of all citizens.