Atiku knocks Tinubu government over workers’ plight

…Calls Subsidy Removal “Callous and Poorly Handled”

ABUJA – Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over what he described as worsening hardship for Nigerian workers, accusing the government of betraying the promise of “Renewed Hope” and deepening economic suffering.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Friday to mark the 2026 Workers’ Day, Atiku said the occasion should ordinarily be a moment to celebrate the dignity of labour, but insisted that Nigerian workers are currently burdened by economic hardship and unfulfilled promises.

He said the slogan “Renewed Hope,” which formed the basis of the 2023 election campaign, has instead translated into “renewed hardship” for millions of Nigerians.

“A slogan betrayed. ‘Renewed Hope’—those two words carried the dreams of millions of Nigerians who trooped to the polls in 2023,” he wrote.

Atiku argued that workers across different sectors—including teachers, nurses, civil servants, artisans, and factory workers—have borne the brunt of rising inflation, worsening living conditions, and declining purchasing power.

He also revisited the removal of fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary but poorly implemented policy.

According to him, while he had long supported subsidy removal in principle, the Tinubu administration executed it without adequate preparation, warning that the abrupt decision worsened the cost of living for Nigerians.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy was, in principle, a policy that many, including myself, had long advocated. But the manner in which it was executed was irresponsible and callous,” he said.

He noted that transportation fares, food prices, and general living costs rose sharply immediately after the announcement, leaving workers without any cushioning support.

Atiku further questioned the management of savings from the subsidy removal, arguing that Nigerians have not felt the benefits of the funds generated.

He alleged that instead of being channelled into social services or economic relief programmes, the funds were distributed among tiers of government, with a significant portion reportedly directed toward infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

He described the project as controversial, alleging concerns over procurement transparency and potential conflict of interest.

The former vice president maintained that the hardship facing Nigerian workers reflects deeper governance challenges and called for more transparent and people-focused economic policies.

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