Tariff Increases: “Nigerians Are Subsidising Government Inefficiencies” – Atiku

Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, has criticized recent tariff increases across various services, arguing that they reflect a burden on ordinary Nigerians to subsidize government corruption and inefficiency. Abubakar made these remarks on Tuesday, in a statement issued to commemorate International Workers’ Day.

The former vice president of Nigeria highlighted the plight of Nigerian workers, pointing out that despite government promises of wage increments and improved conditions, these have yet to materialize. Abubakar’s statement reflects growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies, particularly regarding fuel subsidies and the rising cost of living.

“Every dawn unveils renewed hardships and harsh living conditions,” Abubakar stated. He referred to recent incidents where Nigerians spent hours queuing at petrol stations, suggesting that the current government’s policy contradictions are responsible for the ongoing fuel shortages.

Abubakar also noted that the Nigerian government’s approach to subsidy removal was unilateral, lacking consultations with labor representatives. “The continued increase in tariffs in different service offerings without addressing the corruption and inefficiencies in the system only amounts to long-suffering Nigerians subsidising the corruption and inefficiencies in the system,” he added.

The PDP presidential candidate reminded the public of Nigeria’s long history of labor activism, mentioning iconic labor leaders like Pa. Michael Imoudu, Pascal Bafyau, and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. He lamented that workers’ rights have been under siege in recent years, with escalating prices for essential goods and increasing uncertainty.

Abubakar urged the Nigerian government to take note of the International Workers’ Day theme for this year, “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work In a Changing Climate,” and consider the well-being of the country’s workforce in its policies.

“It is my hope that the theme of this year’s Labour Day will inspire the Nigerian government to put the concerns of the Nigerian worker on the front burner,” he said, expressing sympathy for the challenging conditions faced by workers under the current administration.