Various leaders from Community Development Committees, rights groups, politicians, and concerned Nigerians have expressed their thoughts on the subsidy palliative and economic measures recently announced by President Bola Tinubu.
In his Independence Day address on October 1st, President Tinubu unveiled a plan to increase the monthly wages of low-grade workers by N25,000 over the next six months as a subsidy palliative.
President Tinubu also outlined his administration's strategies to stabilize the country's economy, address inflation, boost production, enhance security, and provide greater support to vulnerable citizens. However, some Nigerians have criticized the N25,000 wage increase, arguing that it is insufficient to alleviate the daily hardships faced by the populace.
According to these critics, Nigerians require interventions that would lead to a reduction in fuel prices, improved road infrastructure, and modernized public transportation systems. Alhaji Lukman Sonibare, the Chairman of the Community Development Committee in Ikorodu LG, Lagos State, believes that the wage increase alone will not alleviate economic hardship. He emphasized the need for improved security, road networks, reduced fuel prices, and an efficient public transportation system to ease the burden on Nigerians.
Chairman Ebenezer Kuponu of Badagry Local Government's Community Development Committee commended President Tinubu for the subsidy palliative but pointed out that it is insufficient to address the current hardship, especially for pensioners and private sector workers. Kuponu stressed the importance of job creation, reducing fuel prices, and fixing the nation's deteriorating roads.
Pastor Bassey James, Convener of the Southern Youth Development Forum, echoed the sentiment that the announced N25,000 wage increase is inadequate to alleviate the severe economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.
Additionally, the Transformation Ambassadors (TTA), a group advocating for positive political change and gender parity, urged President Tinubu to address the looming nationwide strike planned by the NLC/TUC for October 3rd, expressing concern about the potential negative impact on the economy and citizens' well-being.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ahmed Olarewaju Apatira, Executive Chairman of Itire-Ikate LCDA, called upon political and religious leaders, regardless of their affiliations, to collaborate in rebuilding the nation for future generations. Dr. Apatira commended President Tinubu's economic interventions and encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful despite the economic challenges, emphasizing the importance of unity, commitment, sacrifice, hard work, and patriotism in overcoming these challenges. He expressed confidence that Nigeria would emerge stronger and more prosperous as long as its citizens remained dedicated to building a democratic nation with opportunities for all.
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