The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sharply criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, declaring that two years into his tenure, Nigerians have experienced widespread hardship and suffering without any tangible benefits.

In a comprehensive review of the administration’s performance, NLC President Joe Ajaero lamented what he described as a lack of meaningful progress since Tinubu assumed office on May 29, 2023.

“President Tinubu came into office promising bold reforms to steer Nigeria toward economic recovery and prosperity. Yet, two years on, the only thing bold is the level of hardship inflicted on ordinary Nigerians by his policies,” Ajaero said.

Unfulfilled Promises, Worsening Realities

Ajaero criticised Tinubu’s economic agenda, accusing it of recycling discredited neoliberal policies that have historically failed to deliver results. He pointed to the abrupt removal of the petrol subsidy, which saw fuel prices soar from N187 to over N900 per litre, triggering inflation and further eroding the purchasing power of Nigerian workers.

“The subsidy removal was touted as a sacrifice for development. But instead of progress, Nigerians have seen nothing but food insecurity, shuttered businesses, and unbearable transport costs,” he said.

The union also condemned the government’s floating of the naira, which they argue has led to currency instability, increased the cost of imports, and devastated local industries.

“We’ve seen this pattern before—structural adjustments and austerity dressed up as reforms. The outcome is always the same: deeper poverty and greater inequality.”

Mounting Economic Hardship

According to the NLC, real wages have been severely diminished, pensioners are struggling, and over 150 million Nigerians are now classified as multi-dimensionally poor. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) face input cost hikes of over 150%, while wage award arrears remain unpaid.

Although the Federal Government has rolled out compressed natural gas (CNG) buses as a palliative to ease transport burdens, Ajaero dismissed the measure as grossly inadequate and hindered by a lack of infrastructure.

Labour Intimidation and Lack of Dialogue

The NLC accused the Tinubu administration of replacing promised dialogue with labour unions with intimidation and repression.

“Rather than engage workers in genuine dialogue, this government responds with threats, violence, and the criminalisation of protests. Meanwhile, public officials continue to enjoy luxuries funded by the very people they ask to sacrifice.”

Security Crisis Overshadowing Economic Policy

The union also raised alarm over the worsening security situation, warning that the nation’s economic discourse is meaningless in the face of rising insecurity.

“Talking about economic policy while Nigerians are being kidnapped, robbed, and murdered daily is like arguing about interior design in a burning house. Safety and security must come first.”

The NLC lamented that insurgent groups, banditry, and violent crimes have continued to claim lives and destabilise communities, creating an environment that deters investment and undermines public trust.

A Call for Change

Concluding its appraisal, the NLC rejected what it described as “painful reforms without gain,” calling them nothing more than deliberate policies that deepen poverty while enriching a privileged few.“True reform must prioritise the welfare of citizens. Policies that serve foreign creditors, speculators, and the elite at the expense of the people are not reforms—they are betrayals. It’s time this government changed course and placed Nigerians at the heart of its agenda.”