CHRICED Backs the NLC’s Planned Warning Strike and Protest, Calls on Citizens to Denounce Anti-People Policies

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) wholeheartedly supports the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)’s upcoming two-day nationwide warning strike to protest the economic hardship that Nigerians have faced as a result of the Tinubu Administration’s anti-people economic policies since its inception on May 29, 2023. The strike is necessary at this time because the APC-led federal government and the 36 state governors have consistently demonstrated an unimaginable level of insensitivity to the well-being of Nigerians who are suffering from multi-dimensional poverty, acute hunger, and economic misery as a result of the current administration’s poorly thought-out policies of fuel subsidy removal and the floating of the Naira in the foreign exchange market.

Over the last nine months, Nigeria’s economy has suffered a dramatic deterioration under the leadership of a man who claimed to have spent over 35 years preparing for the presidency. This economic decline is very worrying, since the administration has failed to address the negative consequences of its poorly implemented macroeconomic policies. President Tinubu’s careless attitude to addressing the economic issues resulting from his unilateral and sudden withdrawal of fuel subsidies and currency devaluation, which lacks effective mitigating plans, is depressing.

It is instructive to remind President Tinubu and his advisors that their actions have wiped out the middle class from Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. In addition, the prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed to a point where ordinary Nigerians can no longer afford them. The quality of life and standard of living for Nigerians are rapidly deteriorating due to the unbearably high cost of living. Amidst these economic hardships, the political elite continue to live lavishly at the expense of the public, while urging the masses to endure the hardships of living in multidimensional poverty.

Furthermore, it is crucial to highlight that the ongoing inflationary pattern in the nation is mainly due to escalating costs rather than heightened demand. Despite the government’s assertion of a severe food scarcity, the reality is that food and other vital goods essential for survival are available in reasonable quantities. The core issue lies in the citizens’ lack of funds or purchasing power to obtain these essential goods. Following the elimination of fuel subsidies on petrol, the prices of domestic manufactured products have been steadily rising due to increased production and transportation expenses, directly impacting the final cost of consumer goods. In the case of imported items, the devaluation of the Naira against major currencies, especially the US Dollar, has resulted in price increases. The government’s insensitive approach of consistently raising import duties has further worsened the situation. Given that the economy heavily depends on imports to fulfill basic consumption requirements, this factor alone is adequate to trigger inflation.

Given the above, CHRICED urges all Nigerians, regardless of age or gender, to turn out in large numbers on the 27th and 28th of February in solidarity with the NLC’s commendable call to protest the pervasive poverty in the land. We call on Nigerians, employed and unemployed, young or old to take a stand and be counted on the side of history. Dare to win back the soul of our beloved country!

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!