₦airaland Forum

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the economic direction of President Bola Tinubu, saying Nigerian workers are bearing the brunt of policies that have deepened hardship nationwide.

In a workers’ day statement on Friday on his X handle, Atiku said the 2026 commemoration was marked not by celebration but by deep reflection on the worsening condition of the Nigerian worker.

“This year’s Workers’ Day is not a moment of joy for millions of Nigerians.

“It is a painful reminder of broken promises and a growing burden placed on the shoulders of those who keep this country running,” he said.

Atiku aimed at the administration’s economic reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, which he described as necessary but poorly executed.

“Let me be clear: the removal of fuel subsidy was inevitable and long overdue.

“However, its implementation by this administration was hasty, unstructured, and devoid of the necessary safeguards to protect ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

According to him, the immediate aftermath of the policy saw a sharp rise in the cost of living, with transportation, food prices, and basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for workers.

“What we have witnessed is a dramatic surge in the cost of living without any commensurate increase in wages or meaningful support systems.

“The Nigerian worker has been left to absorb shocks that should have been mitigated by responsible governance,” he added.

The former presidential candidate also questioned the management of funds saved from the subsidy removal, arguing that many Nigerians have yet to see tangible benefits.

“Trillions of naira have reportedly been saved, yet the average Nigerian cannot point to a single aspect of their lives that has improved as a result.

“This raises serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and priorities,” he said.

He further called on the Federal Government to adopt policies that directly ease the burden on workers, including wage adjustments, targeted social interventions, and investments in critical sectors such as healthcare and education.

“Economic reforms must be people-centred. Growth that does not translate into improved living conditions for workers is neither inclusive nor sustainable,” Atiku added.

Reaffirming his solidarity with Nigerian workers, Atiku urged the government to listen to their concerns and act decisively.

“On this Workers’ Day, I stand in solidarity with every Nigerian worker.

“Their resilience is remarkable, but resilience should not be mistaken for endurance of endless hardship. The time to act is now,” he added.

Workers’ Day, celebrated annually on May 1, honours the contributions of workers and the labour movement.

In Nigeria, it has increasingly become a platform to highlight economic challenges and call for improved welfare and working conditions.

LagosOrigin:
Tinubu didn't even send the Nigerian workers . He didn't address them to give them hope atleast.

That man is so selfish and wicked

We must kick him out in 2027

Wizardslayer:
Atiku you're right, but be calming down..

Only you want to utilise Northern turn and Southern turn.

Please support other candidates to utilise their own turn. IT'S SOUTHERN TURN.

Tenses:
Did that slowpoke of a president address Nigeria workers today?

Tenses:
You mean Mr. President did not address Nigeria workers today?

treesun:
https://punchng.com/workers-day-reflects-broken-promises-growing-burden-atiku/

APC EXPOSING APC 😂 pic.twitter.com/wd7RhRUsxS

— BLESSED 🥷 (@Dee_9889) May 1, 2026

APC EXPOSING APC 😂 pic.twitter.com/wd7RhRUsxS

— BLESSED 🥷 (@Dee_9889) May 1, 2026

treesun:
https://punchng.com/workers-day-reflects-broken-promises-growing-burden-atiku/

lapintoz:
Why not tell the governor of your state to set up Alpha Bravo and be collecting 70%.......maybe, just maybe it will stop the night bus exodus from Africa 😁😁😁.....just thinking ni o

Gotocourt:
Tinubu destroyed Nigeria with his Baba sope style of politics

ablejesus26:
Oga rest nothing like turn again.
Tpain has scattered everything with his muslim-muslim ticket.

ADC is the only way out of this tpain unimaginable mess.

Saving Nigeria from tpain's onslaught is the only thing that makes sense.

MrSly:
When data bit hallucinate and say that Atiku is working for tinubu. Sometimes Atiku wants to prove them right. Atiku does not have the support of the masses. The only thing that would land him to presidency is good will he will receive for supporting PO for this one remaining term of the South. If he focuses on his greed for power then he should prepare to forget about being nigerian president for life.

WorkTheTalk:
The defender of a thief is a thief, too.