By Charles Adingupu
As Nigerians struggle to grapple with the harsh realities occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo has decried the rising cost of governance
The TUC President who made this declaration on Channels TV’s programme, Politics Today, also blamed the current hardships being experienced by Nigerians on the flamboyant life style of politicians.
Comrade Osifo noted in dismay that amid the biting effects of subsidy removal, government officials still go about with what he described as “endless convoys.” He noted that under the prevailing circumstances
government officials have not demonstrated cost reduction.
Osifo who also stated that Nigerian workers were at the receiving end of government ineptitude, disclosed that Labour currently proposed #200,000 as the new minimum wage from #30,000 because it anticipated that the government would float the Naira and allow market forces to determine its exchange rate.
Against this backdrop, the TUC President posited that the dwelling value of the Nigeria’s currency, Naira has made the #30,000 almost nonsensical.
His words:”#30,000 five years ago when the minimum wage was last reviewed has so far reduced with mounting inflation rates, soaring food prices and transport fare.”
Osifo criticized the ostentatious display of materialism by Nigerian politicians in the midst of abject poverty and deprivation.
“Today, we still import all manner of cars from different parts of the world into Nigeria mostly by our politicians”, he said.
He, however, urged the current administration led by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to endeavor to encourage the manufacturing sector to cushion the effects of the unwholesome practice and encourage local manufacturers and assembly plants.
