By Peace Udugba
Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what he described as worsening living conditions for Nigerian workers under the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
In a statement marking the 2026 International Workers’ Day on Friday, Atiku said the occasion, which is meant to celebrate the dignity of labour, has instead become a period of hardship for many Nigerian workers facing rising inflation and declining purchasing power.
He said: “As we mark this year’s commemoration, I write not with celebration in my heart, but with grief for the Nigerian worker who was promised renewed hope and received instead renewed hardship.”
Atiku described the government’s “Renewed Hope” slogan as a betrayal of public trust, alleging that it has failed to improve the welfare of citizens.
He argued that workers—including teachers, nurses, civil servants, artisans, and factory employees—have borne the brunt of poor policy implementation.
He also criticised the removal of fuel subsidy, saying it was implemented without adequate preparation or social protection, which led to increased transport fares, food prices, and general cost of living.
“The price of fuel skyrocketed. Transportation costs doubled and tripled overnight,” he said, adding that workers were left without a safety net.
Atiku further questioned the management of funds saved from subsidy removal, alleging that the resources have not translated into meaningful relief for Nigerians, and also raised concerns about the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.
He urged the government to review its economic policies and prioritise the welfare of citizens, stressing that good governance should be measured by the wellbeing of ordinary people.
According to him, continued hardship could further erode public trust in government policies.
