National Secretary, The Collective Movement (TCM) Nassir Aminu says the increasing hardship in Nigeria is a stark indication that the Federal Government seems more focused on retaining power at all costs than on alleviating the suffering of its citizens.
Aminu, who spoke in an interview with 108scoop.com, said that the recent hike in fuel prices is unjustifiable and sends a deeply negative message to Nigerians.
”This is a nation where crude oil belongs to the people, yet the government’s deliberate neglect in reviving our refineries raises serious concerns. What other interests are being served, and why are the refineries not being made functional?
”Each day brings news of more financial burdens. Whether it’s from the Federal Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), or other agencies, Nigerians are bombarded with new taxes.
”Most recently, we saw the news that the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage has been pegged at an astronomical N10 million, largely due to the naira’s exchange rate against the dollar, now at N1,650 to the dollar. Disturbingly, projections suggest this cost could rise even further by 2025.
”In addition, the government has raised the fees for driver’s licenses to N15,000 for three years and N21,000 for five years. Similarly, the CBN has imposed a National Cyber security levy of 0.005%.
”These relentless taxes and fee hikes, without corresponding increases in the services or benefits that would ease the financial strain on citizens, clearly demonstrate a lack of care for the people’s welfare,” Aminu said.
The National Secretary of TCM, noted that the Federal Government agreed to increase the minimum wage to N77,000, but after nearly a year, this promise has yet to materialize, adding that even if implemented, N77,000 can barely buy a bag of rice in today’s economy in Nigeria.
”This is far from enough to meet the basic needs of Nigerians, but the bigger issue is the continued delay in its implementation.
”Moreover, the long-awaited local government autonomy, which could help alleviate some of the problems at the grassroots level, remains blocked by many state governors.
”Without this autonomy, local governments are unable to effectively address the issues facing the people they serve.
”If we continue down this path, without immediate and meaningful action, the consequences will be dire.
”The rising hardship has already led to widespread insecurity, with homes no longer safe, especially in rural areas. In the Northwest, many communities have been displaced due to poor governance and worsening insecurity.”
Aminu, however, said: ”We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to reconsider its harmful policies. The people suffering today are the very ones who voted this administration into power. It is crucial to take swift and decisive action to reverse these trends for the sake of the nation’s stability and the well-being of its citizens.”
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The increasing hardship in Nigeria is a stark indication that the Federal Government seems more focused on retaining power at all costs than on alleviating the suffering of its citizens. The recent hike in fuel prices is not only unjustifiable but also sends a deeply negative message to Nigerians. This is a nation where crude oil belongs to the people, yet the government’s deliberate neglect in reviving our refineries raises serious concerns. What other interests are being served, and why are the refineries not being made functional?
Each day brings news of more financial burdens. Whether it’s from the Federal Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), or other agencies, Nigerians are bombarded with new taxes. Most recently, we saw the news that the cost of the Hajj pilgrimage has been pegged at an astronomical N10 million, largely due to the naira’s exchange rate against the dollar, now at N1,650 to the dollar. Disturbingly, projections suggest this cost could rise even further by 2025.
In addition, the government has raised the fees for driver’s licenses to N15,000 for three years and N21,000 for five years. Similarly, the CBN has imposed a National Cyber security levy of 0.005%. These relentless taxes and fee hikes, without corresponding increases in the services or benefits that would ease the financial strain on citizens, clearly demonstrate a lack of care for the people’s welfare.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government agreed to increase the minimum wage to N77,000, but after nearly a year, this promise has yet to materialize. Even if implemented, N77,000 can barely buy a bag of rice in today’s economy. This is far from enough to meet the basic needs of Nigerians, but the bigger issue is the continued delay in its implementation.
Moreover, the long-awaited local government autonomy, which could help alleviate some of the problems at the grassroots level, remains blocked by many state governors. Without this autonomy, local governments are unable to effectively address the issues facing the people they serve.
If we continue down this path, without immediate and meaningful action, the consequences will be dire. The rising hardship has already led to widespread insecurity, with homes no longer safe, especially in rural areas. In the Northwest, many communities have been displaced due to poor governance and worsening insecurity.
We urge the Federal Government of Nigeria to reconsider its harmful policies. The people suffering today are the very ones who voted this administration into power. It is crucial to take swift and decisive action to reverse these trends for the sake of the nation’s stability and the well-being of its citizens.
Nassir Aminu
National Secretary, The Collective Movement (TCM)
9th October, 2024
