Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira have aggravated hardship and worsened the living conditions of Nigerians.
Makinde, who was represented by Hon. Babatunde Tijani at the unveiling of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) governorship, senatorial, and House of Assembly candidates in Abeokuta on Monday, said Nigeria requires a comprehensive reset of its economy, security architecture and governance system.
Makinde, who is the APM’s presidential candidate, argued that while economic reforms may be necessary, they should not be implemented without adequate measures to cushion their effects on ordinary citizens.
According to him, the federal government ought to have prioritised the welfare of Nigerians before introducing policies that have significantly increased the cost of living.
He said, “We have to reset Nigeria in every respect; our economy, our security and the overall well-being of our people. Before now, many Nigerians could sleep with both eyes closed because they felt relatively safe. Can we honestly say that is still the situation today?”
Makinde maintained that the simultaneous removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira placed enormous pressure on households and businesses.
“A responsible government should not remove fuel subsidies without first putting adequate palliative measures in place to cushion the impact on ordinary citizens. Instead, subsidy was removed, and at the same time the naira was floated, placing additional economic pressure on Nigerians.
“No country should implement such far-reaching economic policies simultaneously without considering their consequences for the people,” he said.
The governor lamented the rising cost of living, noting that many Nigerians could no longer afford basic necessities.
“Today, many Nigerians cannot afford three square meals a day. Compare the price of fuel before with what it is today, and the hardship facing citizens becomes obvious.
