Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized President Bola Tinubu's economic policies, accusing the administration of making life "painfully expensive" and demanding an immediate increase in Nigeria's minimum wage. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, speaking through his campaign director, Phrank Shaibu, condemned the government's "ruthless economic squeeze," where workers face rising costs despite nominal wage hikes. Atiku specifically targeted Tinubu's removal of the petrol subsidy, which he said triggered inflation and left families struggling to afford basic necessities.
Atiku's remarks come amid growing pressure from labor unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has called for a review of the ₦70,000 national minimum wage. The former VP argued that the increase from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000 failed to offset soaring prices, with petrol alone consuming nearly the entire monthly wage. "The payslip has grown, but the fuel it can buy has more than halved," Atiku stated, accusing Tinubu of "governing with a flimsy umbrella" while workers face the "rain" of economic hardship.
The ADC candidate highlighted that Nigeria's minimum wage lags behind regional peers. Using exchange rates from July 2026, he noted that Libya, Algeria, and Gabon have higher minimum wages in local currency, underscoring the inadequacy of ₦70,000 for a worker facing current inflation rates. "The Nigerian worker is the engine of this country’s productive life, yet Tinubu expects that engine to run without fuel," Atiku said, emphasizing the disconnect between policy and lived reality.
Atiku criticized the government's approach to cost-of-living challenges, arguing that wage increases are rendered meaningless by rising prices. He pointed to the ripple effect of petrol costs, which drive up transportation, food, and housing expenses. "The damage extends far beyond the filling station," he said, adding that "government then announces a wage increase and watches those costs swallow it before the month has begun."
NLC President Joe Ajaero echoed these concerns, stating the ₦70,000 minimum wage no longer reflects economic realities. He called for urgent negotiations with federal and state governments to address the gap between wages and living costs. Atiku, meanwhile, pledged to prioritize wage reform if elected, vowing to "raise the wage floor from my first day in office" and implement policies to lower essential costs.
The ADC candidate also outlined plans to support local production and stabilize fuel prices, including targeted subsidies for Nigerian-refined petroleum products. He emphasized the need for transparency, stating that government aid must deliver measurable relief at the pump. "A full treasury is no answer to an empty kitchen," Atiku said, framing a living wage as a "basic right" rather than a privilege.
With eight months left in Tinubu's term, Atiku urged immediate action, warning that workers cannot endure further hardship. "Tinubu has made life painfully expensive. I will make life affordable again," he declared, positioning his campaign as a direct response to the crisis. The former VP's statements reflect broader public frustration with economic mismanagement, as labor leaders and citizens alike demand accountability and tangible solutions.
Atiku's critique aligns with recent calls from the Nigeria Labour Congress and other unions, which have criticized the government's handling of inflation and subsidy removal. His remarks also come amid legal challenges, including a court ruling allowing him to serve Tinubu through substituted means in ongoing litigation. The political landscape remains tense as opposition figures push for systemic reforms.
The ADC candidate's focus on economic equity underscores a key issue in Nigeria's 2023 election cycle, where rising living costs have become a central concern for voters. His campaign has positioned him as a challenger to Tinubu's policies, promising to address the "cruel arithmetic of this cost-of-living crisis" through targeted interventions and fiscal responsibility.
As the debate over minimum wage and economic policy intensifies, Atiku's statements highlight the growing divide between government rhetoric and public experience. His call for immediate action reflects a broader demand for accountability, with workers and unions seeking not just symbolic gestures but concrete measures to alleviate the burden on households.
The ADC's platform emphasizes a shift from Tinubu's approach, advocating for policies that prioritize affordability and stability. Atiku's pledge to "repair the damage" through wage increases and cost reductions signals a strategic focus on economic recovery, framing his candidacy as a potential solution to the crisis gripping the nation.