President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday during his live broadcast on NTA, has assured Nigerians that he came into power to help and not hurt the nation. He noted that he knew what Nigerians are passing through, since he removed fuel subsidy.
The President also mentioned that there seems to be no route out of the current situation as he would have taken the necessary step if it was possible.
His words: “Our economy is going through a tough patch and you are being hurt by it. The cost of fuel has gone up. Food and other prices have followed it. Households and businesses struggle.
“Things seem anxious and uncertain. I understand the hardship you face. I wish there were other ways. But there is not. If there were, I would have taken that route as I came here to help not hurt the people and nation that I love.”
The President went further to discuss palliatives to cushion effect of high cost of living in the country
Some of the palliatives he rolled out include loans for businesses, students and a review of minimum wage.
The President said;
“We are also working in collaboration with the Labour unions to introduce a new national minimum wage for workers. I want to tell our workers this: your salary review is coming.
“Once we agree on the new minimum wage and general upward review, we will make budget provision for it for immediate implementation.
“I want to use this opportunity to salute many private employers in the Organised Private Sector who have already implemented general salary review for employees.
“Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there is no doubt about it that it is tough on us. But I urge you all to look beyond the present temporary pains and aim at the larger picture. All of our good and helpful plans are in the works. More importantly, I know that they will work.
“Sadly, there was an unavoidable lag between subsidy removal and these plans coming fully online. However, we are swiftly closing the time gap. I plead with you to please have faith in our ability to deliver and in our concern for your well-being.
“We will get out of this turbulence. And, due to the measures we have taken, Nigeria will be better equipped and able to take advantage of the future that awaits her.”