The former lawmaker expressed grave concerns about worsening economic indicators, predicting increased hardship for citizens. He described the current living conditions in the country as bleak and questioned why the population continues to suffer despite Nigeria’s wealth of natural resources. He emphasized that purchasing power has drastically declined over recent times, noting that hyperinflation levels have reached unprecedented heights not seen even during the civil war.

The value of ₦40, 000 in 2015 is equivalent to over ₦500, 000 in today’s Nigeria in 2024. Criss-cross the costs of goods and services during this period and vis-a-vis the reality of today and we all will come to that sad realisation. That was why labour was justifiably demanding for a living wage.

“The inconsolable unavoidable truth is that the value of the money most people are getting or earning in 2024 is not too different from that of 2015, but the purchasing powers have practically gone out the window,” he said in a statement issued by his media aide, Ibrahim Lawal, on Saturday, June 15, 2024. “Anti-people and inhuman economic policies have helped put the people in a terrible state. Money that could comfortably procure over 10 50kg bags of rice in 2015 can only buy one now, yet no improvement in the real money in the hands of the people.

“Something has to give way, this cannot continue. These sufferings and hardships have to be remedied. Unfortunately, optics point to further pains for the citizenry,” he added.