In response to growing public discontent, Labour Party (LP) Senator Neda Imasuen, representing Edo South in the National Assembly, has voiced concerns about the policies of the Bola Tinubu administration. Imasuen, who also serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, called on the government to ease the pressure on the middle class, particularly in light of the twin policies of petrol subsidy removal and the unification of forex windows.
Speaking on Channels Television’s socio-political programme Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, Imasuen highlighted the disproportionate burden these policies place on Nigerians, especially those in the middle class.
Middle Class Bearing the Brunt of Economic Reforms
Senator Imasuen expressed frustration with the impact of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s economic reforms. He noted that Nigerians are paying a high price for the changes, which include the removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates. While acknowledging the legislative arm’s limited role in shaping these executive decisions, Imasuen emphasized that lawmakers can only hope the government’s plan will ultimately benefit the country.
“The government is aware of the suffering Nigerians are enduring, yet nothing is being done,” Imasuen said. He urged the administration to take the suffering of the people into account, particularly those with limited means, and find solutions to alleviate the ongoing crisis.
Imasuen’s Recommendations for Economic Relief
In addition to his criticism, Senator Imasuen offered several suggestions for easing the current economic hardship. He questioned the effectiveness of the government’s strategy of devaluing the naira in an import-dependent economy. “We don’t produce, we import, and we are devaluing our naira. I don’t see how that is going to help us. Everything is tied to the dollar, and the dollar keeps going up,” he said.
Imasuen emphasized the importance of developing Nigeria’s industries, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which could provide much-needed relief to the middle class. He urged the government to focus on strengthening SMEs, which play a critical role in the economy, by providing them with the necessary resources to thrive.
On the issue of subsidies, Imasuen pointed out that most countries, especially in the agricultural sector, provide subsidies. He called for greater government intervention in supporting farmers, who face rising costs and limited access to funding. “Today, many cannot buy a bag of rice; it’s about N100,000,” he noted.
State Governments Must Also Play a Role
Beyond the federal government, Senator Imasuen urged state governments to take action in alleviating the suffering of Nigerians. He stressed that both federal and state authorities must work together to address the worsening economic crisis.
Nigeria’s Economic Crisis: A Worsening Situation
Nigeria is currently experiencing one of its worst economic crises in decades, marked by soaring inflation, rising energy costs, and skyrocketing food prices. The middle class, in particular, has been severely affected, with many Nigerians forced to make significant sacrifices just to survive.
Critics of President Tinubu’s policies argue that the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates have contributed to the sharp rise in living costs. In recent months, thousands of Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest what they describe as an unbearable economic situation.
Presidency’s Response: Calls for Patience
Despite the public outcry, the presidency has maintained that Nigerians must endure the current hardship until the benefits of the reforms materialize. However, many Nigerians are questioning how long they will have to wait to see these promised benefits.
Conclusion
Senator Imasuen’s remarks echo the frustrations of millions of Nigerians struggling with the effects of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies. As the middle class continues to bear the brunt of the crisis, the call for government action grows louder. With public protests on the rise and inflation soaring, the question remains: How long can Nigerians endure before tangible relief is provided?
