Nigerian Workers Struggle Under Soaring Inflation As NASU Decries Crushing Economic Hardship And Fuel Price Hikes

 

Workers across Nigeria are facing an increasingly unbearable cost of living as the prices of food, transport, housing, and healthcare continue to spiral beyond reach. The President of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Dr. Hassan Makolo, has voiced deep concern over the worsening economic conditions, describing the situation as one of “suffocation” for millions of struggling families.

Speaking during the union’s National Executive Council meeting, Dr. Makolo lamented the relentless economic hardship that has left workers gasping for survival amid persistent inflation, repeated fuel price hikes, and the sharp devaluation of the naira. He explained that many Nigerians now face daily battles just to afford necessities that were once within reach, as salaries have lost almost all real value due to runaway inflation.

According to him, the current economic reality has stripped many families of their dignity and stability. The continuous rise in the cost of essential goods and services has pushed workers to the brink of despair, while the government’s policies have failed to adequately cushion the effect of these challenges. Dr. Makolo stressed that the situation is particularly dire for public sector workers in some states where irregular or incomplete salaries remain the norm.

He said, “Workers are suffocating under the high cost of living. The prices of food, transport, housing, and even healthcare are now beyond reach. Our wages no longer reflect the realities of today’s economy. Inflation has wiped out the value of salaries, leaving many workers unable to meet basic needs.”

Dr. Makolo called on the government to move away from the outdated minimum wage framework and instead embrace a living wage system that takes into account the true cost of living. Such a policy, he argued, should be reviewed periodically to reflect prevailing economic indicators, ensuring that wages can sustain a decent standard of living.

Highlighting the broader economic context, the NASU leader explained that Nigeria’s high inflation, rising energy prices, and currency devaluation following exchange rate unification have combined to erode purchasing power drastically. He pointed out that the average worker can no longer afford basic items without sacrificing other essentials, a trend that threatens the productivity and morale of the workforce.

Dr. Makolo emphasized that organized labour must remain resolute in advocating for fair wage adjustments and stronger social protection measures. He maintained that only a comprehensive economic strategy anchored on fairness, accountability, and people-centered policies can restore hope and stability to Nigerian households. “Together, we must defend the dignity and welfare of every worker in these challenging times,” he declared.

He also urged the government to implement policies that would stabilize prices and stimulate local production. According to him, greater investment in local industries, transport systems, and energy infrastructure would help to reduce operational costs and ease the burden on citizens. Without such structural reforms, he warned, the economy will continue to deteriorate at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.

The NASU President further expressed concern over the growing unemployment crisis, particularly among young people and graduates. He observed that the informal sector now accounts for nearly 80 percent of employment, with most workers operating in unstable and unregulated environments. He therefore called for a renewed focus on job creation through vocational training, small business support, and expansion of labour-intensive industries capable of absorbing the teeming unemployed population.

On the issue of insecurity, Dr. Makolo painted an equally grim picture. He noted that widespread kidnappings, banditry, and terrorism continue to endanger the lives and livelihoods of citizens, including workers who travel long distances in search of sustenance. He argued that without decisive action, insecurity will keep undermining economic recovery and social cohesion.

To address these challenges, he proposed a comprehensive strategy that includes enhanced intelligence gathering, the deployment of modern technology, political will at all levels of government, and the elimination of corruption in security spending. He also emphasized that reducing youth unemployment is critical to tackling insecurity, as joblessness remains a major driver of social unrest and criminal activity.

Dr. Makolo concluded by reaffirming NASU’s commitment to defending the welfare and dignity of Nigerian workers. He insisted that until policies begin to prioritize human development over political expediency, the average worker will continue to struggle for survival in an economy that appears increasingly detached from their realities.

With inflation rising, wages stagnant, and insecurity spreading, the voices of organized labour are growing louder, calling for urgent reforms that can restore balance and give Nigerian workers a fair chance to live and work with dignity.