Former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration was marked by significant decisions that impacted the lives of Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable. According to Ayuba Wabba, the immediate past President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Buhari resisted intense pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank to remove the petrol subsidy.
Wabba highlighted Buhari's commitment to protecting the poor, stating that the former President prioritized the welfare of ordinary Nigerians over economic reforms advocated by international financial institutions. "President Buhari resisted the IMF and World Bank's pressure to remove the petrol subsidy because he understood the implications it would have on the poor and vulnerable in our society," Wabba said.
Pro-Poor Policies
During his tenure, Buhari's administration implemented policies aimed at alleviating poverty and improving the living standards of Nigerians. Some notable initiatives include:
- A $2.1 billion bailout package for cash-strapped states in 2015 to help clear salary and pension arrears, showcasing his concern for workers' welfare.
- Buhari proposed a higher figure than the N30,000 minimum wage eventually agreed upon, indicating his willingness to improve workers' living standards.
Legacy of Social Protection
Wabba's tribute to Buhari emphasizes the former President's commitment to social protection and his efforts to alleviate poverty among Nigerians. "History will judge leaders not by their rhetoric but by the impact they make in the lives of the people," Wabba noted.
As the nation mourns the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, his legacy of prioritizing the welfare of the poor and vulnerable will be remembered for generations to come.
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