Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s attempts to decrease governance costs were met with resistance. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Ajaero disclosed that Tinubu shared this information with organized labor leaders during a private meeting on August 2, 2023, following protests against fuel subsidy removal.
In response to queries about cost-cutting within government ranks amid Tinubu’s economic reforms, Ajaero explained that discussions led to the President’s rationale for his staff size. Ajaero recounted that Tinubu encouraged union leaders to view the employment of numerous Special Advisers from a job creation perspective rather than merely as an administrative burden.
Ajaero further revealed that President Tinubu had informed the union leaders of his personal efforts to reduce governance costs. Tinubu reportedly attempted to utilize his private jet for official travel, but this proposal was rejected due to security concerns.
Ajaero quoted Tinubu as saying, “He (Tinubu) took his own case for example. He told us that if you come to his fleet of cars, that it was large and he made efforts to reduce it and he was told that it’s a security issue.” Ajaero added that Tinubu expressed his preference for using his private jet and was advised to use the government jet due to security reasons. Tinubu also mentioned opting for a two-bedroom flat instead of a larger residence.
Despite facing challenges, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to minimizing governance expenses, showcasing his determination to drive cost efficiency.