By Victor Ahiuma-Young, Abuja

No fewer than 20 leaders of industrial unions in the country have met with the Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, to declare total support for the President and his economic reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Under the aegis of the grassroots coalition, Working People United, WoPU, the group also called for urgent measures to ease the burden of rising living costs on Nigerians, which it attributed partly to the Middle East crisis.
Led by its Coordinator General, Prince Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, the group also praised the Chief of Staff for his behind-the-scenes role in advancing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The broad-based movement, which mobilises workers across sectors—including employers’ federations, farmers, traders, artisans, and professionals—to support President Tinubu’s policies while advocating for workers’ welfare, was unveiled earlier in March.

Among WoPU’s missions is to rally nationwide support for the administration’s reform agenda and build momentum toward the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the visit, Akporeha said the organisation had carefully assessed the policies of President Tinubu and found them to be bold, necessary, and forward-looking, despite the short-term hardships experienced by citizens.

He highlighted key reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of the foreign exchange market, tax reforms, and investments in infrastructure, including rail transport and refineries, as critical steps toward economic recovery and long-term growth.

“While these reforms have come with initial challenges, including inflation and increased cost of living, we are already seeing signs of improvement in fiscal discipline, exchange rate stability, and investor confidence,” he said.

However, the group stressed the need for immediate government intervention to cushion the impact of the reforms on ordinary Nigerians. WoPU called on federal and state authorities to implement temporary relief measures to address rising fuel prices and general economic hardship.

The movement also commended efforts in the security sector, citing initiatives such as forest guard deployment and enhanced collaboration with international partners as positive developments.

In a notable political declaration, WoPU pledged its support for continuity in governance, expressing its intention to mobilise workers nationwide in support of President Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The group also used the occasion to honour Gbajabiamila with the title “Distinguished Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda,” in recognition of his contributions to policy coordination and implementation.

Responding, the Chief of Staff, it was gathered, commended the group for its support and assured that the government is already working on measures to ease the hardships caused by the Middle East crisis, among other challenges.

Political observers say the emergence of WoPU signals a growing alignment of organised grassroots interests with the current administration, even as economic reforms continue to generate mixed reactions across the country.

The visit underscores the delicate balance facing the Tinubu administration—maintaining public support for sweeping reforms while addressing the immediate economic realities confronting millions of Nigerians.