The Labour Party (LP) has expressed deep concern over President Tinubu’s decision to reward the Super Falcons in United States dollars rather than in Naira.
The opposition party described the act as a blow to national pride, sparking strong criticism across political and economic circles.
The announcement, which came after Nigeria’s national female football team’s recent victory, was made by the President during a televised address.
He promised each player “the equivalent of $100,000,” a gesture that was supposed to show appreciation.
However, the LP believes it sends the wrong message to Nigerians.
According to Senator Nenadi Usman, LP’s interim national chairman, the move weakens trust in the country’s economic strength.
“The Tinubu administration, overseeing the free fall of the Naira from N500 to over N1,500 to the dollar, ends up promoting a mindset that elevates the dollar over the national currency,” she said in a statement.
Moreover, Usman warned that such public displays could lead to further damage to Nigeria’s financial identity.
The statement, issued through her media adviser, Ken Eluma Asogwa, strongly condemned the President’s choice of currency.
“Rewarding national heroes in foreign currency contradicts the government’s moral obligation to inspire confidence in the Naira,” she stated.
The LP noted that the Naira is already among the worst-performing currencies in Sub-Saharan Africa, having depreciated by nearly 43% this year.
Therefore, public actions by top government figures should help restore trust in the local currency not undermine it.
In addition, the LP questioned the sincerity of the current government’s efforts to promote patriotism.
They pointed out that the decision came at a time when Nigerians are facing serious hardship due to inflation, currency instability, and high cost of living.
Senator Usman further added that the government should focus on restoring the Naira’s dignity rather than “elevating” the U.S. dollar in national affairs.
She called on the federal government to “take urgent steps to defend the Naira and adopt policies that reinforce the nation’s economic stability and self-worth.”
