March 5, 2015 – Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola today alleged that 50 percent of construction workers in Nigeria are about to be laid off soon as a result of current economic situation.
Fashola who was speaking at All Progressive Congress (APC) campaign rally in Ibeju Lekki said his finding is based on a research he is currently executing.
The governor did not give details about the findings. All that he said was “Before I go, let me tell you one more thing. I am conducting a research and soon 50 percent of construction workers will be laid off”, he said.
The governor who had earlier on faulted recent devaluation of the Naira said it is wrong to devalue the Naira in an economy that is import dependent.
According to him, Naira is now exchanging at almost N230 to the US Dollars, adding that what it means is that importers will have to pay more to bring goods into the country.
He took a swipe at the Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), Mr. Jimi Agbaje, describing him as a neophyte when it comes to the norms of governance. He said that Abaje’s JK Pharmacy has no branches, compared to candidates of the APC, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode whom he said worked in the state civil service and rose to become Auditor General and later Accountant General.
Earlier, Ambode had speculated that the exchange rate to the US Dollar would hit N400 with the way things are going and that the economy of Nigeria could go bankrupt unless the APC is voted in to rescue it from the current state.
He promised to make Lagos a more prosperous state adding that he will build 20 roads in each of the 57 local councils in the state and create employment.
