The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu has the wherewithal to fix the nation's economy.

The union said it was elated by the President's pronouncements on workers' wages, describing them as gladdening.

SSANU noted that though the economy was at its lowest ebb, it expressed optimism that “the new government has what it takes to do the right thing”.

The union spoke through its National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, who addressed reporters at the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on the sidelines of the 72nd zonal executive council (ZEZ) meeting of the association.

Ibrahim said: “Every Nigerian today knows what he is going through. The economy is not doing well. The purchasing powers of workers are at their lowest ebb and the security situation is also becoming something else.

“However, we are optimistic that there is a new government and they have come with vigour. They have also displayed that they have what it takes to do it.

“We will only tell them our patience is running out. We will encourage them not to only hit the ground running but also ensure that the right things are also done.

“We are happy that there are pronouncements to the effect that issues about workers are going to be handled through wage awards. President Tinubu did mention that within the quarters or so of this year, we are going to have a new minimum wage.

“We will only pray for the President and his cabinet members that within this estimated period, we will see these things done so that Nigerians will not continue to suffer because life is difficult.”

Also, the Western zone's SSANU National Vice President AbdulSuboor Salam condemned the spate of insecurity and kidnappings in the country.

Salam said: “It has become very worrisome. There was a time when kidnapping was restricted to the rich. But now, civil servants in Abuja have become victims of kidnapping and ransoms going to millions of naira are being demanded. Nobody is safe. We are in a season of anomie, shamelessness and corruption.”