The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, on Friday, declared a nationwide strike from Wednesday next week.
The union stated this during its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting held in the Federal Capital territory, Abuja.
According to Channels TV, the meeting was not unconnected to the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu and the subsequent hike in the pump price of petrol.
The NEC comprises all Presidents, General Secretaries, Treasurers of all NLC’s affiliate unions; State Chairpersons and Secretaries of the NLC State Councils, Chairperson of the NLC Youth Committee and members of the National Administrative Council (NAC).
TUC Attacks the fuel subsidy removal
Meanwhile, Festus Osifo, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has raised concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ability to remove fuel subsidies without engaging in discussions with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the TUC. In an interview with Channels TV, Mr. Osifo emphasized that there is already a lack of trust between the Nigerian government and the general public.
According to Mr. Osifo, it is crucial for Nigerians to understand how the funds previously allocated to fuel subsidies will be utilized after their removal. He firmly stated that the government must implement measures to alleviate the hardships faced by the masses following the implementation of this policy.
“The Nigerian workers are grappling with numerous challenges, such as lack of electricity, inadequate water supply, and deplorable road conditions. They rely on loans to send their children to school, and the only relief they currently experience from the government is the subsidy on petrol. If the government intends to proceed with this decision, it is imperative to engage in a meaningful conversation and not simply issue a blank check to remove the subsidy and allocate the funds at will,” Mr. Osifo expressed.
He further emphasized the existence of a trust deficit between the Nigerian government and the public. During the dialogue, Mr. Osifo suggested exploring alternative frameworks to ensure that workers are not subjected to undue hardship as a result of the subsidy removal.
Festus Osifo, the President of the TUC, emphasized the necessity for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to engage in discussions with the NLC and the TUC before removing fuel subsidies.
Mr. Osifo highlighted the need for transparency in the government’s handling of the funds previously allocated to subsidies and the importance of considering measures to mitigate the hardships faced by the Nigerian populace.
He underlined the prevailing trust deficit between the government and the people, urging for dialogue and alternative frameworks to protect workers from further hardships.
