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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has initiated a two-day warning strike to protest the Federal Government’s lack of action in addressing the issues stemming from the removal of fuel subsidies.
This development follows the statement made by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, just last Friday.
In his inaugural speech on May 29, President Bola Tinubu declared, “The era of fuel subsidy is over,” resulting in a significant nationwide increase in fuel prices, with some areas experiencing prices nearly tripled, consequently leading to a surge in the cost of living.
The labor union has accused the Federal Government of neglecting ongoing negotiations and failing to implement several resolutions agreed upon during previous meetings with the government.
On August 2, organized labor staged a protest against what they termed as the administration of President Bola Tinubu’s unfavorable policies for the people.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliated unions staged demonstrations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as numerous states, including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo.
The protest was a direct response to a seven-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government. The ultimatum demanded the immediate reversal of various policies deemed detrimental to the welfare of the general populace. These policies included the recent surge in the price of PMS (Premium Motor Spirit), the escalation of public school fees, and the long-overdue release of eight months’ worth of withheld salaries for university lecturers and workers.
In addition to these demands, the union called for a substantial increase in the minimum wage, advocating for a raise from N30,000 to N200,000. They argued that the absence of subsidies, as stated in the President’s inauguration speech on May 29, 2023, had severely affected the well-being of Nigerians and had eroded their peace of mind.
Numerous discussions between the Presidency and the labor unions regarding relief measures for Nigerians facing hardships following the removal of petrol subsidies have yielded no positive results.
In the previous month, NLC President Joe Ajaero contended that the approved allocation of N5 billion for each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to mitigate the repercussions of the fuel subsidy removal was insufficient to make a significant difference in the lives of the people.
“The initial hike in petroleum product prices, as well as the most recent one, have pushed numerous individuals from the brink of poverty to a state of extreme financial hardship,” he commented.
“When you break it down, you’ll find that this amounts to a mere N1,500 per person. Is this the extent of the impact we desire? Is this really the outcome we are aiming for? Let’s consider it as a loan. What are the real consequences? Is it a case of ‘garbage in, garbage out’?
“If the figure stands at N5 billion, I believe organized labor would appreciate someone undertaking a thorough assessment to elucidate how it will affect Nigerians in light of the current circumstances. If this is indeed a loan, then it is indeed regrettable.”
