NLC Threatens to embark on an indefinite strike (industrial action) if the price of petrol is not returned to the initial price. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this while addressing Journalists on its National Executive Council meeting resolution in Abuja. He categorically stated that if National National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) refuses to revert the petrol price to the old price, NLC will embark on an indefinite strike and protest from Wednesday, 7th of June 2023.
During the meeting, he explained the meaning of subsidy as “an increase in price. We woke suddenly and heard that subsidy is gone. Mr president removed subsidy without a cabinet and no discussion with the National Assembly. There was a provision for the payment up to the end of June. Meanwhile, while we were invited for a meeting, NNPCL fixed the price of petrol. The question is whether the company’s function is to fix petroleum product prices in Nigeria.
NLC and SUBSIDY REMOVAL
Whereas the issue of subsidy has not been probed all these years. For anybody to close, that chapter is like covering fraud. NLC has called the NEC members to interrogate some of these processes to know who has been collecting subsidies. It’s not enough to say subsidy or no subsidy. For NNPCL to illegally announce 500+ naira, we stand against that. And during our meeting with them, we asked for the withdrawal of that brief.
Ajaero also acknowledged that 50% of the states are not paying the minimum wage of 30,000. Some are still paying 18,000 naira. It takes an average of 40,000 Naira to fill your car tank, which will last for a week. During the meeting, they were only provocating; we saw the content at which they held Nigerians to pay 5,000 naira to 50 million poor Nigerians for palliative.
According to the Bureau of Statistics, about 133 million Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor.
Subsidy Payment
He also alleged that the Federal Government has been subsidising the rich in this country. Between 2016 and 2023, over 26 trillion was spent on import duty weavers to the rich. Whereas over 6 billion dollars were spent on turnaround maintenance. There is nothing to show for it. Also, the NNPC has refused to disclose the beneficiaries of the subsidy payment. The NLC hereby calls for a proper investigation into the subsidy process to know the beneficiaries and the amount before it is fully removed.
NLC leadership is advised not to negotiate with people without a portfolio. Until the government is properly constituted and the people negotiate with Labour have the capacity to do so.
Lastly, if by Wednesday, 7th of June 2023, NNPCL refuses to reverse the price of Petrol for negotiation to continue, NLC and all its affiliates will withdraw services and commence protest nationwide until our demand is met. All members have also been advised to commence mobilization in preparation for the protest.
You may also like:
