FUEL SUBSIDY CRISIS: NLC URGES AFFILIATES TOTAL SHUTDOWN

Nigerian Labour Congress Urged Academic Unions and Affiliates to Join Total Shutdown on Wednesday

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a letter to its 43 affiliate unions, calling for their participation in an upcoming nationwide industrial action set to commence on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. The letter, signed by NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, instructs all national leaderships to mobilize their members and ensure full compliance with the directives. The strike aims to withdraw services in both the public and private sectors in response to the recent increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit.

Among the notable affiliates of the NLC are the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Nigeria Union of Teachers, Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, and others. The NLC, in its message, highlights the fraudulent nature of the fuel price hike and emphasizes the need for nationwide action against it.

The decision to embark on the industrial action was reached during the National Executive Council meeting held on June 2, 2023. In adherence to the directives, all presidents and general secretaries of the affiliate unions are expected to assist in implementing the decisions of the National Executive Council.

It was previously reported that President Tinubu, during his inaugural speech at the Eagle Square in Abuja, declared an end to the era of fuel subsidy payments. He stated that the 2023 budget did not allocate funds for fuel subsidies, rendering further payments unjustifiable. However, this decision has been met with resistance from the NLC and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, who argue that the President cannot unilaterally decide on subsidy removal. As a result, fuel queues have reemerged across the country, and Nigerians are expressing their dissatisfaction with the sharp increase in petrol prices at various filling stations.

The upcoming nationwide shutdown aims to address the fuel subsidy crisis and urge the government to reconsider its decision.