Removing Fuel Subsidies: NLC Begins Warning Strike
The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has given two days notice of a nationwide strike on September 5-6 to protest the failure of the Nigerian government to come up with lasting solutions to the challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.
The NLC Chairman, Joe Ajaero revealed this on Friday during a press conference at the Labor House in Abuja.
Mr. Ajaero explained that the decision to launch a warning strike was among the resolutions passed at the NLC's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday.
The union has accused the Nigerian government of failing to implement some of its resolutions passed at previous meetings.
“The NEC, in session of the NLC, has decided to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the country within 14 working days or 21 days from today, until action is taken by the government to deal with the unbearable mass suffering and impoverishment that the country is experiencing. .
“Begin a two-day warning strike on Tuesday September 5 and Wednesday September 6, 2023 to demonstrate that we are prepared to call an indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the state vacate the national headquarters illegally occupied by the National Party. Road Transport Workers' Union," Ajaero said as quoted by Vanguard.
EventsOn May 29, during his inauguration, President Bola Tinubu announced the abolition of gasoline subsidies. This development has caused hardship for many Nigerians, with the concomitant increase in prices of goods and services.
On August 2, the NLC and TUC led protests by Nigerian workers across the country against the rising cost of living due to government policies, in particular the removal of fuel subsidies.< /p>
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the nationwide protest called by the two unions unfolded in several state capitals. The Abuja protest was led by NLC and TUC chairman Festus Osifo.
Protesters in Abuja marched from the Fountain of Unity to the National Assembly compound, where they were addressed by a Senator, Ali Ndume, who promised that the Senate would intervene in the crisis.
READ ALSO: Subsidy protests: NLC blames Gbajabiamila for failed talks with FGHowever, after the conclusion of the Abuja rally, the leaders of the two unions met with Mr. Tinubu.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Ajaero told reporters that “the issues we discussed are the same ones that led to the protest today. »
“He (President Tinubu) expressed his position, made certain commitments, which were made alongside what the Senate said, and we bring it back to the office with our colleagues to review and publish it. a document on our next line of action. »
Soon after, Presidential Spokesman Dele Alake released a statement announcing that the NLC had agreed to call off the protests.
“Following the fruitful and frank discussion with President Tinubu and their confidence in his ability to encourage an open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the Labor movement, the Labor leaders have decided to put an end to further protests,” Mr. Alake wrote. .
Mr. Alake said the president had promised union leaders that one of Nigeria's four refineries would start operations by the end of this year.
“President Tinubu has pledged to union leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will start production by December 2023 following the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and the Italian company Maire Tecnimont SpA he wrote.
The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has given two days notice of a nationwide strike on September 5-6 to protest the failure of the Nigerian government to come up with lasting solutions to the challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidies.
The NLC Chairman, Joe Ajaero revealed this on Friday during a press conference at the Labor House in Abuja.
Mr. Ajaero explained that the decision to launch a warning strike was among the resolutions passed at the NLC's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday.
The union has accused the Nigerian government of failing to implement some of its resolutions passed at previous meetings.
“The NEC, in session of the NLC, has decided to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the country within 14 working days or 21 days from today, until action is taken by the government to deal with the unbearable mass suffering and impoverishment that the country is experiencing. .
“Begin a two-day warning strike on Tuesday September 5 and Wednesday September 6, 2023 to demonstrate that we are prepared to call an indefinite strike later in the month and to also demand that the state vacate the national headquarters illegally occupied by the National Party. Road Transport Workers' Union," Ajaero said as quoted by Vanguard.
EventsOn May 29, during his inauguration, President Bola Tinubu announced the abolition of gasoline subsidies. This development has caused hardship for many Nigerians, with the concomitant increase in prices of goods and services.
On August 2, the NLC and TUC led protests by Nigerian workers across the country against the rising cost of living due to government policies, in particular the removal of fuel subsidies.< /p>
PREMIUM TIMES reported how the nationwide protest called by the two unions unfolded in several state capitals. The Abuja protest was led by NLC and TUC chairman Festus Osifo.
Protesters in Abuja marched from the Fountain of Unity to the National Assembly compound, where they were addressed by a Senator, Ali Ndume, who promised that the Senate would intervene in the crisis.
READ ALSO: Subsidy protests: NLC blames Gbajabiamila for failed talks with FGHowever, after the conclusion of the Abuja rally, the leaders of the two unions met with Mr. Tinubu.
At the end of the meeting, Mr. Ajaero told reporters that “the issues we discussed are the same ones that led to the protest today. »
“He (President Tinubu) expressed his position, made certain commitments, which were made alongside what the Senate said, and we bring it back to the office with our colleagues to review and publish it. a document on our next line of action. »
Soon after, Presidential Spokesman Dele Alake released a statement announcing that the NLC had agreed to call off the protests.
“Following the fruitful and frank discussion with President Tinubu and their confidence in his ability to encourage an open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the Labor movement, the Labor leaders have decided to put an end to further protests,” Mr. Alake wrote. .
Mr. Alake said the president had promised union leaders that one of Nigeria's four refineries would start operations by the end of this year.
“President Tinubu has pledged to union leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will start production by December 2023 following the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and the Italian company Maire Tecnimont SpA he wrote.
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