The Nigeria Labour Congress has shown that there is no backing down as group strengthens its preparations for its nationwide protest against the proposed removal of petroleum products subsidies.
The Deputy President, Joe Ajaero, explained that the members of the union will hit the streets across the country on Thursday, February 1, 2022 in a bid to sensitize Nigerians about the adverse removal of subsidy removal.
The National Economic Council (NEC) had recommended an increase in the pump price of fuel from N162.50 to N302 per litre after a report by its ad-hoc committee on the proper price of fuel.
This move was met with threats by the organized labor to shut down the economy from February 1, whether the government announce the subsidy removal or not.
The federal government has, however, condemned the planned protest since a decision hasn’t been made on the subsidy removal.
Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige on Sunday, January 23, 2021 explained that although the government will not stop it from holding, the rally is unnecessary.
He insists that the Federal Executive Council (FEC), cannot exclusively decide if the subsidy should be removed or not.
However, speaking with The Nation, NLC’s Deputy President, Joe Ajaero said: “Nothing stops the rally planned for this week; whether they are removing it (subsidy) tomorrow or next year. The thought of it is not acceptable.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Traffic: LAGESC, Partners LASTMA, Taskforce To Remove Oshodi Street Traders
“Mobilisation is high in all the states. We need to sensitise Nigerians. We are through synergy meetings with civil society groups. We are going to states to mobilise workers, civil servants and other Nigerians”, the leader added.
“There is a letter to every person; every affiliate because they took a decision at the National Executive Council meeting. Letters have been sent to state councils on the mode of operation.
“Letters have also been sent to all the people that will coordinate each state who are coming from the National Administrative Council.
“Labour has been delegated to go to the field from Monday (today) to start holding consultative and preparatory meetings ahead of the protests.
“Civil society groups would go back to their cells and take decisions on how they want to participate.”
