The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) remain resolute in their decision to proceed with the planned strike protest over the removal of petrol subsidy by the federal government. After a meeting with government representatives at the presidential villa, the unions, led by NLC President Joe Ajaero, expressed their unwavering stance on the matter.
During the meeting, the unions conveyed their concerns about the impact of subsidy removal on the citizens of the country. They expressed doubts about the government’s ability to effectively control inflation and petrol prices due to the unification of the exchange rate, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Despite assurances from the government side, the NLC president emphasized that they are not convinced of the government’s commitment to address the hardships faced by the people. As a result, the protest scheduled for Wednesday, August 2, will proceed as planned.
Addressing concerns about potential hijacking of the protest, Ajaero dismissed such fears, asserting that the unions are committed to peaceful demonstrations. He called on security operatives to be vigilant in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of demonstrators.
Additionally, Ajaero expressed apprehensions regarding reported plans by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to increase electricity tariffs, further exacerbating the economic challenges faced by the populace. The significant increase in the price of corn in rural areas also raised concerns among the labour leaders.
The meeting concluded with an adjournment until 12 noon on Tuesday, where further discussions are expected to take place. As the date of the protest draws near, the labour unions remain steadfast in their pursuit of addressing the issues surrounding petrol subsidy removal and its impact on the citizens’ welfare.
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