Nigeria Labour Congress Mobilizes for Nationwide Strike Against Fuel Subsidy Removal

As the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) gears up for its planned nationwide strike to voice opposition against the fuel subsidy removal, tensions are escalating, with other groups and unions also joining the call for action. Here are the key highlights from the unfolding situation:

NLC’s Mass Mobilization: The NLC has initiated mass mobilization ahead of the scheduled nationwide strike. The Congress urges Nigerians to gather at the Unity Fountain in Abuja on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, at 7 am to express their grievances against the government’s removal of the fuel subsidy. In a strongly-worded statement, the NLC demands that the government promptly address the issues related to the subsidy and protect its citizens from undue hardship and suffering.

Academic Unions Joining the Protest: Academic unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, are also mobilizing their members for participation in the strike. As affiliates of the NLC, these unions aim to show solidarity and voice their concerns about the fuel subsidy removal’s detrimental impact on the education sector and their members’ livelihoods.

Arewa Citizen Watch for Good Governance’s Protest: In addition to the labor and academic unions, some northern youths, represented by the Arewa Citizen Watch for Good Governance, have expressed their anger over the fuel subsidy removal, which they believe has exacerbated hunger and hardships in the region. The group also calls for the dismissal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Limited, Mele Kyari, whom they accuse of misleading the President on the issue. The group plans to stage a protest in Abuja to demand action against the subsidy removal and the renewal of the Pipeline Surveillance Contract to a former Niger Delta militant.

While the NLC and other groups intensify their preparations for the nationwide strike, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) appeals to the NLC to reconsider its decision, citing potential threats to sustainable enterprises, job creation, and the nation’s industrial relations system. NECA expresses concern that the strike could disrupt economic activities and exacerbate the current unemployment rate.

President Bola Tinubu, however, has affirmed the government’s position on the subsidy removal, asserting that the global community has shown support and appreciation for the government’s policies on fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange regime. He assures the people that the government will implement measures to alleviate the hardships caused by these policies.

As the nation awaits the outcome of the meeting between the NLC and the government, scheduled for today, and the impending nationwide strike on Wednesday, tensions remain high as both sides stand firm on their positions, creating a tense atmosphere that may have far-reaching consequences for the nation’s economy and social fabric.

Key Highlights

• Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) begins mass mobilization for nationwide strike to protest fuel subsidy removal.
• NLC urges government to address the subsidy issue and reverse “anti-poor policies.”
• Other academic and youth groups join in the protest against the removal of fuel subsidy