Politics

Subsidy removal: CSOs caution NLC, TUC over proposed strike

Rights groups under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations/Labour Centre have cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to jettison their planned strike scheduled to commence nationwide on Wednesday, arguing that though things were tough, the two trade Unions should consider the dire consequences on the nation as the exercise might be hijacked by aggrieved Nigerians who had been benefiting from fuel subsidy, leading to loss of lives and property.

The coalition sounded this word of caution on Tuesday in its communique issued at the end of its meeting which was held at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, and attended by Razak Olokoba of Campaign for Dignity in Governance (CDG), Nelson Ekujumi (Centre for Social and Economic Rights), Titi Akosa (Centre for 21st Century Issues), Linus Okoroji (Humanity Services Project), Raji Rasheed Oyewunmi (Yoruba Citizen Action for Change), Gbenga Soloki (Campaign Against Impunity and Domestic Violence), Razaq Oladosu (Grassroots Democratic Initiatives), Ramat Abdulrazak (Women Grassroot Network), among others.

Comrade Ekujumi, who read the communique to newsmen at the end of the session, said the warning to both NLC and TUC became imperative, recalling the sad incident of #EndSARS, which left sad tales in the mouth.

Ekujumi said the removal of fuel subsidy was in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, adding that the humongous funds amounting to $30 billion being expended on fuel subsidy which would now be saved would be used to take care of many amenities, which would lead Nigeria to be a better country.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration “for the bold economic decision of removing fuel subsidy in the collective interest of the Nigerian people in the long run,” urging Nigerians, who were currently going through economic hardship

as a result of this policy, to “show understanding with the mindset that the pains they are presently going through, is the temporary sacrifice that they have to make for a better future.”

This was just as he noted that the Federal Government and Lagos State government as well as other state governments had already initiated palliatives to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal, urging other state governments and local governments to follow suit.

Besides, Comrade Ekujumi pledged the support of members to assist the governments in distribution of the palliatives in ensuring they get to the vulnerable members of the society.

“The humongous funds of $30 billion being expended on fuel subsidy amounts to a rip-off of the Nigerian people. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration should be commended for the bold economic decision of removing fuel subsidy in the collective interest of the Nigerian people in the long run.

“It’s a fact that Nigerians are going through economic hardship as a result of this policy, but they must show understanding with the mindset that the pains they are presently going through, is the temporary sacrifice that they have to make for a better future.

“We acknowledge that in less than two months after the removal of fuel subsidy, Nigeria has started reaping the gains in terms of savings of about one trillion naira to the national coffers which could have been frittered away.

“The palliatives put in place to soothe the temporary pains being experienced as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy must be monitored by civil society organizations to enhance transparency and accountability.

“We call for patience and understanding from Nigerians to be patient and persevere, our leaders at all levels of government must also cut down on the cost of governance,” the communique read.

Bola Badmus