The Nigeria Trade Union Congress gave the federal government a clear condition on the removal of fuel subsidies in the country.
The government has earlier said it may end the fuel subsidy regime from June 2022. This, to many people will further impoverish the majority of Nigerian’s, considering the important of the commodity to the generality of the citizenry.
Various groups has criticised the government and cautioned them against the move, which to them will bring more hardship to the people.
At the end of its National Executive Council, the TUC in a communique said the government must ensure that local refineries are operational before such a move is implemented.
While highlighting the “worrisome economic situation and the rising cost of living in the country”, the TUC said both federal and state governments should put in place measures to ensure “food security and infrastructural development.”
It directed its state councils and affiliates to prepare for “industrial actions” if the government goes ahead with its removal plans without meeting the conditions.
“The Proposal by National Council of State on the final removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) as from June 2022 should take into consideration the attendant economic impact on the masses,” the TUC communique, signed by its President Quadri Olaleye and Secretary-General Musa-Lawal Ozigi, said.
“There must be assurances that refineries are fully overhauled and establishment of modular refineries encouraged.”
The trade congress noted that the effective policing of the nation’s borders to stem the rate of petroleum products smuggling must also be implemented.
Eghosa-osawe junior, Reporting
