THE GUARDIAN
As Nigerians continue to writhe in agony over the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government, which resulted in over 200 per cent hike in the pump price of petrol, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), yesterday, differed on whether to proceed on strike over the development in the coming days or not.
While the NLC announced plans to down tools from Wednesday next week if the pump price is not reversed, the TUC puts its decision on the matter on hold till after tomorrow’s meeting with the Federal Government’s team.
This was even as the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF), also yesterday, threw its weight behind the Federal Government’s decision.
Speaking after a meeting in Abuja, yesterday, the NLC berated the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for jerking up the price unilaterally.
The president of the union, Joe Ajaero, said that the organised labour would have no choice but to withdraw their services if the increment in prices is not reversed before next week Tuesday.
The NNPCL last Wednesday jerked up the pump price of PMS by over 220 per cent bringing it to between N488 and N557 per litre nationwide.
To ensure a smooth strike nationwide, the NLC hinted that it has begun mobilisation of 48 affiliate unions, as well as its 36 state councils including Abuja.
To this end, the aviation space would be shut down on Tuesday night, and the export terminal of upstream operations would also be shut down by PENGASSAN, while NUPENG would ground petrol tankers around the country.
Motor parks would not function as members of NURTW are expected to withdraw their services as well.
To achieve total compliance, the NLC directed its affiliates to commence mobilisation immediately ahead of the planned nationwide protest…
