The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced its opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy statement on the removal of fuel subsidy, emphasizing the grave implications it holds for the nation. In his inaugural speech delivered in Abuja, President Tinubu announced the end of the fuel subsidy era, stating that the diverted funds would be allocated to public infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation.
However, organized labor, which has consistently rejected previous attempts to remove fuel subsidy, has expressed discontent with the recent development. Comrade Benson Upah, the Head of the Information Department at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), revealed that the organized labor was unaware of any consultations conducted by the President with critical stakeholders before making the decision.
Comrade Benson described the policy move as having significant implications for the nation and its politics. He further stated that the labor center is eagerly awaiting the translation of the policy statement into concrete figures before issuing a response. The NLC emphasized that the response from both the labor center and the Nigerian people would depend on the impact the policy has on their daily lives.
The NLC representative highlighted the need for consultations with critical stakeholders, including organized labor, before making such crucial policy decisions. The lack of prior engagement with these stakeholders raises concerns about the inclusivity and transparency of the decision-making process. The labor center and the Nigerian public eagerly anticipate further information and engagement on this matter.
Through its cautious approach and emphasis on transparency, the Nigeria Labour Congress seeks to ensure that the impact of fuel subsidy removal is thoroughly assessed and understood before any definitive response is given. The labor center underscores the importance of consulting critical stakeholders and considering the implications of such policies on the nation’s economy, society, and politics.