23rd January, 2022
The Trade Union Congress has listed several conditions to be met by government before it goes ahead to remove fuel subsidies in Nigeria.
TUC in a communique after its National Executive Council meeting said the government must ensure that local refineries are operational before such a move is implemented.
The trade congress said the effective policing of the nation’s borders to stem the rate of petroleum products smuggling must also be implemented.
The union said it is concerned by the “worrisome economic situation and the rising cost of living in the country”.
It thus said both federal and state governments should put in place measures to ensure “food security and infrastructural development.”
The union asked state councils and affiliates to prepare for “industrial actions” if the government goes ahead with its removal plans without meeting the conditions.
The Federal Government has scheduled the end of the subsidy programme in June.
But the proposal has been criticised by a lot of interest groups and individuals.
Former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar said it would worsen poverty.
“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 read.
It was signed by its president Quadri Olaleye and Secretary-General Musa-Lawal Ozigi.
“There must be assurances that refineries are fully overhauled and establishment of modular refineries encouraged.”