May 31, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will, on Wednesday, at 2pm, meet over the planned removal of fuel subsidy.
NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this on Wednesday, when he featured on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme, monitored by THEWILL.
“Government seems to have shown interest in discussion. As at last night, they reached out and we have fixed 2pm today (Wednesday) to commence discussion.
“There, all other issues will be discussed because you can’t just say there’s no subsidy and then you are not producing and leave us to the vagaries of the market, to people who want to sell the product they bought for N10 for N100 to maximise profit. If there is no more garri, we must find out what to eat,” Ajaero said, adding that the position of Labour has been clear that even if President Bola Tinubu has good intentions, alternatives must be provided.
He said the President should have asked questions and find out the implications of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians on the streets.
The NLC boss listed the alternatives to include the repair of the nation’s four refineries, and the provision of transportation of alternatives for the Nigerian workers, amongst others.
“The pronouncement by Mr President is as good as law and if in the process, we make a law that is not practicable, the same people that made the law can look at it,” Ajaero said while calling for a review of the President’s pronouncement.
“Does it bring pleasure to us to say subsidy is gone and people start suffering? Is it not part of leadership for us to look at how the suffering of the people can be reduced?” he asked.
