TUC mobilizes for strike over proposed increment in price of petrol

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Trade Union Congress, TUC has directed State Councils and affiliates to commence mobilisation of members for industrial actions against attempt by the Nigerian government to increase the pump price of petrol under guise of subsidy removal without fulfilling conditions precedent.

There are allegations that the National Council of State has recommended over N300 per litre of petrol as from June. NEC of the TUC gave their directive in a communiqué after their meeting in Abuja.

Among the condition include “Federal and State Governments should put in place measures to ameliorate the suffering of the people through food security and infrastructural development.

“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.

“There must be assurances that refineries are fully overhauled and establishment of modular refineries encouraged”, the TUC said.

The need for economic diversification with main focus on agricultural production was noted by NEC-in- Session as a panacea to economic recovery and national transformation capable of generating mass employment.

NEC-in- Session observed with dismay the ongoing job loss and financial insolvency in some electricity distribution companies in Nigeria. NEC-in- Session was particularly worried about issues associated with the privatisation of the Power sector.

It noted that the privatisation of the power sector should be reviewed since the contracts have expired to ensure viability, job security and effectiveness of the sector.

NEC-in-Session  enjoined Congress members nation-wide to obtain their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and ensure active participation in the democratic process ahead of 2023 general elections.